Venice
Benvenuti a Venezia!
With the 100th anniversary of Universal Studios on the way, the designers of Universal Studios Florida wanted to pull out all of the stops for their park. Unveiling attractions like Charlie's Chocolate Factory and Trial of Terror helped to spark the public's excitement, but they needed something big. Something special. They needed a land, and the plot where the JAWS attraction sat offered just the space they needed. This would need to be a land with a richer sense of space, however. Complaints about mismatched theming in other areas prompted designers to put a greater emphasis on immersion, along with a demand for something new. Thus, the designers turned their eyes to Italy, drawing influence from a classic city to give guests a level of culture and atmosphere unseen elsewhere in the park. They would give their guests...Venice.
Now, some would accuse them of copying Disney by treading on Epcot's footprint (given the Italy pavilion, which draws visual influence from the same city). However, designers would cut off those challenges at the pass by bringing the sort of thrills and excitement that guests have come to expect from Universal. Thus, they decided to complement the sophistication of this iconic city by showcasing attractions rooted in the world of thrillers and spy fiction. They turned to one of their own major franchises with The Bourne Series, and took advantage of their partnership with Sony Pictures to license attractions inspired by the Robert Langdon films (The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons) and the legendary James Bond film franchise. They even designed these attractions to fit within Venice, instead of just plopping in an IP with no connection to the setting.
To make it an even more fitting replacement for JAWS and the rest of Amity, it has two boat rides instead of just one. This was considered especially important as the rest of Universal Studios Florida lacks any real water rides. Both of these rides are distinct from each other: one giving an incredibly relaxing tour through Venice and one giving guests plenty of excitement on an adventure with the world's most celebrated spy, James Bond.
Thus, an incredible addition to the park was made. Here in Venice, guests can find themselves immersed in wondrous history and culture from an iconic city, as they discover mysteries and danger lurking within its canals and corners.
Venice is split into four "islands", each divided by canal waterways as in the real city. Bridges connect each of the regions together, so guests never have to get their feet wet. These areas are not formal "sublands", but for clarity's sake, we will be calling them Doge's Island, St. Mark's Island, Merchant's Island, and Internationale Island.
Doge Island
Entering from San Francisco, guests find a replica of the Doge's Palace, the traditional residence of Venice's Doge (elected leader). To guests' right is a small port, and to the left a dead-end canal that houses the boarding for Gondolas of Venice, a c-ticket gondolas tour. Past the Doge's Palace is Giacomo's Ristorante, a quiet Italian Restaurant tucked away at the border of two canals.
St. Mark's Island
The Grand Canal divides Doge's Island from St. Mark's Island. The Grand Canal bends its way around the entire land and is noticeably wider than the rest of the canal, providing for significantly more water traffic. The towering Campanile towers over the land, drawing guests from both across the land and even across the Universal Lagoon. At the far end of this wide, open square is the famous St. Mark's Basilica, arguably Venice's most iconic structure.
Merchant's Island
Whereas Doge and St. Mark's border the open Universal Studios lagoon, Merchant's Island is surrounded entirely by Canal. A replica of the Santa Maria Basilica houses La Regina del Adriatica, Venice's finest dining establishment. Just to the left is the Piazza dei Mercanti, Venice's main shopping district. All around the plaza is a lively and colorful atmosphere.
On the other side of the island is a courtyard playing host to the Bourne Experience, a stunt-show starring the world-traveling Jason Bourne.
Internationale Island
The smallest of the "islands", Internationale Island plays host to a famous hotel, which just so happens to be the base of operations for British Intelligence Agency M16. I'll leave you to figure out the rest.
Attractions
From the darkest waterways to the high-flying streets, Venice has something to offer for the entire family!
Shopping
Satisfy your inner tourist as you visit charming shopping locations and purchase one-of-a-kind items.
Dining
Live la dolce vita and feast on the best Italian food and drinks to your heart's delight.
