First time in universal/ioa next week few ?s

[ceopamom3]

We have been to WDW alot, but we are just getting to universal/IOA next week! My kids are 11, 9 and 8.

couple questions -

I have tall children (9yo is 58" and 6 yo is 56") - will I really need their birth certificates for proof of age for the childs' tickets? I will have to scramble to find them if I do (yikes!).

and - any tips to get through the big attractions with ease? We will likely get there around park opening. The kids are really into roller coasters and thrill rides!

finally - for DH - what are the best counter service food locations?

Thank you so much! We are so excited to finally get to Universal. I am hoping for low, low crowds (this also makes DH very happy - good food and not too many people!)

 

[yaytezIOA]

Birth Certificates? Are you listening to tips on the other sides of the boards? Its disney that goes nuts about age. All you have to do is tell them how old the kids are, and they pretty much have to take your word for it. I've only had them question my sister once.....they thought she was much older than she was.......but pop off the year they were born and that should shut anyone up.
Biggest tips: Read the rest of these boards. People ask the same question over and over....you're bound to find something that someone will fail to mention here.
When are you going next week? Weekday? Weekend? If you are going weekday, then dont worry. Everyone will be back in school and there should be no crowds whatsoever.....weekend...different story...so lets go worst case scenario:
Get there at least 45 mins early. If you can get your tickets in advanced...DO IT. You waste so much time waiting in line. Do the park clockwise. Go HULK,DR DOOM, SPIDERMAN etc....those are the ones that get the busiest the fastest. If you want to ride Pterradon Flyers, since your kids are so tall...the only way you'll be able to do so is if the ride is under 30 minutes. Skip Dudley Do right and Popeye for now, and go for JP. You should be able to get it done with no problem. Everything else is pretty much easy.....you should have no problems.
The best counter service will probably not be open, Fire Eaters Grill in Lost Continent. They have the best Gyros this side of the Greek festival. Other counter service depends on what you like. I recomend the Enchanted Oak Grill....really reasonably priced food in a real cool setting. If you can do table service....have to do Mythos. It really is the best in the Industry.
Exit the park and head towards the studios by way of the Hard Rock Cafeentrance. I have a feeling this will go away real soon, so use it as much as you can. Go around the back of HRC...towards the north and around the right..you'll see it. No lines, no waiting. It will dump you out in the old Nickelodeon area, and you'll end up right outside of Jimmy Nuetron and Shrek. If you like the simulators and 4D shows...hit those...if you want to hit the big stuff bypass them and go straight for Mummy. I normally recommend the single riders line, but the regular line is over 45 minutes long...so will the single riders line. Wait the time...use express if you have it...its worth it. Then head down by MIB and JAWS.
If you are looking for good eats in the studios go for the Monster Cafe or the Irish Pub. Richters is good for burgers, and really theres all kinds of stuff. Check out the meal deal...its like 20 bucks for all you can eat. Other than that...I dont know much else to tell you. Get there early, stay onsite if you can...and have fun.

 

[ceopamom3]

you are right about WDW and age I won't worry about that anymore!

We are going weekdays next week - should be a great time. We will likely spend 3 days at the parks too.. shouldn't need to rush, but I like to be efficient, and the kids love to ride their favorites over and over!

Thanks so much for the touring and food advice!

I have been reading the boards too.. Lots to learn, lots to learn..

 

[yaytezIOA]

Wasnt going to pimp myself out....but.....
There is also a Universal Podcast that a brilliant intelligent and funny Universal fan has created. Its a weekly podcast and has info and just great talk about all kinds of theme park related stuff.
If you want to check it out and get in a Universal mood:
http://ioacentralradio.libsyn.com
OR
http://myspace.com/ioacentralradio

Its easier on myspace.....but doesnt matter either way.