First Timer...Advice Needed

[Choirmom]

Hi everyone. DH and I just booked a trip, December 1 - 5, 3 full days with park to park ticket, staying at the Royal Pacific. We are flying in from WA state so travel days we will not be visiting the parks. We should arrive around 6:00pm on Dec 1. Any suggestions on where to eat and what to do?

We have done WDW a couple of times and are DLR pros, but have never been to Universal Orlando. I have some questions:

What is the weather normally like the beginning of December?

What is the best transportation option from MCO?

Is there any planning we need to do...dinner reservations, etc?

Are there any "can't miss" attractions? We will definitely be spending time in the Wizarding World, but are unfamiliar with most of the parks.

Any restaurants that are a "must do"...(I am gluten-free, but noticed most places have gluten free menus)?

We will take any advice you can give us to make this a great trip!

Thanks!

 

[bchbetha]

Eat on arrival night- Jake's at your hotel
Weather- wild card. Pack layers.
Transportation- ride share or car service (Tony Hinds gets a lot of love on here)
Reservations- If you have a must eat place, book it. Don't be surprised if the reservation window doesn't open for a bit. Planning a week or even a day or 2 ahead of time counts as being on the ball for Universal.
To do- Harry Potter stuff, Jurassic Park/World stuff, and the Mummy
I'd eat at the HP restaurants and Thunder Falls. One day do Mythos at lunch so you have an easy place to eat (no lines...)

 

[CAPSLOCK]

With 3 days & EP, plan to at least try every ride - exceptions for teacups, obvious kiddie rides, or any that won't agree with you (ie, roller coasters if you are not a coaster fan). But the rest of the rides are fun & different experiences. In other words, don't discount a ride just because you may not be a fan of the movie - you may really like the ride regardless.

Note that Dudley Do-right flume & Popeye & Bluto barges will soak you straight through the undergarments - plan accordingly.

 

[jdrum3]

I’ll tack-on that even if motion sickness isn’t normally a thing, watch out for Forbidden Journey and The Simpsons. FJ is a must do, but be prepared. We love RP

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I hope you enjoy your trip. Just an f.y.i there is a private gathering on the 3rd and 4th at both parks. The hours and times have not been set. They will usually close the parks about 8 but that can change. The parks maybe busy that weekend so plan to use early entry for Potter lands best to see them less crowded.

I second Tony Hinds he is amazing we used him for years before we moved here. If you put his name in the search bar you will find a thread or two.

if you like coasters and are interested in Velocicoaster in IOA or Hagrids motorbike Adventure check these boards to see if either are offering express pass yet. If not you will have to do virtual or stand by. They have been trying a new virtual system for Hagrids.

We love Toothsome at city walk. I would agree check out the restaurants and make reservations as soon as you can.

As far as the parks Potter areas are the best. If you want to try butter beer and in Hogsmeade village go to the Hogs Head Tavern there is usually no line. I am not sure if anyone gets motion sickness but Simpsons and Forbidden Journey can in some people, I am one. Just try to look at and try everything. You could search up some of the rides on you tube to see what interests you.

You will be able to use the water taxi, it is great because you go through security at the launch at the resort and can go right into the parks.

Any other questions just ask!!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Go hang out at city walk, we love it.
( citywalk is at universal in front of the parks
Sort of an outside mall with stores, restaurants etc)
I'm not sure what restaurants have the best menu for your diet. My kids really like bubba gump seafood

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/citywalkThis link is for city walk


I don't know if you have kids, my kids thought brakefast with the grinch was the best thing ever.
I'm not sure if they are having it.