First time at Universal!!!!

[Adreana]

Hi,

I've never been to Universal before and I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around things and planning. We're going Sept 13-20 2 adults no kids. 3 day park to park 2 nights HHN. Should I purchase the express pass or would this be an ok time to not? Is there a website or any insight on an itinerary for my trip? I guess just never being there before is making me a nervous planner!

Thanks for the help!

 

[macraven]

www.universalorlando.com

For the parks


Halloweenhorrornights.com


Read through the other threads here and check out some of the trip reports

That should give you the basics

If you stay at one of the 3 hotels on site that gives you free unlimited express passes, you will have less line waits in the parks

For hhn, they have a separate ep for purchase

Where are you staying?

 

[pattyw]

Hi,

I've never been to Universal before and I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around things and planning. We're going Sept 13-20 2 adults no kids. 3 day park to park 2 nights HHN. Should I purchase the express pass or would this be an ok time to not? Is there a website or any insight on an itinerary for my trip? I guess just never being there before is making me a nervous planner!

Thanks for the help!

One of the best things about a UO trip is that there's no need to do a lot of advance planning! Especially if you stay at a deluxe onsite hotel that offers unlimited express passes. You don't need to make dining reservations at 6 months out. You don't need ANY reservations but if you'd feel better having them, you can do so online at the website. I usually do a couple of reservations but not until a couple of days before or morning of- just to reduce any wait times.

If you aren't staying at a hotel with EP, that time period may be fine to do the rides without EP especially with three park days. HHN does attract big crowds- there's a separate express pass available for HHN as well as guided tours that ensure you see very house. (Well worth it to me and my family!)

You will love it!!

 

[Adreana]

www.universalorlando.com

For the parks


Halloweenhorrornights.com


Read through the other threads here and check out some of the trip reports

That should give you the basics

If you stay at one of the 3 hotels on site that gives you free unlimited express passes, you will have less line waits in the parks

For hhn, they have a separate ep for purchase

Where are you staying?

We're staying at Aventura so no Unlimited EP so thats why I'm wondering if I should purchase it or try to change hotels.

 

[Adreana]

One of the best things about a UO trip is that there's no need to do a lot of advance planning! Especially if you stay at a deluxe onsite hotel that offers unlimited express passes. You don't need to make dining reservations at 6 months out. You don't need ANY reservations but if you'd feel better having them, you can do so online at the website. I usually do a couple of reservations but not until a couple of days before or morning of- just to reduce any wait times.

If you aren't staying at a hotel with EP, that time period may be fine to do the rides without EP especially with three park days. HHN does attract big crowds- there's a separate express pass available for HHN as well as guided tours that ensure you see very house. (Well worth it to me and my family!)

You will love it!!

We're not staying Deluxe were staying at Aventura, but maybe I'll think about doing the EP for HHN when it becomes available. Our park days are separate from HHN so I think that will help too. Thanks for your help!

 

[macraven]

You probably will want to buy the ep for HHN, but don't think you will need for every night.
Opening night could have crowds but too soon to figure out yet.
The HHN ep can be bought the day prior or at guest services while you are in the park.

The hotel ep is only valid for the parks during the daytime and they are unlimited usage, not a single ride per day set up.

Since you booked the Adventura hotel, hope you received the special deal they were advertising

 

[macraven]

Came back to add to Adreana, check the rates at the deluxe hotels and see the prices for your dates.
You can make a better decision then if you want the park day eps

 

[NicholeB630]

So my kids and I are flying to Orlando tomorrow to meet my parents and we are spending the day at Universal since we will be right there. I am a disney vet and love it and know those parks like my own house. But universal well I have no idea. I bought our tickets online already. Since its Sunday and June I went ahead and bought the 2 park ticket plus express pass unlimited. Whew that was a lot. But hoping its worth it. A few questions and advice I'd love to get!!!

1. Via the map it looks like theres not huge parking lots? Do we just park and walk to the city walk and that connects both parks? Where will the Kiosks be for me to retrieve our tickets (annoyed I cant just print)

2. Should we do a certain park first? Or does it not matter since we have express pass? We will want to ride the one in Jurassic area that flys that doesn't have the express pass.

3. I am assuming its busy right now and a peak busy time? Especially since its Sunday? But compared to Disney crowds how do these compare? We've been to Disney when its wall to wall and you can hardly walk. To us that is super unenjoyable. Long lines I get and well with passes we aren't worried now, although I know they can kinda back up too? But does Universal get like Disney where its hard to even move around the park?

4. My kids are 9 and 6. The younger one is 46'' so theres only I think 5 rides he cant do! Is there anything that would be a waste of our time that we should pass with kids those ages. Both are thrill seekers and will ride anything they are tall enough for!

5. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Im a bit stressed as I am a super planner and I have no clue about these parks!!!! Is doing both doable in one day with the express pass?!

 

[damo]

So my kids and I are flying to Orlando tomorrow to meet my parents and we are spending the day at Universal since we will be right there. I am a disney vet and love it and know those parks like my own house. But universal well I have no idea. I bought our tickets online already. Since its Sunday and June I went ahead and bought the 2 park ticket plus express pass unlimited. Whew that was a lot. But hoping its worth it. A few questions and advice I'd love to get!!!

1. Via the map it looks like theres not huge parking lots? Do we just park and walk to the city walk and that connects both parks? Where will the Kiosks be for me to retrieve our tickets (annoyed I cant just print)

2. Should we do a certain park first? Or does it not matter since we have express pass? We will want to ride the one in Jurassic area that flys that doesn't have the express pass.

3. I am assuming its busy right now and a peak busy time? Especially since its Sunday? But compared to Disney crowds how do these compare? We've been to Disney when its wall to wall and you can hardly walk. To us that is super unenjoyable. Long lines I get and well with passes we aren't worried now, although I know they can kinda back up too? But does Universal get like Disney where its hard to even move around the park?

4. My kids are 9 and 6. The younger one is 46'' so theres only I think 5 rides he cant do! Is there anything that would be a waste of our time that we should pass with kids those ages. Both are thrill seekers and will ride anything they are tall enough for!

5. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Im a bit stressed as I am a super planner and I have no clue about these parks!!!! Is doing both doable in one day with the express pass?!

1. Yes, just park in the parking garages and the kiosks are at the front of the parks.

2. If you want to do the Flyers, go there first and either ride right away or get your ticket to ride if they are using that system at that point.

3. You'll be fine. I don't think the crowds are that big yet. It is still early and not all the kids are out of school.

4. Hard to say what is a waste of time depending on your kids. Since it is all new to them, I'd try to just do as much as possible. Maybe leave out Poseidan's Fury.

5. Don't stress. Just do as much as you can!

 

[pattyw]

So my kids and I are flying to Orlando tomorrow to meet my parents and we are spending the day at Universal since we will be right there. I am a disney vet and love it and know those parks like my own house. But universal well I have no idea. I bought our tickets online already. Since its Sunday and June I went ahead and bought the 2 park ticket plus express pass unlimited. Whew that was a lot. But hoping its worth it. A few questions and advice I'd love to get!!!

1. Via the map it looks like theres not huge parking lots? Do we just park and walk to the city walk and that connects both parks? Where will the Kiosks be for me to retrieve our tickets (annoyed I cant just print)

2. Should we do a certain park first? Or does it not matter since we have express pass? We will want to ride the one in Jurassic area that flys that doesn't have the express pass.

3. I am assuming its busy right now and a peak busy time? Especially since its Sunday? But compared to Disney crowds how do these compare? We've been to Disney when its wall to wall and you can hardly walk. To us that is super unenjoyable. Long lines I get and well with passes we aren't worried now, although I know they can kinda back up too? But does Universal get like Disney where its hard to even move around the park?

4. My kids are 9 and 6. The younger one is 46'' so theres only I think 5 rides he cant do! Is there anything that would be a waste of our time that we should pass with kids those ages. Both are thrill seekers and will ride anything they are tall enough for!

5. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Im a bit stressed as I am a super planner and I have no clue about these parks!!!! Is doing both doable in one day with the express pass?!

There's a big parking garage there. They have moving sidewalks so it minimizes the long walk from the parking garage to City Walk.

The kiosks are right before the ticket windows.

Start in the park that interest you most. IOA is the one with Pteradon flyers.

We've been to Universal at busy times- spring break. I don't think it's gridlock, but the Harry Potter areas do get congested. Your express pass will be great! Your wait times will be greatly reduced! and it works at the HP attractions!

No, I don't think any of the rides are a waste. Check out the park maps and see what the kids are interested in. Sometimes, what you think might be a waste ends up being their favorite ride!!

Don't stress! Universal is much more laid back and with express pass, does not require much planning!! Have fun and report back on your trip!!

 

[georgina]

Have they changed the rule that says you have to ride Pteranodon Flyers with a child? (OP says they are 2 adults.) I have never been on that ride because of that rule, hoping someday to have a grandchild to ride it with!

 

[macraven]

It would be nice if they changed that rule

I wouldn't have to beg peeps to borrow their littles then so I can do the ride.

 

[NicholeB630]

1. Yes, just park in the parking garages and the kiosks are at the front of the parks.

2. If you want to do the Flyers, go there first and either ride right away or get your ticket to ride if they are using that system at that point.

3. You'll be fine. I don't think the crowds are that big yet. It is still early and not all the kids are out of school.

4. Hard to say what is a waste of time depending on your kids. Since it is all new to them, I'd try to just do as much as possible. Maybe leave out Poseidan's Fury.

5. Don't stress. Just do as much as you can!

What tickets are you referring too? Is there something you can get at the ride?

 

[NicholeB630]

1. Yes, just park in the parking garages and the kiosks are at the front of the parks.

2. If you want to do the Flyers, go there first and either ride right away or get your ticket to ride if they are using that system at that point.

3. You'll be fine. I don't think the crowds are that big yet. It is still early and not all the kids are out of school.

4. Hard to say what is a waste of time depending on your kids. Since it is all new to them, I'd try to just do as much as possible. Maybe leave out Poseidan's Fury.

5. Don't stress. Just do as much as you can!

I figured schools aren’t all out but being Sunday I worry more since it’s a weekend. How many local peeps are going ya know? Hopefully we’ll be fine especially with Expeess pass!!!

 

[NicholeB630]

There's a big parking garage there. They have moving sidewalks so it minimizes the long walk from the parking garage to City Walk.

The kiosks are right before the ticket windows.

Start in the park that interest you most. IOA is the one with Pteradon flyers.

We've been to Universal at busy times- spring break. I don't think it's gridlock, but the Harry Potter areas do get congested. Your express pass will be great! Your wait times will be greatly reduced! and it works at the HP attractions!

No, I don't think any of the rides are a waste. Check out the park maps and see what the kids are interested in. Sometimes, what you think might be a waste ends up being their favorite ride!!

Don't stress! Universal is much more laid back and with express pass, does not require much planning!! Have fun and report back on your trip!!

Thanks!!! I’m hoping we’ll be fine. I’m excited. Not so much about the heat but we’ll survive! Excited to go on rides you get a little wet!!

 

[damo]

What tickets are you referring too? Is there something you can get at the ride?

Pteranodon Flyers sometimes has return time tickets if the line is really long.

 

[damo]

Have they changed the rule that says you have to ride Pteranodon Flyers with a child? (OP says they are 2 adults.) I have never been on that ride because of that rule, hoping someday to have a grandchild to ride it with!

I think the poster I quoted say they are flying in with their kids. Pretty sure the kids rule still exists. I think we've got two threads in one going here.

 

[pattyw]

Thanks!!! I’m hoping we’ll be fine. I’m excited. Not so much about the heat but we’ll survive! Excited to go on rides you get a little wet!!

I love the water rides! Dudley Do Right and Blutos barge raft rides you get drenched!! Jurassic Park you can get splashed or even drenched!

 

[erinch]

When you go in IOA maddi go through point of entry, turn right for the quickest route to the flyers. They are in a big playground area my kids loved. That also eats kids. Lots of caves. The ticket would be a return time. This is a slooow loading ride. Depending upon whether you want to get wet then or at all, you might then ride Jurassic Park. If it we us, we would then turn left on the loop and do Dudley and the barges, if you wish. Then keep going left to get to Superman, Dr. doom if you wish, and Hulk if you want. You will then be back at Point of Entry. Keep going to get to Seuss. cat in Hat. one Fish, Two Fish. if I Ran the Zoo play area, Carosseusel, and the little elevated train. You will then be in the area with the talking fountain, which is fun if he is awake.

We like the effects in Poseidon’s Furth, but it eats a lot of time. You will then be at Hogsmeade for the Flight of the Hippogriff, and whoever can ride Forbidden Journey. Enjoy Hogsmeade, and then catch the train to The Studios. You will be right at the Potter area. There are lots of interactive spells in both places if your kids are into Potter and wands. Whoever can rides Gringotts. If it were us, we would then turn left at the NIGHT bus, and go in that direction to MIB, Simpsons, and ET. You will then be at the entrance. We would then go to Minions, Shrek, Transformers, Fallen if you wish, Mummy several times and Fast and Furious. If you have time, the Horror Make up Show is great.

If you want a sit down meal, which eats a lot of time, Mythos is great. Otherwise, the quick serve place in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley might suit. We like Finegan’s in the studios, and Louie’s has good pizza for quick serve.

 

[NicholeB630]

When you go in IOA maddi go through point of entry, turn right for the quickest route to the flyers. They are in a big playground area my kids loved. That also eats kids. Lots of caves. The ticket would be a return time. This is a slooow loading ride. Depending upon whether you want to get wet then or at all, you might then ride Jurassic Park. If it we us, we would then turn left on the loop and do Dudley and the barges, if you wish. Then keep going left to get to Superman, Dr. doom if you wish, and Hulk if you want. You will then be back at Point of Entry. Keep going to get to Seuss. cat in Hat. one Fish, Two Fish. if I Ran the Zoo play area, Carosseusel, and the little elevated train. You will then be in the area with the talking fountain, which is fun if he is awake.

We like the effects in Poseidon’s Furth, but it eats a lot of time. You will then be at Hogsmeade for the Flight of the Hippogriff, and whoever can ride Forbidden Journey. Enjoy Hogsmeade, and then catch the train to The Studios. You will be right at the Potter area. There are lots of interactive spells in both places if your kids are into Potter and wands. Whoever can rides Gringotts. If it were us, we would then turn left at the NIGHT bus, and go in that direction to MIB, Simpsons, and ET. You will then be at the entrance. We would then go to Minions, Shrek, Transformers, Fallen if you wish, Mummy several times and Fast and Furious. If you have time, the Horror Make up Show is great.

If you want a sit down meal, which eats a lot of time, Mythos is great. Otherwise, the quick serve place in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley might suit. We like Finegan’s in the studios, and Louie’s has good pizza for quick serve.

Thanks for this! So going right at entrance is quickest to flyers? Go through suese land and potter and around? Via map it’s hard to tell.