Any thoughts about this touring plan?

[kdnmom]

Hi All,

I'm a Disney near-veteran, but a Universal newbie, trying to plan a couple of days at US/IOA. I'm a major planner, so I thought I'd post our plan to see if anyone thought there were any flaws in it. Thanks in advance for any input!

We are going to be at a conference at the Contemporary, staying overnight 7/30. We have reservations at PB for 7/31 and 8/1, and are flying out of Orlando early in the morning on 8/2. Our family is myself, DH, DS9 (almost 10), DS5, and DS3, and our primary focus will be WWoHP for DS9's bday. We have 2 day base (not hopper) tickets.

We're going to try to leave the Contemporary early in the morning on 7/31 and drive to Universal to check-in and pick up our keys for FOTL access (recognizing that the room won't be ready yet). We'll do US on the first day, since we won't get there in time for early entry for WWoHP. We'll try to do all of US in time to get the kids back to the room for a reasonable bedtime. Then we'll get up early to go to WWoHP early entry at 7am on 8/1. Head to Ollivander's first, then FJ, regular line, leaving the stroller with our bags parked outside. Take all of the kids through the line to see the castle, then baby swap to ride (DS9 will get to ride twice). Then we'll do some shopping in WWoHP, ride the other 2 rides with FOTL, eat early lunch at 3 broomsticks (with butterbeer!), and head out to the rest of IOA. Take a break at hotel for nap mid afternoon, then head back to IOA to try to do whatever we haven't yet, and head back to WWoHP to see it in the evening and re-do whatever.

Sorry this is so long! Does this plan seem to work? Any comments are welcome and very appreciated!

Thanks!!!

 

[Melanie230]

No matter how you tour...you will love US/IOA! You might also be surprised...we have gotten to HRH at 8:30am and our room was ready! It just depends on how booked the hotel is. Either way...PB will take your luggage and secure it for you until your room is ready! Have a blast...we can't wait til we go!

 

[kdnmom]

Thanks, Melanie! I'm sure we'll have a great time, especially DS9 who is a HUGE Harry Potter fan! Great to hear that sometimes rooms are ready that early.

 

[Metro West]

I agree with Melanie...you will have a great time!

 

[Melanie230]

I also think it is a great idea to do US/IOA after Disney. It is so much more relaxing than Disney (to our family). I can't wait to see Harry Potter as well. We watched the WWoHP being built but we haven't seen it completed! Not to mention...we are surprising the kids. So the waiting is killing us!

 

[Planogirl]

I think that your plan sounds good. Keep in mind that FOL doesn't apply to the slow-loading Pteradon Flyers either so you might want to cover your kids' eyes when you pass those. The same is true of Rip Ride Rockit if anyone in your group would want to ride.

I bet that you'll have a blast!

 

[macraven]

kdnmom, it sounds like you have done your homework and know how to work the parks already!

when you are at the studios, take in barney.
the littles will enjoy it very much.
woody woodpecker land will also be fun for all 3 of the kids.

try animal planet in that same back section of the studios.
it is a nice show with live animals for all of you to share together.
don't miss the one cat that is in that show.
the kitty opens the event.

try to see as many of the characters for pics and autographs while i the studios.
guest services can give you places and times if the ones you want are not on the park map guide.

on the second day you do ioa, take some time to explore seussland.
kids like the colorful area and tame rides.

i'm an adult and i love it....

even though your time is short, it looks like your plans will let you cover everything you planned already.

go and have fun!

drop us a line when you return and tell us how you enjoy the vaca there.





my only thought:

arrive as early as you can for the early entry for IOA.
you will be way ahead of the other onsite guests by doing so.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I think.....you're going to have fun!

One thing I would add: wear swimsuits and ride the water rides before heading back to the hotel for your midday break. They will get you soaked!

 

[kdnmom]

Thanks for the input everyone! Your comments and suggestions are much appreciated!