Universal/IOA help!

[vcgirl925]

We haven't been to Universal or IOA in probably 8 years or more. Since we now have, a son old enough to appreciate things at universal/IOA we'd like to visit.

I don't know where to even begin planning for this. We have been going to Disney every year for the past 11 years. So planning for Disney is a no brainer for us. This is all new territory!

A little info:

Family of 5
Me, husband, DS (8), DD (6), and DD (8m) at the time of travel.
Staying at a villa about 15 min. driving distance from all major theme parks
Dec. 28th - Jan. 7th.
We are HUGE Harry Potter nuts!
Have a 5 day disney park pass (probably will use between the 2nd - 7th)
That leaves the 28th - 1st for another theme park.

We know that is probably the busiest time of year for any theme park.

Do you have any advice to make this trip as successful as possible? What attractions are musts? Is there a FP equivilent at uni/ioa?

 

[Metro West]

Do you have any advice to make this trip as successful as possible? What attractions are musts? Is there a FP equivilent at uni/ioa?

If you aren't staying onsite during that time, you will need to get to the parks very early if you want to do WWoHP. It's going to be extremely busy and crowded that whole time. Do the best you can.

Universal has the Express Plus passes but they are not free and are very expensive during that time. I would skip those because of the added cost and Forbidden Journey does not accept EPs.

 

[vcgirl925]

Thanks! We will be sure do get there before opening.

Are there any rides that are MUST do's for my son (8, 50"). He like's roller coasters but not loops. He loves HP.

Also is there much for my dd (6, 42")?

I just want to make a must do list. I'll try to get to those and all the other rides we'll play by ear and if we miss them we miss them.

What about food? Any favorites?