Any Advice for First Timers?

[KimandBrian]

My DH and I will be taking our DD3 to Universal for the first time this weekend. Does anyone have any tips for us? DH has been to Universal but it was a long time ago. DD and I have never been.
We have 3 days to spend in the parks and we're thinking about purchasing the FL resident seasonal pass since it is pretty inexpensive.
Currently we're WDW AP holders and we generally make it there one weekend a month. We do the usual park openings there, FP and mid-day breaks. Should we or will we need to keep the same strategy? Is Universal or IOA as busy as MK this time of year? Are crowds levels generally equal?
We will be staying off-site and not at a resort, if that helps with any tips.

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

 

[bubba's mom]

If you're staying off-site, get there early. You can take a mid-day break and go back later. Don't know about crowds, but damo just got there today and she could probably enlighten you as to the crowd levels.

 

[yaytezIOA]

There is a sticky thread FAQ at the top of the page that might help out with some questions you have.

 

[Melisa1]

Have a great trip and get there early!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We just got back two weeks ago and there were NO crowds! You practically walked right on every ride and no wait to eat lunch or dinner anywhere! It was great!

 

[kirbsam]

one thing that is very evident is the parks are dead in the first two hours or so...for whatever reason universal tourists are pretty laid back, so if you get there about half hour before park opening, they may open the gates before the parks officially open. that happened this past thursday thru sunday and the parks werent even that crowded. we got front of hulk and walked on spiderman at ioa before 9.

 

[Dismom+two]

The last time I was there....lets see....ummmm April of 2005...the kids and I got there before the gates opened...we were able to get so much done before the crowds really started. I would recommend this to everyone!
We are going again this April and am planning on doing the same...however we have a bigger group....6 total...Just have to make sure DS14 is the first to get up and have plenty of time to get ready!!!

 

[Grand2me]

I can't WAIT to go back to Universal in April! I love Disney but Universal has better park food. I actually don't mind paying for it. Your kids are going to love Universal. I have no idea about the crowds because the last time we went it was June. It was hot and crowded. You can bring snacks into the park just like Disney. Three days for both parks? Well maybe because you have kids. The last time we went we did IOA in a few hours, no problem. We even had time to spare.

 

[Mainebound]

one thing that is very evident is the parks are dead in the first two hours or so...for whatever reason universal tourists are pretty laid back, so if you get there about half hour before park opening, they may open the gates before the parks officially open. that happened this past thursday thru sunday and the parks werent even that crowded. we got front of hulk and walked on spiderman at ioa before 9.

this has been our experience the last three visits as well.

To the OP -- our boys were 2 and 4 their first visit and they have INSISTED we go back every year since (now they are 5 and 7).

also, there are no fastpasses for free like at WDW. You can purchase Express Pass booklets at the gate which give you express access to each ride one time.

 

[bubba's mom]

also, there are no fastpasses for free like at WDW. You can purchase Express Pass booklets at the gate which give you express access to each ride one time.

........or stay onsite and get "permanent fastpass"