Universal Orlando, 2003 Edition: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure (Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure) (Paperback)

by Kelly Monaghan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
In-depth descriptions of the theme parks, attractions, shops, resort hotels, and restaurants. Great touring tips. Helpful ride reviews and ratings. -- Arthur Levine, Theme Parks Guide, About.com, February 2003 (at http://themeparks.about.com/cs/travelguides/tp/uniorlando.htm)

Product Description
There’s another world just miles from the Magic Kingdom that’s become a must-see for millions of Florida visitors: Universal Orlando Resort.

Monaghan’s entertaining and unbiased guide is must reading for all of them, first-time visitors and returning fans alike. Monaghan provides in-depth reviews of every ride and attraction in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks — without giving away the "endings."

He also offers detailed coverage of Universal’s CityWalk entertainment district and its three world-class luxury resort hotels, Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and (new this edition) Royal Pacific Resort.

Monaghan rates every ride and show in the theme parks, provides dining and shopping guidance, and shares his treasure trove of insider tips for beating the crowds, saving money, and discovering amenities that many visitors never even hear about. Don’t leave for Universal without it.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Intrepid Traveler (November 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887140425
• ISBN-13: 978-1887140423
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,897,466 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Vacation Planning, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Universal Studios Escape: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure (Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure) (Paperback)

I found this book very informative and up to date. I have been planning our Florida vacation for some time and found most information a little outdated. What I really wanted was the most current information on the newest theme park experience in Orlando. After reading this book, and taking many notes from each chapter, I feel I am ready to tackle the Escape! Monaghan gives timely information on rides, itineraries, and ways to save precious vacation time, to get the most out of your travel day. It is by far the most up to date of all travel guidebooks I've read. I recommend it for anyone planning a Universal Studio's and Islands of Adventure vacation.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't go to Orlando without this book !, April 18, 2002

By	"cpanther95" (Fort Mill, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This book is the best unbiased, comprehensive compilation of all things Universal on the market. If you are spending any amount of time in Orlando, pick up:
1) Universal Orlando (Monaghan)
2) The Unofficial Guide to Disney World (Sehlinger)
3) The Other Orlando (Monaghan)

Ride, Resort, and Restaurant reviews are thorough and right on the mark. After reading this, you'll feel like an "insider" and get the most out of your vacation. You'll recover the cost of this book after reading the first 31 pages. By the end of the book, you'll be able to extend your vacation or put much less of a dent in your credit cards.

BTW - The fact that this book is for sale at Universal should be a feather in Universal's cap, not an indictment against this book's accuracy. I wonder if Disney will ever feature the "Unofficial" guide in their stores.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on Universal Orlando, January 13, 2001

By	Barry Hom "bfhom" (Ft. Myers, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Universal Studios Escape: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure (Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure) (Paperback)

I've read several books on Universal Orlando and Kelly Monaghan's book is the best one I've read. It describes the rides and attractions in detail. The descriptions are generally very accurate.

People usually ask me for recommendations on books about Universal Orlando. Without hesitation, I always recommend Monaghan's book.