First time

[DanB]

I purchased two season passes for my girlfriend and her son. He has always wanted to go but never has. He is 13. I'm gathering info about what should be done to make his first visit there an enjoyable one.

I've read about staying in on-site hotels and will suggest that, especially because of the fron of the line pass. Also just because of the conveniece.

I'm wondering waht would be an adequate length of stay (2 days)? What days are usually least crowded (Tues-Thur)?

We're definately not wealthy and will have to watch spending, but I also don't want the pennies to get in the way of them having a nice time.

Besides AAA, what other options are there for discounts, especially for the hotels? I recall that season pass holders get room discounts as well. Should I look into the Entertainment book as well? I think we also qualify for their florida resident discount since we're in Atlanta (when I caled a few months ago they said that sometimes they extend it to GA residents).

Should we book directly with Universal or with a 3rd party?

What are the "must sees"?

 

[Robinrs]

Welcome to the boards, DanB!

How nice of you, can I be your girlfriend or her child?

I also live in Atlanta, and yes, always ask for GA/Fla resident rates because they do apply.

As for the hotels, call 1-800-BE-A-STAR and ask for resident, AAA, annual pass and entertainment rates for your dates. Entertainment rates are usually the best. If you don't have a book, get one at www.entertainment.com

Two days is fine for a onsite guest, but three days is better. This way you can tour both parks leisurely and take the third to go back to your favorite (or both, like we do!)

Hotwire has had the USF onsite hotels and resort on their lists lately. Check with Travel Bidding's website for the list of what to look for.

The least crowded days are usually Sunday and Monday but that's been proven wrong also! With Universal express you don't have to concern yourself with crowds.

The must sees?

Spiderman
The Hulk
Terminator 2
Jimmy Neutron
Dueling Dragons
MIB
Back to The Future
Jaws
ET
Dr Doom... I could go on and on!

With "FOTL" you can do them all with time to spare. Have a great time!

 

[Planogirl]

I agree that the best idea is to see everything you can and it should be possible with Front Of The Line privileges. You never know what you might like best, for example my 10 year really liked Earthquake and I enjoyed Twister neither of which are necessarily on the "must-see" lists. We visited the parks for three days and that was with more limited time spent at Islands of Adventure since I wasn't traveling with a roller coaster rider and we decided to skip the wet rides.

By the way, as far as dining goes, be sure to check out Citywalk. We found the food to be good and reasonably priced at the restaurants we tried.

 

[calgarygary]

I personally believe that at least 3 days should be devoted to Universal. Although we purchased a 3 day pass for our trip last Nov., I only budgeted for 2 days worth of time - 1 for each park. A third day is necessary to split between the parks to go back to your favourites that doing 2 or 3 times wasn't enough. Believe me - you will want to go back again and again.

 

[highlander447]

Don't forget the Lowes reward card its free and gives benefits to members and if staying on site I believe the cheaper option is RPR

 

[Disney Debbie]

You'll also want some time to spend at your resort! We went for just 2 days our first time when we stayed at the HRH and we really wanted more so we could enjoy the pool! This time we're staying 5 nights!