First Timer - Lines and Tips

[goNsoon2WDW]

Hi all - My family and I are going to Universal for the first time in just a couple of weeks - June 8-11.

We have always done the Disney thing and decided to do Universal as we heard it was more boy-oriented rather than girly with the princesses of Disney. Since my boys (10 and 8) are into Spiderman I know they will enjoy it.

I am looking for information on ...

• Things to be sure to do/see that are not the big rollercoasters
• What to expect as far as lines/waits for most popular rides
• Any tips for first timers

Thanks!

 

[Darcy03231]

If you're staying on-site you won't have to worry about lines. You get Express line access with your room key card. We found most of the rides were walk on. I think the longest line we waited in was 5 min.

If you're not staying on-site get there for park opening. The lines for the popular rides really don't start forming until about 11 am. You can get a lot done in the first couple of hours if you hustle.

I'm a ride chicken and can't go on anything that goes upside down. Having said that I'll do everything in Universal Studios except Jimmy Neutron and Simpsons. Both of those are simulator rides and they make me feel ill.

In IOA I do everything except for Hulk (upside down roller coaster), Dueling Dragons (dual upside down roller coaster), Dr. Doom (drop type ride) and Storm Accelorator (think teacups).

In Islands of Adventure I would do Spiderman first and then work your way around the park. Water rides are: Popeye, Dudley Do Right and Jurassic Park. You'll get soaked on Popeye, wet on Dudely Do Right and just splashed on Jurassic Park.

In US I would do Mummy first and then Simpsons (if you are into Simulators). Both of those tend to have the longest lines. Then work your way around the park again. Make sure to see the Horror Make Up show. Its really funny.

Have a great time!

 

[ky07]

I think I read on your other post that you are staying at the Doubletree and if you are walking I would suggest you leave at 7:45 am or 8:00 am so that you will not have to rush and forgot to mention that it is only $5.00 for a taxi ride to universal and the same for back to the hotel.

 

[goNsoon2WDW]

Wonderful info. Thank you both. I appreciate the helpful tips for the parks, especially about the water rides. My son won't do the upside-down coasters, but loves the water rides. The taxi ride might just be what is in store if we get worn out running around the park. Thank you again.

 

[ky07]

Wonderful info. Thank you both. I appreciate the helpful tips for the parks, especially about the water rides. My son won't do the upside-down coasters, but loves the water rides. The taxi ride might just be what is in store if we get worn out running around the park. Thank you again.

Yeah we didn't figre in taxi rides but it is nice if you are worn out at the end of the day plus when Both of my sons got sunburns cause they told us they put on thier sunscreen and didn't
So it cuts down on the complaining

 

[Best Aunt]

My favorite moment at Univeral was at Twister. It's not a ride. It seems really fake... and I would have said it was lame... EXCEPT it made my nephew's long-ish hair stand straight up on end! It was very cool. I wish I had taken a picture. So if you do that attraction, look at the people around you.

 

[Metro West]

My favorite moment at Univeral was at Twister. It's not a ride. It seems really fake... and I would have said it was lame... EXCEPT it made my nephew's long-ish hair stand straight up on end! It was very cool. I wish I had taken a picture. So if you do that attraction, look at the people around you.

And...once you get inside the show building, the themeing really puts you in the mood.

 

[donaldduck352]

I love the theme in Twister.(get rid of the cow tho).It does have along pre-show with little show itself.But deff worth doing..

My favs are:
Horror Make Up Show
Shreck-Donkey is a riot when you come out
Jaws
MIB
Simpsons-I never get tired of it
T-2
Jimmy Nuetron_watch out for the Chicken Dance
Disater
Woody Woodpecker coaster along with Curiose Goerge play area or Fievals whatever its called now
E.T_a must do
Animal Actors Live
And they got all kinda characters walking around at anytime.From Madagascar-Shaggy and Scooby

This is just the Studio side.IOA is another book!!