Can we fit all of this in? (Early January)

[olive]

It has been so long since I was at universal that I am basically a newbie, and IOA didn't exist yet. Sorry this is long, but i wanted to provide as much possibly helpful info as i could for you experts. We have an infant and an adventurous 5 year old, and will be staying on site January 5th (Saturday) through the 8th (Tuesday). When he was 3, our son first rode - and LOVED - tower of terror at DHS. Hopefully that gives an idea of how hardy he is. We are planning on visiting the parks Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I understand there could be tour groups this time of year, and that we can use our express pass for most attractions. I read through lots of threads, a guide book and some other websites to get an idea for what my son would be tall enough for and interested in. He loves the boneyard and honey I shrunk the kids playgrounds at Disney, so I think the play areas at universal and IOA will also take up some of our time. Because of the baby, my husband and I are planning on switching off going on rides with height restrictions with the 5 year old. We will probably make it to early entry at least one of the days, but I am not counting on it for all 3. The list of what I think we want to hit is below. Three questions:
1. Can we actually fit this all in with three day park to park tix at a 5 year old (ie, sometimes running from ride to ride and sometimes stopping to stare at shiny things) pace and considering that we don't know our way around? We would hope to hit each attraction once and be able to repeat a few each day.
2. Can we even do the water attractions in January (maybe with ponchos?) or should we strike those assuming chillier weather?
3. Did I miss something a five year old might enjoy?

At universal -
Beetle juice show
Horror makeup show
Twister
Disaster (think he will get a kick out of his since we live in NYC and he loves riding the subway)
MIB (assume we will repeat this one)
Simpsons (assume repeat)
Terminator? (Can probably skip if we can't fit it in)
Shrek
Animal actors show
Woody woodpecker coaster (assume repeat)
Curious George play area
ET
Despicable me
Fievel's playground
Barney playground

IOA -
Spider-Man (assume repeat more than once; Spidey is his favorite)
Hippogriff (assume repeat)
Ollivander's - planned for first thing on an early entry morning or during an evening
Jurassic park ride (assume repeat), playground and discovery center
Bilge rat barges (assume repeat)
Ripsaw falls (assume repeat)
Sinbad show
Poseidon's fury
All of Seuss area (assume repeat cat in the hat)
Storm force
Me ship the olive play area
Walk through hogwart's castle

Thanks a million times for thoughts. Learning all about new (to us) parks is overwhelming! I really think our superhero loving son is going to have a blast. We are so excited about visiting universal and IOA!

 

[RMulieri]

I would add forbidden journey to your list.He might not make the height requirement , but you and your spouse can swap off and it is worth it.It is one of the best attractions in Orlando if not the best.
Expect larger than normal crowds, and not just because of tour groups.Many schools are out on recess till Jan 7th and that will make it busy.
The water rides literally SOAK you..Think bath with clothes on.So unless it is hot, you may want to skip.Also be aware that one of them might be down for rehab.They rotate thru them for rehab and in Jan there is usually one down.
Be aware that the shows often run around the same times as each other so those are what will be the rate limiting step.
You should definitely get it all done in those 3 days.

 

[olive]

If we can squeeze it in, I would love for my husband and I to experience FJ. I don't think we can understand the ride fully until we do! Sounds very exciting.

Should we expect considerable waits even with the express pass?

 

[RMulieri]

If we can squeeze it in, I would love for my husband and I to experience FJ. I don't think we can understand the ride fully until we do! Sounds very exciting.

Should we expect considerable waits even with the express pass?

Not really sure..Usually even at the busiest times it is less than 30 mins.The Express pass is truly wonderful and we were sooo spoiled by it.Kind of hard to go back to fastpass now..LOL

 

[cheerky]

If we can squeeze it in, I would love for my husband and I to experience FJ. I don't think we can understand the ride fully until we do! Sounds very exciting.

Should we expect considerable waits even with the express pass?

If you plan to walk through the castle with the kids, I suggest riding FJ single rider. We have been able to ride FJ single rider in less than 15 minutes when the park was packed and standby line was 120 minutes. Note: the single rider queue bypasses some of the incredible theming in and around the castle.

 

[snoopboop]

If we can squeeze it in, I would love for my husband and I to experience FJ. I don't think we can understand the ride fully until we do! Sounds very exciting.

Should we expect considerable waits even with the express pass?

Just to be clear - you canNOT use Express on FJ. (Nor on Rip Ride Rockit.)

 

[olive]

Sorry - didn't mean to be unclear. I meant considerable waits for express generally for the attractions we plan on visiting. I did read that (sadly) we can't use it for FJ and some others.

 

[macraven]

waits in the express lines for rides shouldn't be over 15 minutes.

if a ride goes down, then the above doesn't apply.