9/26 - 10/5 Questions: Uni & IoA

[Golightly01]

Hi all,

Bringing our 9 year old to Orlando for the first time 9/26 (arriving evening) - 10/5 (departing morning) -- a first-time visit for the entire family. I've been to Universal Hollywood many times but am new East Coast resident.

Questions:

- What days are better to visit Uni & IoA during our trip (Saturday, 9/27 - Saturday, 10/4)? We'll be staying at the Pop Century and doing the Disney parks and Sea World as well.

- Do you feel we'll need express passes for this time of year? If so, can we buy at the gate or should we purchase online ahead of time? We already purchased our park tickets through AAA.

- Any advice for meals? Good eats? Places to avoid? Money-saving tips?

- While the Halloween nights will be happening during our visit, will this affect our park experience in any way? Will some rides be closed? Also, will anything be "scary" during the day? Our 9 year old has an active imagination and hates being scared...

- Any other visit trips from you old pros???

Thanks a ton, in advance!

 

[khertz]

Hi all,

Bringing our 9 year old to Orlando for the first time 9/26 (arriving evening) - 10/5 (departing morning) -- a first-time visit for the entire family. I've been to Universal Hollywood many times but am new East Coast resident.

Questions:

- What days are better to visit Uni & IoA during our trip (Saturday, 9/27 - Saturday, 10/4)? We'll be staying at the Pop Century and doing the Disney parks and Sea World as well.

- Do you feel we'll need express passes for this time of year? If so, can we buy at the gate or should we purchase online ahead of time? We already purchased our park tickets through AAA.

- Any advice for meals? Good eats? Places to avoid? Money-saving tips?

- While the Halloween nights will be happening during our visit, will this affect our park experience in any way? Will some rides be closed? Also, will anything be "scary" during the day? Our 9 year old has an active imagination and hates being scared...

- Any other visit trips from you old pros???

Thanks a ton, in advance!

I doubt you'll need the express pass at that time of year. It was dead when we went first week of October last year. We even had express pass for all of the rides since we were staying on-site, but it wasn't really needed for most rides. I would think that the weekends would be more crowded because of the locals.

The Halloween nights won't affect your visit except that the parks may close a little earlier in the evening to set up the haunted houses. Nothing will be closed because of HHN during the daytime, and nothing will be scary, except for some signs, if that may scare him. I have some pictures that will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

 

[LilMommyBug]

Hi,

I'm not an old pro, but...

If I were you, I would wait to buy the Express passes when you get there & can see what the crowd levels are.

Food recommendation - Mythos! It's awesome.

HHN happens after the park (Studios) closes. I don't think it will affect you at all - I haven't been then, so I'm not sure if there are any decorations up during the day or not.

 

[khertz]

See?? No people!!

 

[Melanie230]

Hi all,

Bringing our 9 year old to Orlando for the first time 9/26 (arriving evening) - 10/5 (departing morning) -- a first-time visit for the entire family. I've been to Universal Hollywood many times but am new East Coast resident.

Questions:

- What days are better to visit Uni & IoA during our trip (Saturday, 9/27 - Saturday, 10/4)? We'll be staying at the Pop Century and doing the Disney parks and Sea World as well.

- Do you feel we'll need express passes for this time of year? If so, can we buy at the gate or should we purchase online ahead of time? We already purchased our park tickets through AAA.

- Any advice for meals? Good eats? Places to avoid? Money-saving tips?

- While the Halloween nights will be happening during our visit, will this affect our park experience in any way? Will some rides be closed? Also, will anything be "scary" during the day? Our 9 year old has an active imagination and hates being scared...

- Any other visit trips from you old pros???

Thanks a ton, in advance!

Well Hello! We will be there at the same time. We arrive on 9/28 and leave 10/3.

I would say the best days would be any weekday. If you are saying that you need to pick one of those Saturdays, I would pick the first one 9/27. HHN will be starting during that week.

Just buy the express pass when you get there if you need it. You can get one at Guest Services. Just get to the park at the opening and you should be ok most of the morning.

Margaritaville is really good, so is Hard Rock Cafe. If you want to eat inside the park go to Mythos at IOA. Bubba Gumps is also very good. Use your AAA card at most places and you will get a discount on your meal.

No HHN will not close any rides, nor will you see anything scary. That starts at night after the park is closed.


You are going to love Universal. We are US/IOA junkies. Our kiddos love it. You can also check here: http://www.orlandocoupons.com/direc...=1&PHPSESSID=2f2a9d21ab78403ec8a19cb2738f487f for coupons to the resturants located at Universal/IOA or Citywalk. Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[Metro West]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What they said!

 

[pcaek]

We have been there the last two years the first week of October and you will definitely not need to spend the money on the express passes. All lines were short and we finished at the park before the day was over.