Newer Attractions at Universal Orlando Resort

When I started planning my family’s trip to Orlando, I was extremely excited to read that Islands of Adventure’s latest attraction, Skull Island:  Reign of Kong, would be open for guests to experience.  My family and I had the opportunity to experience not only Reign of Kong, the newest attraction at Islands of Adventure, but also some of the other newer attractions at Universal Orlando Resort.  Here’s a breakdown of some of the newer attractions.

Skull Island:  Reign of Kong

Reign of Kong doesn’t disappoint.  The special effects are amazing.  However, while my son is tall enough to go on this particular ride, the outside of the attraction is very dark and sinister looking.  As a result, my son didn’t want to go on the ride.  In the end, I’m glad my son didn’t go on the ride, especially since I think he would have been scared.  As always, use your best judgment when deciding if your child is ready for a particular ride.  But for us adults?  It was a lot of fun.

The Hulk

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a new ride.  However, it’s been refurbished, so I’ll consider it as a newer attraction 🙂  My husband and I first rode The Hulk a little over 5 years ago.  It’s recently been refurbished, though, but I chose to not ride it this time around.  My husband rode it at night, and he assured me that it was awesome and even better than before.  Which says a lot since it was pretty amazing before it was even refurbished.

Toothsome Emporium and Savory Feast

Milkshake, anyone?  This is the newest restaurant  located in Universal CityWalk.   We didn’t eat any meals although we ordered dessert in the form of milkshakes and sundaes.  I’m still drooling over the peanut butter milkshake that I ordered.  The Toothsome Emporium reminds me of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – I ate some of the chocolates and they were absolutely delicious.  It’s definitely an enjoyable treat regardless of whether you are spending a day inside one of the parks or just hanging around Universal CityWalk.

Hogsmeade Express & Diagon Alley

Hogsmeade Express and Diagon Alley have been open for about 2 years now, but that’s still considered relatively new to me.  Hogsmeade Express is a train ride that connects Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida and vice versa.  My family and I really enjoyed this addition.  My son doesn’t know anything about Harry Potter, but he still enjoyed the train ride.

Diagon Alley is an area in Universal Studios Florida, dedicated to Harry Potter.  Escape at Gringotts is a ride located in Diagon Alley and the adults, including myself, really enjoyed it.  I’d even consider it as one of my favorite rides at Universal Orlando Resort!

Transformers the Ride and Despicable Me:  Minion Mayhem

Both of these rides are located in Universal Studios Florida and are also less than 5 years old.  My son especially liked Minion Mayhem.  He also liked taking a picture with the Minions after the end of the ride.  Like the other rides in Universal Orlando Resort, the special effects are top notch.

Coming Soon

I had the opportunity to learn more about the theme park opening in Universal Orlando Resort in 2017, Volcano Bay.  Volcano Bay looks, and sounds, like a fun water park with innovative features.  Because of this, it’s not just considered a water park, but a third theme park in Universal Orlando Resort.  Even more reason to stay on property while visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

*I received a vacation package at a discounted price to learn more about Universal Orlando Resort.  All opinions are my own.