After reading, I still need help!

[PebblesMK]

I've read quite a few threads trying to find answers to my questions but I'm not finding everything I need, so here is yet another thread asking for help!

We've done disney a few times but my daughter finds it kind of boring. I was planning on surprising her on her birthday (she will be 15) with a trip to orlando to see family, but what trip is complete without something fun to do? I would like to take her to universal and I know there are two parks, but that's about all I know. So here are a few questions:

1) How many days is sufficient for seeing everything (we are only in town for maybe 4 days and don't want to spend every day there)?

2) We will be in the day after thanksgiving, are crowds going to be crazy?

3) What hotel is the best deal or is closest? Do they have transportation to the parks?

4) Neither my kid or myself has ever read or seen any Harry Potter books/movies. Will we still enjoy that area or will it make no sense? Also, I keep reading about a train? Hog warts maybe? I'm not understanding that at all!

5) I was trying to find the different parts of each park on Universals website but had no luck. It just kept giving me the same links (could be because I was on my phone). I'm not even sure what's there! Are there other websites that could help?

6) And finally, do they offer a dining plan or character meals like Disney? What are some of the best places to eat at either park?

That's all I can think of for now, if there are any "must do" things, or things that I'm not thinking about in my planning, please let me know!

 

[bumbershoot]

While I cannot comprehend the concept of a teen who hasn't read HP, there are those here who say it can be enjoyed without knowledge of the stories. The train is explained in the first book. In the parks it's a way to go from one Wizarding World to the other, going through backstage areas, without seeing backstage.

Can't help with length of stay. We go as long as possible. Our very first trip, when we thought we were only going for HP, was 4 days in the parks.

Stay onsite at a deluxe and you just walk or boat or pedicab over to the parks. Staying at cabana bay is about the same but I havent been there yet.

 

[Darcy03231]

I've read quite a few threads trying to find answers to my questions but I'm not finding everything I need, so here is yet another thread asking for help!

We've done disney a few times but my daughter finds it kind of boring. I was planning on surprising her on her birthday (she will be 15) with a trip to orlando to see family, but what trip is complete without something fun to do? I would like to take her to universal and I know there are two parks, but that's about all I know. So here are a few questions:

1) How many days is sufficient for seeing everything (we are only in town for maybe 4 days and don't want to spend every day there)?

2) We will be in the day after thanksgiving, are crowds going to be crazy?

3) What hotel is the best deal or is closest? Do they have transportation to the parks?

4) Neither my kid or myself has ever read or seen any Harry Potter books/movies. Will we still enjoy that area or will it make no sense? Also, I keep reading about a train? Hog warts maybe? I'm not understanding that at all!

5) I was trying to find the different parts of each park on Universals website but had no luck. It just kept giving me the same links (could be because I was on my phone). I'm not even sure what's there! Are there other websites that could help?

6) And finally, do they offer a dining plan or character meals like Disney? What are some of the best places to eat at either park?

That's all I can think of for now, if there are any "must do" things, or things that I'm not thinking about in my planning, please let me know!

1. A minimum of two days, one for each park.

2. We were there that week a couple of years ago and the crowds were moderate.

3. One of the on-site hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific or Cabana Bay). You can walk or take the water taxi. The first three also offer the unlimited express pass (kind of like Disney's fast pass). If you don't want to stay on-site there's a Double Tree across the street. Also, there are quite a few hotels on International Drive that offer shuttle service.

4. I took my Mom who's a huge HP fan. I never saw the movies or read the books and had a great time. I ended up reading all the books after that trip.

5. I believe utube has some videos of the parks.

6. They do offer a dining plan that is similar to the quick service plans at Disney. We prefer to just pay OOP. It isn't like Disney where you have to make reservations 6 months in advance to get a seat.

Have a great trip!

 

[damo]

Since you are still planning, I suggest you go through the stickies in this and the resorts forum. It will help you decide where to stay and where to eat. Also, the universalorlando.com website is fantastic and has pretty much everything you need to know. I suggest you use an ipad or laptop to explore through it. It should answer pretty much all of your questions.

I also suggest you read a couple of the Harry Potter books. Even though it isn't necessary to know the story lines, it just makes the Harry Potter areas that much better when you have a connection to them.

It is no different than doing WDW with no knowledge of any Disney characters or storylines. You will still enjoy yourself but it is more interesting when you have some prior knowledge.

 

[HM2012Butler]

1) Depending on the time of year, you can usually do both parks in one day. Since you'll be going for around the holidays, you may want two. It depends on your style. If you "want to hit everything" then two days will be plenty of time. You won't need four days.

2) Over the last 15 years or so Orlando has seen a jump in crowds around Thanksgiving. It will be crowded but not as bad as Christmas and New Year.

3) Between growing up as a DVC member and then living in Orlando, I have never stayed at a Universal Resort. The cheapest Universal resort will be Cabana Bay. If you stay at Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay or Hard Rock, you will get Universal Express (Similar to the Fastpass but you can use on all rides with less restrictions than the fastpasses). All resorts provide transportation.

4) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) is simply amazing. The themeing is spot on and the attention to detail is impressive. They really hit the nail on the head. IMHO I do not hink you need to be a HP fan to enjoy WWHP. You may not understand everything and you may not need to go in every store but you should enjoy spending time there. It is a must see. Currently the hot spot of the theme park industry in Orlando. The Hogwarts Express is a lot of fun but its simple. You won't have any idea whats going on but if you could use a relaxing ride it is fun. Again, the quality of work is amazing.

5/6) I have listed two links below. This site is very helpful. If you scroll to the bottom if each page, they list the lands and each attraction in them. They also rate each attraction. They do the same for dining locations.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal_studios_florida/
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal's_islands_of_adventure/

I hope this is helpful. If you have any additional questions, I'd be happy to (try to) help.

 

[wookiebeck]

For first trips, I like to recommend the headliner rides. You can visit for one day, that will only whet your appetite though.

Teens LOVE the headliner coasters, HP rides, Spiderman and Jurassic Park. Just like WDW, you will not 'see it all'. Just manage what time you have to get the high quality stuff and you will have a blast.

The trick is to get DD from bugging you about the next visit and next after that...

 

[macraven]

Since you are still planning, I suggest you go through the stickies in this and the resorts forum. It will help you decide where to stay and where to eat. Also, the universalorlando.com website is fantastic and has pretty much everything you need to know. I suggest you use an ipad or laptop to explore through it. It should answer pretty much all of your questions.

I also suggest you read a couple of the Harry Potter books. Even though it isn't necessary to know the story lines, it just makes the Harry Potter areas that much better when you have a connection to them.

It is no different than doing WDW with no knowledge of any Disney characters or storylines. You will still enjoy yourself but it is more interesting when you have some prior knowledge.

i think like damo on this one.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

I always stress to know the layout of the park, any park. Park maps are on the universal website, and as mentioned before, use something other than your phone. To speak in Disney terms...Islands of Adventure is Magic Kingdom like, a big circle (instead of a castle in the middle, its a lake). If your intent is to see everything, I guess it doesn't matter which way you go. Timing the water rides in late November could be tough. Early is most likely out of the question, so go right when you get there. As far as location, the water rides are in the same area Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and maybe Haunted Mansion are. As for Universal Orlando, it is most like Hollywood Studios or whatever they call it now...not a horribly difficult park to navigate, but if you zig instead of zag, it will cost yourself a few hundred yards possibly, which could add up over a long day.

As for HP world, my wife loved it and has never seen the movies or read the book. However, like me, she has been to many different theme parks across the country and really, really appreciated the attention to detail. I am not sure a 15 year old cares about that. Heck, if she doesn't, there is still Butterbeer! Get the frozen, even in November! It will make sense after the first taste. Again, in Disney terms, I guess the cult following is similar to the Dole Whip, but so much better...not that I am biased.

As mentioned in other posts, I would recommend staying at least one night on site. Honestly, it is difficult to really get the vibe from your post - 4 days in Orlando, not all of them in the park, making a 15 year old excited, best deal vs. proximity, see everything. Some of these conflict, and the deluxe hotels are not cheap, but they answer almost all of those questions. They are the closest, they are the best deal, they are awesome! All of the posts talk about Express Pass...read the sticky on it. In my opinion, they are the equivalent of if Disney gave you a fast pass for almost every great ride (Harry Potter basically excluded) for the entire day, and then told you to use it as many times as you want for the entire day. They negate your worries of crowd level. Walk on most rides, maybe wait 5-10 minutes on some. There are some horror stories, but the longest I have seen is a 20 minute wait on a ride or two. If you can swing the price, staying on site can change your entire view on theme park vacationing. And don't be surprised if your 15 year old's favorite part is the hotel pool area, they are all grade A+!

Dining at Universal is just so different than Disney. Not always in quality, although I think it is better, but in planning. No 180 day advanced planning ADRs, you can get a good seat almost anywhere, anytime. Look at the sticky on this forum about where to eat. All of the menus, current pricing, with a little planning, you can really lock in your food budget almost exactly. No surprises.

Overall, I took a hesitant 15 year old on my 15 day excursion in 2012. We visited Disney, Sea World, Discovery Cove, WonderWorks, UO and IOA, stayed one night at Hard Rock, one night at Royal Pacific. A real sampler platter of Orlando -she loved the Hard Rock pool, the Royal Pacific theming, and Universal Orlando best. Not one for coasters, she still found plenty of rides she liked, and even made it through the Mummy.

 

[hydrotony]

Universal let Google Earth into the parks and there are street views throughout. Give them a look. They are not very current though. I don't think Transformers or Diagon Alley were built when taken.

 

[PebblesMK]

I tried to quote everybody but failed miserably! Thanks for all the links and ideas. We are going to orlando to see family and will only be in town for about four days so I didn't want to spend every day in the parks since that defeats the purpose of visiting! I did look into the hotels and the prices seem quite reasonable, think it was $140 a night and if that includes the "fast pass" thing, it's not bad at all.

Somebody mentioned something about water rides and going on them first. Are these the type that you get wet? I avoid water if I can help it! (Except to shower hahahaha). I'm going to do some research with all the info I've been given and I'm also going to read at least the first Harry potter book and will bribe my kid to read it too. I may be back with more questions!!

 

[hydrotony]

Water rides... Jurassic Park River gets you wet, Dudley flume gets you soaked, Bilge Barges gets you drenched.

 

[macraven]

I tried to quote everybody but failed miserably! Thanks for all the links and ideas. We are going to orlando to see family and will only be in town for about four days so I didn't want to spend every day in the parks since that defeats the purpose of visiting! I did look into the hotels and the prices seem quite reasonable, think it was $140 a night and if that includes the "fast pass" thing, it's not bad at all.

Somebody mentioned something about water rides and going on them first. Are these the type that you get wet? I avoid water if I can help it! (Except to shower hahahaha). I'm going to do some research with all the info I've been given and I'm also going to read at least the first Harry potter book and will bribe my kid to read it too. I may be back with more questions!!

$140 a night for the day after thanksgiving doesn't sound like it is the deluxe onsite hotels.
maybe you saw that price for cabana bay which is universal's value resort on site.
you do get early entry with that hotel but no free express passes.

i haven't been on a water ride at the darkside and come off dry yet.
if you are only going for one day and you mentioned in your first post it will be the day after T day, it could be chilly and not hot that day.
too far out to really say how the temps will be.

with only one day in the park, i would skip the water rides.
if it is a must do for you, do the water rides the hour before you leave the parks.
it is dreadful to walk around the parks all day with wet undies and wet shoes......

the only ride where you might not get wet would be jurassic park ride.
it's a hit or miss depending on where you sit on the boat (end of row) and how full the boat is.
i find the boats that have every seat filled, people do get wet.
with very few in that boat ride, not as wet, sometimes just a sprinkle.

 

[PebblesMK]

$140 a night for the day after thanksgiving doesn't sound like it is the deluxe onsite hotels.
maybe you saw that price for cabana bay which is universal's value resort on site.
you do get early entry with that hotel but no free express passes.

i haven't been on a water ride at the darkside and come off dry yet.
if you are only going for one day and you mentioned in your first post it will be the day after T day, it could be chilly and not hot that day.
too far out to really say how the temps will be.

with only one day in the park, i would skip the water rides.
if it is a must do for you, do the water rides the hour before you leave the parks.
it is dreadful to walk around the parks all day with wet undies and wet shoes......

the only ride where you might not get wet would be jurassic park ride.
it's a hit or miss depending on where you sit on the boat (end of row) and how full the boat is.
i find the boats that have every seat filled, people do get wet.
with very few in that boat ride, not as wet, sometimes just a sprinkle.

I went back to look at prices and yup, I was looking at cabana bay! I wonder if I could get a Florida resident discount on the room from a family member? Either way, I'm getting super excited now! Again, thanks for the help!

 

[bode1025]

I went back to look at prices and yup, I was looking at cabana bay! I wonder if I could get a Florida resident discount on the room from a family member? Either way, I'm getting super excited now! Again, thanks for the help!

The family member would need to check you in. I can't believe you have a teenager who doesn't know much about Harry Potter. My kids aren't avid fans but enjoy both areas immensely. They have seen the movies though. We live in south Florida and go several times a year. You will have a great time.

 

[macraven]

what bode 1025 said...

the family member that is a floridian resident, could make the booking for the room
have then add you on the reservation
they would have to be the one that checks you into the hotel.

i have relatives living in florida but they have no desire to hit the parks or hotels.
i make my own plans and sometimes/rarely they do come to visit for a brief time.
they tell me to come visit them after i leave the motherland/darkside.

hopefully yours are different and enjoy staying on site and being at the parks for a fun time.

 

[PebblesMK]

what bode 1025 said...

the family member that is a floridian resident, could make the booking for the room
have then add you on the reservation
they would have to be the one that checks you into the hotel.

i have relatives living in florida but they have no desire to hit the parks or hotels.
i make my own plans and sometimes/rarely they do come to visit for a brief time.
they tell me to come visit them after i leave the motherland/darkside.

hopefully yours are different and enjoy staying on site and being at the parks for a fun time.

I believe at least two of my cousins work at a Universal and the rest work for Disney, not sure if they'd want to spend more time than necessary there, but they like my kid so they'll probably tag along! And as much as I like my family, we've done parks with them before and since they've "been there, done that", I feel like I can't take the time to soak in all the small details. One of my cousins would be great to take to the Harry potter area as she's really into it and could possibly explain things to us simpletons. Hahah. Though I do plan on reading at least one book before we go.


I'm still not finding things as easy to plan as Disney, but I have quite a while. I'm really not getting the proximity of the hotels to the parks. They're all within walking distance?

What are the best, most unique places to dine?

 

[PebblesMK]

The family member would need to check you in. I can't believe you have a teenager who doesn't know much about Harry Potter. My kids aren't avid fans but enjoy both areas immensely. They have seen the movies though. We live in south Florida and go several times a year. You will have a great time.

Mine isn't into movies or reading (crazy right?). She pretty much plays her piano as a form of entertainment. I am going to try to convince her to read the books or watch the movies. For me, it just seems too fictional and I tend to prefer books that are factual and non-fiction, but my mind is open and really, millions of people love the series so that says something! Here's hoping we love it as well!!

 

[macraven]

the studios and ioa are side by side.
wouldn't take over 5 minutes to walk from one park to the other for adults.

i haven't read a parry hotter book and could never get into those movies.

i can do the potterland stuff and find it very entertaining and have fun in those 2 sections.

you don't have to know the story line to enjoy those sections of the parks.



it will wow you with the details in those areas of the park.