3 days of Universal & IOA while staying off site

[senorak]

This was our first visit to Universal and IOA and I was a bit worried about staying offsite (long lines). However, we found that by going in the morning---20 minute drive from Orange Lake Resort---and getting there by 8:30, we could walk on virtually any ride until about 11a.m. I had bought my tickets from AAA months ago---3 day pass for the cost of a 2 day pass (with additional AAA discounts)---what a bargain!!! The first day, we spent the morning at Universal---walked on MIB, Back to the Future, Hanna Barbera, ET, Twister, Earthquake and Woody's coaster. Short wait at Jaws and Terminator with a longer wait at King Kong. Walked over to IOA just to check out the rides...by 11:30, all lines were incredibly long and no timed tickets left for Hulk or Spiderman, so we went on rides in Seuss Landing (maximum 10 minute wait) then ate lunch at NBA City. Headed back to the resort for swimming. Second day, we arrived by 8:30 a.m. again and did IOA ---walked on Hulk 2x (could've gone on several more w/o wait, but wanted to try other rides) and Spiderman 2x. Only Riders on Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park ride; then on to Flying Unicorn and Poseiden's Fury (mistake taking my kids, ages 12, 7 and 5 on this "adventure"---they were scared to death!!!). chilled out by returning to Seuss Landing and more kiddie rides (again, no wait). Left for lunch at Nascar Cafe; then over to Universal----did some character signings, checked out Nickelodeon area (long line to get into the studio) and watched some shows. Happy hour at Jimmy Buffet's then back to resort for swimming/rest. Our last day, we did IOA in the a.m. (back on favorite rides and others we missed) then home for lunch/swimming. WEnt back to Universal at 6p.m. and walked on Jaws, King Kong, MIB and long wait at Woody's Coaster. We got to see/go on all the rides we were hoping to...with very little wait. While I'm sure that staying on property is a great time saver.....I didn't mind staying off property at all. WE liked these parks better than Disney...the CM were extremely friendly and helpful...everyone was smiling! Will definitely return to Universal and IOA!!!

DEB

 

[Jo-Anne]

Thanks for the report Deb. Sept will be our family's first time too. We have a 6 yr old and 3 year old. Can you tell me the rides or attractions that your 5 year old really enjoyed? Also, how was the food at NBA and Nascar? Thanks, Jo

 

[senorak]

My 5 year old loved both "family" roller coasters---(Flying Unicorn and Woody Woodpecker's), Cat in the Hat, CaroSeussel, One Fish/Two fish, ET and the "Storm" spinning ride. He went on Spiderman, MIB, Back to the Future, Twister---but was frightened by some aspects of those rides (didn't cry; but clutched me) and would not go on those rides a second time. HE was absolutely terrified in "Poseiden's Fury" (as was my 7 and 12 year old). He enjoyed meeting the characters and loved both restaurants. Both are a bit pricey, but the food is good. ANd both have interactive games (for a fee)---basketball shootout, video games, sports realia, etc. and all my kids loved the atmosphere of the restaurants. BTW...my 7 year old is the "fearless" one in the family---she went on Jaws and Kong twice...and wanted to go on "Hulk"; but wasn't tall enough. My boys (5 and 12) tend to be more "skittish" and stick to the calmer rides. LOL

DEB

 

[alde]

This was our first trip to UA / IOA. We purchased the 5 day multipark pass which I thought was an incredible bargain, especially in light of what it cost to get into one Disney park for one day.

The reason I am posting here is about the wait times posted at the rides. We arrived at the parks late, usually around 10:30 - 11:30. It was odd as no two days seems to be the same just getting into the parling lot. One day it took about 15 mins to get into the lot, the next --- no wait at all. I really like how Universal lots are set up. No waiting for trollies, trams to take you to the Entrance. Yes, even with the people movers, it's a little more work than Disney, but you go as you please. the only down side I thought was having to walk through City Walk befor getting to the gates and if you wanted to go to US, you had to walk an additional 1/4 mile which was a bit of a pain. They could have designed it differently, but it's obvious why it was desinged the way it is.

Anyway, aside from getting the express passes or having FOTL access, we learned before long that many of the posted times at the attractions were a little misleading. I would say that about 90% of the time, what ever was posted you could divide in two..eg.. a 40 min wait usually turned out to be no more than 20 mins in most cases. Also.. and this is very important... attractions that have shows nearby that hold a very large crowd have very short wait times while those shows are in progress for obvious reasons, but watch out when the shows let out because most if not all the people then rush to the nearest attractions and get on line. I would agree though with the previous post, we hit the park one day as soon as the park opened and literally had no wait at all. Most poeple start to arrive between 10 amd 12.

 

[nhrenee]

Thanks so much for posting. I'm glad you both had fun!