Universal help

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Hi, we are going to Florida from 26 December to 11 January. 1st week is in Windsor Palms, which will be a pretty chilled out week, since it would be a hectic week in the parks! We have been to Disney 7 times and stayed on site, so have seen pretty much everything we want. Have only been to US once back in 2002 and have never been to IOA. I am a HP fan so would really love to go there when we move up to stay in the Westin Imagine from 4 Jan - 11 Jan. I think we would be better getting a 2 day base ticket from reading these threads. We are just 2 adults but if our neices are going with us, there would be 4 teenagers. They depart on 4 Jan , so we would have to go 2 January for 1 day only. What are the crowds like at this time and would be able to do both parks with them in 1 day?? We are all used to rope drops and fast passes so they know how important a plan is when in parks. Has anyone got good prices for tickets, I don't know whether to buy in UK or wait until we get there?? Any advice will be welcome.

 

[DrDoofenshmirtz]

The crowds should be much more manageable after New Year's weekend, so your touring should be much easier than the week before. Of course, there are no guarantees, but I think you'll be alright.

As far as seeing both parks in one (very full) day, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is the parks are right next to each other, a very quick walk from one to the other. Certainly, you should be able to see the highlights of both parks in one day. Obviously, you should start with IOA, and head for Hogsmeade as soon as it opens, and proceed from there.

The bad news is that the highlights is all you will have time for. Maybe a half dozen rides in each park. Maybe a bit more, depending on the crowds. A smaller group moves quicker, but dealing with four bladders and four appetites will slow things down a bit.

I would reccomend a day for each park. Much like at WDW, both of these parks reward an attentive eye, with great theming, some very entertaining shows (I'm particularly fond of the monster make-up show at the studios), and lots of fun rides. Some you will likely want to ride multiple times.

I haven't made it to IOA since HP opened (I'm going in early December, though) nut I can see getting stuck there for several hours, just between the stores, the wand show and the rides.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

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thank you for this - We might be ok - the girls all know it's toilet break as soon as they get in and when one goes, we all go

They want to do the big coasters and I really want to see HP, hubby doesn't even want to go but he has no choice

I am secretly toying with the idea of staying one night onsite, if I can get anything cheap enough. That way I can get 2 days of no queue's. Although that will only work if the neices don't go. I don't think we could get 6 in a room and no way can I pay for 2 rooms

 

[DrDoofenshmirtz]

Well, if you keep your want list down to HP and the coasters (Dragon Challenge and Hulk at IOA, Mummy and RRR at US), I can pretty much assure you that it's very doable in one day, even without staying on property. That wouldn't help with HP Fantastic Journey and RRR, anyhow...no line skipping for those two rides.

Realistically, if you get to IOA for rope drop, you should be able to do all of that, plus Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, Simpsons and a few others in one day.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure there are no on-property rooms that allow 6.

As far as price goes, I'm staying at RP from 12/6 - 12/9, solo, and it's costing me $827.86, including my park-hopping ticket. I could've stayed at HRH for about $50 more, total (but, I've stayed there 3 times already..very good, but wanted something new). I'm sure PB would be more, but I didn't ask how much.

 

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Thanks for this - I think i will get the girls to look at a park map and decide which bits they are interested in seeing and take it from there. I really don't think we can stretch to staying on site, so rope drop it will be.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for this - I think i will get the girls to look at a park map and decide which bits they are interested in seeing and take it from there. I really don't think we can stretch to staying on site, so rope drop it will be.

You might also check YouTube for ride videos so they can see the rides they like.

 

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Thank you Metro West - thats a geat idea !!