First timer to Universal

[Susiesnowflake]

In all our many trips to WDW, I have never been able to pull myself away for even one day to go to Universal. Since I won one of those free passes during the Super Bowl, my husb and I plan to finally visit when we're at Disney in Nov/Dec. Think we'll probably just get the 1 day/2 park pass. Is it recommended to start at one park over the other? I haven't done any research yet. Just quickly scanned the Universal Orlando site. Also, which park has the most thrill rides? Would it be IOA? I will be avoiding those, but my husb will enjoy them. I am actually not big on coasters and very fast thrill rides with mega drops and plunges, so I am a bit concerned about finding things also enjoyable to me. I'm fine with just soaking in the atmosphere and having the new experience though. If anyone has any suggestions for a first timer to Universal to make their visit more enjoyable, I'd appreciate you sharing them.

 

[Mad Hattered]

In all our many trips to WDW, I have never been able to pull myself away for even one day to go to Universal. Since I won one of those free passes during the Super Bowl, my husb and I plan to finally visit when we're at Disney in Nov/Dec. Think we'll probably just get the 1 day/2 park pass. Is it recommended to start at one park over the other? I haven't done any research yet. Just quickly scanned the Universal Orlando site. Also, which park has the most thrill rides? Would it be IOA? I will be avoiding those, but my husb will enjoy them. I am actually not big on coasters and very fast thrill rides with mega drops and plunges, so I am a bit concerned about finding things also enjoyable to me. I'm fine with just soaking in the atmosphere and having the new experience though. If anyone has any suggestions for a first timer to Universal to make their visit more enjoyable, I'd appreciate you sharing them.

IOA definately has more "thrill" rides. We always hit that park first in order to get on those before the crowds start to build and work our way over to US afterwards.

You should be fine with Spiderman, The Simpsons, MIB, Jaws, Disaster, Shrek, Terminator and the various shows at both parks. You hubby will dig The Hulk, Dueling Dragons, Rip Ride Rockit, The Mummy. Jurrasic Park and all the other one's I mentioned you should be fine with.

Just remember to go in with the mindset that isn't Disney and you should have a wonderful time. There are plenty of places to get dinner afterwards at Citywalk, and unlike Disney, you won't have to make reservations 3 months ahead of time!

 

[rwdavis2]

IOA has 2 coasters. Dr, Doom is a drop ride like ToT and Jurassic Park is a water flume ride (think Splash ountain). Spiderman is the best ride in Orlando, but not what I would call a thrill ride. You can do IOA in much less than 1 day. On the 2 water rides you will definitely get soaked unless you wear a pancho. The shows there are OK but I would sip them to get to US.

At US, Mummy and Rip Ride Rocket are coasters. Other than that no other thrill rides. I would recommend Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, Jaws, Men in Black, Simpsons, and the Terminator.

US/IOA does not have Disney magic but some of the attractions are every bit as good as some at WDW.

Also, the restaurants at City Walk are superior to the ones at Disney.
BD