Universal Orlando Resort is renowned for allowing its visitors to step into their favorite films and become heroes and heroines in a number of iconic stories including Harry Potter, Spider-Man, Jurassic Park and more. Because the park relies upon guest familiarity with these storylines and their characters, some attractions become much more enjoyable if guests have seen the related films prior to their visit. If you would like to get the best experience out of your visit to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, read on for information on the best films to watch before making your own trip into the movies!

Harry Potter

Since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010, Islands of Adventure guests have enjoyed the opportunity to step into the young wizard’s story and experience the magic of Hogwarts for themselves. Guests who take the time to watch a few of the Harry Potter films will be better able to appreciate the area’s meticulous attention to detail, incredible attractions, and British food offerings -- and butterbeer! We recommend watching “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Sorcerer’s Stone provides a wonderful introduction to Hogwarts Castle and the wizarding world, Prisoner of Azkaban will familiarize guests with the mythical Buckbeak (in preparation for a ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff), and Goblet of Fire will train new wizards for the Triwizard Tournament and their thrilling flight on Dragon Challenge.

The Mummy

Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride (located at Universal Studios) is an indoor roller coaster based on the storyline of “The Mummy.” Guests queue through a set for the film’s imaginary sequel, and discovery that there’s nothing fictional about it at all – the Mummy is back, and he’s craving souls! Although the ride is thrilling on its own merit (indeed, it's one of the top 5 thrill rides at Universal), it is all the more impressive for those visitors who have seen the movie. The attraction’s theming is impeccable and truly gives the impression that guests have stepped into the film, but those who have not seen “The Mummy” will likely be less impressed. Knowing the storyline of “The Mummy” is helpful, too, as guests will be better able to understand the Mummy’s rage and his ravings about the “Magi” throughout the ride.

Men in Black

Visitors to the MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack attraction at Universal Studios are offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join MIB agents and squelch an alien invasion that threatens the city. Guests are treated to a quick tour of MIB headquarters before embarking on their training and subsequent mission, and this attraction is one of the park’s best when it comes to recreating the look and feel of the film. Those who have seen the movie will notice and enjoy the little details in the queue and the ride itself, and will feel all the more pride if their alien busting skills unlock the ride’s secret ending.

Don't miss the MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack video at the bottom of the post!

Jurassic Park

This dinosaur classic has an entire island devoted to its lore at Islands of Adventure. Guests can enjoy an anything-but-relaxing cruise on the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride, explore a prehistoric playground at Camp Jurassic and serve as scientists-for-the-day at the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. This lush area of Islands of Adventure feels ancient and adventurous, and fans of the movie will be unable to shake the sense that a dinosaur might be lurking behind the nearest bush. Watching the movie before your visit will make the experience feel more realistic, as you will be able to recognize dinosaurs from the films included in the attractions and feel the thrill of “fear” at the possibility of wild raptors and a t-rex hunting for their next meal.

A few more suggestions

If you have the time, here are a number of other movies that can help make your trip to Universal Orlando Resort a more “cinematic” experience!

Universal Studios Florida

• Despicable Me (for the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction)
• E.T. (for E.T. Adventure)
• Terminator (for Terminator 2: 3-D)
• Shrek (for Shrek 4-D)
• Blues Brothers (for The Blues Brothers Show)
• Beetlejuice (for Beetlejuice's Graveyard Review)
• An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (for Fievel's Playland)
• The Simpson’s Movie (for The Simpsons Ride)

Islands of Adventure

• Spider-Man (for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride)
• Rocky and Bullwinkle (For Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls water ride)
• Cat in the Hat (for Seuss Landing)
• The Fantastic 4 (for Marvel Superhero Island)
• X-Men (for Marvel Superhero Island)

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack queue experience - HD video

For those of you who have already watched the movie, check out the clip below. You'll quickly see that, having watched the movie, you can more fully appreciate the entertainment and humor of the attraction's queue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X553i1Bd6qg

Dan Hatfield is the Owner & Editor of OrlandoInformer.com, the world's largest and most up-to-date resource for Universal Orlando vacation planning. With thousands of members, Dan's site is proud to help so many of families make their trips to Universal and the Orlando area more enjoyable and affordable. Visit OrlandoInformer.com to learn more. You can also join OrlandoInformer.com on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and YouTube.