General questions about USO from first-timer

[GoodFairies]

Like others we are mostly Disney people but decided on a change this time around.

Hotel and tickets are done.
I just got a book about Universal that I'm working my way through but I'm looking for a couple of instant gratification answers.

Restaurant reservations - need them yes or no? Or just for a few specific places? If so, how do they work? Do you call each individually, call one line for them all or make them online?
Any recommendations? I have decided what I think sounds good from looking at the menus but just want to hear what others would say.
Any other recommendations for things to do or not miss at USO/IOA/CW?
We will be there for several days and so we have plenty of time, I think. We want to "see everything" but also relax. We do not want to go-go-go.

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

Restaurant reservations - need them yes or no? Or just for a few specific places? If so, how do they work? Do you call each individually, call one line for them all or make them online?
Any recommendations? I have decided what I think sounds good from looking at the menus but just want to hear what others would say.
Any other recommendations for things to do or not miss at USO/IOA/CW?
We will be there for several days and so we have plenty of time, I think. We want to "see everything" but also relax. We do not want to go-go-go.

Thanks!

Depending on when you're going, you may not need restaurant reservations. But...you can make them the morning of the day you want to go by calling (407)224-FOOD or you can use the kiosk in front of the Loews theater when you enter CityWalk. My recommendations would be:

CityWalk - Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville and NASCAR. For IOA - Mythos, Thunder Falls Terrace and for the Studios - Louie's and Finnegan's. It depends on if you want table service or not.

Since you will be there several days, I would try to do everything and since the parks are right beside each other, there is no need to rush.

 

[GoodFairies]

Thanks. Yes, we will want a few table service dinners and breakfasts.
It's basically a last-minute trip as we are leaving in about 2 weeks.
Do many of the restaurants have dress codes? Common sense tells me the ones that likely would and the ones that likely would not, so no need to make a long list for me or anything - but take Mythos for example...I've seen such raves about it on this board yet due to the location I was wondering about the dress code. Just trying to decide how many 'nicer' outfits to pack.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks. Yes, we will want a few table service dinners and breakfasts.
It's basically a last-minute trip as we are leaving in about 2 weeks.
Do many of the restaurants have dress codes? Common sense tells me the ones that likely would and the ones that likely would not, so no need to make a long list for me or anything - but take Mythos for example...I've seen such raves about it on this board yet due to the location I was wondering about the dress code. Just trying to decide how many 'nicer' outfits to pack.

Just about all the restaurants allow "theme park casual" which is basically whatever you're wearing. Emiril's has a stricter dress code but that's about the only place. Since Mythos is located inside IOA, just about anything would go there.

 

[GoodFairies]

Thanks Metro West - you've been a great help.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks Metro West - you've been a great help.

You are certainly welcome!

 

[francie57]

Not sure is you are staying on-site or not. If you are, you will have no problem seeing everything since your room key gets you into the express pass line for every ride - thereby passing the regular lines. Also, at least last year, if you showed your room key at Margaretaville M-Th you would get the next available table. You can make a reservation there up to 30 days ahead -I just called to other day since we will be there Thurs. Also, if you are a member of AAA you will get a ten percent discount at the restaurants in the parks and most at City Walk.