A few questions from a frazzled person

[Gryffindor_Mouse]

I'm a fretter, I'm sorry to say. I'm trying to get all the information we'll need but I'm getting a bit confused and overwhelmed.

We're going to US/IOA for a couple days in Oct. We're staying off-site, because the US hotels are just far too expensive, but we aren't renting a car. The hotel is not far away from the park at all, but it is still off site and this poses a couple of problems since we won't have a car.

It's my understanding that if we get a multi-day pass, we can park hop between US and IOA, but correct me if I'm wrong. Does this include Citywalk? I thought I saw that it comes with a pass into Citywalk but I can't remember where I saw it now. And that raises the question that if it comes with a pass to Citywalk, is it also a multi-day pass?

Seeing as the parks close so early in Oct, are there other things to do in the area, other than Disney? I'm thinking more close to walking distance around the parks. My parents aren't really clubbers, and we can go to the movies at home. How about restaurants? I know there is stuff at Citywalk but we're also looking for other options too.

I thought about going to HHN one night. Just how scary can it get? I know 2010 is just rumor and speculation right now but it's more of a general question I guess. Would someone who isn't really a fan of scary movies have any fun at all?

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

It's my understanding that if we get a multi-day pass, we can park hop between US and IOA, but correct me if I'm wrong. Does this include Citywalk? I thought I saw that it comes with a pass into Citywalk but I can't remember where I saw it now. And that raises the question that if it comes with a pass to Citywalk, is it also a multi-day pass?

There are multi day passes for just one park, or multi day passes which have "Park to Park Access", so if your ticket is the later, you can park hop between US and IOA. If you are visiting CityWalk during the day, you won't need any tickets to shop, eat, etc. It's only if you are visiting the paid entertainment venues (the clubs) at CityWalk night that you'll need the CityWalk pass - which is included with a multi day ticket.

Seeing as the parks close so early in Oct, are there other things to do in the area, other than Disney? I'm thinking more close to walking distance around the parks. My parents aren't really clubbers, and we can go to the movies at home. How about restaurants? I know there is stuff at Citywalk but we're also looking for other options too.

CityWalk has a variety of restaurants, as do the onsite hotels. I'm sure someone else can chip in with things to do within walking distance of Universal property, as when we've visited, we've always had a car.

I thought about going to HHN one night. Just how scary can it get? I know 2010 is just rumor and speculation right now but it's more of a general question I guess. Would someone who isn't really a fan of scary movies have any fun at all?

HHN is a very intense - in your face - scary event. Here's a thread of FAQs that will help you decide if it's right for you ... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2277224

 

[Gryffindor_Mouse]

Ok, so assuming the parks are closed, which in Oct that would be around 7pm, we can still go to Citypark and walk around and eat without that pass?

And thanks for that link. I think HHN may be a bit more than we can handle. lol That kind of stinks, because from what I can find online it looks like fun. But I get the feeling there is a vast difference in watching videos from YouTube and actually being there.

 

[ZYanksRule]

There's no ticket needed to go to Citywalk.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Ok, so assuming the parks are closed, which in Oct that would be around 7pm, we can still go to Citypark and walk around and eat without that pass?

And thanks for that link. I think HHN may be a bit more than we can handle. lol That kind of stinks, because from what I can find online it looks like fun. But I get the feeling there is a vast difference in watching videos from YouTube and actually being there.

Yes that is correct ... you can still eat at the restaurants in CityWalk, the CityWalk pass is for the clubs only. IOA usually closes at 7pm on HHN nights but the Studios closes at 5pm.

And yes, HHN is very intense. If you're looking for something similar to MNSSHP, HHN is definitely not it!!

 

[Gryffindor_Mouse]

Gotcha. Good then ^_^. If nothing else, at least we can mill around Citywalk for a while.

LOL I'm actually kind of bummed that it's THAT intense really. There are videos on YouTube of people scaring the &^$% out of everyone that had me rolling. Not so sure I could do it myself though. Like I said, there is probably a vast difference in watching it and being there, and I'd hate to shell out that much money to find out which way we'd swing on it. Oh well.

 

[bartola]

We went last year with my 12 and 14 year old sons and I told them to keep in mind that these are hired actors whose job is to scare visitors and we had a blast... we were laughing when they tried to make us scream "in our face". For me, it was more of a great show "at large" with all the props, the make ups, the scary sounds, the fog... The house/laberiths are incredible... They do not touch you and you can't touch them either. There are security TM everywhere. Go for it!

 

[aubriee]

Yes that is correct ... you can still eat at the restaurants in CityWalk, the CityWalk pass is for the clubs only. IOA usually closes at 7pm on HHN nights but the Studios closes at 5pm.

And yes, HHN is very intense. If you're looking for something similar to MNSSHP, HHN is definitely not it!!

Exactly which places can you not go into without the City Walk Pass. I'll be staying at RPR and want to eat dinner most nights at City Walk. Which places will I not be able to get into without a pass?

 

[Metro West]

Exactly which places can you not go into without the City Walk Pass. I'll be staying at RPR and want to eat dinner most nights at City Walk. Which places will I not be able to get into without a pass?

You can go to any restaurant in CityWalk without a pass. The CityWalk Party Pass only takes care of the cover charges for the clubs. If you aren't going to any of the clubs, you won't need one. However...most multi-day tickets include the Party Pass but you'd need to check your ticket information.

 

[Gryffindor_Mouse]

We went last year with my 12 and 14 year old sons and I told them to keep in mind that these are hired actors whose job is to scare visitors and we had a blast... we were laughing when they tried to make us scream "in our face". For me, it was more of a great show "at large" with all the props, the make ups, the scary sounds, the fog... The house/laberiths are incredible... They do not touch you and you can't touch them either. There are security TM everywhere. Go for it!

LOL the videos and pictures look incredible, but I'd be going on a weekend. It's very expensive just to see if I could take it or not, even with the Stay and Scream thing. *shrug* No big loss. Halloween isn't my favorite holiday anyway. I get the feeling that money will be thrown to goodies from WWoHP, instead.

On that topic, if I go as nuts as I think I will and buy tons of stuff (I've been waiting for Harry for 3 years, I'm coming home with lots of stuff, lol), I can have it sent up to the front of the park or something and pick it up when we leave, right? I'd hate to haul it around all day.

 

[patster734]

Some restaurants start charging a cover fee in the late evening, usually around 9pm. Here's info about the party pass from Universal's website:

Enjoy unlimited one-night club-to-club access and incredible music and entertainment at Universal CityWalk®.

Enjoy all night access to:

CityWalk's Rising Star
Red Coconut ClubSM
Jimmy Buffett's® Margaritaville®
Bob Marley - A Tribute to FreedomSM
the grooveSM
Latin Quarter
Pat O'Brien's®


Don't Forget: You receive FREE CityWalk Party Pass access with your multi-day theme park admission.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Ove...ts.html&expID=13-5793&contentID=13-1139&seq=1

Also, you won't have to pay a cover charge at a restaurant if you're already at the restaurant prior to when it takes affect. For example, Pat O'Brien's has a really cool Dueling Piano Bar that we can listen to all night long. Pat O'Brien's starts charging the cover fee at 9pm I believe. So we'll arrive between 7pm and 7:30pm, avoid paying the cover fee, while getting a good seat in the piano bar.

 

[divawife]

Are kids allowed in certain restaurants for the entertainment? If we get out of the park at 7:00 pm and then go to a restauarant after? Also, the dueling pianos sound like fun. Any of these entertainment places G-rated? Or are kids totally frowned upon and not allowed anyway?

 

[lachica]

I can have it sent up to the front of the park or something and pick it up when we leave, right? I'd hate to haul it around all day.

Yes you can. You have to exit WWoHP and go into one of the shops in Lost Continent, they will send your items to Trading Company shop at the entrance of Islands of Adventure. It takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to get delivered there.

 

[patster734]

Are kids allowed in certain restaurants for the entertainment? If we get out of the park at 7:00 pm and then go to a restauarant after? Also, the dueling pianos sound like fun. Any of these entertainment places G-rated? Or are kids totally frowned upon and not allowed anyway?

At Pat O'Brien's, the piano bar has an age 21+ restriction after 9pm. I believe the restaurant section will allow children until closing.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Cit...ens.aspx?ComponentId=3577&SourcePageId=7805#4

As for the other Citywalk restaurants, some have age restrictions, while other's don't. Universal's website shows that Bob Marley has a 21+ age restriction after 9pm. I also found a 21+ age restriction for The Latin Quarter but I don't know if it's just that one night or every night:

Ladies Night
Thursday nights • 10pm – close
No cover for ladies until midnight
Must be 21+ for admission

The party is on for ladies this Thursday night at Latin Quarter! From 10pm til 2am, Latin Quarter becomes the place for ladies with a flavor all its own. Join Gaby Calderon from Rumba and enjoy DJ Leony spinning the latest hits to keep the dance floor moving all night long.


Free select drinks for ladies until midnight
$3 Don Q drink specials all night

The other restaurants didn't reflect any age restrictions on Universal's website. In fact, I just checked Margaritaville's Orlando website and this was their policy on kids:

Age Restrictions
We are family friendly, so we allow all ages, all the time. We do however recommend leaving the kids at home if you’re coming to enjoy the nightclub.

http://www.margaritavilleorlando.com/index.php?page=policies

As for the clubs, both Red Coconut Club and The Groove reflect a 21+ age restriction, while Citywalk's Rising Star didn't on the Universal Studios website.

One other piece about the Groove is that they do have a teen night:

Teen Nights
Wednesday nights • 8pm - midnight
$10 cover
Must be age 15-19 for admission

Grab your friends and hit one of the hottest dance floors in Orlando with an awesome mix of today’s best hip hop, R&B, dance, and more. With a blazing sound system, state-of-the-art lighting, and three themed lounges, it is the place for Orlando teens to come out and party.


Cover includes one FREE soda
Great specials all night
Valid photo high school ID or driver’s license required
Proper dress required

 

[lachica]

As for the clubs, both Red Coconut Club and The Groove reflect a 21+ age restriction, while Citywalk's Rising Star didn't on the Universal Studios website.

Rising Star is 21+ not sure if the have a teen night. Sunday & Monday there's no live band.

 

[patster734]

Rising Star is 21+ not sure if the have a teen night. Sunday & Monday there's no live band.

Thanks for the correction! I wish that the Universal Studios website would have shown that.

 

[divawife]

Thank you so much for the information! I just kept picturing all of us trying to eat really fast to get out before the entertainment starts!