First Timer to Universal...clueless

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Everyone,
Planning our first trip to Universal and I’m feeling lost. We are huge Disney fans and I’m used to all of the planning that goes with that. We are staying at PB so we will have front of the line access for rides. But I have not made dining reservations or any plans. I am starting to panic because I feel very unprepared.
Any tips or must do planning ideas?
Do I need a touring strategy?
What about dining reservations...should I make them?
Thanks so much!

 

[Suprachica79]

First off- when are you going? That makes a big difference on gameplan. Also, you are staying at the nicest resort on site with express pass, that will help greatly.

Planning for a Universal trip when you are a Disney pro is shockingly easy. Most dining reservations are unnecessary, and even places where a reservation is recommended would only require a few days to a week in advance. Touring strategy really depends what time of year and length of stay. If you are there for a week, a touring plan is not necessary. If you could provide some more details, we can help let you know what to expect. But don’t panic, going to universal is like a walk in the park compared to a. Disney trip.

 

[GoingSince1990]

I would suggest making a dinner reservation for Mythos one evening. That is the only Universal restaurant that we have ever been turned away from, Disney-style, for not having a reservation.

 

[TexasBee]

I've been there! I found trying to plan Universal frustrating, until we got there and I realized WHY there were no set plans / boards. It's just not that hard! My main tip would be to go ahead and get there as early as possible. If you can go when locals are in school, even better. We finished everything we wanted to do in a single day, and did some things 2x.

Express Pass is helpful if you can stay in one of the hotels that includes it in the price.

 

[TexasBee]

RE: Restaurants - we really enjoyed the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, which is outside / between the 2 parks. We went for a late lunch and the place was mostly empty but we had a great conversation with the "owner" and our server, as well as a visit from the clockwork guy. Food was very good and really reasonably priced. We did not need a reservation.

 

[princessebird]

RE: Dining reservations. We've been to UOR several times in the past few years and the only reservation I've ever made was at Mythos. Also, as you are staying at a premier hotel onsite, you have the priority seating perk at many (though not all) restaurants. When you walk up to put your name on the list, show your room key. I usually mutter something like "I think I might have priority seating." The only place that I remember NOT giving a priority seating perk was Bubba Gump. But beyond that, I've never waited more than about 10 min for a table anywhere.

RE: Everything else. You really don't need to plan with the Express Pass. Just go and do and have fun! I'm planning my first WDW trip in many moons right now, and I'm longing for the "just go and have fun" mentality that is UOR.

 

[Suprachica79]

We attempted priority seating at several restaurants that did take it, however, on a Friday night Antojito’s said they do not take priority seating.

 

[agavegirl1]

First of all, your hotel choice is the biggest planning decision you need to make. Reservations for restaurants? Mythos in Islands of Adventure, The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel and possibly Bice at Portofino May require an advance reservation. Otherwise, the morning of or night before is usually good. As for park touring? You have all you need with express entry.

 

[Sue M]

I found the web site Orlando Informer very helpful in planning our last Universal trip. Lots of park info, and a great touring plan too.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi as everyone has mentioned Universal is totally different the Disney for planning. Staying on-site and the express pass will spoil you.

The only planning I suggest is if you want to visit the HP worlds with less crowds. I would go for early entry or later in the evening. It does get very crowded and if you want to use an interactive wand or window shop it can be difficult. Depending on the time of year it can be elbow to elbow. These areas are not that wide (LOL!)

I have not made a dining reservation once for Universal. Even with Mythos in IOA we got there when it opened and we didn't have to wait. It depends when you want to go. Toothsome in City Walk is one of our favorites. We have found if we want to eat there we go on an off time. Usually at the start of lunch or the start of dinner.

One thing I learned on my trip this summer and stayed at Portofino (which I absolutely loved this resort) that if you are going to use the boat transportation and there is a storm coming they will shut those down. You will either have to walk back or take the bus which is located at the bottom of the parking garage in City Walk. It gets very crowded to do that. It happened to us 3 times this past summer. Just something to plan with if you know there are storms in the area.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Monykalyn]

Just got back from offsite trip-we have premier passes (have after 4 pm EP with them, and early entry). One of the busiest weeks of the year.
Waited ~15 minutes for Margaritaville one night, no waits at Bubba gump (landry's card gets you priority seating here), NBC grille (no waits here in June, August september or December actually-place is large). Confisco Grille at 6 pm on Saturday (dec 29) was less than 10 minute wait!!! Had barely finished paying for my sangria at Backwater Bar when name called for seating!
Mythos in August we did have ~20 minute wait, good food but horribly slow service. Neat themed restaurant, but we prefer Confisco now.
Finnegans (HHN) was ~30-35 minute wait (non priority seating-got there at 3:30)-busy as everyone wanted to eat while waiting on park to clear and HHN to start.
Lombards (HHN-also another busy night) no wait.
Toothsome at noon in June about 20 minute wait.

Hope this helps with some real time experiences at busy times of year! All our trips are offsite, no priority seating so likely your waits will be less in most cases.