First time going to US/IOA

[kimang]

Hi everyone!

We finally bit the bullet and are going to US/IOA for the first time in early October. I purchased the 5 consecutive day pass for $89.95, directly from Universal which I think is a very good deal.

We are not staying on site - ( I could not give up my $49 rate at the Safari Sheraton)

I have a few questions for all US/IOA experts:

1) I have heard of Express Pass which is free and similar to WDW FastPass- but what is Express Pass Plus - how does it work - and can I purchase this at the Park?
2) Where can I find a sample touring plan - that is which rides to head to first ect?
3) How busy can I expect the parks to be in early October during the week?

Thanks very much!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

1) I have heard of Express Pass which is free and similar to WDW FastPass- but what is Express Pass Plus - how does it work - and can I purchase this at the Park?

Express Pass Plus is where you get a pass for every ride in that park. It's one pass, per ride, per person. Only good for that park (meaning seperate for IOA and US...have to buy them seperately). Can get expensive and almost worth staying onsite for at least one night instead. I'm being honest when I say, by the time you buy the Express Plus for each person for both parks for each day, you could have afforded the hotel room.

2) Where can I find a sample touring plan - that is which rides to head to first ect?

I can help you there. If you have Express Pass Plus, or FOTL (which, FOTL will give you unlimited access to Express for both parks...better deal IMHO) you don't have to worry about lines. If not, hit the most popular ones first thing in the morning. These include:
At US: go to Shrek, then Jimmy Neutron, then straight to MIB.
AT IOA: go on Spiderman, then Hulk (if you like coasters).
I can go in more detail if you want.

3) How busy can I expect the parks to be in early October during the week?

I hear October isn't too crowded because of HHN. A lot are going to the special event and may spend the day resting instead of exploring the park. But I personally don't remember...

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You are going to have a wonderful time!!!!!!

The good news is October shouldn't be too busy during the day. Halloween Horror nights is a different story at night.

Make sure you hit all the main attractions at each park first then, do your favorites. I would definitely buy the express pass just to maximize your day.

Have fun!

 

[damo]

If you want to ride the roller coasters in the front row, do that first thing in the morning as the lines are pretty sparse. These lines can get quite long later on (yes it is worth it to ride in the front). Pteranadon Flyers (a kids ride) has very low capacity so the lines can get quite long here as well, so do this early.

 

[kimang]

Thanks for your responses - much appreciated!

We look forward to having a great couple of days!!

Kim