Any Info on First Trip to Universal/IOA?

[GotFids]

Hi all! Hoping to get some advice on Universal and IOA. I'm sorry as I'm sure this has been asked to death...but my computer is not cooperating lately and I can't seem to get the search to work...always times out...or getting system busy, so here is a common question being asked again! We'll be there for 9 days in Jan with 2 kids ages 11 and 16. We will be doing both wdw and universal. How many days would you think is needed for Universal/IOA? My 16 y/o DS is the one that really is excited about going, since we've never been there. my 11y/o DD is okay, but she is NOT a very adventurous rider, and more than likely will be sitting out waiting for her brother and dad to finish riding. I'm excited to just be exploring past WDW! Also if you have any other suggestions for the area...I'd love to hear about them!

TIA!! Julie

 

[mecllap]

When your computer is working again -- there is a whole forum here with lots of US/IOA info. In Jan, 1 day per park is probably enough, since the crowds will be lower and you may want to skip some of the rides that get you wet (IOA has several opportunities to get wet). A 3-day visit gives you chances to do stuff you might miss, and redo some things, and check out some of the details. Be aware that they do not have free fastpasses -- they sell Express Plus Passes (unless you're staying in one of their hotels -- then you have FOTL included); price varies by season. And they only allow you once on each EP ride (maybe you wouldn't need/want one in Jan). Check that out on their Web site when you can. As with WDW, if you start early in the morning, you'll be able to get on more rides with less wait. Some people claim that they can "do" US/IOA in one day -- but it seems like they'd be missing a lot, and just high-grading.

 

[Kristina]

We always do 2 days but can't resist going to both parks so we start with IOA and head straight for Hulk then Spiderman! We do one loop around and ride almost everything really then head on over to Universal making sure to go straight for the big ticket items such as Mummy then doubling back. I think I'd do one day with both parks and then save the other 8 for Disney. There are great fun rides in both IOA and Universal for your younger daughter to enjoy as well including Jimmy Neutron at Uni which is a not to rough simulator type ride perhaps more for kids but I love it so don't miss that one!

 

[cardaway]

We're planning three days which worked perfectly last time. One day for each park and the third for repeats or things we didn't get to the first two days.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

We're planning three days which worked perfectly last time. One day for each park and the third for repeats or things we didn't get to the first two days.

This is a perfect plan for many people. For my family to make it a true vacation w/o additional parks to tour we do Universal alone, stay onsite for 5-7 days and totally get immersed in the resorts, parks and citywalk. I have to have a cabana day! LOL