New to Universal

[C&G'sMama]

We are WDW veterans but have only have been to Universal once. It was 2001, DD was 18mos old and DS hadn't been born. We went to US only.

So now Harry Potter is here, the kids are 8 and 11 and they've been dyin' to go (Okay, so have I) We have read all the books with the kids (a requirment in our house is if a movie is based on a book, you have to read the book first) and they have seen all the movies to date. And the kids saw ET for the first time so we're hoping to get on ET also. Plus my kids love coasters, me not so much, but at 8 and 11 and both very tall for their age, I'm thinking they can go without me. (DP doesn't do coasters at all)

So we were at WDW at the End of May/beginning of June and we had a bounce back offer of 35% off at a Value. So we booked 5 nights in October for a total with fees of $348 for the 4 of us. Our plan is to skip WDW this time and get 4 day park-to-park tix online which looks like it will cost about $650. (If we can swing it by then, we might look at getting APs)

So any thoughts, suggestions, advice for a Universal newbie?

Thanks

 

[damo]

You can do all the queues with the kids and then just do the chicken exit right before the ride. That way, you know they made it there safely. There is such a huge variety of rides and attractions that you should be able to find lots for everyone.

Make sure you read the stickies at the tops of the forums. There is a ton of valuable information.

 

[IdesOmarch]

Big mis-conception with Uni parks is that they are coaster parks like Cedar POint. Actually nothing could be further from the truth. Best quality theme rides really on the planet. Disney is its only competitor in this area IMO. All the best rides are theme rides, with some thrill aspects. But there are only 4 large typical coasters in the parks. And IMO, they are not typical in the sense of Cedar Point types, or some of the 6-Flags parks that have super tall Mega coasters. Not the same thing.

But for me, I like this. Even though I like coasters, I prefer good theme rides a lot more, and Universal has tons. The Mummy, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Spiderman, ET, Jaws, Men In Black, the new Harry Potter ride and area, all the best rides really are theme rides. Now some may disagree with me.

However, for the coaster lovers, Hulk coaster is really great, it is really different than most coasters, I won't give it away, but its really cool. Just don't go thinking its a coaster park, its not at all.

 

[rwdavis2]

You will have plenty of time to see both Universal parks over 4 days. Therefore, I would not skip anything. I would do it pretty much as one might do Disney. Get there at opening and do the popular rides first.

That mean on the IOA day go straight to Harry Potter. On a UA day go straight to the Rip Ride Rocket coaster. Other than that we just do the parks in the order in which we are walking taking note of scheduled show times and then heading back to those when necessary.

 

[C&G'sMama]

Big mis-conception with Uni parks is that they are coaster parks like Cedar POint. Actually nothing could be further from the truth. Best quality theme rides really on the planet. Disney is its only competitor in this area IMO. All the best rides are theme rides, with some thrill aspects. But there are only 4 large typical coasters in the parks. And IMO, they are not typical in the sense of Cedar Point types, or some of the 6-Flags parks that have super tall Mega coasters. Not the same thing.

But for me, I like this. Even though I like coasters, I prefer good theme rides a lot more, and Universal has tons. The Mummy, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Spiderman, ET, Jaws, Men In Black, the new Harry Potter ride and area, all the best rides really are theme rides. Now some may disagree with me.

However, for the coaster lovers, Hulk coaster is really great, it is really different than most coasters, I won't give it away, but its really cool. Just don't go thinking its a coaster park, its not at all.

Other than Harry Potter, that's exactly what I thought IOA was. So thank you.

You can do all the queues with the kids and then just do the chicken exit right before the ride. That way, you know they made it there safely. There is such a huge variety of rides and attractions that you should be able to find lots for everyone.

Make sure you read the stickies at the tops of the forums. There is a ton of valuable information.

That's good to know about the chicken exit.

And I'll definitely start pouring over this forum and getting on Universal's site.

We know Disney like the back of our hands so we know where to go when and when to take breaks etc. As I mentioned we'll be on WDW property but I still think we should be able to manage going back mid-day depending on what time the park is open. Our favorite Publix is in a Plaza on Vineland (I think) off Kirkman so the time between Universal and WDW is not a big deal to us. But I'll start looking through these threads.

You have already been quite helpful.

Thank you.

 

[Metro West]

We know Disney like the back of our hands so we know where to go when and when to take breaks etc. As I mentioned we'll be on WDW property but I still think we should be able to manage going back mid-day depending on what time the park is open. Our favorite Publix is in a Plaza on Vineland (I think) off Kirkman so the time between Universal and WDW is not a big deal to us. But I'll start looking through these threads.

You have already been quite helpful.

Thank you.

As more questions arise, please feel free to ask.

 

[dolphindan1]

Big mis-conception with Uni parks is that they are coaster parks like Cedar POint. Actually nothing could be further from the truth. Best quality theme rides really on the planet. Disney is its only competitor in this area IMO. All the best rides are theme rides, with some thrill aspects. But there are only 4 large typical coasters in the parks. And IMO, they are not typical in the sense of Cedar Point types, or some of the 6-Flags parks that have super tall Mega coasters. Not the same thing.

But for me, I like this. Even though I like coasters, I prefer good theme rides a lot more, and Universal has tons. The Mummy, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Spiderman, ET, Jaws, Men In Black, the new Harry Potter ride and area, all the best rides really are theme rides. Now some may disagree with me.

However, for the coaster lovers, Hulk coaster is really great, it is really different than most coasters, I won't give it away, but its really cool. Just don't go thinking its a coaster park, its not at all.

This is pretty accurate...except for 1 point...theming...both Universal and Disney have great theming...Disney surpasses Universal in its more attention to detail....its close...small things you will see at Universal but are hidden at Disney....I love both places and both have great rides but Disney has just that little extra...perfect example...TOT at DHS can be seen from Epcot but most people dont see it because its colored to blend in with the Epcot architecture...Morroco specifically

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?5344-Tower-of-Terror-under-Exterior-Refurbishment