New to Universal Orlando

[c&m]

This is our first trip to Universal Orlando with our 2 DDs, ages 13 and 16 when we go. (Though we've been to Universal Hollywood before.) We typically just go to WDW and stay in that bubble for a week. However, this time, we have 1 day available before we go on a cruise.

The plan is to get 1-day/1-park Universal passes. We want to go to IOA, since this is where the Harry Potter world is.

Please advise:

1. Is IOA where we want to go for 1 day? What I mean is, is there enough there to keep us busy the whole day for our DDs of those ages? (Yes, I really have no clue and am already feeling rather overwhelmed planning just the cruise and the WDW portions of the trip.)

2. What are the "must-do" restaurants, so we don't wander around aimlessly looking for food? Also, where should we avoid eating?

Regarding restaurants, we are not picky eaters. Regarding rides, our DDs are adventurous and can take rollercoasters. The only thing is that my DH cannot take any rides that can affect his motion; he gets really nauseous.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give us!!!!

 

[canadiankim]

Lucky you, WDW, a cruise, and IOA all in one trip.

Yes, there is plenty to do in a day at IOA, even if there are no line ups (which is unlikely). WWoHP will take a while, by the time you walk through Hogswart but don't let DH ride FJ as it is all about motion. You can read other strings about it but it is not good for those that don't do well. I couldn't do this one. I did Spiderman and that was just about enough to push me over the edge.

I can do lots of coasters and loved the Hulk, Duelling Dragons. Jurasic was a great ride and the water rides of Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Doright were fantastic.

Funny, I can't really remember what restaurants we ate at on our last visit but remember the three broomsticks food looked really good (WWoHP).

Enjoy!

 

[RMulieri]

There will be enough to do to keep you there for the day.WWoHP takes awhile.Since onsite guests get in an hour before the public so if you are staying offsite, there will already be waits for things by the time you get in.Mythos is a TS venue in IOA that gets rave reviews and I have heard good things about the Three Broomsticks for CS .I agree with the PP..Your Dh will not do well with Forbidden Journey

 

[c&m]

Thanks for your answers! That info helps me so much to plan the perfect vacation.

Yes, we are lucky to do a cruise/WDW/US IOA. It's a vacation that pleases everyone in the family and a lure for our oldest DD to join us. She's getting older and wants to spend more vacation time with her friends. So we planned a vacation that we knew she'd enjoy that it'd be too hard for her to say 'no' to.

 

[Metro West]

2. What are the "must-do" restaurants, so we don't wander around aimlessly looking for food? Also, where should we avoid eating?

My recommendations are:

Avoid: Cafe 4 in Marvel Super Hero Island and Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Suess Landing.

Try: Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park and Comic Strip Cafe in Cartoon Lagoon for counter service and Mythos in The Lost Continent for table service.

 

[schumigirl]

We love Confisco Grille in IOA. Doesn`t get mentioned as much as other places but it`s excellent. Great menu and excellent service. We ate twice here for lunch in our two weeks.

Thunder Falls Terrace is also good, it`s counter service and food is good. Chicken and Ribs, best chicken wrap you will ever eat and they do Burgers as well.

I will not eat again in Burger Digs!!! We did NOT like it in there at all. I think there are better places than the 3 Broomsticks.

In IOA, take your time and really take in the themeing and the atmosphere in the park, it`s fantastic and so many little things that you don`t want to miss. We found WWOHP really quietened down after 5.30-6pm. The park was closing at either 7 or 8 when we were there. WW was so lovely all lit up when it started to get dark.

Have fun

 

[macraven]

i enjoy confisco grille and blondies a lot.
if you love gyros, Fire Eaters is the place to go to.

always eat at those places on my trips.


i like marvel land and seuss land and spend lots of time there.
enjoy the adventures of sinbad and mystic rock, really do!

i wouldn't be interested in the water rides if i was going to be there for only one day. you get too wet on them.



but, there is no way i could pass up the studios if i was only there for a one day visit.

too many of my favorites are in that park.

 

[LuvindisCruiser]

We always have stayed in the WDW bubble in Orlando.

We are venturing out this summer to visit Universal and Harry Potter, too.
There is so much to read about !

I know everything about WDW, I have alot of researching to do.

But, I can't wait !

Good tips on this thread, have fun on your trip !

 

[Metro West]

We always have stayed in the WDW bubble in Orlando.

We are venturing out this summer to visit Universal and Harry Potter, too.
There is so much to read about !

I know everything about WDW, I have alot of researching to do.

But, I can't wait !

Good tips on this thread, have fun on your trip !

We are here to help as your questions arise. Don't be afraid to ask.