help me figure this out

[Taratink]

I have never been to Universal. I have been to WDW many times and we want to try something new. What do I need to know? Are the parks all in one place? Where is citywalk? Is there a book on Universal. Is Universal like MGM? Any help would be great.
Tara :)

[gschmerl]

I have never been to Universal. I have been to WDW many times and we want to try something new. What do I need to know? Are the parks all in one place? Where is citywalk? Is there a book on Universal. Is Universal like MGM? Any help would be great.
Tara :)

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are a short walk from one another. City Walk is in between the two parks. It is SO easy to navigate. Stay on site so you can get FOTL and just walk back to your hotel when you want a break from the parks.

[etink67]

Citywalk is located between the two parks (Universal and Islands of Adventure). When you park in their parking deck you enter Citiwalk and then pick which park you are going toward. Are you going with kids? Universal has a few wilder rides (mummy) and 4d shows (Shrek), a Jimmy Neutron ride, the Men in Black ride. It has different areas like New york, San Francisco, Amityville etc. It seemed easier to navigate to me than MGM.

Islands of Adventure is a set of Islands with their own theme (Marvel superheros, Lost continent, Seuss landing, Comic book). It has some wilder rides, more coasters a few rides that get you wet and the Superman ride.

You can get guidebooks just for Universal. Both parks are a lot of fun.

[IMGONNABE40!]

The book most recommend is the one by Kelly Monaghan. I forget the name. I am sure you can find a reference to it on these boards. You can find Kelly posting here on the Universal Boards from time to time.

[Taratink]

Great info. I will be traveling with my DH, DS6 and DD4. How long does it take to explore these parks? We will be staying at a timeshare by downtown Disney and I am curious how long it will take to get to US/IOA from DTD? I was not a big fan of MGM so I really hope that I will like US/IOA. I love cartoons like all of the marvel caracters and Jimmy Neutron (even though I am 30). What kind of characters will we see walking around?
TIA,
Tara

['Canes Fan]

DTD to UO is about 10 minutes depending on traffic. both parks are a day each to explore, depending on your children's heights and interests. rugrats usually greet guests out front of US, with Spongebob, Shrek & Donkey, Scooby-Doo, Curious George, the Madagascar crew inside along with others. they're great parks, have fun. :)

[the Dark Marauder]

I love cartoons like all of the marvel caracters and Jimmy Neutron (even though I am 30). What kind of characters will we see walking around?
TIA,
Tara
USF: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Spongebob, Jimmy Neutron, Marilyn Monroe, Doc Brown, Pharoah stiltwalkers, the Blues Brothers, Woody Woodpecker, Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Curious George, the Man in the Yellow Hat, Angelica, Tommy Pickles, Chucky (rugrats), Dora the Explorer, Crash Bandicoot, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Fred and Wilma Flinstone, Barney and Betty Rubble

IOA: Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Dudley Do-Right, Popeye (cartoon style), Olive Oyl (cartoon style), Bluto, Woody Woodpecker, Merlin, the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, Guy (Sam's friend), Thing 1 & 2

[Taratink]

Great! My kids will love to see those characters. Do they sign autograph books?
Tara

[momof3disneyholics]

Yes, my son has a book full of their autographs.