3. Kitty Kat Club

Set it Berlin in 1931, on the eve of the Nazi rise to power, Cabaret is an emotionally powerful musical stage play and film. Most of the action surrounds the Kit Kat Club, a fictional representation of the Kit-Cat Club, a staple of the literary and political scene in early 18th century London.

At Universal Studios Florida, the Kit Kat Club is honored with a neon sign on Delancey Street, a small side road in the New York section of the park. Although the name has been changed to the Kitty Kat Club, the sign’s depiction of a beautiful redhead and a martini glass conjures up images of classic nightclubs. Too bad the club itself is only a façade!

4. O’Rourke’s Bar & Grill

If you are a fan of The Godfather, you undoubtedly caught the importance of Louie’s Italian Restaurant right away. But did you know that a smaller, more subtle tribute also exists at Universal Studios Florida? On the back side of New York, facing the Transformers ride, you will see a set of steps leading to a false front with a welcoming glass door. To the right is a sign for O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill, with a proprietor named Kelly O’Rourke. Fans of the movie will remember her tragic story.

5. Buena Vista Café

When Universal came to Florida, the team knew they were taking on Disney in its own backyard. The company downplayed the competitive aspect of their opening, instead focusing on making their park the best it could possibly be. Yet they couldn’t ignore their competitor altogether.

Next to the Express entrance for Disaster, look up above the windows at the Buena Vista Café sign. Walt Disney World lies in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Downtown Disney was originally the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. While the sign is undoubtedly a nod to San Francisco’s real Buena Vista Café, the fact that it hangs above an always-closed eatery (actually a false front) creates a marvelous, and not often noticed, subtle dig at Disney.

Of course, these are only a few of the hidden tributes packed inside Universal Studios Florida. Throughout the park, those who slow down and take their time will be rewarded with innumerable small details. What are your favorites?