Best theme park tips

[FutureDis]

Maybe this has been done before, but with an upcoming trip, I thought it would be a good one to start!

So what is your best theme park (especially Universal) tips and tricks? Here's mine:

1. Stay on site for FOTL passes (the best!!!)
2. Wear quick dry clothes for water ride days

 

[Spidey7]

I guess one of mine would just be to take advantage of the re-fill cups, that allow you to re-fill at any spot in the parks that have a fountain drink dispenser for 75 cents a re-fill.

 

[Ileana]

I guess one of mine would just be to take advantage of the re-fill cups, that allow you to re-fill at any spot in the parks that have a fountain drink dispenser for 75 cents a re-fill.

Did they lower the price?

I remember it being the price of a small drink to refill....

I don't do the refill cup anymore (less stuff to carry)

 

[Melisa1]

I would have to say - stay on sight for FOTL.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Did they lower the price?

I remember it being the price of a small drink to refill....

I don't do the refill cup anymore (less stuff to carry)

That's for the one-day refill cups, not the regular reusable sippers (unless the price did drop--doubtful).


Tips:
Get to the parks early.

Most of the crowds head LEFT (to Marvel) when going in to IOA. Go right to avoid early morning crowds.

Avoid going during 12/26-12/31 if possible, as that is the busiest week of the year.

Don't eat lunch during lunch rush (12-2). Before 12 or after 2 is best--shorter lines.

STAY HYDRATED.

Enjoy the scenery. There is a lot of detail that is overlooked by people rushing from attraction to attraction.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

-I would add bring flipflops to wear on the water rides if you normally wear sneakers.
-Bring a ziploc bag to protect cell phone/camera. I just wrecked a new Razor phone on a log flume in Williamsburg this summer.
-Slow down and enjoy the view/scenery. We do tend to rush around too much.

 

[bubba's mom]

1. Stay onsite

2. Buy a $5 styrofoam cooler from the grocery store (on yer way) and fill w/ ice and water, juice, milk, etc....(buy breakfast items at store too) to keep in your room. Take with you or leave by ice machine when you leave.

3. Stay onsite

4. Get a lanyard for your ticket and roomkey (you need to flash for EP)

5. Stay onsite

6. If arriving at the Studios after 11am, enter near the Blue Man Group theater from City Walk...less crowds

7. Stay onsite

8. Go early, take afternoon nap/lap, go back (unless staying onsite, then it doesn't matter unless you want on the front of the coasters).

9. Stay onsite

10. Make notice of which "fish" you are in on the One Fish Two Fish ride in IOA

11. Stay onsite

12. Eat at Mythos

13. Stay onsite

14. Make sure you are comfortable in the clothes you are wearing if they get wet...if not, rethink plan.

15. Stay onsite

16. Sit in the front of the boat on Jaws if you don't want to get wet

17. Stay onsite

18. Sit in row 5-7 for Terminator show (best seats)

19. Stay onsite

20. Read the MIB sticky for good scoring tips

21. Stay onsite

22. Don't eat at City Walk after 7pm...prime time...eat earlier

23. Stay onsite

24. See the shows

25. Stay onsite

26. Read my trip report....more I can't remember are mentioned in there, I'm sure

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Go in the off-season and get there early, that way very little needs to be done in the way of planning a park strategy.

 

[FutureDis]

Those are some great tips! I forgot about the ziplocs... need to add them to my list!

 

[andychris14]

tell me more about the refillable cup deal???
thanks-never heard of this!

 

[Spidey7]

Did they lower the price?

I remember it being the price of a small drink to refill....

I don't do the refill cup anymore (less stuff to carry)

I was there the last week of July just a few weeks ago, and yes it was either 75 or 74 cents for re-fills, and the drinkcup itself with first drink was like $6.99 I think, something along those lines. Oh and they are good all week and both parks, so you can buy it the first day and drink cheap the rest of the week!!

 

[Ileana]

I was there the last week of July just a few weeks ago, and yes it was either 75 or 74 cents for re-fills, and the drinkcup itself with first drink was like $6.99 I think, something along those lines. Oh and they are good all week and both parks, so you can buy it the first day and drink cheap the rest of the week!!

That's a great deal

 

[Spidey7]

Yep that is probably one of, if not the best deal at Universal overall.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

A few more tips:

Have your bags open as you reach the bag check. It makes it easier and faster for both you and the security guard(s).

Get the re-usable, re-fillable sipper. You can bring them back year after year after year.

 

[bubba's mom]

I knew I forgot one..... ...... I know it's in my TR, but dunno which day? Anyway, if you are exiting DD, there is a black gate on your right to re-enter the line without walking all the way out and around the queue again.

 

[Metro West]

I knew I forgot one..... ...... I know it's in my TR, but dunno which day? Anyway, if you are exiting DD, there is a black gate on your right to re-enter the line without walking all the way out and around the queue again.

Also...depending on the crowd level, they may have the re-ride door open for DD. Make sure you check before leaving the castle.