First time at Universal

[scoopmorgan]

When DD worked at Disney, we went to visit a few times. Then she moved to Universal and we planned a trip that never came off. She came back to CA, and we never pursued it further. She decided I needed to see where she had spent so much time, and the life-long friends she made at US, so she is taking me and my granddaughter in the fall. (I feel blessed)

Having been to DW, I am so relieved that I do not need to make reservations 6 months out, and all the excessive planning Disney requires. Unfortunately, I do not know what to do with myself (don't be rude) while I wait and anticipate our September trip. I feel like I should be doing more.

 

[macraven]

I wing it for the most part
The only thing I line up way in advance is my room reservation

My longer stays are at a busy time and so much cheaper rates to book early
( modify rate later if ap rates are better)

I tell newbies to go to www.universalorlando.com

Look at what is in the parks


Also check out
Www.citywalk.com
(Click Orlando on opening screen)


That is it for general planning...

Oh and read the darkside forums

 

[iona]

I've voted for planning a couple of weeks ahead but, given that we tend to stay at PBH, our planning tends to consist of the following:
- identifying which park has early entry and going there on the first day
- discussing if there are any restaraunts we particularly want to eat at
- deciding when to do the water rides at IoA

This year we've also picked which day to visit Volcano Bay so that we could reserve some premium seating.

 

[scoopmorgan]

Oh and read the darkside forums

Is the "darkside" a euphemism for Universal? How would I find this forum? I did a search, but got a slew of variety of posts. I'm a newbie to US and IOA.

 

[macraven]

Yup !
You are posting in it now

UO forums include all the info that will help you

Affectionately we call universal the darkside

The other universal forum deals with hotels

 

[scoopmorgan]

Ah...I feel so enlightened! Thanks.

 

[pcstang]

We book our room. That's it! Oh, and we have fun!

 

[ChipDale]

I planned our upcoming trip about six weeks ago (purchased airfare and booked hotel). I find it so much easier to plan a Universal trip vs a Disney trip. We haven't made any dining reservations, but I do read these "darkside" forums for tips and reviews of the restaurants and hotels. Reading trip reports has been so helpful too. I spend some time on the official Universal site too but find it a little cumbersome. Have fun with your planning!

 

[MommyinHonduras]

Looking at a possible first trip. Glad to know it is not as intensive at DW. My kids are getting bigger and want more thrill rides. Not sure yet, it is also cheaper for a family of 7. Three of my kids just started the Harry Potter series so this is what brought me here to look around and see what the U has to offer.

 

[bobbie68]

Hello and enjoy!! Yes it is more laid back. Glad you found your way over.