First Time to Universal, experienced Disney planner though

[supermomva]

Hi everyone! I am an experienced Disney planner....been twice in the last three years at busy times of year (2012-Thanksgiving, 2013 xmas)...I am anal about planning because it ensures a good time.

We are staying offsite through our timeshare at the Fountains Dec 17-24 this year. I need some quick tips about tickets, dining, attractions (me---I'm a super HP nerd...even wrote my master's thesis on it, my fam: 4 kids aged 12, 10,10,4 and hubby)...and planning the days....hubby wants to enjoy the Fountains a little, but I am planning on at least three days devoted to the parks....I know there are multiple threads on here which I will eventually get to, but I was hoping there are at least a few of you out there who is like me and wouldn't mind sharing some important tips.

question: can you get express pass if not staying onsite?
has anyone stayed at the fountains before?
best places to eat?
is it like disney where you can get there at rope drop for best low crowd times?
can you take water bottles in to refill?
please share anything else!!

Thank you in advance!!!

 

[Metro West]

Hi everyone! I am an experienced Disney planner....been twice in the last three years at busy times of year (2012-Thanksgiving, 2013 xmas)...I am anal about planning because it ensures a good time.

We are staying offsite through our timeshare at the Fountains Dec 17-24 this year. I need some quick tips about tickets, dining, attractions (me---I'm a super HP nerd...even wrote my master's thesis on it, my fam: 4 kids aged 12, 10,10,4 and hubby)...and planning the days....hubby wants to enjoy the Fountains a little, but I am planning on at least three days devoted to the parks....I know there are multiple threads on here which I will eventually get to, but I was hoping there are at least a few of you out there who is like me and wouldn't mind sharing some important tips.

question: can you get express pass if not staying onsite? Yes...you either buy the regular EP that is good once for each participating attraction or you can bundle the park tickets with unlimited Express. Early December has not been that busy historically but crowds will increase some with Diagon Alley's opening. You should wait until you arrive to see what kind of wait times you're facing before spending the money on EPs.
has anyone stayed at the fountains before? No...sorry.
best places to eat? We have a food sticky...please check that out.
is it like disney where you can get there at rope drop for best low crowd times? Onsite guests get early entry but being at the gates prior to opening isn't a bad thing.
can you take water bottles in to refill? Yes.
please share anything else!!

Thank you in advance!!!

Welcome to the Darkside! My answers above.

Check out the trip reports, Universal website to get a lay of the lands and YouTube for ride videos.

 

[RMulieri]

Since you are leaving before the worst of the crowds you should be ok, but it will be beginning to get busy the closer you get to 12/24.You can purchase express pass, but the price depends on the projected crowds levels.The more crowded it is forecasted to be, the higher the price.There are 2 types available with purchase.Ones that are good for ONE ride per eligible attraction and ones that are good for unlimited rides.The unlimited rides one cost even more than the single.Park tickets are separate from the express pass unless you buy them bundled( unlimited express is available that way).It is sometimes cheaper just to stay onsite and get them Included that way( only the 3 deluxe resorts have it, the new moderate does not), plus staying onsite gives you early entry.Keep in mind......The new Harry potter stuff wont offer express pass access, nor does the exisiting Forbidden journey ride or Ollivanders at the exisiting area in IOA.Early entry is the most beneficial thing for doing Harry potter and that is only available with onsite stays or stays on a package thru a partner hotel.Rope drop helps, but once the park opens pretty much everyone heads to the same area..Harry Potter and that will likely be even busier with the new area opening soon.Plan on long waits for the Harry potter stuff .3 park days will help , you will need park to park tickets if you are at all interested in the new Hogwarts express ride.Add the tickets and the express passes and it will be expensive...Another thing, do NOT buy express passes ahead of time.They are date specific, park specific and NON REFUNDABLE should your plans change or you change your mind

 

[mrsabbott]

Yes, you can buy express passes. It is my understanding that the cost depends on he crowds/time of year. Also, there are more then one kind of express passes.. Unlimited and once per ride. Know too, that some rides you can't use express passes on, mainly in the HP areas.

You can get there at rope drop, but on site guests get there an hour before opening. I don't know what crowds will be like that time of year, but I recommend going middle of the week if possible. We went on a Sunday and a Tuesday and the Tuesday was practically empty with little wait times!

I can't recommend Mythos enough.. Loved that place so much. Our whole family did! Definitely eat there!

 

[macraven]

second what Metro said about checking out the menu/food sticky that damo created.

also check out www.universalorlando.com
so much info in it and it will answer your questions before you even think you have questions.