Universal over two days: Recommendations?

[JohnD]

I bought the Florida Resident 4-day ticket deal (same price as two-day ticket). Recommendations of what to do in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure over two days? (I'm staying at WDW for a week, so could hop into Universal on a third or fourth day if I wanted to).

 

[JoeCamel]

I bought the Florida Resident 4-day ticket deal (same price as two-day ticket). Recommendations of what to do in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure over two days? (I'm staying at WDW for a week, so could hop into Universal on a third or fourth day if I wanted to).

This will be on your September trip? If it is after labor day then my suggestion is all of it! Great time of year to go, reminds me of WDW before FP+, magic bands, reduced staffing and free dining plans packing the parks all the time.

 

[macefamily]

You'll be in great shape. We check out the crowd calendar at orlandoinformer.com for some ideas. They're not always correct, but they're spot on sometimes. We usually start at Universal Studios and finish up at Harry Potter so we can take the Hogwarts Express over to IOA if we have a few hours left. The next day we finish the rest of IOA for our second day. Also, take into consideration if one day is going to be excessively hot and humid. That's the day you want to be at IOA for the water rides.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Undercover Tourist has a great 2-day touring plan, as well as some of the most clear and easy-to-understand downloadable maps of the two parks that I've seen. In 2 days you should be able to do the majority of what both parks offer, and still have a little time to revisit favorites. From what I've read, if you're a Harry Potter fan, you could spend half a day just reveling in the shops and eateries in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/universal-studios-florida/things-to-do/

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Anyone have any experience using express pass on Mad holidays??

...asking for a friend

 

[JohnD]

This will be on your September trip? If it is after labor day then my suggestion is all of it! Great time of year to go, reminds me of WDW before FP+, magic bands, reduced staffing and free dining plans packing the parks all the time.

Actually, last week in May.

 

[JohnD]

You'll be in great shape. We check out the crowd calendar at orlandoinformer.com for some ideas. They're not always correct, but they're spot on sometimes. We usually start at Universal Studios and finish up at Harry Potter so we can take the Hogwarts Express over to IOA if we have a few hours left. The next day we finish the rest of IOA for our second day. Also, take into consideration if one day is going to be excessively hot and humid. That's the day you want to be at IOA for the water rides.

I like that plan. Being May, yeah, it will probably be hot. I've allocated Wed. and Thursday for 5/27 - 6/2 trip so could pick up anything I left out/missed on other days if I care to. (Yes, I'm going to SWGN on 5/27).

 

[JoeCamel]

Actually, last week in May.

After Memorial Day or close to Memorial Day weekend? Contact Orlando Informer for a free two day touring plan

 

[JohnD]

After Memorial Day or close to Memorial Day weekend? Contact Orlando Informer for a free two day touring plan

After Memorial Day. May 30-31.

 

[JohnD]

After Memorial Day or close to Memorial Day weekend? Contact Orlando Informer for a free two day touring plan

Touring Plans printed. Thanks.

 

[JohnD]

So, I'm looking at the Touring Plans. Orlando Informer has a one day plan each for USF and IOA while Undercover Tourist has a two-day plan for criss-crossing between the two parks on each day via Hogwarts Express. Which is the better plan over two days?

 

[JoeCamel]

So, I'm looking at the Touring Plans. Orlando Informer has a one day plan each for USF and IOA while Undercover Tourist has a two-day plan for criss-crossing between the two parks on each day via Hogwarts Express. Which is the better plan over two days?

If you have park to park access it opens up possibilities, I suggest you contact OI directly so they can help. You will find they are very helpful and will do one on one planning to suit your needs. *(Free)

 

[JohnD]

While holding onto my room in All Stars Sports, is it worth it to book a room at Cabana (overnight May 30-31 for touring on those two days)? Or just day trip each day from my Disney resort?

 

[JoeCamel]

While holding onto my room in All Stars Sports, is it worth it to book a room at Cabana (overnight May 30-31 for touring on those two days)? Or just day trip each day from my Disney resort?

Having a room does get you early park admission so that can add an extra hour to your plan each day. In addition it might be nice to have a room to escape to if you want a break and if you have time the south pool and lazy river at CBBR is a great experience.

 

[JohnD]

Having a room does get you early park admission so that can add an extra hour to your plan each day. In addition it might be nice to have a room to escape to if you want a break and if you have time the south pool and lazy river at CBBR is a great experience.

I decided on a split-day

• May 27 - 29: All-Star Sports (For F&G Festival Ep 5/27-28, SWGN HS 5/27, and AK 5/29)
• May 29 - 31: Cabana Bay (For USF, IOA, and CityWalk 5/30-31)
• May 31 - June 2: Pop Century (For HS evening 5/31, MK 6/1, and AK 6/2)

 

[JoeCamel]

I think that will work as well as can be expected for those dates. Did you get a volcano view room in the new towers?

 

[JohnD]

I think that will work as well as can be expected for those dates. Did you get a volcano view room in the new towers?
View attachment 277868

I asked for highest floor. But being a special FLA resident rate, it appears to be a pool view. Fla Resident rate is $159/night. Regular "Standard Room" is $164/night. Regular "Poolside" view is $179/night while Volcano view is $189/night. While that would be neat, I'll be out of the room most of the time, so not worth the extra money for me.

Edit: I switched to Saffire Falls which has a Fla. Resident Standard Room rate of $139/night.