First Time Help

[cygnus]

We are planning a one day visit to Universal Studios during our upcoming visit March 16 to 25 (Leave tomorrow-can't wait). We are a family of four including boys aged 14 & 11. The 11 year old is fairly timid and does not like extreme rides which is why we are focusing on US. Since we only have one day I would appreciate any planning tips e.g. which rides are must see, which rides should we try to do first to avoid lines, what can we skip etc.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

My ds12's favorite rides at US are: the Simpsons, MIB, and the Mummy. Shrek is good, especially if you've never done it before. You could skip Jimmy Neutron, unless they are still big fans. It's geared toward the younger set -- the same with ET, Fievel's Playground, obviously the Barney Show. Animal actors is a fun show, as is Beetlejuice. Disaster is fun to do, we find Twister boring, but that may be just us. We didn't even consider RRR -- you could allow the older son to go on and do something else with the younger one. The Lucy Tribute would also probably be boring for them. I recommend the Hollywood Horror Makeup Show -- really interesting and cool for this age group! Ya gotta ride Jaws, it's iconic!

Ok, that's most of what I can think of, I'm sure I've left something out...

Maria

 

[rwdavis2]

The only rides I would consider extreme in US are Rip, Ride, Rocket and the Mummy. Both coasters. I'll mention below the rides/attractions I would do first:
Jimmy Neutron and the Simpson are ride simulators synchonized to a movie in from of you. Lots of fun. Terminator is a combination live actor and 3-D movie show which is very good. Men in Black, Jaws(you boat get chased around a logoon by a the shark, love it), Disaster.

After those try anything that looks interesting.

 

[cygnus]

Thanks Maria,

I appreciate the suggestion for rides. Any suggestions regarding which ones to hit first to avoid major line ups?

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I would do the Simpsons and the Mummy first to avoid lines. The Mummy is a coaster, but it's not any more intense than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -- it's just in the dark and has some special effects, but the actual coaster action isn't that intense. We always stay onsite, so the lines aren't an issue for us -- we just use our room keys for express, and we don't have to wait in long lines! So, that's my only line advice -- those are the two newest rides, and since they are so popular, the lines add up quickly.

Maria

 

[bubba's mom]

For a couple extra bucks, I would get the ticket to IOA too. There is Dr Doom, whatever that Storm ride is behind Hulk (like teacups), Spiderman, JP, and the entire Dr Suess area.

There are only 2 main "thrill" rides at IOA that are coasters: DC (formerly DD) and Hulk.

I still can't figure out why people think IOA is a "thrill" park? It only has 2 big coasters

 

[xApril]

For a couple extra bucks, I would get the ticket to IOA too. There is Dr Doom, whatever that Storm ride is behind Hulk (like teacups), Spiderman, JP, and the entire Dr Suess area.

There are only 2 main "thrill" rides at IOA that are coasters: DC (formerly DD) and Hulk.

I still can't figure out why people think IOA is a "thrill" park? It only has 2 big coasters

Some people may consider Jurassic Park and Dudley to be thrill rides as well, especially with the big drops.

Rip Ride Rockit has a single rider line, so your 14 year old could check it out if he was interested in it. I think with an entire day, you'd have plenty of time to do whatever you want. Have fun!

 

[bubba's mom]

maybe ....but when people talk about "thrill" rides, they never mention Dudley or JP..they always mention the coasters--DD & Hulk.

Quite honestly, if you consider Splash Mtn a 'thrill' ride, then I can see you categorizing Dudley along w/ that. Other than that, Dudley is just like Splash Mtn.

JP is more of a scenic boat ride that yes, does have a drop at the end, but quite honestly doesn't even really get you wet. Out of Dudley, Popeye & Splash Mtn, I think you get the least wet on JP.

 

[xApril]

Just a guess. I'm puzzled by their classifications as well.

 

[cygnus]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Actually my 11 year old does consider Splash Mountain a thrill ride (LOL). We will consider the dual park...is it possible to do both in one day though?

 

[kathfish]

One day this year, a whole vaca next year.
It is comparable with Disney, if your comparing "theme parks"

You will be hooked, many reasons, mostly the ease, leasure and cost for as much fun (if your truly theme park people).

You WILL all love it!

 

[bubba's mom]

We will consider the dual park...is it possible to do both in one day though?

You should be able to...it's not peak season. Shouldn't be busy. Have fun.