Universal Orlando's hidden gems

[parentsoffour]

Hi all,

I've been to Universal Orlando several times and love the parks. However, there always seem to be things that I miss. (I still haven't seen "Lucy - A Tribute" or "Bettlejuice's Graveyard Review".) Beyond these, I wonder what else am I missing?

What are the "hidden gems" at Universal? For example, there was a store in Universal Studios close to T2 named (I think) "Studio Syles" that had several interesting displays of fake jewelry. Close to it was another store (I don't rememeber the name) with magician toys. I had walked by these many times before finally deciding to stop in. Although I spent only a few minutes in each store, I consider these to be "hidden gems".

Can anyone recommend what "hidden gems" I should visit on my next trip?

Thanks in advance!

Barney

 

[lorax123]

For us the hidden gem's are the hidden in plain view walk way through Suess landing, where Zax Bypass and Sneetch Beach are located, the path below Me Ship Olive in toon lagoon. Lots of fun details to look for and very quiet place to get away from the crowds.

Also, like shopping in the JP discovery center and checking out the stuff down below. ANother favorite place to look for details is Port of Entry at IOA. There's a whole afternoon of little details to check out! The Lost Adventures club, the kittens trying to eat the bird, the convicts prison cell they escaped from... If you never really spent any time in POE, grab a snack and check it out some afternoon, after the entering/exiting crowds die down.

 

[Todd&Copper]

OP, you mentioned that magic shop - well, in 2006, my sister and I saw a little impromptu magic show in there. Of course, they were really trying to sell that product that teaches you how to make objects levitate above your hands, but still it was a cute show.
She saw the Beetlejuice review the year before and didn't want to go again - she said it was lame.
I LOVED the horror make-up show and I am so not a fan of that genre of movie. It was so hysterical!

 

[dyjama]

These are great. I am copying them for our upcoming trip. my son will love these. keep them coming. What a great thread

 

[ksdave]

I LOVED the horror make-up show and I am so not a fan of that genre of movie. It was so hysterical!

Definitely something not to be missed. I have a great video of the Horror Makeup Show that I watch at least 2-3 times per month. Still makes me laugh everytime .

 

[Fred!]

After experiencing the Spider-Man ride, call this phone number (which, concidentally, is hidden amongst the ride):

407-224-1783

 

[dyjama]

I have no idea what that is about but boy oh boy will my son get a kick out of that Any more hidden gems?

 

[Metro West]

I have no idea what that is about but boy oh boy will my son get a kick out of that Any more hidden gems?

I enjoy listening to the magic fountain (Stoney I think is his name) over in The Lost Continent.

 

[Timmy Boy]

I have no idea what that is about but boy oh boy will my son get a kick out of that Any more hidden gems?

It's in the scene right after Hobgoblin hurls his fire ball at you. You then spin around to the left, and you see Spiderman and Doc Oc fighting in the city (it's the same scene that he points the Levitation Ray on you). As soon as you enter that scene, look up and to the left, and you'll see a movie theatre marque that says "Coup Theatre, For Lease" and the number is there. It's one of the best hidden gems in any attraction.

 

[BrownDalmatian]

Can anyone recommend what "hidden gems" I should visit on my next trip?

Thanks in advance!

Barney

I recommend you check out the following thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=909615, called "Universal/IoA Secrets." There are some really great posts in there!

 

[Graeme]

Another vote for the Horror Make-up Show. Went in once to get out of the rain, now it's a must-do.

 

[patster734]

On the walkway between Fear Factor and Men-in-Black, there's a photo spot that makes it look like the space shuttle is sitting on top of the Back To The Future/Simpsons ride.

 

[parentsoffour]

On the walkway between Fear Factor and Men-in-Black, there's a photo spot that makes it look like the space shuttle is sitting on top of the Back To The Future/Simpsons ride.

Oh yeah! I forgot about that one. My family found that really cool!

I also like the bug (or something) in the line of the Revenge of the Mummy that zaps it with a blast of air when you touch it.

 

[SnowWtch]

In front of MIB there are misters. The one shaped like a cola bottle is the best. Just step inside it and you get misted all over. It's great on a hot day. BTW, the make-up show is fun and they usually have an exhibit of movie memorabilia in their waiting area.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Why has no one mentioned this:

Go on some of the rides at IoA at NIGHT! We went on Dr. Doom and all three water rides at night.

On Doom, if you get a park-facing view...oh my God, it's so beautiful. Everything is light up, and you can see clear to MIB at the other park!

Do the water rides last. Wear bathing suits under your clothes. Then, when you get back to the hotel, just peel off the yucky clothes. Simple. Water rides are gorgeous at night!

(Also, I've heard JAWS is good at night as well)

 

[Metro West]

Why has no one mentioned this:

Go on some of the rides at IoA at NIGHT! We went on Dr. Doom and all three water rides at night.

On Doom, if you get a park-facing view...oh my God, it's so beautiful. Everything is light up, and you can see clear to MIB at the other park!



(Also, I've heard JAWS is good at night as well)

I love the parks at night..especially Hulk and DD but it depends upon when you go. In the summer is the best time since they stay open late but I loved hitting the coasters at HHN in 2005 when IOA was used.

 

[mark2311]

Why has no one mentioned this:

Go on some of the rides at IoA at NIGHT! We went on Dr. Doom and all three water rides at night.

On Doom, if you get a park-facing view...oh my God, it's so beautiful. Everything is light up, and you can see clear to MIB at the other park!

Do the water rides last. Wear bathing suits under your clothes. Then, when you get back to the hotel, just peel off the yucky clothes. Simple. Water rides are gorgeous at night!

(Also, I've heard JAWS is good at night as well)

Its a completely different experience than during the day. I did it for the first time at night last july after reading on here. Its far scarier. You can't see Jaws coming until its out of the water. So much more fun.

 

[JumpingJack]

I wanted to revive this thread in hopes of getting some input on some of the attractions or changes that have been added since 2008.

This will be our (me, DH, and DS8) first time at Universal, though we are Disney and other theme park veterans. We'll be staying at the RPR in late January for 7 days.
My son just loved searching for Hidden Mickeys at Disney, so I know he'll enjoy the different hidden things woven into the scenery at IOA and US. We purposely scheduled more time than we needed so we would be able to see all the main attractions and also soak up the lesser known gems.

So, does anyone have any secrets they'd like to share?

Edit:
Newbie mistake! I just realized there is another thread more specific to the types of things I am interested in. I will post there instead!