A few newbie questions to get us started

[Figment&Piglet]

We're planning our first trip to US/IOA (have been to WDW lots of times, so feeling like a newbie is foreign), so I intend to spend a lot more time here, but have a few initial questions to get my research started:

Is there a Touringplans Crowd Calendar or Ridemax-type site or product for US/IOA? Just wondering if it's a "Do-it-yourself" kind of thing, or if such things exist. (We love both for WDW.)

We are planning to go the Sunday and Monday AFTER Easter (hoping most people will be going home) so lower crowds. Is it very important to plan to stay in a US resort for FOTL access, or are we fine beginning to plan without that perk as just regular day guests.

Am sure I'll have more questions as we get into it. Thanks!

 

[RMulieri]

Orlandoinformer.com
is a good site and has a crowd calendar

 

[Sandy321]

I also am planning my first trip to Universal - so I have been spending hours reading all the sticky threads, going back to page 3 to read all the questions already asked - and still come up with questions!!

So thankful for those that have patience (mods ) and continue to answer our questions! I'm really looking forward to a great experience thanks to those on these boards!

We're going during DD Spring Break (High School - last week of March) so I know to expect crowds, and took the advice and booked one of the onsite hotels - I was able to book 2 nights since mom is coming and paying for one night!

We just got back from Marathon weekend at Disney - and it was wonderful not having to look at a map, not having to be confused on what we did or didnt want to do (we almost went on Stitch - I mean, shouldnt everyone go once? )

My newbie Question: Are there character meals? I read about the 3 Broomstick Breakfast, and the more I read I think we'll eat there for lunch instead of breakfast... still debating, so any advice in that area will be appreciated! I loved the links on the first page of the sticky for Food here -

 

[macraven]

We're planning our first trip to US/IOA (have been to WDW lots of times, so feeling like a newbie is foreign), so I intend to spend a lot more time here, but have a few initial questions to get my research started:

Is there a Touringplans Crowd Calendar or Ridemax-type site or product for US/IOA? Just wondering if it's a "Do-it-yourself" kind of thing, or if such things exist. (We love both for WDW.)

We are planning to go the Sunday and Monday AFTER Easter (hoping most people will be going home) so lower crowds. Is it very important to plan to stay in a US resort for FOTL access, or are we fine beginning to plan without that perk as just regular day guests.

Am sure I'll have more questions as we get into it. Thanks!

yes, there are crowd calendars.
i don't know if they are changed at the last minute when UO makes changes.
the app times are only as good as the people that are putting the times in for it.


if you check out the page on www.universalorlando.com about the purchase of express tickets, you will get an idea of what UO expects on dates for crowd levels.

if you see the epp (express pass plus) selling for $25 and under, that reflects a lower crowd park day.

if the epp sells for $45 and up, the crowds could be moderate to high.
it depends on the cost of the epp.

UO does increase the epp at times.
if you buy the epp when it is lower, and then it increases, you do not pay the extra.

https://secure.universalstudios.com/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=UO&C=IUEP

it looks good for your dates on crowd levels based on the epp costs.

if you stay onsite, you will not have an issue during your vacation stay.
you are allowed to use the express lines with unlimited usage.
if you buy the epp, they are valid for one time only usage per ride/show.

the only lines you might run into are for counter service or restrooms.
other than that, i think you will be fine for doing all you want to do in the parks.

I also am planning my first trip to Universal - so I have been spending hours reading all the sticky threads, going back to page 3 to read all the questions already asked - and still come up with questions!!



My newbie Question: Are there character meals? I read about the 3 Broomstick Breakfast, and the more I read I think we'll eat there for lunch instead of breakfast... still debating, so any advice in that area will be appreciated! I loved the links on the first page of the sticky for Food here -

there are character dinners at the 3 onsite hotels.
the days of the week differ for them.
(they rotate between the hotels on specific days)

you order off the regular menu and the characters are present during the dinner hour.
they spend a lot of time with the guests.

simpsons and scooby doo characters are the only ones i have seen.


anyone can eat at the hotel restuarants.
take the boat taxi from city walk to the hotels.

breakfast with spidey, thing 1 & 2, etc is at Confisco Grille.

no lunch characters at the parks or hotels.