Disney Lover's Perspective...

[Buzz2001]

We just returned from an 8 day stay. We visited US & IOA for the first time. We've been to WDW every year since 1998 but the first time anywhere else so this was big for us. We went with friends of ours from CT.

Going in I knew I would hate it because I'm a Disney diehard through and through. But after visiting both parks, I would have to say I was pleasantly surprised and would definitely go again.

We did US first and I purchased the Express Pass. The park was very managable. We started at 9am and finished by 4pm. I love the EP!! I think that it works great for US. We loved the Mummy, MiB, and Back To The Future. The parks didn't get crowded until around 1pm or so so we were able to do alot before then.

The next day we went to IOA and pretty much had the same experience. Everything went great with the EP, never waiting more than 10 mins for show queues. We loved Spiderman, Hulk, all the water rides, Dueling Dragons, and Jurassic Park. Some of the EP rides were hand check so if they didn't mark the pass, we got to ride it again.

City Walk was nice too. We liked the variety of stores and restaurants they had there.

Overall, I think US and IOA are very nice parks that I would definitely visit again. I thought the CM's did a great job. I was nervous after reading so many posts here about pierced lips and long hair.

The only main difference I notice was in the attention to detail on some of the rides was not up to Disney standards, especially in the Shrek queue, the bricks looked like decals.

 

[Disney5Mom]

Thanks for the great report! Your pictures are wonderful ! I am a devoted Disney lover as well but will be venturing to US and IOA next March with extended family group so I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. How many days would you reccomend to see both parks?

 

[Buzz2001]

Thanks for the great report! Your pictures are wonderful ! I am a devoted Disney lover as well but will be venturing to US and IOA next March with extended family group so I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. How many days would you reccomend to see both parks?

We spent two days there, one at each park and did almost every ride because we had never been there. We also ate lunch there. Finnegan's Bar and Grill was excellent! I had the Guiness beef stew...it was very good. My DW had grilled chicken sandwich and it also was good. My DD had a double cheeseburger from the kids menu and it was huge.

You can comfortably do both parks in 2 days or do all the good rides in both parks in one day.

 

[tmt martins]

ITA they are very nice parks.I really enjoy going to Disney over all. But when it's a ride fest US and IOA are just what the doctor ordered.
I think we will be going on our small trips between of PAP's to fill the gaps.

 

[lindalinda]

Glad you enjoyed your trip! Cant wait til mine!

 

[tinaluis]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. Your pics are great -- they make me feel like I'm there again. We enjoy visiting both the US/IOA and WDW parks on each trip. They're very different experiences, but we love them all! I wish more WDW lovers would give them a try before DISsing them (no pun intended)

 

[Taratink]

We did US/IOA for the first time this past March. I didn't get to do many rides because my kids are young. I couldn't believe how beautiful the parks were. I was really impressed with the grounds. I would like to go back with my husband and no kids. My kids are 4 and 6 and they were a little young and they were too afraid or too short to go on many of the rides. I am glad that you enjoyed your trip.
Tara

 

[Peter Pirate]

We enjoy both for what they offer as well...A pet peeve though is that CM's are at Disney not Universal.

 

[Colorado DISers]

We are Disney freaks, but we are going to mix it up a little this vacation. We are going to stay at Universal for the first time. We will always stay Disney, but if we like it, we may add Universal to our future vacations also.

 

[ChrisFL]

We enjoy both for what they offer as well...A pet peeve though is that CM's are at Disney not Universal.

Yes, I believe the proper term for Universal is TM (Team Member)

 

[Peter Pirate]

I appreciate USF as just another factor in the vacation equation...You know, two more Park choices. But IMO will USF grows older faster, probably because there are only two Parks but also because of the lack of upgrades (very little of consequence has been added lately). But I will say that staying onsite USF is FANTASTIC, especially if you are fans of City Walk, which I am. The two Parks, City Walk and three hotels have a feel much like DL - So self contained.

 

[lindalinda]

We are Disney freaks, but we are going to mix it up a little this vacation. We are going to stay at Universal for the first time. We will always stay Disney, but if we like it, we may add Universal to our future vacations also.

your siggy says you stayed 5 nites a PBH in 2005?

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I'm so glad you gave it a chance and enjoyed yourself. I hope you return sometime soon!

 

[tink too]

We always do both Disney and Universal - we like them all for different reasons!

DD4.5 can't wait to go back on Flying Unicorn again and is wondering if she'll be tall enough for Duelling Dragons and Hulk!

 

[Buzz2001]

I appreciate USF as just another factor in the vacation equation...You know, two more Park choices. But IMO will USF grows older faster, probably because there are only two Parks but also because of the lack of upgrades (very little of consequence has been added lately). But I will say that staying onsite USF is FANTASTIC, especially if you are fans of City Walk, which I am. The two Parks, City Walk and three hotels have a feel much like DL - So self contained.

I agree, very guest friendly.