First Trip

[ABCTeach]

Hi, I am planning a trip for me and my hubby. This is going to be our first anniversary trip. We do not have kids, and this is diffrent from our normal vacation. We normally do Gatlinburg. I have been to disney 13 times, but never to Universal Orlando. My husband has never been to either. We are going July 18 staying for 6 nights, and just looking for advice, or what to expect lines to be like. We are staying at the Hilton Seaworld. I have not made any food reservations so any advice would be appreciated. We are only doing seaword, us, and ioa.

Thanks in Advance,

Megan

 

[amery]

For starters, if the Hilton property is what I think it is, you will LOVE it!!

We stayed in a 2 br villa through Hilton Grand Vacation Club which was minutes from Sea World and US/IOA. We didn't get to enjoy the resort all that much as we were a tad commando with planning and also went during the 1st week of December.

For your stay, expect heat and large crowds. Lines for the major attractions (Hulk et al) will figure to be long. By all means, you should take advantage of their Fast Pass (that's not the name but I can't think of it for the moment). This will at least allow you to plan a little head so as not to miss the big stuff.

The rides are intense and the shows are also amazing and of course, you get to see their newest section, Wizarding World of Harry Potter (many threads on this board).

Parking will be a bit daunting but so long as you remember the name of the section your'e in, you'll be fine (several people movers in the US garages). When there, you will be dumped into City Walk which is vast and chock full of whatever suits your fancy from food to souvenirs to beyond and is nestled in between US and IOA.

My personal food vote would be for Emeril's but that's just one of many (Bubba Gump Shrimp Co is another). As you are about 30 days out now, a reservation or 2 is highly recommended. Another great place us called Mythos in IOA. Argueably one of the best theme park restaurants that I have eaten at and have done so a few times now.

Have only visited Sea World once and seem to think that one day isn't enough these days.

Hope this helps and have a great time!!!

 

[Planogirl]

I recommend eating lunch at Citywalk to get out of the crowds. Get to your chosen restaurant early because it's hard to predict what Harry Potter will do to all of the locations even Citywalk. It was at least a great way to escape from the heat and crowds for a while.

Get to the Universal parks and likely Sea World right when they open. Hit those headliners first thing (particularly Harry Potter) to avoid as much waiting in line as possible. You could buy an Express Pass (check the Universal website) but it only allows one Express Pass per ride and does not include Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey or Rip Ride N Rock-it. Personally, I plan to just hit those big rides early, get out of the heat in the afternoon and then just do whatever appeals later in the day.

 

[damo]

I recommend getting to the parks before nine and trying to get everything done by 1. Then go do other cooler stuff for the afternoon and go back to the parks at night if desired. It is just way too hot in the middle of the day to enjoy it. We were there last week when temps were reaching 94 in the afternoon and we went back to the hotel to relax each day.