Contemplating in going to Universal

[FatCow]

The title says it all. My plan in for the month of November, just for the maximum of 2 days. I don't like roller coasters so I guess IoA is out of the question.

How about the studio itself? Do they still have the backlot tours and such?
How long, realistically, it will take for me to do all the rides and watch the shows?

 

[babar41]

If you have never been to US before, you are really in for a treat! The biggest thing to remember is ... don't try and compare it to WDW. It is like comparing apples to oranges! Although they are both theme parks, that is where the comparisons end!

My DH and I went to US for the first time this past November. We planned for 3 days, and I was afraid that there wouldn't be enough for us to do. I am not a big roller coaster person, and I really don't like wet rides, especially ones that you get soaked from.

Well, it turns out 3 days wasn't enough! Even though you don't like roller coasters, you will want to see IOA. There are some rides that aren't roller coasters, but even if you didn't ride a ride, there is so much to see!

To my knowledge there are no backlot tours. As far as how long it will take you to ride the rides, are you staying on property and have FOTL, or are you off property? FOTL is GREAT! I am a Disney fanatic, but FOTL has FP beat hands down! November isn't crowded unless you are going over T-day.

I would suggest getting the book "Universal Orlando" by Kelly Moraghan. Gives you all the info on rides and shows.

Hope this helps. You are going to have a great time!

 

[phamton]

The backlot tours are only for Universal Hollywood and Disney/MGM. There are only two big coasters in Islands of Adventure (Hulk and Dueling dragons). You will have plenty to do at both parks.

 

[FatCow]

The only US I've been to was the one in California, and that was more than 15 years ago. I remembered how much I enjoyed the backlot tour, Miami Vice live show, but that's all I can remember.

So they don't have backlot tour at all? That's disappointing (to me) to say the least.

Should I choose to go there, I will be on site to get FotL privilege.

Also, during the same trip, I will also go to WDW (and stay on property) to experience "Soarin'", the new "IaSW" and the Motor Stunt Show at MGM.

 

[phamton]

Universal Hollywood and Universal Orlando are very, very different theme parks. They share a few rides but other than that they are completley different. I say give it a try; you'll never know unless you go. You may find out, like many of us here, that you like it as much or more than Disney.

 

[FatCow]

On the website I saw:

Earthquake and Jaws, aren't they part of a backlot-tour-like attraction similar to MGM's "Catastrophe Canyon"?

I remember that at US Hollywood the backlot tour includes "Battlestar Galactica", "The Parting of Red Sea", "Jaws", a flood scene, "Earthquake", "King Kong", and a ride on a wrecked bridge.

 

[phamton]

At Universal Hollywood, Jaws and Earthquake are part of the back lot tour. At Universal Orlando, they are actual rides. You go on a boat like Jungle Cruise at WDW but with Sharks in the water. Rather than a jungle it is the town of Amity. Earthquake is on a trolley car and is a ride.

For pictures and explanation of all the rides check out these sites:

Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios Orlando

 

[FatCow]

Is it safe to say for me to buy the 4-park Flex Ticket if I want to stay for 3 days at US and IOA plus SeaWorld (one day enough?). I want a more relaxed trip, not commando style.

 

[phamton]

One day is plenty for Sea World. 3 days would be great for Universal/ IoA. One day for each park and then one day for all the shows and anything you missed or wanted to do over.

 

[Sandyincanada]

I don't like coasters but I ride every other ride except the Hulk and DD...tried the Hulk once. There is tons to do at both parks and the shows are really good. If your thinking of not going into Dr Suess because its for kids, go! Its too darn cute to miss.

Our family loves DW but prefers Usf/IOA, there is so much more for us to actually do there.

 

[Disney Dee]

I don't do coasters either, but I love IOA, much more then coasters in this wonderful park!