First Time Universal Orlando Questions

[Tina]

I'm heading down to Orlando for the last week of September with my sister on a Girl's Trip. While most of our trip is scheduled for WDW, we do plan to take one day and head to Universal. We've picked a Tuesday, hoping crowds will be low. Of course, our main reason for venturing off Disney property is Harry Potter. Neither of us have been to Universal Orlando (I've been to the LA park). So here are my questions:

1) We tend to run at Commando-Pace (most of the time). Since we'll have only one day, should we do a 2 park ticket? Or just choose one? Neither of us do rollercoasters, so we'll be skipping those rides (MK's Big Thunder is my max rollercoaster tolerance level).

2) On a Tuesday in late September, do we need to arrive super early? Or can we get there around 9 or 10am?

3) Food choices. I have a gift card for Hard Rock Cafe so we were hoping to use it for lunch or dinner at Universal's restaurant. Do we need to make a reservation?

 

[bubba's mom]

1. I think it's only another $30 to add the other park?...I would spend the money and do both parks only because you've never been there...and, honestly, you ARE already there...may as well save some $, get the 2 park ticket and see/do it all...while you're there already and all....And, there are more to the parks than just rollercoasters! Spiderman ride, Simpsons, MIB, etc...all very good rides!

2. If you go w/ 2 park ticket, get to IOA early, do WWoHP and the rest of that park...then hit the Studios. You should be able to do most of the 2 parks if you do "do commando" and arrive first thing. We have to wait and see, but we are all hoping your time you're going settles the crowds a bit.

3. No...it's a big place...you shouldn't need a res.

 

[Tina]

Yes, the 2 park ticket isn't that much more. I'm just concerned whether or not we could do both between 9am and 6pm (Sept park hours).

 

[damo]

Just buy the one park for now and if you decide you have enough time to do both, just upgrade at guest services.

 

[Tina]

Just buy the one park for now and if you decide you have enough time to do both, just upgrade at guest services.

Excellent idea! I didn't know we could do that.