first timers questions

[Mrs. Pirate]

We are Disney veterans. But are trying Universal at the beginning of March as a 2 day trip (not staying at Universal) onto our 7 day Disney trip for my Harry Potter loving daughter. If you could answer any of the following questions, I would be very appreciative.

Characters - is it possible to meet Agnes and Minions for a photo and where / when?

Strollers / backpacks - I am taking 2 young daughters who are not interested in any thrill rides. I was going to wait to buy interactive wands until after we ride Gringots so I don't have to worry about a locker at that ride. At Disney we are used to having a backpack with light coats, my wallet, camera, cell phone in it. I traditionally put it by my feet on Disney rides. We leave our stroller and refillable mugs in the stroller parking. SOOO, my question is, is there stroller parking and things don't walk off and can I bring my backpack onto the ride that don't specifically state you can't carry things on (Minion, Seuss rides and kiddie coasters)???

Refillable mugs - Is it easy to find the refill stations? I would only be buying these if I could safely leave them behind on my stroller.

Parades - best suggestions where to watch the afternoon and Mardi Gras parade?

Anything else we need to know?

Thank you very much!

 

[Seeker615]

We met the minions right after the Minion Ride. They have a little "dance party" and you can get photos with the minions. Gru is frequently outside the ride as well.
There are a lot of easy character meets - we met Scooby and Shaggy, The Simpsons, Sponge Bob, Woody Woodpecker and Bullwinkle and also some super heros like Spiderman and Wolverine. Lines never are very long and I have had great interactions with them.

i don't have any stroller experience so I can't help you with that.

 

[wagman67]

There is stroller parking available and you should expect the same experience you have at Disney (nothing usually goes missing, but YMMV). Characters come out at certain times of the day around their own areas...in US, there is a Superstar parade (here is a link to a video of the parade) in the early-mid afternoon, where all the characters circle the front half of the park. Throughout the day, they will come out in groups along the Hollywood area...hang outside Mel's a while and you will see just about all of them. Over at IOA, the superheroes (and villians) are frequently out and have their only mini parade.

You can take photos with the characters using your own camera or you can purchase different photo packages where they will take your pics and keep up with them for you.

Depending on the type of refills you want (regular or Coke Freestyle), there are stations and restaurants where you can refill pretty easily.

Just find you a good spot along the parade route and take up residence a short time before the parades...just go with the flow of the crowd to decide how early to plant your flag.

If it is a nice night, stay for the Cinematic Spectacular at the end of the day (at US).

 

[macraven]

Look at the website and see the layout of each park

Locate restrooms, first aide, and get an idea of what is in the parks

You can see the parade route and decide where you want to view the parade

Find the location where you are not facing the sun as that would be more comfortable for you

Read the ride info so you will know in advance which rides allow bags/backpacks

Pick up a park guide map when you enter the parks so you can get show and parade times

Animal actors on location is a favorite for young children
The mini parade / character dancing near horror make up show is another cute entertaining thing to catch in the parks

Hope you and the family have a fun day at UO !

 

[Chuckers]

If it is a nice night, stay for the Cinematic Spectacular at the end of the day (at US).

Is Cinematic Spectacular offered every night or is it seasonal? I am going (what I think is) the week before Horror Nights starts and I would be interest in getting a dinner package for it.

 

[wagman67]

Is Cinematic Spectacular offered every night or is it seasonal? I am going (what I think is) the week before Horror Nights starts and I would be interest in getting a dinner package for it.

It is not every night, so you need to look at the schedule.

 

[Chuckers]

It is not every night, so you need to look at the schedule.

Thank you! I probably won't happen the week I am there in September.