Newish to Universal. One full day...which park? Going before a cruise.

[dreday3]

We finally settled on a cruise for April 2024 and are going on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of The Seas.

We leave on a Sunday and we will be arriving in Orlando Friday afternoon. So we will have Friday (of Easter week) night and all day/night Saturday, checking out Sunday.

We will most likely stay at Royal Pacific so we can get the express passes?
Thoughts on what park to do? Can we hit both? Shows aren't our thing so we can skip those.

Also, any advice on transportation to get to Port Canaveral from there? Hire a car service? Thanks!

 

[JoeCamel]

We finally settled on a cruise for April 2024 and are going on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of The Seas.

We leave on a Sunday and we will be arriving in Orlando Friday afternoon. So we will have Friday (of Easter week) night and all day/night Saturday, checking out Sunday.

We will most likely stay at Royal Pacific so we can get the express passes?
Thoughts on what park to do? Can we hit both? Shows aren't our thing so we can skip those.

Also, any advice on transportation to get to Port Canaveral from there? Hire a car service? Thanks!

You can do both parks, not every last thing but hit many highlights so I would plan on park to park tickets. Friday I would save for some time in Citywalk and maybe an excursion to Sapphire Falls for Strongwater. If you like a great bar with great small plates for food. Hit it hard on Saturday and don't miss Horror makeup in the studios. Well worth the 1/2 hour.

ETA: No firsthand knowledge but these people have the right branding

Universal Resorts to Port Canaveral Private Transportation Services - ACE Luxury Transportation

Convenient and budget-friendly transportation from Universal Resorts to Port Canaveral, perfect for cruise travelers heading back to Orlando Airport.

www.aceluxury.com

 

[dreday3]

You can do both parks, not every last thing but hit many highlights so I would plan on park to park tickets. Friday I would save for some time in Citywalk and maybe an excursion to Sapphire Falls for Strongwater. If you like a great bar with great small plates for food. Hit it hard on Saturday and don't miss Horror makeup in the studios. Well worth the 1/2 hour.

ETA: No firsthand knowledge but these people have the right branding

Universal Resorts to Port Canaveral Private Transportation Services - ACE Luxury Transportation

Convenient and budget-friendly transportation from Universal Resorts to Port Canaveral, perfect for cruise travelers heading back to Orlando Airport.

www.aceluxury.com

Thank you! Super helpful!

All I know is we want to hit Seuss Landing and both the Harry Potter areas for sure. Obviously Jurassic Park area, but I doubt we will do the coaster as neither one of us loves going upside down. Will check out Horror make up.

 

[Rush]

Try hitting both parks if you can!

Explore both Wizarding World lands. Use the Hogwarts Express to park hop if the line is less than 30 minutes. It's an attraction in itself.

Make these attractions your priority:

IoA:
1. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
2. Velocicoaster
3. The Forbidden Journey
4. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

USO:
1. Escape from Gringotts
2. Revenge of The Mummy
3. The Bourne Stuntacular (If you want to experience a show, which I highly recommend).


Hope you have fun!

 

[dreday3]

Try hitting both parks if you can!

Explore both Wizarding World lands. Use the Hogwarts Express to park hop if the line is less than 30 minutes. It's an attraction in itself.

Make these attractions your priority:

IoA:
1. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
2. Velocicoaster
3. The Forbidden Journey
4. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

USO:
1. Escape from Gringotts
2. Revenge of The Mummy
3. The Bourne Stuntacular (If you want to experience a show, which I highly recommend).


Hope you have fun!

Thank you! We are excited!

 

[Frankenstein79]

I think Islands of Adventure is way way better than Universal right now. The original park has to step it's game up.

 

[JoeCamel]

I think Islands of Adventure is way way better than Universal right now. The original park has to step it's game up.

I still think you need to go there, Potter was one of the interests and if you don't see DA what is the point?