1 full day 1 half which park?

[ticktock]

I only have a day and a half for Universal/IOA. This is our first time here. Which would you recommend for the half day? Themeing is very important to me (Disney freak). Dh doesn't like rollercoasters, but will do a few for me. I don't mind coasters, but I really do them for the themeing,not the thrill. For example I really want to see the mummy, not for the coaster but for the f/x. So which park has the best themeing and overall "experience"? Thanks.

 

[Shooby doo]

In my opinion US for the full day & IOA for the 1/2.From a theming point of view I think that IOA is by far the weaker of the 2,don't get me wrong Spiderman.Hulk,DD,JP are fantastic rides in themselves but to me the rest of the park let's them down.
SD

 

[PlutoLuvr]

I agree with Shooby, half-day at IOA, full day at Universal. DH & I are always able to do IOA in a half-day, although I don't do coasters, but DH does.

I think it also depends on the time of year you go. My mother and I went down on December 16 last year, arrived at Universal by 9:30 or so, did everything we wanted (no shows), had a long lunch at Finnegan's, shopping at HRC, and about four rides at IOA, shopping at a few places in City on the way out, and we were checking into our hotel at around 4:30.

As for theming, both parks are truly fantastic, IMO. I love the way the "worlds" are laid out at IOA and the music in each one. The Port of Entry is most certainly a very magical spot for our family. Universal feels very much like a movie set to me and very comfortable. I just can't help but smile as I go from street to street. I've never felt rushed at Universal (probably because we dedicate a whole day there, lol).

Hope y'all have a blast!

 

[johde]

Assuming your whole day is the first day, I would park hop and see both parks that first day. Then on the 1/2 day go back to your favorite. Unlike Disney the 2 parks are very close to each other. Park hopping is not that hard.

 

[ticktock]

Can you walk to park hop, or is there a bus/boat? Thanks for the info.

 

[johde]

The 2 parks are just a short walk from each other.Here is a picture from google maps of the area. The circle on the right is where the 2 parking garages meet. From Universal city walk you go right (top of picture) for Universal or left (bottom of picture) for IOA. Both parks share the same pair of parking garages.

 

[diz_prncez]

Yeah, it's a short walk to hop. I say if you are looking for themeing do US for at least most of the full day. I think they have more rides and attractions with great themeing, esp. Mummy, like you mentioned **awesome**. Also, check out some of the shows, I really enjoy them. As far as IoA goes it is really cool just to walk and look around (Like you, I am also really into the themeing). SM is an absolute must, I really like JP stuff as well. For me though, DD and Hulk are just roller coasters and really nothing special . . . no different than coasters at your local Six Flags/Cedar Point/whatever area theme park you have nearby. JMO. Anyways, have a blast!!!!