Exploring New York at Universal Studios Orlando

Who doesn't love Universal Studios?

There is something about walking through the park that makes it easy to get caught up in the excitement. There are rides, characters, shows and plenty of things competing for your attention. But sometimes, the things I enjoy photographing most are simply the places in between.

One of my favorite areas to photograph at Universal Studios Florida has always been the New York area.

The buildings, storefronts, signs and streets are designed with so much detail that it almost feels like you're walking through a movie set.

And sometimes we get so engrossed in taking pictures of the kids that we forget to stop and simply enjoy the scenery around us.

Take Time to Look Around

When you get to this section of the park, take a few minutes to slow down and really look around.

The architecture is part of the experience.

The buildings aren't simply backdrops for the attractions. There are details everywhere you look, from the storefronts and signs to the windows, doors and streets themselves.

As someone who enjoys photography, I could have spent hours here just looking for another angle or another interesting detail to photograph.

Of course, having my grandson with me made it even more special. We weren't in a hurry. We simply wandered through the streets and enjoyed being there.

Where Is the New York Area?

If you're visiting Universal Studios Florida and want to find this section of the park, the map below gives you an idea of where the New York area is located.

It's easy to walk through this part of the park without realizing how much there is to see if you're concentrating only on the attractions.

So the next time you're at Universal, take a few minutes to look beyond the rides.

Look up.

Look down the streets.

Look at the buildings.

You might be surprised at how many photographs you find waiting for you.

And Then There Were the Blues Brothers

You'll also find the Blues Brothers performing in this area.

When we were there, the crowd was really enjoying the show, and it was a fun addition to our stroll through New York.

It's just another reminder that at Universal, the entertainment isn't always found inside an attraction. Sometimes it's happening right there on the street.

For me, though, this area will always stand out because of the time I spent wandering its streets with my grandson — taking pictures, looking at the buildings and simply enjoying the scenery.

Those are often the moments that make the best travel memories.