Best tip for newbie planning upcoming vacation to visit US and IoA

[jesszac610]

Bumping...

 

[robvia]

I was amazed at the hordes of people that were heading to IOA yesterday....I sat in a chair outside of Margaritaville with my caramel macchiato and just watched them all go by...this was 10-11 am...that seems to be the time the majority arrives...between 10 and noon...
Karen / MsDis

Right, that's why I keep saying the same thing over and over about everyone showing up at 11am. On the mornings I drive home, I usually visit early, take a lap of IOA for the thrill ride tour, then leave. I'm just amazed at the masses of people coming into the park at 11am. It's like a sea of people walking towards the gates. Noon to 4pm is definately what I would call rush hour at the parks. You don't want to be there during that time, even if you have FOTL. Best to leave, go rest at the hotel, and come back at 4pm for some happy hour drinks.
The only way you would want to stay during this time, is if you want to see a bunch of shows at USF.

 

[NCHeel23]

Universal Studios:
#1 Be there Early! US is not that big and you can knock out alot of rides with little or no waiting. By 10-11 the big crowds start pouring in and it can get crowded! My plan usually is Get there early and ride as many rides as possible. Then grab some lunch and chill. After lunch Go check out some of the shows and then hit the attractions like Twister, Terminator and Shrek. These take in large crowds at a time and the wait is not as long. After you have accomplished everything redo what ever you wish. Once again this park is not that big and can be done easily in one day. If you are staying onsite go grab an afternoon nap!

#2 Take a mister fan. These are a must if it is hot. US sells them all over the place but you will have to cut off you leg to get one.

IOL
#1 IOL is slightly larger than US ( atleast it seems that way) and is themed more. But the same applies here. Get there early. Do as much as you can and then take a break, shop, see a show. After you have done everything then you can take your time redoing your favorites

#2 Mister Fan!

#3 The Jurassic Park line can get pretty backed up but the wait has never been nearly as long as the sign said. Many times it said 45min - 1 hour wait but 20 minutes later I was in a boat on the way to see me some dinos. This ride moves very quickly and has many boats running through daily!

Last but not least just have FUN. Don't expect Disney because this is not Disney but it does have it's own unique style of magic which I love and appreciate. HAVE FUN!

 

[iluvwdw_2002]

Thanks for the tips!! Hubby and I will be going to Universal this coming May for four days, and it will be our first trip for both. We will be staying at Royal Pacific.

These tips have been great!! Any thoughts on places to avoid eating at?

 

[bubba's mom]

Any thoughts on places to avoid eating at?

try this thread i started:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=12355801#post12355801