1st time US and IOA visitor with same old questions!

[TexasKellye]

Hi,

My DS (4.5) and I are lucky enough to tag along with my DH to a convention he's attending in Orlando. We'll be arriving October 16 and leaving the 21st. We were in Orlando last year during October, but only visited WDW. We'll actually be at the Dolphin, but this year, I wanted to take my little guy to US and IOA. He loves big thrills and chills and will want to ride everything he's tall enough to ride, so I think he'll really enjoy these two parks. My questions are:

1. How do I get to Universal from the Dolphin? Err, how do I get there inexpensively, rather!

2. Will the Universal parks be crowded in October? From what I've read this is off peak season, but it sounds like the HHN draws a big crowd in October. Is paying extra for the Universal Pass (I think that's what it's called? That you get to use once for each ride?) worth it? At this point, I'm thinking I'll just use the standard pass service that anyone can use--like Disney's fast pass. Sorry I don't know the names!

3. I recall getting rained on a bit last year in October (which wasn't a big deal at all) but I don't remember if it was warm enough to swim and/or get wet. I understand some of the rides at US and IOA get you pretty wet and that Seuss Landing (I think that's what I read?) has a place for the kiddoes to get wet? Is it warm enough for us to enjoy those things? Do we need a change of clothes, or would we dry out okay?

I'm sure these questions have been asked and answered before, but I couldn't find the threads. I appreciate any answers, advice, and suggestions!!

Thank you!!

Kellye

 

[robvia]

Welcome aboard.

The best way to visit USF/IOA when staying at Disney is to rent the car. Since you are going to a convention, I assume you'll already have the rental car paid for by the company. Here is my page with directions in pictures.
http://www.nogodforme.com/directionstoioa.htm
Otherwise, you hire a limo service. There are a few favorites, Happy Limo, FL Tours (advertises here), and Mears which is the big one on Disney property.

Yes, HHN draws huge crowds, but during the day, the parks are very quiet. If you show up early, you can tour either park with short waits. In the late afternoon, everyone arrives for HHN.

Yes, it's warm enough to do the water rides in October. Your kids will get wet, and have a great time in the play grounds. There are lockers near the front of the park you can rent for $5 if you want to put a change of cloths in them. Otherwise, you can bring extra cloths in a bag, and hang it on a stroller.

 

[TexasKellye]

Thanks robvia!!

The directions on your website are fantastic; the pictures really help out a lot. I'm reading your attack plan right now.

Again, thanks for the information and the link to your great site.

Kellye

 

[Erin12303]

Your directions with photos are very helpful!

Would this also work heading from MCO to RPR?
Thanks!
Erin

1st Universal trip in 38 days!