Universal Studios Florida is the third most popular theme park in the United States after Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It is continuously updating and introducing new attractions to keep the crowds pouring in. There are more than forty rides, shows and movie set streets to enjoy, and as many restaurants and boutiques.

The park is open every day of the year at 9am. Closing times vary so check. It normally closes at 7pm but stays open to 10pm and later during the summer and on special holidays. Mondays to Wednesdays followed by the weekend are the busiest days of the week, with Thursdays and Fridays the least busy.

You need a very full day to see and do everything available. Unversal experts reckon you need 12 to 14 hours. If this sounds too daunting, you can either buy a two day pass and do the visit at a more leisurely pace, but at greater expense, or make a list of things you want to see in the time available, accepting that there will not be time for others. If you decide a second day is necessary once inside the park, buy the second one-day ticket before leaving. This way you will only be charged as if you have bought a two day pass, cheaper than buying two separate one-day tickets.

The Universal Studios theme park covers a large sprawling area, with the attractions spaced around the Lagoon. It is essential to have a route worked out that covers everything in the shortest possible distance, especially if you have young children. Try to enjoy attractions as you meet them on your planned route, rather than jumping all over the place, which will get you tired soon.

A suggested lightning tour on arrival is to head straight from the “E.T. Adventure” and then “Kongfrontation,” as both of these get very busy later on, and then to work your way round the park in a clockwise direction taking in the rest of the main attractions. Skip the street sets until last and take these in if you have time, before buying your souvenirs and heading home.

For a more thorough one day tour, start at “Back to the Future,” “The Ride,” and then work anti-clockwise round the Lagoon taking in the “Wild, Wild, Wild West Stunt Show,” “Jaws,” “Earthquake - The Big One,” “Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue” and “Kongfrontation” before lunch. Grab a quick snack and then head for “Ghostbusters” followed by the two tours - Nickelodeon Studios Tour and the Production Tram Tour. Then visit the “Gory, Gruesome and Grotestque Horror Make-Up Show,” followed by “Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies,” and then across 8th Avenue for the “Murder She Wrote” Mystery Theater. Finally stroll down Sunset Boulevard before making a right turn for the “E.T. Adventure.” The new 440 acre “Back Lot” has sets which whisk you round the world from New York Sideways, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, to the Garden of Allah!

The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera should not be missed even when time is tight, and the Blues Brothers, a band of musicians who cruise in their Bluesmobile and give regular performances outside 70 Delancey in New York. The studios also have the largest assembly of working film and TV animal actors in the world, including Benji the dog, cats, primates, penguins, vultures and parrots. They appear in the Animal Actors show.

It is a city surrounded in water, but it is there where the appeal of Venice lies. Built on a reclaimed island from the sea, Venice, Italy is divided into several sestiere (that’s district in the Venetian dialect), each with its own appeal and special story.

The main street, the Grand Canal, lies in the heart of this city and towards the northeastern side one will find San Marco, well known for such landmarks like the Basilica of San Marco and Doge’s Palace. San Marco is where traces of ancient Venice still abound, but it has also been turned into a commercial district. One can find many boutiques in this area and it gets a lot crowded during the day.

The south side of Venice is where San Polo is located. History pits San Polo as a very important trade center and it is peculiarly identified for its tangled and confusing alleyways. San Polo is Venice’s red light district and it is home to many artisans.

Cannaregio is Venice’s Ghetto district, where “ghetto” refers to a Jewish neighborhood. Cannaregio has a number of stunning and picturesque churches. The first Jewish Ghetto of the world is found here.

The western part in Santa Lucia is where many railway stations are. It is where one has to go to connect to a mainland nearby.

There are so many magnificent things to see and do in Venice that it may be very hard for one to choose a single particular activity. Each Venetian tourist spot deserves to be recognized and visited, that it is sometimes hard to pick where to go and what to do first.

For first-timers to Venice, however, it is recommended that one take a guided city tour as this helps visitors understand Venice’s unique landscape and history better. There are several package-guided tours visitors can avail. A very popular one is “Walking Inside Venice” which includes about 20 locations showcasing Venice’s Art, History, Lifestyle and other unique Venetian fares.

Those who wish to do some sightseeing on their own can best explore Venice on foot and with the help of a reliable map. It would be best to start with the piazzas in San Marco and the San Marco Square. What’s better is that aside from being one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, Venice also prides itself in being a very secured and safe city. It is no wonder it’s a favorite among tourists. Additionally, helpful locals trained in speaking English, will be willing to assists tourists exploring on their own, if one needs a translator.

Meanwhile, if you’re out for something really truly Venetian, a gondola ride is what we recommend. Although a bit expensive than just walking, this is another way to enjoy Venice’s breathtaking sceneries. Plus, if you want to enjoy something magical, take a Gondola Serenade Tour. This is a 50-minute trip around Venice’s canals and it is accompanied by a band of guitarists and men singing in captivating Italian melodies in their baritone voices.

If a gondola tour sounds too cliché or too extra-ordinary, one may opt to just cruise by world-famous palaces or churches and other similar historical structures using water transportations. Or one may explore the quieter side of Venice, like Dosoduro, while sampling their food, interacting with people and partaking in their culture and traditions.

In the evening, Venice is a lot more peaceful. It’s the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll after a romantic dinner; or just enjoy an espresso in a café, while listening to sweet Italian music.

Some Things to Remember

Water Taxi vs Water Bus

A water taxi is a ride you enjoy privately, albeit it is a lot more expensive. A water bus is a public transportation. It is also known as a vaporetto. These transportations may be found in Vaporetto stations and you also need to purchase tickets or pay specific rates, as you would a regular transportation.

Tipping

Restaurants add around 12-15% service charge but you can also give an extra tip if you like.

Aqua Alta

Aqua Alta, or high tide, takes place during winter months. When waters get alarmingly high, the council erects wooden walkways for public convenience.

Clothes and Shoes

Wear light clothing. Fancy outfits will not work for Venice. Have very comfortable shoes, one that’s good for walking in longer hours.