First Trip

[daystar]

Hi,
This is my families first trip to Universal Studio.....Can anyone tell me how many days would you say it takes to do all of Universal.....
Thanks

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We've gone to Universal 3 times and are going back next month. We stayed for 3 days our first time, which was good. We stayed onsite so didn't have to wait in long lines. We were able to spend a day in each park and then go back the third day and repeat rides. We're staying for 3 days next month, also. Last spring we stayed for 4 1/2 days, which was about 1/2 day too long for us. I went last month for 2 days with my 4yo.

A lot depends on you and your family. Are you staying onsite and will have the front of the line cards? Do you have young children and maybe want a few hours back in the room in the afternoon to nap? Do you have children of various ages (like us) and want to do most everything? Do you like to repeat rides? What time of the year are you going?

T&B

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Most people go for 2-4 days.

 

[daystar]

Hi Again,
I think that we are going to stay off site because i heard the hotels are expensive on site......We are thinking about going the second week of July.....My two boys are ages 12 and 5 but the five year old refuses to sit in a stroller.....He became very tired out when we went to WDW so we had to take rest times....If we have time my boys like to do over there favorite ride....Do you get into the park earlier if you stay on site???
Thanks

 

[IOArocks]

We are going to stay onsite for 12 days-August 1-12
Are we crazy to stay that long??
We are not doing Disney or anything else.
Will there be enough to do?
Just Me, my hubby and 12 year old son!

 

[highlander447]

No not crazy we are going on friday for 14 days at RPR we are not doing Disney either but we are doing DC SW & BG but there is plenty to see and do in Orlando and the hotels onsite look brilliant

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by daystar
Hi Again,
I think that we are going to stay off site because i heard the hotels are expensive on site......We are thinking about going the second week of July.....My two boys are ages 12 and 5 but the five year old refuses to sit in a stroller.....He became very tired out when we went to WDW so we had to take rest times....If we have time my boys like to do over there favorite ride....Do you get into the park earlier if you stay on site???
Thanks

Staying onsite allows you quick access to your hotel, plus the ability to use the express entrance whenever you want during your stay. And during July, especially the 2nd week, both parks will be very busy (45-75+ minute waits).

Though there will be fireworks during your stay...

IOARocks-12 days is a lot. Use some of that time to explore the area around Universal, relax, shop, do Wet N Wild, etc. If you did each park for 3 days each, you'd be able to see everything and then some.

 

[essmom]

we are going for 6 days but we plan to do Dc, Sw, Wet n Wild also and have some down time at the hotel. When we went to Disney 4 years ago we were so rushed-only 4 full days(long weekend during school). I decided not to do that this trip as it may be our last for a long time. Have fun planning. I got a great onsite rate on hotel kingdom!!

 

[damo]

We went for six days with a group of people. It was absolutely great because we really relaxed by enjoying the parks until about 1 oclock, going back to the pool for lunch and a swim for about 3 hours, going back to the park until close, enjoying supper and then another swim. by spending about 4-5 hours a day at the parks we took our time and saw everything while still enjoying the hotel amenities.

I would highly recommend taking the shuttle to Sea World. It is a beautiful park with a lot of first class rides and shows, great for all ages, even teens.

We have also gone for as little as two days and just did the attractions that we like the best.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

12 days x 4 GB Shows = 48 Shows = Heaven! LOL could you imagine?!?!


IOARocks - Having a few days at Universal Studios in itself is a good idea. There are many great shows, and unfortunately many times show times conflict, or shows get rained out (especially during the summer). You'll be able to make sure you get everything done that you wish. Shows and rides included (prepare for multiple rides on MIB! My mom could ride it practically all day if I didn't "drag her" to the Graveyard Revue and GB Shows...lol).

But take the opportunity to do some things aside from just the parks. Where you have 12 days, feel free to leave the parks for lunch, and return...without worrying about tme lost at the parks(my mom and I went to Burger King once. It was nice because there was only one other group there. Food we liked at prices we liked. It was a win-win situation. ), or enjoy a night out in orlando, and do some karaoke (a local invited me to join her and others sometime...lol) or something. Plus, the onesite hotels are great, and CityWalk has many events, clubs, restaurants, and a movie theatre.


daystar - Staying onsite would be a great idea if you have young kids...you can always head back to the hotel which is only a short walk away. The kids can play in the pool (HRH pool is great) or take an afternoon nap. US/IOA doesn't have early access to the parks, although they used to a few years ago. But the FOTLA is worth the extra money for onsite, IMHO.