First Timers Trip to Universal

[bostonsnana]

Just got back from our first trip to Universal. Didn't really know what to expect since we are Disney freaks. We LOVED it!!! Spent one day at each park and got to do everything that we wanted. Loved all the thrills of IOA and all the shows at the Studios. The Mummy was our favorite; rode several times. Both of my kids got picked to be in The Fear Factor Live show. My son won and they gave him a t-shirt that said Fear Factor Live Champion. They don't sell them in the park; he wore it the rest of the day. It was great!! The butterbeer was delicious-don't leave the park without trying it. If you buy the commemorative mug, you can refill it with anything else at both parks for .85. We didn't buy the fast pass things but we discovered that if you use the single rider line, it's just as fast and it's free. We walked on most of the rides with no wait at all. Even HP. Speaking of HP, it was glorious to look at and the ride was fun. No one in our group got the least bit sick. I'm not really sure why anyone would get sick, just glad we didn't. After reading all the posts about it, I was a little concerned. We also loved City Walk. Bubba Gump's was fantastic and a lot of fun. Also read a lot about going bagless because of the lockers but there was just no way that I could do without a bag. After the first experience of using the lockers, it was a piece of cake. Walked right over every time and instantly got the locker without a wait. Really nothing to fret over; bring whatever you need for the day. It took thirty seconds max. All in all, we had a blast and would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks for all the info from all posters!

 

[damo]

Glad you had a great time! Hopefully you make it part of your regular Orlando vacations!

 

[shell8558]

We are planning to add universal to our Disney trip next year and I was worried about the crowds. What week were you there? We always go to Orlando as soon as the kids get out of school- around May 25th. (I am wondering if I will have to spend the extra money for the express pass???)

 

[bostonsnana]

We were there June 12th and 13th. The crowds seemed very manageable. We got there at park opening both days; I think that helped. If you want to save money by not buying the fast pass just use the single rider line. It worked out perfectly for us.

 

[neoavatara]

Thanks for the info! I will be a first timer in August, good to hear feedback.

 

[Metro West]

I'm going to move this over to the Trip Reports board.

Are you going to expend your review and write a formal TR?

 

[shell8558]

Thanks for the info!