First Timer and I'm in a slight panic! LOL

[ribbot]

Hi all....I've been to Disney 4 times and am a "nervine" planner about vacations. This year we've decided to venture to Universal and I have been severely slacked on planning!

I am sitting here trying to give myself a crash course before Tuesday as to what to do, where to go, etc. There's just myself, hubby and our 9 year old son. We are going for a week with a week pass to UO, staying at RPH. We'll visit Sea World a day, and all of the other activities I can probably handle, it's just this overwhelming feeling of not knowing Universal....which park is the best to visit first? or doesn't it matter since we have a week? What are some must sees or hints that would help calm my nerves?

Do I need to make dinner reservations and are there character meals? If there are, are they worth it?

Geez, I didn't realize just how bad I have been slacking... Any info would be appreciated!!

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Hi all....I've been to Disney 4 times and am a "nervine" planner about vacations. This year we've decided to venture to Universal and I have been severely slacked on planning!

I am sitting here trying to give myself a crash course before Tuesday as to what to do, where to go, etc. There's just myself, hubby and our 9 year old son. We are going for a week with a week pass to UO, staying at RPH. We'll visit Sea World a day, and all of the other activities I can probably handle, it's just this overwhelming feeling of not knowing Universal....which park is the best to visit first? or doesn't it matter since we have a week? What are some must sees or hints that would help calm my nerves?

Do I need to make dinner reservations and are there character meals? If there are, are they worth it?

Geez, I didn't realize just how bad I have been slacking... Any info would be appreciated!!

I would not worry too much. You have LOADS of time to visit everything. A week should be plenty to experience everything and a slow pace. Not sure what RPH is but royal pacific onsite then you definitely need not worry as you will have FOTL.

They do have a character meal. No idea if its worth it since I have not been but here is link for info on site. http://www.universalorlando.com/amusement-parks/islands-of-adventure/restaurants.html

Dinner reservations can be made on the way into the park at citywalk the day you want to eat.

For must see... Personally T2 is a must see for me. I think your 9 year old will love MIB also.

Have a great time!

 

[Bluer101]

Calm down, you do not need to have a plan with staying onsite with a week. Just choose the one day to go to Seaworld and that might be the only hectic day. Just go with the flow on what you feel like doing each day. This is not a Disney Vacation.

 

[macraven]

i suggest you read thru the UO website for starters.

universalorlando.com
it's a great place to start.

also read thru many of the threads and you will probably have most of your questions answered.

there have been a lot of newbies asking similar questions as yours.
some of the threads have more details in them than others.


you will have a great time.
you are staying on site at royal pacific hotel, you'll be able to use the express lines for everything just by showing your hotel room keys.

relax and just enjoy your vacation, no worries at all....


be sure to pick up the park guide maps at the entrance of both parks.
if you read thru the interactive map on the universal website, you will have enough knowledge to find your way around the parks.

the park maps will also list characters that day and show times.

 

[ribbot]

Ok, thanks all for the calming words and support! I have read on and off here for a few months, but since I've never been there it all just seems so "foreign" to me, but we are looking forward to going and trying to relax versus the hectic Disney vacations that usually take place!

I'm taking my laptop so that I can search and read as we go. I'm thinking that once I see the places that it'll all come together and make sense to me once we're there. I hope to write a trip report when we get back home.

We leave tonight----have a great week everybody!

 

[mjohnson96]

Ok, thanks all for the calming words and support! I have read on and off here for a few months, but since I've never been there it all just seems so "foreign" to me, but we are looking forward to going and trying to relax versus the hectic Disney vacations that usually take place!

I'm taking my laptop so that I can search and read as we go. I'm thinking that once I see the places that it'll all come together and make sense to me once we're there. I hope to write a trip report when we get back home.

We leave tonight----have a great week everybody!

I understand where you are coming from, my DH says I'm an overplanner but then he doesn't have to worry about anything expect getting to the airport on time.

Right now I'm just content with coming here and seeing all the Q&A and looking forward to the RPR pool!

 

[ribbot]

I understand where you are coming from, my DH says I'm an overplanner but then he doesn't have to worry about anything expect getting to the airport on time.

Right now I'm just content with coming here and seeing all the Q&A and looking forward to the RPR pool!

Yep--the pool sounds great to me right now! I'm also a little calmer because I rented us a car and I know there's a Walmart somewhere!!

 

[Metro West]

Yep--the pool sounds great to me right now! I'm also a little calmer because I rented us a car and I know there's a Walmart somewhere!!

The Walmart Supercenter is located on Turkey Lake Road...about 5 miles from Universal.

 

[horseshowmom]

We've stayed at RPH, and it's a beautiful hotel. The boat ride over to the park is very nice, or the walk is beautiful (and not very long).

While I love Disney, I enjoy Universal just as much. One of the things that I particularly like about it is that it isn't so big and spread out. With the week pass and the front of the line access (since you're a hotel guest), you'll have plenty of time to do everything (numerous times if you like).

You'll even have some time to visit the outlet malls if you enjoy that sort of thing (which I do ).

Have a great time!