Just came back from our first trip to Universal and thought I'd post our experience.
-Overall, I really liked the parks and the rides. It was very clean, people friendly, themeing was excellent.
-We are used to staying on site at WDW, and really missed that we weren't on-site here. We were at an RCI time share closer to WDW. We REALLY needed the ability to go back an forth for a pool break in the August heat. We ended up arriving between 9 and 10 and staying until between 2-4. Never went back in the evening.
-We were able to do everything we wanted in 3 of these "short" days, except Gringotts which consistently had 120 minute waits.
-Everyone loved the stimulator rides, especially Simpsons and Spiderman. I often have issues with motion sickness and was really worried based on all the comments I was reading here - but I did fine. I did take one bonine pill daily. LOVED the original Harry Potter ride. I'll describe it as Soarin on steroids!
-Food was OK (typical), although we did not seek out the best options. We just ate wherever we ended up (quick service).
-Went to SeaWorld and were not impressed at all. Most of the rides were not open yet when we arrived at 9am. The Artic ride was completely out of service. Staff did not seem friendly or helpful. Dolphin show was disappointing - more birds and acrobats then dolphins. We did the flume ride, saw penguins, dolphin show, and shark walk-though (this was very cool) and left. To be fair, we may have not given it enough of a chance. We were frustrated and hot and just went over to Aquatica.
-We loved Aquatica! Spent a full day there, plus the afternoon after SW. Very clean, huge beach area with plenty of chairs and shade. Wave pool and the 2 rivers were awesome. Loved the faster river. Kids did most of the slides and loved them all. Family slides were a lot of fun. We had minimal waits. The first day we were there it did get very crowded around 2pm. The cashless bracelet was great and the refillable cup woth it here. Food OK.
-Enjoyed Orlando area dinners at Paradisio 37 & TRex (DTD), Miller's Ale House, and Benihanna. Also liked Twistee Treat for ice cream, which was right near out hotel.
-Overall, I really liked the parks and the rides. It was very clean, people friendly, themeing was excellent.
-We are used to staying on site at WDW, and really missed that we weren't on-site here. We were at an RCI time share closer to WDW. We REALLY needed the ability to go back an forth for a pool break in the August heat. We ended up arriving between 9 and 10 and staying until between 2-4. Never went back in the evening.
-We were able to do everything we wanted in 3 of these "short" days, except Gringotts which consistently had 120 minute waits.
-Everyone loved the stimulator rides, especially Simpsons and Spiderman. I often have issues with motion sickness and was really worried based on all the comments I was reading here - but I did fine. I did take one bonine pill daily. LOVED the original Harry Potter ride. I'll describe it as Soarin on steroids!
-Food was OK (typical), although we did not seek out the best options. We just ate wherever we ended up (quick service).
-Went to SeaWorld and were not impressed at all. Most of the rides were not open yet when we arrived at 9am. The Artic ride was completely out of service. Staff did not seem friendly or helpful. Dolphin show was disappointing - more birds and acrobats then dolphins. We did the flume ride, saw penguins, dolphin show, and shark walk-though (this was very cool) and left. To be fair, we may have not given it enough of a chance. We were frustrated and hot and just went over to Aquatica.
-We loved Aquatica! Spent a full day there, plus the afternoon after SW. Very clean, huge beach area with plenty of chairs and shade. Wave pool and the 2 rivers were awesome. Loved the faster river. Kids did most of the slides and loved them all. Family slides were a lot of fun. We had minimal waits. The first day we were there it did get very crowded around 2pm. The cashless bracelet was great and the refillable cup woth it here. Food OK.
-Enjoyed Orlando area dinners at Paradisio 37 & TRex (DTD), Miller's Ale House, and Benihanna. Also liked Twistee Treat for ice cream, which was right near out hotel.
