If you’re like me, it is not enough to simply visit the parks… You have to know them… inside and out. Or, in this case… cover to cover. Discover a treasure trove of exclusive info with these must-have Universal Studios books! Follow Jaws, Kong, and the Mummy through a host of white-knuckle thrill reads full of facts, figures, rumours, and ruckus from your favourite rodent-free theme park!

1. JayBangs: How Jay Stein, MCA, & Universal Invented the Modern Theme Park and Beat Disney at Its Own Game

When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it was full of Jay’s patented “JayBangs”—rides and attractions that stunned, shocked, and surprised guests, dousing them with water, blasting them with air, heat, or cold, and giving them fear and visceral satisfaction. From delivery boy to theme park mogul, find out how he did it, against stiff odds, corporate politics, and fierce opposition!

2. Universal Orlando The Unofficial Story

In the late 1980s, Universal decided to construct its first real theme park. At the time, the company had never built a single theme park ride. Many predicted that it would be a disaster. And it very nearly was. But, through a combination of outrageous risk-taking, technical ingenuity and sheer persistence, Universal eventually carved out its very own niche in Orlando. “Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story” reveals how the resort’s incredible, ground-breaking rides were created, from Kongfrontation to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

3. Universal versus Disney: The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Parks’ Greatest Rivalry

Universal Studios never had a desire to get into the theme park industry. But when push came to shove, they did so… in a big way! How did this happen? Who made it happen? What does this mean for the theme park industry? In Universal Versus Disney, his newest work to investigate the histories of America’s favourite theme parks, seasoned author Sam Gennawey has thoroughly researched how Universal Studios shook up the multi-billion dollar theme park industry, one so long dominated by one man and his mouse.

4. The 3rd Unit: Tales from the Production Crew of Universal Orlando’s Revenge of the Mummy

Looking for more than a two-minute thrill ride? This book presents the exclusive behind-the-scenes story of the Revenge of the Mummy attraction, written by the Universal production crew who know it best: the 3rd Unit. Discover the secrets of Imhotep, delve inside the pyramids, and uncover the sarcophagi of ancient Egypt, as the 3rd Unit shares their personal stories about running it, working on it, and getting up to various Imhotep not-approved shenanigans backstage.

5. Wizarding Worlds: Inside the Harry Potter Theme Parks, Exhibitions, and Studio Tours

William Silvester skillfully blends Potter lore with behind-the-scenes accounts of the design, construction, and politics involved in the creation of the Wizarding Worlds, from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to Japan. You’ll learn both how they were built and what each offers in the way of rides, shows, shops, and restaurants —and even a peek at the possibility of a new Wizarding World in Universal’s forthcoming park in Beijing, China. Next to your spell book, Wizarding Worlds is essential equipment for wizards of any age. You won’t want to leave for Hogwarts without it!

6. 25 Years Inside Universal Studios: From Tour Guide to Entertainment Director

Whether he was working as the studio’s entertainment director or assisting in the development of Universal Studios Florida, where he worked on attractions that wowed the crowds, Jerry always had a knack for connecting with his audience. Full of humour, celebrity encounters, stories of Universal’s company and culture you’ve never heard before, and healthy doses of “jerryosophy”, Jerry Green’s memoir of his 25 years with Universal Studios is that rarest of business books: a truly fun read, loaded with laughs and appropriate for theme park fans of all ages.

7. Geek’s Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando 2020: An Unofficial Guide for Muggles and Wizards

Want to learn how to cast spells like Hermione? Find Harry’s favorite sweets? Ron’s favorite brooms? It’s all right here in this magical book. Marianna Blackwater, Chief Witch of Muggle Relations at MACUSA jam packs Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter with tips, touring guides, and trivia! Discover the latest information on the newest attractions, entertainment, and events. Muggles be warned, entering the magical world comes with many surprises and unexpected adventures! Note: A portion of the profits from this book will be donated to the Kelly C. O’Mahoney Foundation dedicated to funding research to eradicate brain cancer. For more info, go to www.KellyKickingCancer.org.

8. Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2020

The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2020 by Seth Kubersky is packed with comprehensive reviews, touring plans, hotel recommendations, a dining guide, invaluable advice, sneak peeks, and more. The guide includes info on where to find the cheapest Universal Orlando admission tickets, how to save big on Universal on-site hotel rooms and skip the regular lines in the parks, when to visit Universal Orlando for the lightest crowds, and everything else you need to know for a stress-free Universal Orlando experience.