1st timer to Univeral?

phamton said:
Just go. If you travel that far to get to Orlando, why would you pass up such an amazing theme park as Universal/IoA? Skip MGM if you must as both Universal and IOA have much more to offer.

Can't comment on IOA, but I definitely disagree about Universal. We had a good time and there are some great attractions. We enjoyed it enough that we are planning on spending a day at both IOA and USF on our next trip. But if we had to make a choice between Disney-MGM and USF, we would definitely pick MGM.
 
Oh we are going to MGM. And we are also going to US/IOA. I just know from reading these boards that after a trip to Universal, you can tell the difference in the magic of Disney and Universal.
 
crow11ad said:
I just know from reading these boards that after a trip to Universal, you can tell the difference in the magic of Disney and Universal.

Well it seems you have already made up your mind. I personally would wait to form an opinion until you have at least gone to Universal. I feel I have wasted a lot of time answering questions to help you have a "magical" trip.

You do realize you are posting on a Disney fansite board. That alone will color the responses. Try posting on a Universal board like IOACentral.com and see if you get the same Disney bias.
 
phamton said:
Well it seems you have already made up your mind. I personally would wait to form an opinion until you have at least gone to Universal.
Exactly...Universal doesn't go for the "magic" anyway..they go for the thrills. If you like ToT and RnR, you'll LOVE Hulk and Dueling Dragons as well as ROTM. But, as Phamton said, make your own conclusion and I doubt you'll be disappointed in either Universal park. :teeth:
 

Or if U have AAA U can get a 10-15% discount. U definitely need 2 go!!!!! I would help U out but I don't arrive till Fri. at about 5 p.m. I live in Minnesota, and I have APs to Disney and US/IOA, just for the savings I get!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

My wife and I will be in Orlando from Oct. 14-22 Staying 5 nights at the Poly and 3 at Royal Pacific. Have a great time and enjoy!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:


I agree some what with the 2 above comments, although I feel Disney is better themed, I don't feel they have the better rides!!!!!! I Luv US/IOA!!! :wave2: :wave2:
 
I don't think it would matter if you did Universal on your first day. We were undecided about going there because we thought we had too much planned at Disney, but we just took a day and did it, and while it was an expensive day on top of everything else, it was definitely worthwhile.

Be careful about high expectations for Jaws - they don't mention anything on their website, but right at the ticket line there is a sign that it is closed for refurbishment, so it will be closed for a while. It wasn't a temporary sign, it was painted right on the permanent sign that says "Entrance" or something, so I don't think it'll be open anytime soon. Maybe it'll be even better when it reopens.

Even still, there is just enough to fill up your morning at Universal and afternoon at Islands. Arrive early, start at the Studios, head right when you get in the park, and just go counterclockwise around it doing everything, and then hit the shows in the middle. At about that time everyone else will just be realizing that Jaws is closed, and you'll be heading over to Islands.
 
Hey cool...a strategy. But isn't there a big jaws hanging so you can at least get your picture taken? Also, since IOA closes at 6 and US closes at 7 for the day we are going, shouldn't we do IOA first and then US 2nd? :confused3 :goodvibes
 
I think the Studios is better to do first. Everyone gets there, sees the big coasters and says wow, I want to ride that, and heads into Islands. Also, everyone will know that the Studios will be open later so they should go to Islands first. That means there will be more people at Islands. If you go against the grain I think you'll probably have better luck.

But I wouldn't even worry about it, the crowds won't be too big until the holidays. Don't get me wrong there will be a hefty amount of people inside the parks, but compared to peak times, it really isn't that bad. no than 5 - 10 minutes for anything. Most people spend so much time walking around trying to figure out what to do that the actual lines aren't that crowded. If you have somewhat of a plan, know what you want to see, you'll be able to hit all of those things plus things that you weren't expecting to be able to do. And don't be afraid to deviate from "The Plan", for instance you may cancel dinner at Epcot's France to get dinner at Italy. We made several last minute reservations, and several walk-ins, and had success. They like to scare you by telling you everything is "all booked", but when you consider that WDW does not reserve or hold tables, that doesn't mean so much. We had ADR's at Cinderella's Castle for dinner and still waited 45 minutes, but waited less than 5 minutes at the Coral Reef at Epcot without reservations. It all works out with a mix of planning and sponteneity. Just don't be like the guy we saw in the Italy pavilion who made an *** of himself yelling at the hostess that he had booked a table and it wasn't ready. People get very angry when things don't work out just the way they planned it, but you can't let it get to you. Italy was too crowded that night so instead we walked back around to the Land, watched Soarin again and had dinner in the cafeteria there - some great chinese food and the freshest chicken ceasar salad.

Also, having ADR's for every night can get EXPENSIVE. By the third night you'll be longing for a $9 cheesburger and a $3 soda. Plus, if you eat a couple of smaller, cheaper meals at Epcot, you can share a slice of cheesecake in France, get some gelato in Italy. Sorry I'm rambling, i just like thinking about the whole trip, it was so much fun.
 
Hello,

I wouldn't think of going to Orlando without going to US/IOA. I still call it going to "Disney", but to me that automatically includes the Universal parks (Sea World also).

Me and 9 other family members are going to SSR for 8 nights in November and two of those days will be spent at US/IOA and a half day at Sea World. We are bringing my DS3 to Disney for the first time and can't wait to experience the park though his eyes.

If I had to choose between MGM and US/OOA I would choose US/IOA. I do love Tower of Terror and Rock N Roll Coaster, but to miss, Shriek 4D, Terminator, MIB, Mummy, ET, Hulk, Spiderman, Jurassic, and Barney and Cat in the Hat for the young one...

There are just too many good attractions that should not be missed.



Peteyi
 


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