Can we do US/IOA in 2 days?

[DizneeCM]

We're staying at RPR for one night after a week at WDW. It will be our first visit to the Universal parks. Do you think we can manage to fit everything (within reason) in? We have two young teens. We'll be leaving for the airport at about 3:00 p.m. on the second day.

Also, which park requires more time?

Does US have any rides where you get wet?

Which rides should we make sure to fit in?

 

[ksdave]

You can do both parks, but make sure you are at the gates before opening. Another big help will be if you know where all the major attractions are before you get there, so study the park maps on the Universal Orlando site.
I think your park touring plans depend on whether you are big thrill-ride fans or not. If you are, focus on rides like The Hulk, Dr. Doom, Spiderman, Dueling Dragons, and the three water rides at IOA. At USF, definitely do Revenge of the Mummy, MIB, BTTF, T2-3D, and Shrek. There are quite a few other rides and shows, but these are the top attractions IMHO.
The only attractions at USF where you might get a little wet are Twister and Jaws, but you should dry out within minutes. At IOA, JPRA, Dudley, and Bluto will get you wet, very wet, and drenched, respectively.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We got drenched at Jurrasic Park. The funny thing is that I had just told my DH and children that we'd just get splashed on, since that is what happened to me when I'd been there in February. We were so wet and thankfully mostly prepared to get wet. They didn't trust me after that! We were at the front of the boat both times.

T&B

 

[robvia]

USF takes longer because the attractions have a pre-show, where you move from room to room like Disney. Then the show itself takes about 15 minutes.

If you really want to see everything, you arrive to IOA early, take a lap going clockwise around the park, then head over to USF to see some shows.
On your second day, you decide which is your favorite and see anything you missed.

 

[DizneeCM]

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions. We can't wait to go!

 

[eljojo]

We did EVERY ride and EVERY show at US and IOA in two days when we were in Orlando the last time. Our kids were 7, 7 and 10 at the time, so it can be done! Of course that was in May - we are going in August this time, so I'm not sure what that will mean in terms of line length.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by ksdave
The only attractions at USF where you might get a little wet are Twister and Jaws, but you should dry out within minutes.

After your trip in May, you'll add an attraction to that list, ksdave. My MUMMY told me so.

 

[Beanie]

We got SOAKED at Jurassic Park!! I didn't realize how wet you got on that ride, but DH and I were in the front with my parents and we were drenched! LOL It was December too, so I had on jeans! Great ride though!!

 

[ksdave]

DM;
I always stand against the front railing in the handicap "bump-out" at Twister. Love the feeling of the rain and wind on my face (must be a Kansas thing). Will ROTM get us wetter than that?

 

[Slacking]

Originally posted by the Dark Marauder
After your trip in May, you'll add an attraction to that list, ksdave. My MUMMY told me so.

I hope they pump the water back up to what it was on the first day of TR. The amount of water was ridiculous, but I loved it!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by ksdave
DM;
I always stand against the front railing in the handicap "bump-out" at Twister. Love the feeling of the rain and wind on my face (must be a Kansas thing). Will ROTM get us wetter than that?

I'll have to try that, then compare.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by Slacking
I hope they pump the water back up to what it was on the first day of TR. The amount of water was ridiculous, but I loved it!

I know!!! I was wondering why I never got as wet the other days. I had figured it was just where I was sitting, but no....unfortunately! It was pretty dang sweet that first day!

 

[disneysailor]

DizneeCM- We did just about all the rides in one day including ROTM with FOTL. I'm sure in two days you could cover everything and repeat your favorites. I wrote a report on the trip page if you would like to see the order we did the rides in. Have a great trip!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by ksdave
DM;
I always stand against the front railing in the handicap "bump-out" at Twister. Love the feeling of the rain and wind on my face (must be a Kansas thing). Will ROTM get us wetter than that?

I couldn't get to the "bump-out" to try, but I was in the front. I'd have to say YES, Mummy does get you wetter, especially the front row.

 

[travellady]

we were just there 2 weeks ago - the week after Easter when it was fairly busy, and managed to get both parks in in 2 days. We stayed at RPR like you are planning, and had FOTL passes so walked on to almost every ride.

Also, we didn't get to IOA until about 1 PM on the first day but it didn't close until 10 PM. the next day we got to Universal about 11 AM and stayed almost until closing.

We did end up going back to IOA the next morning as we had 5 days for the price of 2 day tickets. We had to head to the airport at 3 but managed to hit all the biggies in IOA once more. Got super wet on the Bilge Barges - thankfully it was hot that day!!!

 

[DizneeCM]

Thanks to everyone for all of the info. I read Disneysailor's trip report - sounds like it was great fun!

 

[disneycrazed139]

You can definitely do both parks in 2 days--1 park per day.

Start in the early a.m. for each and you should get to do most of the things you are interested in. There may be an area or two in Islands of Adventure that you might not be as interested in, and you can just skip over that "land." Personally, I didn't think the toon town area was anything to write home about, likewise the Jurassic Park section.

Don't miss: Spiderman in IOA