Universal Studios Florida451

Visitors are part of the show at Universal Studios Florida, where favorite movies "come to life" in the form of great rides and live shows.

Universal Studios might not be as clean as, say, the Magic Kingdom, and cast members "friendliness levels" range from extremely helpful to occasionally sour. In other words, the Universal experience is a bit closer to reality than the Disney parks seem to be.

While kids might not have seen all of the films the rides are based on - The Blues Brothers Show or the Jaws boat encounter - they'll still have plenty of fun.

The most family-friendly activity - before everyone runs off in different directions - is by far Shrek 4-D, a 3-D adventure with OgreVision. Other highlights include the The Simpsons Ride and the interactive Men In Black Alien Attack, where the audience becomes part of a huge video game.

Older kids tend to be drawn to Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride, a unique coaster that is dark, sometimes scary, and sometimes a little gross - all great ingredients for teens and thrill seeking adults. Of course, nothing's as gross as the Fear Factor Live show where you may be recruited to star in icky fun and pretty cool stunts.

Be sure to reserve time in your schedule for great kids' play areas like Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel's Playland, or ride Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster with kids who are three feet and taller.

Full-service restaurant locations include Lombard's Seafood Grille and themed fast food choices like Universal Studio's Classic Monster Cafe. If you're spending the entire day at one or more Universal parks and have a family of hearty eaters, we recommend the Universal Meal Deal, which gives you unlimited food for one price. The ticket is only good at select restaurants, but the cost of lunch, dinner, and a snack or two can far surpass the amount you'll pay. A Meal Deal Souvenir Cup - which allows for unlimited soft drink refills - is also available.

And like the other popular theme parks in the area, there are plenty of places to shop for unique souvenirs.

If you're visiting the park during the slow season (usually the second week in January through mid-March and again from mid-September through mid-November), you can do this park in one full day if you start early. Use an Express Pass at any time in the year to bypass the long lines of popular attractions. This pass provides you with a "reservation" of sorts that lets you come back to the ride later in the day and get on without waiting.

Restrooms are all equipped with baby changing areas and nursing facilities are available at Family Services near the First Aid area at the front of the park. Strollers are also available for rental at the entrance.

Birthday Parties: Yes, even Universal gets into the Birthday Party game. The all-inclusive packages include park admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure and a special birthday party complete with cake, ice cream, decorations, and more. Meals and character "meet and greets" are also available. Packages start at $581 plus tax for up to 16 people. Call 407.224.BDAY for more information.