Clueless at planning a Universal Vacation!!!

Doombuggy13

Doombuggy13

Active Member
Original Poster
Hey guys! After 8 WDW trips in the past 6 years, we have finally booked our first Universal Orlando Vacation. While I consider myself an expert on planning for WDW, I find that planning for Universal is a whole different animal. So hopefully you Universal experts can help me out.
We will be arriving Aug 26th for 6 days. Harry Potter package, off site hotel, early admission to IoA, Three Broomsticks Breakfast. We opted to get four one park per day tickets (no express pass yet) thinking that we would need two days per park to see everything. Now I'm reading that both parks can be done in one day, two days tops.

Is four days at the parks too much?

If I do wish to change this and only go for three days, will I easily be able to change this with their customer service?

We adore the Disney Waterparks and if we do drop down to three days we would go to one of the waterparks on International Dr.
Which non-Disney waterpark is the best, Aquatica or Wet n Wild?
 
ParentsOf4

ParentsOf4

Well-Known Member
Doombuggy13 said:
Hey guys! After 8 WDW trips in the past 6 years, we have finally booked our first Universal Orlando Vacation. While I consider myself an expert on planning for WDW, I find that planning for Universal is a whole different animal. So hopefully you Universal experts can help me out.
We will be arriving Aug 26th for 6 days. Harry Potter package, off site hotel, early admission to IoA, Three Broomsticks Breakfast. We opted to get four one park per day tickets (no express pass yet) thinking that we would need two days per park to see everything. Now I'm reading that both parks can be done in one day, two days tops.

Is four days at the parks too much?

If I do wish to change this and only go for three days, will I easily be able to change this with their customer service?

We adore the Disney Waterparks and if we do drop down to three days we would go to one of the waterparks on International Dr.
Which non-Disney waterpark is the best, Aquatica or Wet n Wild?
Click to expand...
The attractions at WDW tend to be more small children friendly than Universal.

What are the ages and heights of the children in the party? Anyone like/dislike thrill rides (e.g. roller coasters)? What about scary?

In late August, you should be able to experience all of Universal in 2 days, 3 days would be plenty. Frankly, I can experience WDW theme parks in 3 days: a day at MK, 1/2 day at DHS & DAK each, and a day at Epcot (if I spend 1/2 day in the World Showcase). If I go commando style, I can experience all in less than two. The key to enjoying any theme park is to slow down and appreciate the little things, the details people miss when they rush from one attraction to the next. That's what makes WDW and Universal theme parks, not amusement parks.

IMHO, Aquatica and Wet n Wild to do not measure up to BB or TL. What separates WDW's two water parks is theming. Both water parks, Wet n Wild in particular, lack that immersive theming. If you want big water slides or something new, consider them. If you want theming, stick with the WDW water parks.
 
Doombuggy13

Doombuggy13

Active Member
Original Poster
ParentsOf4 said:
The attractions at WDW tend to be more small children friendly than Universal.

What are the ages and heights of the children in the party? Anyone like/dislike thrill rides (e.g. roller coasters)? What about scary?

In late August, you should be able to experience all of Universal in 2 days, 3 days would be plenty. Frankly, I can experience WDW theme parks in 3 days: a day at MK, 1/2 day at DHS & DAK each, and a day at Epcot (if I spend 1/2 day in the World Showcase). If I go commando style, I can experience all in less than two. The key to enjoying any theme park is to slow down and appreciate the little things, the details people miss when they rush from one attraction to the next. That's what makes WDW and Universal theme parks, not amusement parks.

IMHO, Aquatica and Wet n Wild to do not measure up to BB or TL. What separates WDW's two theme parks is theming. Both water parks, Wet n Wild in particular, lack that immersive theming. If you want big water slides or something new, consider them. If you want theming, stick with the WDW water parks.[/quote

We have three boys, 15, 12, & 7, we all love thrill rides, and scary thrill rides. The seven year old is at 48 " already so were good there. We all love Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, the Simpsons, for me The Mummy, everything at Universal, we're fans of the movies & TV Shows. We're the type of family that if we really enjoy an attraction we want to ride it multiple times. After doing WDW Parks commando style on our first couple of visits, we learned how to slow down and enjoy things at a slower pace and appreciate the theming. That is why I figured two days at each park would be sufficient.

So are you saying that we could experience all Universal has to offer, rides, attractions, shows, appreciate the theming, and hit our favorite rides multiple times in those two days? Without express pass? I mean, I'm not against purchasing it. I just figured we'd make the decision about express pass when we saw what kind of crowds we were up against. Another site said we should expect moderate crowds during our stay.

Oh and thanks for you input on the waterparks. We have been stressing to the kids that we have been spoiled by both Disney Waterparks because of their top notch theming. We're HUGE Typhoon Lagoon fans. We were considering a "something new" experience at one of the other two parks, I just don't want to be too disappointed! I might just jay the heck with it and go right back to Typhoon Lagoon again. I know that back in the early 80's Wet n Wild was the ONLY waterpark option in Orlando (Except River Country at WDW) so I wonder what kind of shape it's in compared to the brand new Aquatica.
Click to expand...
 
Doombuggy13

Doombuggy13

Active Member
Original Poster
So are you saying that we could experience all Universal has to offer, rides, attractions, shows, appreciate the theming, and hit our favorite rides multiple times in those two days? Without express pass? I mean, I'm not against purchasing it. I just figured we'd make the decision about express pass when we saw what kind of crowds we were up against. Another site said we should expect moderate crowds during our stay.

Oh and thanks for you input on the waterparks. We have been stressing to the kids that we have been spoiled by both Disney Waterparks because of their top notch theming. We're HUGE Typhoon Lagoon fans. We were considering a "something new" experience at one of the other two parks, I just don't want to be too disappointed! I might just jay the heck with it and go right back to Typhoon Lagoon again. I know that back in the early 80's Wet n Wild was the ONLY waterpark option in Orlando (Except River Country at WDW) so I wonder what kind of shape it's in compared to the brand new Aquatica.
 
lilclerk

lilclerk

Well-Known Member
If you take your time, I think you could definitely do 2 days in each park. Before all the recent additions/upgrades, I would do both parks in one day, but that's kinda old news.
If you drop to 3 days, I would do 2 days in IoA and 1 in Universal.
 
ParentsOf4

ParentsOf4

Well-Known Member
Three boys, ages 15, 12, & 7. Everyone likes scary & thrill rides. What are the going to want to experience?

My suggestions:

Universal Studios
- Rip Ride Rockit (51", at least twice)
- Minion Mayhem
- Shrek 4D
- Twister
- Transformers (forgot about that one!)
- Mummy (at least twice)
- Disaster
- Men in Black (at least twice)
- Simpson's Ride (at least twice)
- E.T.
- Horror Make-up Show
- Terminator 3D

If you're up for it, consider circling the park twice. Start with Transformers, RRR, Mummy, MiB, and Simpson's once early while lines are short at opening. If any of these have a short line and you really liked them, ride a second time. Otherwise, move on and save a second ride until later. (At opening, guests tend to bunch up at RRR, MM, & Shrek.) Then circle around a second time, hitting the one's you missed or liked enough to ride more than once.

Islands of Adventure
- Forbidden Journey (at least twice)
- Dragon's Challenge (at least twice)
- Jurassic Park River Adventure (you will get wet)
- Bluto's Bilge Barges (you will get soaked)
- Dudley Do-Right's (you will get soaked)
- Spider-Man (at least twice)
- Doctor Doom's (52")
- Hulk (54", at least twice)
- Eighth Voyage of Sinbad (if you like stunt shows and have time)
- Poseidon's Fury (it's something to do once if you have time)

Since you'll be going in early, you're going to be at WWOHP, which is at the far end of the park. It's kind of hard to start touring when you start at WWOHP. In one direction, it's Sinbad & Poseidon's Fury. Sinbad is a high capacity show (sort of like Indiana Jones) and you'll be able to find a seat at any time. Best to save it for peak afternoon. Poseidon's Fury is just "OK". In the other direction, it's Jurassic, Bluto's, and Dudley's. You'll get soaked riding these. We usually bring water shoes and a change of clothes and do these either during the hottest part of the day or when we're planning on leaving.

We're Universal AP holders and enjoy the parks but, IMHO, the Magic Kingdom is the only "stay all day" park in Orlando. IMHO, you can do both Universal parks in 2 days, assuming you have at least 10 hours at the parks. If you want to take it slow, you can do everything multiple times and really appreciate everything Universal has to offer in 4 days.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Universal (like WDW) is a theme park. Don't be afraid to "stop and smell the roses", to appreciate the little details. If you have a car, consider heading down to TL for a full day.

Just my opinion. Please let me know if you want more opinions!:)
 
BryceM

BryceM

Well-Known Member
With the ages of your boys (and ride type preference) and the appeal that some of the properties that the two Universal parks have, you will undoubtedly have a grand time.

It looks like ParentsOf4 really got everything covered, but I will expound on one of the points that was made... Stop and smell the roses! Both Universal parks (just like Disney parks) immerse guests into wonderful environments. Don't be afraid to listen to Blues Brothers play in Universal Studios' New York themed land, or explore Camp Jurassic and the Discovery Center at Islands of Adventure's Jurassic Park. Both parks offer some amazing themed lands and attractions that have so much more to them that meets the eye.

Speaking of ""more that meets the eye", Transformers The Ride will be open by the time your visit comes around. As will the Springfield themed land around The Simpsons Ride. Both of these will be located in Universal Studios Florida and should be top priority for you.

One more thing, both Universal parks have much more than thrill rides. Don't be afraid to ride the classic E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios or ride Cat in the Hat at Islands of Adventure. The shows are awesome as well. DO NOT skip out on Universal's Horror Make-Up Show or Terminator 2:3D. Both shows can be found in "Hollywood" at Universal Studios.
 
disney fan 13

disney fan 13

Well-Known Member
ParentsOf4 said:
Three boys, ages 15, 12, & 7. Everyone likes scary & thrill rides. What are the going to want to experience?

My suggestions:

Universal Studios
- Rip Ride Rockit (51", at least twice)
- Minion Mayhem
- Shrek 4D
- Twister
- Transformers (forgot about that one!)
- Mummy (at least twice)
- Disaster
- Men in Black (at least twice)
- Simpson's Ride (at least twice)
- E.T.
- Horror Make-up Show
- Terminator 3D

If you're up for it, consider circling the park twice. Start with RRR, Mummy, MiB, and Simpson's once early while lines are short at opening. If any of these have a short line and you really liked them, ride a second time. Otherwise, move on and save a second ride until later. (At opening, guests tend to bunch up at RRR, MM, & Shrek.) Then circle around a second time, hitting the one's you missed or liked enough to ride more than once.

Islands of Adventure
- Forbidden Journey (at least twice)
- Dragon's Challenge (at least twice)
- Jurassic Park River Adventure (you will get wet)
- Bluto's Bilge Barges (you will get soaked)
- Dudley Do-Right's (you will get soaked)
- Spider-Man (at least twice)
- Doctor Doom's (52")
- Hulk (54", at least twice)
- Eighth Voyage of Sinbad (if you like stunt shows and have time)
- Poseidon's Fury (it's something to do once if you have time)

Since you'll be going in early, you're going to be at WWOHP, which is at the far end of the park. It's kind of hard to start touring when you start at WWOHP. In one direction, it's Sinbad & Poseidon's Fury. Sinbad is a high capacity show (sort of like Indiana Jones) and you'll be able to find a seat at any time. Best to save it for peak afternoon. Poseidon's Fury is just "OK". In the other direction, it's Jurassic, Bluto's, and Dudley's. You'll get soaked riding these. We usually bring water shoes and a change of clothes and do these either during the hottest part of the day or when we're planning on leaving.

We're Universal AP holders and enjoy the parks but, IMHO, the Magic Kingdom is the only "stay all day" park in Orlando. IMHO, you can do both Universal parks in 2 days, assuming you have at least 10 hours at the parks. If you want to take it slow, you can do everything multiple times and really appreciate everything Universal has to offer in 4 days.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Universal (like WDW) is a theme park. Don't be afraid to "stop and smell the roses", to appreciate the little details. If you have a car, consider heading down to TL for a full day.

Just my opinion. Please let me know if you want more opinions!:)
Click to expand...

Basically what PO4 said but add Transformer:The Ride because it opens in June at Universal Studios. Also, since it is your first time 3 days should be good. (1 day at each park, one day to parkhop/Citywalk/Resort.)
 
JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
Four days seems like a lot. I really like Uni, especially the WWOHP, but I think 3 days would be more than enough for a first visit, even without an express pass (unless you're talking peak season).
 
S

Skunk

Member
ParentsOf4 said:
- Jurassic Park River Adventure (you will get wet)
- Dudley Do-Right's (you will get soaked)
- Bluto's Bilge Barges (you will get annihilated by water)
Click to expand...


Fixed.

Seriously, if you ride Bilge Rat Barges after noon without a change or poncho, your ride home will be a moist one. Probably the wettest non-waterpark water ride in the world. There's always a slight element of chance with rapids rides, but chances are very high with this one that you'll be as wet as if you jumped into a pool. This is not an exaggeration. You have been warned.
 
disney fan 13

disney fan 13

Well-Known Member
Skunk said:
Fixed.

Seriously, if you ride Bilge Rat Barges after noon without a change or poncho, your ride home will be a moist one. Probably the wettest non-waterpark water ride in the world. There's always a slight element of chance with rapids rides, but chances are very high with this one that you'll be as wet as if you jumped into a pool. This is not an exaggeration. You have been warned.
Click to expand...

Just to reiterate, it's a SERIOUSLY fun ride, but you will get soaked, more then standing in a shower for a minuite.
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
In Florida August heat, you dry out pretty quickly. Ripsaw will soak you as well.

If it's really that big a concern, just keep spare clothes in a locker.
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
4 days is about right. We had the unlimited Express Passes, and did 3 days. I still wish we'd done 4 or 5.

Stay away from the Dining Plan, not worth it.

While there, look into Blue Man Group. It's a fun show, and considering the ages of your kids, you all would enjoy it thoroughly.
 
HTF

HTF

Well-Known Member
4 days will be great for your first trip and remember with the opening of Springfield and Transformers there will be even more to do. Your going to have an amazing time! People who say they can do it in two days are those who don't do everything the park has to offer and have also been before. These are not the same parks anymore and people just like you are finally visiting. Of everyone I've had the pleasure of visiting with, who have taken there first Universal vacation instead of Disney they have all been blown away by the parks. While one company continues to remain stagnant and play it safe, Universal is expanding at an amazing pace and doing what Disney did all the up until the mid 90's, be creative and revolutionary.
 
StageFrenzy

StageFrenzy

Well-Known Member
HTF said:
4 days will be great for your first trip and remember with the opening of Springfield and Transformers there will be even more to do. Your going to have an amazing time! People who say they can do it in two days are those who don't do everything the park has to offer and have also been before. These are not the same parks anymore and people just like you are finally visiting. Of everyone I've had the pleasure of visiting with, who have taken there first Universal vacation instead of Disney they have all been blown away by the parks. While one company continues to remain stagnant and play it safe, Universal is expanding at an amazing pace and doing what Disney did all the up until the mid 90's, be creative and revolutionary.
Click to expand...

To expand on that I love Port of entry and the BGM, I also seem to find myself spending a lot of time in Hogsmeade sipping on butterbeer.
 

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