First Timers to Universal/IOA Questions

[marypoppins]

My first question is about the rides. Myself and DD almost 13 aren't big thrill riders. Are they any rides we could go on? The biggest ride we have been on in Disney would be Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. DH & DS9 love Thrill rides. They will be in their glory!

My second Question would be about the tickets. We are coming Spring Break and are purchasing a 3 day park to park. Should we get the express pass is it worth it. It is $69.99 per person per day for both parks. It seems a little pricey.

Thanks! I would appreciate any advice.

 

[damo]

There are only a couple of rides to avoid. You can see the big coasters...avoid them. If you'll ride Dinosaur, you can probably do Forbidden Journey. If you'll do Big Thunder, you can probably do Mummy.

Don't get the express pass before you get there. Check out the lines and then make a decision. Express passes can be purchased inside the parks at most stores.

 

[Badge]

Like damo said, if you can do Big Thunder, you should be fine on Mummy.

However, keep in mind Mummy is ALL indoors, has a launch hill (meaning it goes up the hill gaining speed instead of the normal chain pulling the car up the hill), and has fire. The ride is not about height, it is more about turns. The max speed is in the low 40 mph range. The first portion of the ride is like a "dark" ride without any hills or drops and remains nearly the same slow speed. About halfway into the ride, that is when the ride picks up speed and goes through some turns until the end. Not nearly has intense has some of the quick "drops" on big thunder that lift you out of the seat.

Everything else you should be fine on. Give spiderman a try. If you hate it, skip Forbidden Journey. If you enjoy it, you will LOVE Forbidden Journey.

 

[heidi8]

And definitely enjoy the smaller coasters! The Flight of the Hippogryff in the WWoHP and the Woody Woodpecker coaster in the Studios are fun for anyone who wants a bit of speed but not much - they're as mild as Big Thunder, but a lot briefer. Simpsons will be great for anyone who enjoys Star Tours and Men in Black is fun but not frightening.

ENJOY!

 

[islands]

Give spiderman a try. If you hate it, skip Forbidden Journey. If you enjoy it, you will LOVE Forbidden Journey.

I believe the Spiderman ride is closed until March for the new projectors and renovations.

My first question is about the rides. Myself and DD almost 13 aren't big thrill riders. Are they any rides we could go on? The biggest ride we have been on in Disney would be Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. DH & DS9 love Thrill rides. They will be in their glory!

My second Question would be about the tickets. We are coming Spring Break and are purchasing a 3 day park to park. Should we get the express pass is it worth it. It is $69.99 per person per day for both parks. It seems a little pricey.

Thanks! I would appreciate any advice.

If you've gone on Space Mountain at Disney, I would say it is comparable to the Mummy. The Mummy, however, is a scarier ride the first time on. In my opinion, it is the best ride ever; you should definitely ride it at least once.

Men in Black is a wacky (non-intense) interactive shooting ride. It is fun, but is not one of my favorites.

The Simpsons ride is also fun, and to me is an upgrade over the previous Back to the Future ride. It feels longer, and has great graphics.

At IOA, I would avoid the roller coasters if you aren't into intense thrills. When I last rode the Hulk (years ago), there were some moments when my head banged side to side, hitting the 'lap bars' to the left and right of my head, which was a big turn-off for me.

I remember The Dragon Challenge (previously Dueling Dragons) being a much smoother coaster (no side to side head banging), but it was still too rough for me.

Overall, if you've never been to Universal Orlando, I think you'll have a blast and find it more exciting than what Disney has to offer.

 

[RMulieri]

As for Express pass, you can wait to see how bad the lines are before buying them, just be aware, they may go up in price.The price goes up with the projected crowd levels.Also be aware that unlike Disney, there is NO FREE version of this.If you are not staying onsite, and you do not purchase the express pass, your only option is the standby lines.Some times of year, that is no big deal since the waits are almost non-existent.But during busier times of year it can make a difference.