Can we do both parks in one day?

[momma22]

This will be our first trip to Universal and with the announcement that the Harry Potter attraction won't be open when we are there (May 31 - June 8), we are now thinking about attempting to do both parks in a day. Honestly, part of us would rather not even give Universal our money since they have raised their prices so much even before the opening which we won't even get to see!! However, our teenagers are thinking they would still like to go. So, is it possible, or will we regret not spending a day at each park??

 

[Metro West]

This will be our first trip to Universal and with the announcement that the Harry Potter attraction won't be open when we are there (May 31 - June 8), we are now thinking about attempting to do both parks in a day. Honestly, part of us would rather not even give Universal our money since they have raised their prices so much even before the opening which we won't even get to see!! However, our teenagers are thinking they would still like to go. So, is it possible, or will we regret not spending a day at each park??

Yeah...I think it would be possible if you arrive a opening and be willing to skip some attractions and/or purchase the Express pass for the park you do second...you wouldn't need it for the first park. Your teens would definately enjoy the thrill rides and coasters. Since it's your first time, you should allow yourselves to relax and tour at your own pace...not rush through everything.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

we usually do.. in fact, today we got to the parks at 9am ish.. and were done by 2pm (we don't do the shows).. we headed home after that
Oh, we did do single riders when ever possible to help cut down on wait times...

 

[EAP'sDAD]

If you are only planning on doing rides, yes. But you will need either to stay on site for FOTL or but an express pass. We did it a few years ago, by accident. But then went back and took our time and enjoyed all the shows.

 

[poeticdiabetic]

Depends on how you do the parks.

If you ride the rides and do that only, sure... both parks can be done in a day. You might even be able to ride rides more than once.

But if you mix in shows, taking pictures, hanging out at CityWalk and trying to enjoy the shops, then you might be pushing it.

 

[myDISboards]

First-timer at Orlando US & IOA. Stayed OFF-SITE (no Express Passes or on-site hotel privileges needed). All attractions for both parks completed in TWO days. My insider tips are arrive when parks open and finish all coaster type rides then do family type attractions. Get in Single Rider lanes only. Here is a photo of HULK coaster at 8:45AM on Saturday (April 03, 2010) with 5-minutes wait and another 8-minutes for front 1st row. I gave an overall rating of '4' (10 is best) for all coaster type rides for both parks.