Review: Kelly Monaghan’s "Universal Orlando" book

[BarryHom]

I’ve thought about writing a book on Universal Orlando. I’ve read a few books on the resort area and I thought that I could do better. However, someone else beat me to it. Hands down, Kelly Monaghan’s Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure is the best book on Universal Orlando.

Usually, most books will devote a living room-sized area to Walt Disney World and give Universal Orlando the closet. At worse, Universal Orlando is put in as an afterthought. The worst offender to this is Rita Aero’s book on Walt Disney World. Out of the 300 or so pages in the book, only about 10-15 pages are devoted to Universal Orlando. These pages also seem like the author wrote the text from press releases and brochures.

Monaghan’s book details every nook and cranny of Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Citywalk, Portifino Bay Hotel, and the Hard Rock Hotel. The detail in the book is amazing. Even a minor attraction like the Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure has a two-page description. The write-ups on every attraction feel like that he has taken the time and care to examine every attraction with a fine magnifying glass. I believe that he has experienced every major and minor attraction.

Also noteworthy is that each attraction has a “Kelly says” for those who like to skim over the text. “Kelly says” gives you a one-sentence summary of the attraction, which is pretty accurate. The “Kelly says” for Kongfrontation at Universal Studios is “More handsome than scary.” The “Kelly says” for the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure is “Aaargh!”

You may not agree with everything Monaghan has written, but his descriptions are very informative and will help you decide if you want to experience the attraction or not. You can decide for yourself if you want to decide which one of you will endure Barney with your kids. You can see if you have the courage to be shot up in Dr. Doom’s Fearfall.

Although I can blame Monaghan for ruining my prospective writing career, I am pleased that Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure wins the award for Best Book Written about Universal Orlando. There is no better gatekeeper.

 

[nhrenee]

I agree with everything Barry wrote. Kelly's book is terrific. I especially like how he finds quiet areas and hidden treasures in the parks!

 

[Robinrs]

Thank you for saving us from Barry's literary wisdom....

I vote that ALL of the moderators of this board should receive complementary copies in order to have a FULL understanding of the inner workings of the parks then to come back with a full unbiased review...

...well Barry's read it, that leaves WHO????

 

[BarryHom]

I think that we should send Robin a book to her work address and make it out to "R. Shippy."

 

[kutchyone]

The last one that I read was written prior to the HRH opening. What is the most recent copy date? Does Kelly have an updated version in the works?

 

[Meagansmom]

This book should definetly be taken out of the closet and it is in my living room. I am really glad I heard about this book on this website!

 

[kutchyone]

Go ahead and write it Barry, but write it fast because we leave in June for our first visit. I'll buy a copy.

 

[Cindy B]

It is definetely a thumbs up. Rita Aeros is horrible as well... (sorry!)

I also enjoyed Kelly's other books as well. He has an older edition, about what to do once you've done Disney, and the details are amazing!

Little funny things are abound in that book, the attention to detail, and just very thorough writing is wonderful.

Universal Orlando book is a must. I cajoled my library into buying a few copies, so now they are usually out all the time.

I can't wait for the second edition!

Thanks Kelly for doing it.. and Barry well, you can do one as well.. maybe one on Roller Coasters of America!

 

[MarieCW]

According to Amazon, the next version is due out this May. I'm planning on holding off until then.

Marie

 

[MarieCW]

Sorry, I should have been more clear, but was so happy to have info to add. It's the "Other Orlando" book that is due out in May. I don't see anything for a new Universal book. I'd really like to get an update of that one (too)!

 

[BWVPam]

I loved the book. Having only been to Universal once in 97, it gave us a lot of great help in planning our trip for this June.

 

[SimonV]

Kelly's book is head and shoulders the best guide to Universal. His writing style and enthusiasm for his subject also put him right up there, too.

 

[Carrieberry]

I am reading the book as we speak even though our trip isn;t until December. It gets me so excited for planning our trip! We've never been to Universal, and this book gives info on everything form the smallest ride details, to nice quiet places you can rest when you want to get away from the crowds! Looking forward to seeing the next book, whenever it comes out! Thanks Kelly!

 

[kutchyone]

Which edition is going to be released soon? I want to make sure that I get the newest edition with all the updated inforamtion.

 

[BC]

it came in yesterday. The copywrite date on it is 2001 Second Edition. I assume since they had to order it, it is the latest version out.

 

[Gamblers]

I have the second edition of Kelly Monaghan's book copyrighted 2001. It has everything you need to plan a trip to Isle of Adventure and Universal Studios. It also includes the resorts HRH and Portofino Bay and the Citywalk area. I would have never heard of Mythos if I had not read the book. He gives it a must do as far as eating establishments in Universal. So I have put it on my list. This was the first book that I found that featured Universal Orlando. Most books mention Universal as an afterthought. Bad thing about it was, is that all book stores that I went to did not carry this book. I had to order it from B&N. Thank goodness for the internet.

Gamblers

 

[want2go]

I had no idea when I first read this post barry had written it in MArch. I did my online research I found this out:

2003 edition published october 2002
retail 15.95
AMAZON 30% off 11.15
BArnes and Noble 14.35

excerpts are available on both sites

ordered mine today for november trip!

 

[krissyb]

If anyone has any questions about the resorts (Royal pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel or the Portofino Bay Hotel) I can answer most questions. Please e-mail queries to sxybeneybaby69@yahoo.ca.
Please Universal Orlando questions only.
Thank You
krissyB

 

[Operamom]

The book I got out of our library was Universal Studios 2006 so I'm guessing thats the latest. I could renew it only once, it hurt to bring it back. Our first trip is in ten days!!!

 

[mecllap]

The OP post sounds like the book is out of date -- Kongfrontation (which I liked) is long gone. Anyone know what the Triceratops Encounter is/was? It doesn't seem to be there anymore either (I looked hard for it on last visit 'cause DGS love triceratops -- but couldn't find anything except a fake skeleton in a large rock). That's often a problem with guidebooks, even with the current date; inevitably something has changed. Glad to hear there is one for US/IOA, tho -- hadn't seen one before.