You can get my full perspective (a teen's perspective) on my website (link in siggy), but here's basically what I have to say:
USF Must-Dos:
GHOSTBUSTERS SHOW! - for a fun, pointless 15-minute show to help break up the day. It's outdoors, so prepare to stand for the show and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Seating is NOT on the steps...you stand in the street in front of them...even if someone is sitting up on there...the steps are the stage.
Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue: My second favorite show at Universal. If you like music and dancing, you'll really like this show. Rated PG-13 though for some jokes and subject matter of some of the songs
Horror Makeup Show: Hysterical! Some kids are scared by it, some aren't. It's rated PG-13 also because of some of the jokes, as well as "scary" images. Don't expect to learn too much...it's mostly a comedy act. One of the BEST at Universal.
Blues Brothers Show: Great Show! Like Ghostbusters, it's about 15 minutes long and is outdoors. This show is funny and entertaining.
Men in Black: Alien Attack: Great interactive ride where you shoot aliens. WARNING: can be addictive.
Back to the Future: I'm sure you remember this one!! A classic!
Shrek 4-D: Some people like it, some don't. I think it's decent...not a favorite...but pretty good. You have to do at least once.
IOA Must-Dos:
Incredible Hulk: Like rollercoasters? Need I say more?
Spiderman: Great 3-D simulator. A favorite for majority of IOA fans, and for good reason. Probably the best ride IOA has to offer.
Dueling Dragons: duel rollercoaster. Recommend front row of either Fire or Ice...great for the near-collisions.
Popeyes: Ever been to Busch Gardens? Think Congo River Rapids with Popeye characters and a boat wash...
Jurassic Park River Adventure: Very neat boat ride with the dinosaurs. The dinosaurs are much more realistic looking than the obvious mechanical shark over at the other Universal park.
Though I do not like this ride because of the one large drop, I still think this is one of the better rides at Universal.
RESTAURANTS:
USF:
Cafe La Bamba: counterservice but decent food. My parents love sharing a lunch here. It's at a convenient location: next to the Horror Makeup Show (which they see a lot).
Finnegan's: Well, I thought their Buffalo Chicken was good. My parents said they food was alright, but a bit on the pricy side. The service was slow, but where we sat, we had a great view for the Blues Brothers Show. Staff was friendly though...I'll give them that much. DON'T get the soda bread. It's like a clump of uncooked dough -- yuuuuck!!
IOA:
Confisco's: Not my parents' favorite place, but we like it here all right. They have good Buffalo chicken here too...tastes identical as Finnegan's (I wonder why...?
). Good service most of the time, and they have a fun, interactive character breakfast buffet sometimes.
Circus McGurkus: My parents' favorite place. Counterservice. It's fun and colorful in there, with decent food. I'm not quite sure why they like the place so much, but they do.
Citywalk:
Hard Rock Cafe: Great food, friendly staff, music videos constantly playing. Loud atmosphere, but if you don't mind, this is a great restaurant. My mom LOVES their mashed potatoes here. We also love there Boneless Bodacious Tenders...we usually get the Heavy Metal (Buffalo) and Tangy BBQ...both are awesome. MOST IMPORTANTLY: PEPSI products here!! Whoo!
Margaritaville: If you like Jimmy Buffet, you'll like this place. I, myself, can't stand Jimmy Buffet and the constant videos of his music drove me insane. But the Volcano was pretty cool. Food was very good, and staff was great.
Hope this helps!
