First Trip to Universal....help!

[PotteryGal]

So, our last three vacations to Florida have been to Disney exclusively....this time around, we are heading for Universal, with maybe one day at the MK. What I'm looking for is honestly how many days we should be able to go to both Uni parks (including plenty of time for WWoHP) without having to rush. From other boards I've been reading, you don't have to hit the ground running like you do at Disney, and w/ the exception of one early morning to hopefully ride the Forbidden Journey, I'm looking forward to much more relaxing vacation. Is 3 days enough, or taking HP into account, would 4 be more advisable? We hope to stay at the Hard Rock, to take advantage of the Express Pass. Any other tidbits on how to approach our Uni vacation would be appreciated. Thanks! :wave:

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Before Harry Potter USF and IOA could be done in less than a day at each park (did this on our last visit in 03) Since they added HP I would probably expect a total of 3 days for both parks with increased crowds due to the newness of the HP attraction

 

[deltableh]

I concur with that. It's very do-able in 2 days, at least before the new section of the park. I would give 3 or 4 days. I would only say 4 days so you have that spare day on the end to re-do anything you really enjoyed. It's not essential, though.

 

[SleepingMonk]

I'd say two full days in each park would be enough, three if you want to see all the shows as well as the rides.

Two things you MUST do.....Tchoup Chop and Mama Della's......ok three things......conch fritters at Margaritaville.

 

[lisak09]

One day for the Studios, one or two days for IOA. When we go in August we'll still be allowing one day each even with Harry Potter. I don't want to take too many days away from WDW

 

[SleepingMonk]

One day per park is only enough if you're a repeat guest and know the layout and what you want to skip. If you've never been before two days per park is more realistic.

 

[timeman]

Three days should be enough since you are planning on staying on property and taking advantage of the free Express Pass. You will be able to do Universal in one day and IOA in one day skipping the Harry Potter section for the third day. One thing I would highly recommend if you can swing the cost is to do the VIP Tour. The VIP tour costs $150 per person for the two park tour and you will be able to ride a majority of the rides in both parks that day with no waiting in line as you are taken straight to the front of the ride. I would call and find out if the VIP tour will include the new Harry Potter section when it opens, but i think that it will. If you do this tour ask for Joe the Translator as he is the tour guide I got the last time I did the VIP tour and he is really good.

 

[a2grafix]

Depending on the time of year you go, you can do both parks in a day. I've done it three times in my past three trips -- in October, August and December.

Things, though, might be different with the opening of Potterland.

 

[T-1MILLION]

If you are doing a multipark ticket option I would reccomend doing a three day ticket deal. This way you give one day per park. You can take your time and soak it all in without worrying about the crowds that may or may not be there and just have a good time.

And with the third day if there is still stuff left to do you can use that for it or go back and do your favorites as well. There is a lot of great hidden things and atmosphere to soak up at both parks.

If you are staying onsite I would not be concerned with crowds much with your onsite hotel express pass that will let you skip the lines of each attraction and get advanced seating in some shows but I would reccomend going through the regular queues of most rides at least once because like Disney they are often the build up of the experience.

Hope this helps and have a great time.

 

[PotteryGal]

Thanks for everyone's advice! We had some struggles with getting our dates nailed down (other things kept coming up we hadn't taken into account), but I finally got things settled today. We'll be down there the first week of August, staying at the Hard Rock , and I purchased 4 day park-to-park tickets. Plus we will be making a jaunt probably over to MK as well. I know we won't be happy until we've explore every nook and cranny of WWoHP. :lol:
So, I have a couple more questions. Loved The Mummy movies (well, the first two), so I'm curious about ROTM. How intense is the coaster part of the attraction? As long as I don't have to go upside down, I think I'll be okay. Plus the simulator rides like Spidey, Simpsons - if you have occasional bouts of motion sickness, should these be avoided? I'm willing to take the chance on them, I just hope I don't regret it. :lol: Any other restaurants you recommend giving a try? Other than 3 Broomsticks, I want to pay a visit to Mythos and maybe Finnegan's. Thoughts?

 

[deltableh]

Mythos is nice. I've ate there twice. I can't say anything good about The Simpsons because I'm a BttF fan, so I refuse to go on as part of my boycott. Spiderman is INCREDIBLE. I love it, and highly recommend it. Also, I love Men in Black. That's a lot of fun too.

Did you get the Harry Potter package? When my mother and sister go down, they booked one of those and it includes all sorts of goodies and the like.

 

[PotteryGal]

Mythos is nice. I've ate there twice. I can't say anything good about The Simpsons because I'm a BttF fan, so I refuse to go on as part of my boycott. Spiderman is INCREDIBLE. I love it, and highly recommend it. Also, I love Men in Black. That's a lot of fun too.

Did you get the Harry Potter package? When my mother and sister go down, they booked one of those and it includes all sorts of goodies and the like.

Yep! Have a breakfast booked at the 3 Broomsticks our first morning!

Honestly, I'm not that jazzed about seeing Simpsons; we don't watch the show and certainly don't let our youngest watch it. However, he saw a youtube video of the ride and couldn't stop laughing at Homer getting blown up every couple of seconds. I'm really looking forward to MIB.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Despite missing BTTF the Simpsons is a great ride. The theming is excellent and the script is very well written. Theres also so many visual gags it takes a few rides to catch many of them.

The Mummy is quite vicious in parts, exaggerated by poor seat/restraint design, but it is fun and very well made. The worst thing though is using Express you miss much of the preamble in the Q.

This Sep is our 7th stay at the Hard Rock, Its my favourite hotel, staff are excellent, dare I say better than Disneys.

Only other thing Id say is prepared to get drenched at IOA, though the walk in blow dryers they had in Dec were a great idea,dont know if they are a year round thing. Dont mind getting wet but when its dripping all the way through its not so fun, unless your a kid.

 

[Skip]

Thanks for everyone's advice! We had some struggles with getting our dates nailed down (other things kept coming up we hadn't taken into account), but I finally got things settled today. We'll be down there the first week of August, staying at the Hard Rock , and I purchased 4 day park-to-park tickets. Plus we will be making a jaunt probably over to MK as well. I know we won't be happy until we've explore every nook and cranny of WWoHP. :lol:
So, I have a couple more questions. Loved The Mummy movies (well, the first two), so I'm curious about ROTM. How intense is the coaster part of the attraction? As long as I don't have to go upside down, I think I'll be okay. Plus the simulator rides like Spidey, Simpsons - if you have occasional bouts of motion sickness, should these be avoided? I'm willing to take the chance on them, I just hope I don't regret it. :lol: Any other restaurants you recommend giving a try? Other than 3 Broomsticks, I want to pay a visit to Mythos and maybe Finnegan's. Thoughts?

Congrats on your trip, you'll have a fantastic time! Our first trip to Orlando (back in 2004) was at the Hard Rock as well and it was a blast.

To help answer some of your questions:

Revenge of the Mummy's intensity could be described (in my personal opinion anyway) as slightly more intense than Space Mountain but slightly less intense than Expedition Everest. There is a rather speedy launch (no lift hills), but no inversions/loops of any kind, and it's over within 45 seconds or so. The dark ride portions are excellent, but as Pumba noted if you're using Express you will miss the pre-show video, which sets up the entire plot of the attraction. Unfortunately, if you're not aware of what exactly is going on prior to boarding (and trust me many don't) you'll be a bit baffled by the ride's beginning and (especially) ending.

Simpsons, Neutron, and Spider-Man haven't exactly been known (at least in my experiences) to bring about motion sickness - that's more of Hulk, Dragons, and Storm Force's role. I'd say definitely attempt Neutron first (it's probably the least intense of the three) and see how you fare... then again, Spider-Man is presently the top attraction in Orlando, so you might want to risk that one for a truly incredible theme park experience.

Simpsons, while I mourn the loss of BttF each time I visit, is an excellent attraction with a brilliant script. You don't really need to be familiar with any of the Simpsons continuity or characters, as everything is very well explained in the various preshows... it's all action and theme park parodies galore, though there are some nice gags for Simpsons fans to spot. Definitely give it a try - it isn't very crude and for first timers hilarious if you can get into the humor.

In terms of full-service restaurants, Mythos is a must - my favorite theme park restaurant with a constantly evolving (and really, really good!) menu. For me, Finnegan's, Lombard's Landing, and Confisco's are take it or leave it fare... Circus McGurkus is a great counter service restaurant (lots of fun for the kids), and the Monsters Cafe and Louie's over at the Studios are great quick service options as well.

Hope some of this helped! :wave:

 

[deltableh]

I would be apt to recommend Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast one morning. It's obvious, but who can resist the pictures you can take eating green eggs and ham?!

Also, it was mentioned slightly earlier, but do the full queue once. Like Disney rides, you might miss something big. MiB and Spiderman are similar depending on Express or full queue, but there are visual gags and homages unique to each.

 

[PotteryGal]

Despite missing BTTF the Simpsons is a great ride. The theming is excellent and the script is very well written. Theres also so many visual gags it takes a few rides to catch many of them.

The Mummy is quite vicious in parts, exaggerated by poor seat/restraint design, but it is fun and very well made. The worst thing though is using Express you miss much of the preamble in the Q.

This Sep is our 7th stay at the Hard Rock, Its my favourite hotel, staff are excellent, dare I say better than Disneys.

Only other thing Id say is prepared to get drenched at IOA, though the walk in blow dryers they had in Dec were a great idea,dont know if they are a year round thing. Dont mind getting wet but when its dripping all the way through its not so fun, unless your a kid.

Thanks for the Hard Rock endorsement - we decided to indulge ourselves and are staying at the club level. We're very excited about it.

Congrats on your trip, you'll have a fantastic time! Our first trip to Orlando (back in 2004) was at the Hard Rock as well and it was a blast.

To help answer some of your questions:

Revenge of the Mummy's intensity could be described (in my personal opinion anyway) as slightly more intense than Space Mountain but slightly less intense than Expedition Everest. There is a rather speedy launch (no lift hills), but no inversions/loops of any kind, and it's over within 45 seconds or so. The dark ride portions are excellent, but as Pumba noted if you're using Express you will miss the pre-show video, which sets up the entire plot of the attraction. Unfortunately, if you're not aware of what exactly is going on prior to boarding (and trust me many don't) you'll be a bit baffled by the ride's beginning and (especially) ending.

Simpsons, Neutron, and Spider-Man haven't exactly been known (at least in my experiences) to bring about motion sickness - that's more of Hulk, Dragons, and Storm Force's role. I'd say definitely attempt Neutron first (it's probably the least intense of the three) and see how you fare... then again, Spider-Man is presently the top attraction in Orlando, so you might want to risk that one for a truly incredible theme park experience.

Simpsons, while I mourn the loss of BttF each time I visit, is an excellent attraction with a brilliant script. You don't really need to be familiar with any of the Simpsons continuity or characters, as everything is very well explained in the various preshows... it's all action and theme park parodies galore, though there are some nice gags for Simpsons fans to spot. Definitely give it a try - it isn't very crude and for first timers hilarious if you can get into the humor.

In terms of full-service restaurants, Mythos is a must - my favorite theme park restaurant with a constantly evolving (and really, really good!) menu. For me, Finnegan's, Lombard's Landing, and Confisco's are take it or leave it fare... Circus McGurkus is a great counter service restaurant (lots of fun for the kids), and the Monsters Cafe and Louie's over at the Studios are great quick service options as well.

Hope some of this helped! :wave:

All of it helped, thank you. I've heard too many good things about Mythos not to give it a try. One thing I've noticed, at least based on some older menus, is that there is more food that will appeal to my youngest than we could find at Disney. One of the reasons I have mixed feelings about Disney's dining plan is that the kids' menus stink.
I do have to take into account my son's autism and what might give him sensory overload, but I do think Jimmy Neutron and Simpsons will be okay. I was surprised once I started researching how many play areas they have for younger children. Developmentally my son is more around the age of a kindergartener/first grader, so areas like Curious George goes to Town, and If I Ran the Zoo will still appeal to him very much.

I would be apt to recommend Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast one morning. It's obvious, but who can resist the pictures you can take eating green eggs and ham?!

Also, it was mentioned slightly earlier, but do the full queue once. Like Disney rides, you might miss something big. MiB and Spiderman are similar depending on Express or full queue, but there are visual gags and homages unique to each.

If nothing else I have to at least take pictures all over Seuss Landing - I grew up reading those books and the design of the place looks fantastic!

 

[Skip]

I must have missed the part where you mentioned your son had autism - you are correct, the play areas will be excellent for him (and lucky for you, they're full of hidden secrets and surprises for the entire family!) Definitely plan to spend several hours (as time allows) amongst the collectively massive play areas (Camp Jurassic, The Olive, If I Ran the Zoo, Fievel's Playland, and Curious George).

Do note if you feel that the motion might be too much for your son on Neutron (I'm honestly not all that familiar with autism and its effects regarding theme park attractions), they do have stationary seating at the front of the ride available.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Thanks for the Hard Rock endorsement - we decided to indulge ourselves and are staying at the club level. We're very excited about it.

Stayed Club last year, enjoyed it so much doing it again this year. Rooms are nothing special compared to the rest of the hotel, but the Club is a useful facility.

 

[PotteryGal]

I must have missed the part where you mentioned your son had autism - you are correct, the play areas will be excellent for him (and lucky for you, they're full of hidden secrets and surprises for the entire family!) Definitely plan to spend several hours (as time allows) amongst the collectively massive play areas (Camp Jurassic, The Olive, If I Ran the Zoo, Fievel's Playland, and Curious George).

Do note if you feel that the motion might be too much for your son on Neutron (I'm honestly not all that familiar with autism and its effects regarding theme park attractions), they do have stationary seating at the front of the ride available.

Actually, I hadn't mentioned it before. Believe it or not, he's likely to love anything that has a lot of motion in it - he loves to spin and swing. His mother, on the other hand.....:lol:

 

[Courtney1188]

Congrats on your trip, you'll have a fantastic time! Our first trip to Orlando (back in 2004) was at the Hard Rock as well and it was a blast.

To help answer some of your questions:

Revenge of the Mummy's intensity could be described (in my personal opinion anyway) as slightly more intense than Space Mountain but slightly less intense than Expedition Everest. There is a rather speedy launch (no lift hills), but no inversions/loops of any kind, and it's over within 45 seconds or so. The dark ride portions are excellent, but as Pumba noted if you're using Express you will miss the pre-show video, which sets up the entire plot of the attraction. Unfortunately, if you're not aware of what exactly is going on prior to boarding (and trust me many don't) you'll be a bit baffled by the ride's beginning and (especially) ending.

Simpsons, Neutron, and Spider-Man haven't exactly been known (at least in my experiences) to bring about motion sickness - that's more of Hulk, Dragons, and Storm Force's role. I'd say definitely attempt Neutron first (it's probably the least intense of the three) and see how you fare... then again, Spider-Man is presently the top attraction in Orlando, so you might want to risk that one for a truly incredible theme park experience.

Simpsons, while I mourn the loss of BttF each time I visit, is an excellent attraction with a brilliant script. You don't really need to be familiar with any of the Simpsons continuity or characters, as everything is very well explained in the various preshows... it's all action and theme park parodies galore, though there are some nice gags for Simpsons fans to spot. Definitely give it a try - it isn't very crude and for first timers hilarious if you can get into the humor.

In terms of full-service restaurants, Mythos is a must - my favorite theme park restaurant with a constantly evolving (and really, really good!) menu. For me, Finnegan's, Lombard's Landing, and Confisco's are take it or leave it fare... Circus McGurkus is a great counter service restaurant (lots of fun for the kids), and the Monsters Cafe and Louie's over at the Studios are great quick service options as well.

Hope some of this helped! :wave:

I had no idea about the Mummy preshow! So glad you posted this, because I'm visiting in a few weeks and using the Express pass...I'll either d the standby line for that one or try to find the pre-show video on youtube or something. Thanks!