First visit to IoA

[Rodrigo]

I will be in Orlando next month attending a Conference, and only will have 1 free day (Friday Aug 20).

Me and a Co-worker will be staying "off site" (Gaylord Palms), and will have a rental car.

I am planning to visit IoA, the only major park in Orlando I have never been to.

I have read somo info about FOTL access, but I think it maybe is outdated (post dated April 2002.)

So please update me about this FOTL, it is like the FP ind Disney? or it's only for Universal Resorts? Or have a cost?
There is such thing as a Single Rider line? in which rides?

Touring tips? (adults only) Which rides early? Will I get Wet in some rides?

Where to buy a 1 day pass before getting there? How much $$$? Parking $$$?

Recommend me a restaurant for a late lunch, please.

Shows not to be missed?

All the info you can give me will help me a lot!

Thanks!

 

[Patch'sD]

So please update me about this FOTL, it is like the FP ind Disney?

FOTL - Use to be for Hotel Guests Only Before they Got Express. Express is similiar to Disney where you use your entry ticket to get a Express Pass to come back at a designated time to enjoy the attraction.

or it's only for Universal Resorts?

Universal Resort Guests can use the Express line by showing their room keys. It used to be unlimited until July 1. On the major attractions there could be a limit of one ride before 3:00 PM. After 3:00 PM the restrictions are limited. I say sometimes because when I was there at the begining of July only one ride was restricting Hotel Guests, That was the mummy.

Or have a cost?

You can also purchase Express Plus Passes that will allow one ride per attraction for the park you are visiting. The ride Ops mark the ticket for each attraction once you use it. The cost I think for peak season time is $ 37.00 per person.
There is such thing as a Single Rider line? in which rides?

Yes all of the major attractions have a single rider line. Spiderman, Hulk, are ones I know for sure.

Touring tips? (adults only) Which rides early? Will I get Wet in some rides?

Spiderman and Hulk do Early and often. Dudley Do Right Ripsaw Falls and Popeye's and Bluto's Bilgerat Barges you will get soaked. Jurassic Park will get you wet if you are in the first couple of rows.

Where to buy a 1 day pass before getting there? How much $$$? Parking $$$?

Not sure, This site sells them, but I don't know if that is the cheapest. Parking is $ 6.00

Recommend me a restaurant for a late lunch, please.

Jimmy Buffets Margritaville, Just outside the gates of IOA.

Shows not to be missed?

Didn't see any shows no help here.

Hope this helps and Enjoy.

Thanx

 

[jez4100]

Don't miss the sinbad show, it is awesome. We always wear our bathing suits and bring a change of clothes so that we can enjoy the water rides without walking around wet all day. You can get lockers near the water rides. Do spiderman first it is the best ride.

 

[disneyfreakk]

i recomend Mythos in IOA. the food is just as great as the restaurant!!

 

[Motherfletcher]

ARRIVE EARLY.
If you get there at 8 and take the 15 minute walk from the garage you should be able to find an unoccupied turnstile (they open most of them, look for a lighted green arrow). When the park opens (15 to 30 minutes early) I would run with the kids to Hulk and try for the front seat. This is a perfect IOA eye opener. Get an Express pass for the Hulk, as you leave, for later.
If you are going to do Dr. Doom (ToTlike) do it now because of the slow loading time and lines later. Now Spidey. Now reverse course and head back across the bridge under the Hulk and walk through Seuss Landing. If you are a great fan of Cat in the Hat, ride it, otherwise continue to the Lost Continent and Dueling Dragons. Ride both sides. Continue to Jurassic Park and the River Adventure. It doesn't matter if you get the front seat because you are going to get wetter from here on. Continue around to Toon Lagoon and ride Ripsaw Falls and get soaked. Go to Popeye and get any spot you missed wet.
Ring out your Express pass and see if its time to re-ride the Hulk and dry off. I would take the time to walk back to the Lost Continent and Mythos for lunch. You can check out shows, Poseidon's Fury and Sinbad after lunch. Make ressies ahead of time for Mythos.

 

[Rodrigo]

Thank you very much for your quick (and funny) responses.

 

[Okiamae]

I printed all these out -

 

[highlander447]

Be warned at the Sinbad show there is a splash zone it really should say u will get soaking wet zone

 

[BarbaraMB]

I have to agree with Mythos! After reading all the raves here we gave it a try and went back a second time for dinner. We had no problem getting a table. Expect an excellent meal.