There’s so much more to Universal Orlando than the rides. Amongst the hustle and bustle are quiet secret places just waiting to be explored. If you haven’t been to Universal Orlando before it consists of three Parks; Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Volcano Bay. There’s also City Walk which you pass through before entering the parks; here you’ll find shops, restaurants, movie theatre and crazy golf. Universal Orlando also has seven resort Hotels

There’s so much to see and do especially if you’re only there for a couple of days. However if you’ve time on your hands take the opportunity to savour those secret, out of the way , off the beaten track areas.

In case you haven’t noticed my other half and I are no longer teenagers although we’re still seventeen at heart. Many of our friends and colleagues don’t believe it when they ask if we go on the rides and I say yes. However we do get tired especially in the heat of Florida.

I’ll show you where to stop for a rest, admire the view and escape the crowds and queues long enough to recharge your batteries. Each time we go we still manage to discover something new and not just the latest ride.

Where to find secret places at Universal Orlando

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is divided into themed lands

• Port of entry
• Marvel super Hero Island
• Toon lagoon
• Skull Island Reign of Kong
• Jurassic Park
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
• The Lost Continent
• Seuss landing

You will enter the Islands of Adventure through Port of Entry. Instead of going left to Marvel Super Hero Island or right to Seuss Landing go straight forward to the waterfront. You may not have noticed that all the themed areas are built round a lake from here you can even see Hogwarts Castle. There are several points off the beaten track where you can see the other lands from the lakeside.

Usually, because of the way the park was designed you can’t see the next Island from the one you are currently in until you turn a corner and if you listen carefully you can hear the theme music subtly change. Standing on the lakeside you can make out the other islands. The views are just as photo worthy and you will be almost guaranteed a little peace and tranquillity.

Me Ship, The Olive at Toon Lagoon

This is the rear of Me Ship, The Olive. It’s a children’s play area but it’s not usually crowded as it’s a bit off the beaten track. You’ll find it near Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges. The river from the ride runs beneath the side of the Ship and there are water cannons to soak the riders a little bit more. If that’s even possible, because this is my favourite ride and I’ve been known to ride it four times in succession and believe me you get soaked. From the top deck of the ship there’s an excellent view of the park for more photos.

Read my review of the wet rides here.

Mythos at the Lost Continent

Mythos is a themed restaurant in the Lost Continent. The photo above shows the view of the outside which is to the left of Mythos’ entrance. Instead of following the crowd to the next ride choose the path round the back of the Mythos Restaurant. It’s highly themed and leads down to the waterfront. You’ll pass over a bridge where rumour has it you’ll hear the troll who resides under it. I have listened but he must have been out for lunch at my last visit.

Jurassic Park

Believe it or not this beautiful tranquil scene is shot near the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride. Universal is short of places to sit and rest but we found this lovely seating area with tables which I think is a smokers zone. The pond is teaming with wildlife such as birds, ducks, fish and dragon flies, even the odd turtle.

The Discovery Centre below the Jurassic Park Restaurant leads onto the lakeside Plaza where you’ll probably be the only visitor. Here you’ll discover all about DNA and watch a Dinosaur egg hatching.

Also in the Jurassic Park area is Camp Jurassic – a play area for kids with places to explore, an amber mine, rope bridges and caves. It always appears quite busy to the left of the entrance but if you head to the right and take the steps you’ll come across an area with a splash pad overlooking a Jurassic Park style containment area with big steel gates. We always seem to have this area to ourselves and make the most of it. There’s a bank of water guns aimed at the path below where you can soak the unsuspecting park guests as they pass through. It gets really enjoyable when they find they have water guns too concealed in the back of dinosaur heads and are capable of firing back. We’ve often spent almost an hour playing with guests from all over the world – laughter being the common language.

Universal Studios is divided into

• Production Central
• New York
• Hollywood
• World Expo
• San Fransisco
• London – Diagon Alley – The wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

Again the zones are set around a lake and seamlessly run in to one another. There are quiet places to be found if you have time to explore.

New York Set at Universal Studios

I found this amazingly quiet street between The Mummy ride at one end and Transformers The Ride at the other. It’s Delancy Street and it’s based on New York in the 1930’s and 40’s. This street only tends to get busy when the Blues Brothers Show is on. In this area you’ll spot recreated sets from films such as Adrienne’s Pet Shop (Rocky), the O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill (The Godfather) and The Kitty Kat Club ( Cabaret).
There’s a few steps where you can sit down and take a break. I usually sit here when my other half is watching the Blues Brothers Show for the umpteenth time. There’s some interesting shop windows with plastic food and more authentic props of the era which are worth a browse.

San Fransisco zone

Since the Jaws ride was closed the shark has been moved to a quieter area of Universal Studios. It’s now in a quiet back water between Richter Burger and Chez Alcatraz. It’s a perfect spot for a photo and a well deserved sit down.

Parklands

Universal Studios also has two parkland areas. One near the rear of Mel’s Dine In resembling a miniature central Park and the other Near the Monster’s Cafe resembling Gramercy Park. They both have seating areas. More information can be found on open spaces at Universal Orlando from Orlando Informer

Berlin Wall at City Walk

Behind the Hard Rock Cafe on the path towards The Blue Man Group is a Piece of the Berlin Wall standing about seven feet tall with a plaque. again it’s a quiet spot off the beaten track.

Take the path to the right from the Blue Man Group entrance and you’ll find another secret – a little known entrance and exit to Universal Studios. It’s usually only open after 10am and brings you out near the rear of the main gift shop. It also saves on walking if you’re visiting Islands of Adventure next.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

I must include the Hotels at Universal as they are like small resorts in themselves and as most people are at the parks they are usually quiet and peaceful during the day. Discover the boats at the CIty Walk dock – you don’t have to be a guest to use them or take the beautifully landscaped walking paths.

Portofino Bay is themed on a real Italian village and is very scenic – a great photo spot. If you are a Universal Guest you can use the pools at the other hotels and Portofino Bay has three. The boat ride itself is relaxing and enjoyable and is complimentary.

So – I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these secret quiet places and hope one day you find time to check them out.

If you can add to my list please do in your comments and I’ll check them out when I return to Universal in September.