As you’d probably expect, Universal Orlando is all about cinematic greats. The theme park is built almost entirely around popular Universal films. If you want to make sure you catch all the fun details included in the parks, schedule some time for fun movie nights at home before your next vacation. Catching these films in advance will help you appreciate the parks that much more.
The Harry Potter Series
You’ll need at least a passing familiarity with the Harry Potter film franchise to appreciate the rich details present in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Diagon Alley is a near-perfect replica of the set used in the film, with many of the original props from the movies tucked away in the displays. The Hogwarts Express looks just as it should, and Hogwarts Castle looms over Hogsmeade with stunning accuracy.
If you’ve seen the films, you’ll notice how spot-on the Wizarding World is, and you’ll appreciate all the rich detailing and fascinating theming that’s present in both Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Set up an eight-week screening for your family and catch a movie a week leading up to your visit. It will enhance your experience immeasurably.
The Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor roller coaster that sends you on a wild ride to escape the grasp of the evil Mummy Imhotep. You’ll descend into his tomb as you make your way through the queue, and come face-to-face with him in the heart-pounding attraction. Brendan Fraser, who played Rick O’Connell in the films, even makes a brief appearance in a short video at the end.
While the Mummy franchise spanned three films, catching the original The Mummy from 1999 is enough to catch all the fun references in the ride.
Despicable Me
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem takes you on a wild journey with Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and the minions. You start the experience with a tour through Gru’s home in the queue. When you hop in your seats for the 3D ride, you join the mischievous minions who wreak havoc in the villain’s laboratory.
Though you’ll enjoy the wacky journey whether you’ve seen the films or not, catching the original Despicable Me is a great way to help little ones make some connections with the experiences they’ll have in the park. Not only do you encounter scenes and characters from the film in this ride, you’ll also meet the minions and Gru in the parade. Though most Universal films are for an older crowd, this is a family-friendly favorite everyone can enjoy.
Jurassic Park
If you have time for only one film from the Jurassic Park franchise before your visit, make it the 1993 original. This movie most closely resembles the scenes that you’ll encounter in the Jurassic Park island of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This entire area is devoted to the original film, with the Jurassic Park Discovery Center offering an uncanny resemblance to the visitor center in the first film.
In the Jurassic Park River Adventure, you’ll encounter another area of that original theme park where things have gone awry. Some of the dinosaurs have escaped, and you’re floating off track hoping to make it through the tour-gone-wrong alive. The iconic T. Rex makes a fearsome appearance at the end before a soaking 85-foot drop.
The Terminator & Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Over 30 years old, The Terminator is a film younger audiences may not be familiar with. Enjoy the classic 80s feel of the film and catch this classic followed by Terminator 2: Judgement Day, originally released in 1991. The Terminator 2: 3-D attraction takes place somewhere between the second and third films. If you haven’t seen the films, a quick intro video will get you up to speed in the attraction, but the storyline is much more enjoyable if you already know what’s going on.
This attraction combines 3-D film with live actors and special effects for a show that’s truly unlike anything else on the current theme park sphere. You’re purportedly heading into the Cyberdyne facility for a VIP tour of the latest technology. However, things go (predictably) wrong and the Conners drop in (literally, from the ceiling) to save the day. You’ll even see the Terminator make an appearance, roaring through the theater on his motorcycle before jumping through the screen and into the movie.
Plan an 80s/90s movie night with the family for a double feature of these two Terminator films so you can catch all the fun details of this distinctive attraction.
Men in Black
The original 1997 Men in Black is a fan-favorite throwback that will give you a much better appreciation for the creative details featured in MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack. This attraction takes you through the secret MIB training facility and lets you try your skill at eliminating the alien scum lurking in the streets. If you enjoy interactive attractions where you get to test your marksmanship (think Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin) you’ll love this one.
While you can have just as much fun without seeing the movie, this attraction is packed with details that you’ll miss if you haven’t seen the original Men in Black movie.
With so many attractions based on older movies, it’s worth catching up on some classics so you can better enjoy your time in Universal. Get ramped up for your next visit with these movies to help you build up the anticipation.
