First time and only 1 day

[cruisesinflipflops]

We are a group of 4 and only have 1 day at Universal Studios Orlando. Planning on visiting Friday, March 20, 2015 as we cruise the next day. I have two teenage boys who love theme parks. We've been to WDW and DISNEYLAND many times but first time to universal. A few questions:
1. Cheapest place to buy tickets?

2. Both parks or just one?

3. Express pass...worth it??

Thanks!

 

[nighttowll]

We are a group of 4 and only have 1 day at Universal Studios Orlando. Planning on visiting Friday, March 20, 2015 as we cruise the next day. I have two teenage boys who love theme parks. We've been to WDW and DISNEYLAND many times but first time to universal. A few questions:

1. Cheapest place to buy tickets?

2. Both parks or just one?

3. Express pass...worth it??

Thanks!

1. Undercover Tourist with the Mousavors link. Sign up for Mousesavors newsletter to get the link. Another option is AAA South which sometimes has even less expensive deals, but it is kind of hit or miss, and only available to those living in the south.

2. Best guess, Yes. However, it really depends on which attractions you want to do. There a two HP sections, one in each park, so if that is a big deal, you definately need a park to park ticket. The coasters are also spread between both parks, so if doing all of those is important to you, you need a park to park as well.

3. This completely depends on what you want to do and how you tour. If you think your kids will want to ride the big coasters and other headliners over and over again, then definately yes. If once is enough, and you don't mind getting up early to make rope drop, you can get by with somev planning without an EP, especially if you take advantage of single rider lines. We did both last March, had some days with an EP, and some without, and it worked out fine both ways. For repeat rides and riding headliners mid-afternoon, The EP was necessary, but for the less popular attractions, the shows, riding during the early morning hours or using single rider lines, the EP wasn't needed.

 

[RMulieri]

One day tickets are RARELY discounted.You can save a little thru undercover tourist.
Hard decision.If you are HUGE Harry Potter fans , you will need a park to park ticket ( Universals version of a park hopper) since there are Potter sections in each park and the Hogwarts express runs between them and requires a park to park ticket to ride.If you are not Potter fans, then I would go to universals website and see what is in each park and what interests you and decide that way.
If you only have the one day and want to cram as much as possible, it might be worth it to you.Keep in mind that it is NOT good on the following: Kang and Kodas twirl and hurl, Pteranodon Flyers, Ollivanders wand show, Gringotts bank ride, Hogwarts Express and Forbidden Journey. Other than that it is good on all rides and shows