First-Timers Thoughts On Universal

[disneyfav4ever]

I got back from a week in Florida yesterday. I spent two days at Universal, and this is what I thought.

Express Pass was great, I stayed onsite, so I had unlimited access to most of the rides. Most of the waits weren't that long in the first place, but having EP let me reride stuff as many times as I wanted, and I liked getting in first at some of the shows, and being able to sit wherever I wanted.

The rides were really good. I loved the Simpsons, Spiderman, and all of the coasters especially. I also really liked the Jurassic Park river ride and the Popeye barges.

The 3D shows were good too. Phillarmagic is still my favorite, but Shrek and Terminator were both awesome. I loved the Horror Makeup show too.

I wasn't that impressed by Sinbad, Posidien, or Twister. Sinbad got old fast, and the other two just took too long to get into, but the endings of both were pretty cool.

Royal Pacific was really nice, but we spent barely any time there.

Citywalk was all right, I didn't go into any of the clubs, so I can't comment on those. I thought the restaurant options were nice, and I would love to try more there. Shopping was very limited there, but I did like the store Fresh Produce I think it's called.

As far as food goes, I really liked the Crossiant Moon Bakery. Mythos was good, but I don't think it's the best theme park restaurant ever.

Customer service varied from really good to them seeming to not care at all.

I'm really excited to go back later this year for Harry Potter, and to try a few more restaurants, as well as reriding most of the other rides.

 

[ChrisFL]

 

[bubba's mom]

A positive first-timer report.... wow!

Glad you liked it.

It's not perfect...just like Disney.

 

[Metro West]

A positive first-timer report.... wow!

Glad you liked it.

It's not perfect...just like Disney.

 

[ntikos]

good stuff.

thanks for your quick review! - I'm currently tying to plan a trip for later in the year.

 

[Timmy Boy]

Yeah I agree with you, Sinbad is pretty bad. It's kind embaressing. Poseidon WAS good with the water vortex on, now I don't even bother. Twister's last show is good, but the 2 preshows before hand take too much time..

 

[Disneytinker]

I really enjoyed universal, i have only been there once but we are going back next year. I loved the Terminator show and just enjoyed the whole experience. We went about 9-10 years ago now, so i know there are new shows to see. We also did not do islands of adventure when we went last time so i am very exited about going there too.

Glad you had a good time

 

[Disneygeek714]

The water vortex doesn't work? We haven't been to Universal in 10 years, but going back this August. That's the only memorable part of the attraction IMO.

 

[Liz&Griff'smom]

Thanks for the review! We are going to US/IOA for the first time in two months and are very excited.

 

[Timmy Boy]

The water vortex doesn't work? We haven't been to Universal in 10 years, but going back this August. That's the only memorable part of the attraction IMO.

Yeah it got turned off maybe, 2 years ago? Maybe more than that, not too sure. Universal's excuse was "we're going green" in my opinion means "we're too cheap to pay for this amazing to effect to be on, so we're turning it off." Now when you walk through it's just a blue lighted tunnel with mist. It's really pretty embarrassing.

 

[PT4Life]

Thanks for the report. We are going for the first time in three weeks and this gives me an overall impression of what attractions are not to be missed. How did you like Royal Pacific? We are thinking about staying there on the last night of our trip, but are wondering if it worth the expense?

 

[Kath2003]

We were there a week or two ago; not my first time but my first visit to Mythos and I definitely think it blows other theme park restaurants out of the water.

We don't like Twister either - so much hype for something so little.

 

[Metro West]

We were there a week or two ago; not my first time but my first visit to Mythos and I definitely think it blows other theme park restaurants out of the water.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Thanks for the report. We are going for the first time in three weeks and this gives me an overall impression of what attractions are not to be missed. How did you like Royal Pacific? We are thinking about staying there on the last night of our trip, but are wondering if it worth the expense?

I thought it was really nice. Granted, I'm used to the value resorts at Disney, so it was quite a step up from that. The service was really good, the room was nice. The restaurants looked good, unfortunatly I didn't get a chance to try any. I plan on staying there again in the fall.

 

[ChrisFL]

Yeah it got turned off maybe, 2 years ago? Maybe more than that, not too sure. Universal's excuse was "we're going green" in my opinion means "we're too cheap to pay for this amazing to effect to be on, so we're turning it off." Now when you walk through it's just a blue lighted tunnel with mist. It's really pretty embarrassing.

Agreed, ok, honestly I haven't seen it since they turned the vortex off, but that's what made the show!

It's like taking the dragon out of Fantasmic, the show just isn't the same. (Edit: As far as I know, Disney HASN'T taken the dragon out, I'm just doing a comparison )

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Agreed, ok, honestly I haven't seen it since they turned the vortex off, but that's what made the show!

It's like taking the dragon out of Fantasmic, the show just isn't the same. (Edit: As far as I know, Disney HASN'T taken the dragon out, I'm just doing a comparison )

Unless they took it out since Tuesday, it's still in the show.

 

[yakadi]

Thanks for the trip report. I wish there were more US and IOA reports. We are leaving for our first trip to Orlando in... 2 weeks!!! We are definitely planning to try Mythos. I hope we have a better review of it but we'll see. Thanks again!

 

[donaldduck352]

Thanks for the trip report. I wish there were more US and IOA reports. We are leaving for our first trip to Orlando in... 2 weeks!!! We are definitely planning to try Mythos. I hope we have a better review of it but we'll see. Thanks again!

Here is two TR's that are very well written and gives alot of detail along with pics. for tho's with family.Enjoy!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2404892

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2233670

 

[bubba's mom]

Here is two TR's that are very well written and gives alot of detail along with pics. for tho's with family.Enjoy!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2404892

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2233670

aw thanks!

I was wondering if yakadi knew there was a whole Universal Trip Report BOARD?! ....plus...there's a ton in my sig, just for that very reason.....

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Thanks for the first timer's review. We are going for the first time at some point within a year (DD is dying to go to HP) and I have just suddenly wanted to read everything I can about Universal. It's kind of fun to get to plan a trip to a totally different theme park.