1st Universal Trip - USF Park

[Jimbo]

If you haven't read the intro, DW and I (both 55) took our granddaughters (13 and 9) to Universal for the first time. We stayed at HRH, and this post will describe what we thought of the Universal Studio park.

Overview:

This park had a few really great attractions, but on the whole we weren't overwhelmed by it. We felt the experience was comparable to MGM, and that's our least favorite park at Disney.

Attractions:

• Shrek 4-D We went on this twice. I'm a big 3-D fan, and I found the visual effects a little underwhelming. I love the Shrek style of humor, though, and this attraction had that in a big way. Make sure you read some of the signs you'll see while you're waiting to get in. And be aware that even with FOTL you'll likely have to wait to get in.
  
  I gave it a B, DW an A. The kids both liked it, although they had big guys in front of them the first time. We all liked getting bounced around in our seats.
  <p>
• Revenge of the Mummy We rode this 10 times, at least. It's really a lot of fun, and even the cowards in our group (DW, DGD13) loved it. It's a quick loading ride, and with FOTL you can practically walk on, even on crowded days.
  
  I gave it a A, DW an A++. The kids both rated it as their favorite ride in either park.<p>
• Men in Black We rode this twice. We didn't think too much of it our first time, but we all enjoyed it more second time. I wanted to do it a third time, but was outvoted. It's another ride that is a walk on if you have FOTL. The downside is that I think you get the same ride every time from the FOTL line.
  
  I gave it a B+, DW a B-. The kids thought it was just OK.<p>
• E.T. Adventure We all agreed that the first half of this was enchanting, but the second half was weird. We're glad we went on it, but once was enough for all of us.<p>
• Terminator 2:3D Underwhelming 3D again, but still a good attraction. DW and I thought the PR woman that hosted the show was really funny.
  
  I gave it an A, DW a B+. The DGD9 liked it, but DGD13 thought it was too loud. BTW - The older has seen all three of the movies, the younger hasn't seen any of them.<p>
• Jimmy Neutron This isn't a great ride, but it was fun enough that we rode it twice. FOTL got us on with just a few minute wait, and it's one of the first rides in the park so it gets crowded.<p>
• Jaws Pretty cheesy, but worth a look. FOTL let us skip a long line of really hot people, but there was no getting away from the heat once you were on the ride. Our first day we tried to ride it in the late afternoon, but it was closed due to lightning storms. So ride it early.
  
  I gave it a B, DW a B-. The kids were expecting something really scary (they saw the movie), and I think they were kind of relieved that it was as mild as it was.<p>
• Twister The preshow with Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton is really a little too serious and ponderous. The attraction itself was pretty cool, although short. We stood in the very front and I thought it felt authentic. DW (who was once in a car that was picked up by a tornado) and the kids were a bit freaked out though.
  
  I gave it an A. The rest of the group was too scared to enjoy it much.<p>
• Earthquake We saw this right after Twister, and I had to assure everyone that it wouldn't be too scary. In the end, they all seemed to like it more than I thought they would. The kids especially like tohe water effects. Kind of a surprising hit with our crowd.<p>

 

[bubba's mom]

[*]Men in Black We rode this twice. We didn't think too much of it our first time, but we all enjoyed it more second time. I wanted to do it a third time, but was outvoted. It's another ride that is a walk on if you have FOTL. The downside is that I think you get the same ride every time from the FOTL line.

MOST times you will get the left track if you have EP.... however, you CAN ASK for the other track.... (very rarely do we ride the right track)...besides, the left side is better for scoring higher anyway!



(again, just noting for others to learn)...enjoying your summary so far

 

[highlander447]

looks like you missed Horror make up show which is one of the funniest shows in USO, like your reviews on the rides