Going 1/15-1/20...1st timer questions

[caroline1851]

Never been to Universal Studios. It will be me, my mother and father and my 2 kids (ds9 and dd6).

We are staying on site at Royal Pacific.

Guessing it won't be crowded, but for those who have gone at this time before, are there lines? does the FOTL thing for people staying on site REALLY eliminate almost all wait times?

Will it be warm enough for the kids to swim?

Is there enough to do for 4 days? We don't really liek to spend ALL day at the parks, so i thought just doing US and IOA would be enough. I suppose if we're done after 3 days, we could go to Sea World for a day.

I'd love some dining / food recommendations.

How many rides are there that involve getting wet? Don't really want to spend a lot of time in wet clothes. Any recommendations?

Thanks so much in advance for all your help and suggestions.

I'm a Disney expert, but not a clue about Universal

 

[mesaboy2]

Never been to Universal Studios. It will be me, my mother and father and my 2 kids (ds9 and dd6).

1. We are staying on site at Royal Pacific.

2. Guessing it won't be crowded, but for those who have gone at this time before, are there lines?

2a. does the FOTL thing for people staying on site REALLY eliminate almost all wait times?

3. Will it be warm enough for the kids to swim?

4. Is there enough to do for 4 days? We don't really liek to spend ALL day at the parks, so i thought just doing US and IOA would be enough. I suppose if we're done after 3 days, we could go to Sea World for a day.

5. I'd love some dining / food recommendations.

6. How many rides are there that involve getting wet? Don't really want to spend a lot of time in wet clothes. Any recommendations?

Thanks so much in advance for all your help and suggestions.

I'm a Disney expert, but not a clue about Universal

1. Good call.

2. I believe the 16th is the federal holiday for MLK, but I don't think it will impact crowds too much, which should be moderate at worst.

2a. Oh yes, and since it's already included with your stay at RPR, you're golden. Remember the "FOTL thing" (called Universal Express) does not work at four attractions: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at the Studios, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Ollivander's Wand Show, and Pteranadaon Flyers at IoA.

3. Depends--I'd pack swimsuits just in case.

4. I think you could get everything done in three days very easily, maybe even two. Three days would give you a more leisurely experience.

5. Mythos in Lost Continent at IoA is consistently good I'm told, though I've never personally eaten there. Don't forget City Walk just outside the parks has a half-dozen decent places to eat as well. Our family likes Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

6. Total rides with potential wetness is about 4. The super-soakers are Bilge Rat Barges and Ripsaw Falls. You may get anywhere from slightly to moderately wet on Jurassic Park River Adventure. The kiddie spinner One Fish Two Fish will only get you wet just a little. All of these are at IoA. There are several play areas in both parks that have water elements as well.

 

[RMulieri]

I will try to help , but I am going on my first trip on the 22nd ..BUT I did alot of research between here, a travel book and the Orlandoinformer website( which I recommend).
That time should be slow, but the resort Express pass will virtually eliminate most waits.EXCEPT it is not good at Ollivanders,Forbidden Journey,Pteranodon Flyers or Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket.So you will want to do those first.On your IOA day go to WWoHP for resort guest early entry(at Harry Potter do Ollivanders then Forbidden journey).The attractions without express pass I mentioned WILL have waits.
As for swimming, your guess is as good as mine..I have gone to Disney at this time of year and I have swam only a few times.It can be quite cold this time of year, but I am hoping for mild weather since my 8 yr old wants to swim
With 4 days to spend you will see it all and have plenty of time to take your time and do it again.I am there for 5 days and plan on spending 4 at Universal/IOA and taking my sweet old time and 1 day at Seaworld.If you are bored after 1 day each , Royal Pacific( as does any Universal resort) runs a bus to Seaworld, it needs to be booked the night before though
Can't say too much about dining..I hear great things about Mythos at IOA. did book some ressies thru Opentable.com ,though they aren't neccessary( but the Disney in me is used to it and the habit won't die..LOL)
I booked Emerils,Mama Dellas at portofino Bay, Lombards Landing in US and Mythos.I have 2 nights where we will wing it.For CS meals I hear that Thunder falls terrace at IOA is good and Louies in US is good.
For water rides, they are all at IOA..Dudley Do Right, Popeye Bilge rat barges and Jurassic park River adventure..You will get beyond drenched on the first 2, not too terrible on the Jurassic park ride.They do have Human sized dryers over by those rides..it costs $5 and blows hot air at you and your family.I plan on skipping the water rides unless it is quite warm, and even then making it probably the last stop of the day.Remember to travel lightly if you can in the parks..Some of the rides do NOT allow any bags or handheld items and will require you to use the lockers, which can sometimes have a wait to get to them.I plan on wearing a small waist pack ( as much as I despise the idea) so I can avoid lockers as much as possible

 

[mesaboy2]

I will try to help , but I am going on my first trip on the 22nd ..BUT I did alot of research between here, a travel book and the Orlandoinformer website( which I recommend).
That time should be slow, but the resort Express pass will virtually eliminate most waits.EXCEPT it is not good at Ollivanders,Forbidden Journey,Pteranodon Flyers or Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket.So you will want to do those first.On your IOA day go to WWoHP for resort guest early entry(at Harry Potter do Ollivanders then Forbidden journey).The attractions without express pass I mentioned WILL have waits.
As for swimming, your guess is as good as mine..I have gone to Disney at this time of year and I have swam only a few times.It can be quite cold this time of year, but I am hoping for mild weather since my 8 yr old wants to swim
With 4 days to spend you will see it all and have plenty of time to take your time and do it again.I am there for 5 days and plan on spending 4 at Universal/IOA and taking my sweet old time and 1 day at Seaworld.If you are bored after 1 day each , Royal Pacific( as does any Universal resort) runs a bus to Seaworld, it needs to be booked the night before though
Can't say too much about dining..I hear great things about Mythos at IOA. did book some ressies thru Opentable.com ,though they aren't neccessary( but the Disney in me is used to it and the habit won't die..LOL)
I booked Emerils,Mama Dellas at portofino Bay, Lombards Landing in US and Mythos.I have 2 nights where we will wing it.For CS meals I hear that Thunder falls terrace at IOA is good and Louies in US is good.
For water rides, they are all at IOA..Dudley Do Right, Popeye Bilge rat barges and Jurassic park River adventure..You will get beyond drenched on the first 2, not too terrible on the Jurassic park ride.They do have Human sized dryers over by those rides..it costs $5 and blows hot air at you and your family.I plan on skipping the water rides unless it is quite warm, and even then making it probably the last stop of the day.Remember to travel lightly if you can in the parks..Some of the rides do NOT allow any bags or handheld items and will require you to use the lockers, which can sometimes have a wait to get to them.I plan on wearing a small waist pack ( as much as I despise the idea) so I can avoid lockers as much as possible

Are you my long-lost twin?

For not having been before, your info is as good as mine and I've been 11 times.... Kudos on your research.

 

[macraven]

check out the website
www.universalorlando.com
for info on the eateries in the park.

i love Blondies at ioa and boulangerie's at the studios... great food..
also love Louies, of course.

 

[nytimez]

1. Good call.

2. I believe the 16th is the federal holiday for MLK, but I don't think it will impact crowds too much, which should be moderate at worst.

2a. Oh yes, and since it's already included with your stay at RPR, you're golden. Remember the "FOTL thing" (called Universal Express) does not work at four attractions: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at the Studios, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Ollivander's Wand Show, and Pteranadaon Flyers at IoA.

3. Depends--I'd pack swimsuits just in case.

4. I think you could get everything done in three days very easily, maybe even two. Three days would give you a more leisurely experience.

5. Mythos in Lost Continent at IoA is consistently good I'm told, though I've never personally eaten there. Don't forget City Walk just outside the parks has a half-dozen decent places to eat as well. Our family likes Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

6. Total rides with potential wetness is about 4. The super-soakers are Bilge Rat Barges and Ripsaw Falls. You may get anywhere from slightly to moderately wet on Jurassic Park River Adventure. The kiddie spinner One Fish Two Fish will only get you wet just a little. All of these are at IoA. There are several play areas in both parks that have water elements as well.

I agree with everything except for Bubba Gump (I hate shrimp) and One Fish Two Fish -- somehow, I've managed to get quite wet on that ride.

 

[RMulieri]

Are you my long-lost twin?

For not having been before, your info is as good as mine and I've been 11 times.... Kudos on your research.

Learned alot from the best on this board

 

[mesaboy2]

I agree with everything except for Bubba Gump (I hate shrimp) and One Fish Two Fish -- somehow, I've managed to get quite wet on that ride.

For OFTF you have to listen to the song and follow the instructions to stay mostly dry. Are you admitting you're not a rule-follower?

 

[caroline1851]

Im not understanding the whole no bringing bags rule. What about a cross over purse? Are only fanny packs allowed on roads? If you have to leave your bag, is this an easy process or a hassle? What's recommended?

 

[mesaboy2]

Im not understanding the whole no bringing bags rule. What about a cross over purse? Are only fanny packs allowed on roads? If you have to leave your bag, is this an easy process or a hassle? What's recommended?

Certain rides do not allow loose articles. In these cases you can get a locker for free, but only for a period of time that is tied to the projected wait time of that particular ride. Off the top of my head, I can think of the following rides that do this: At the Studios, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, and Men in Black. At IoA, Hulk, Dragon Challenge, and Forbidden Journey.

Fanny packs generally are not considered loose articles, most everything else is.

The main hassle with lockers is that you have to get in line--twice--for each ride cycle. Sometimes these lines can be long, particularly in the case of Forbidden Journey.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Im not understanding the whole no bringing bags rule. What about a cross over purse? Are only fanny packs allowed on roads? If you have to leave your bag, is this an easy process or a hassle? What's recommended?

Some of the more intense rides, such as the roller coasters and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, don't allow any bags- this includes purses, backpacks, etc. The only thing allowed is a small fanny pack with a three-prong clip. For most rides, using the lockers isn't too much of a hassle. The only time it can really be annoying is at Forbidden Journey where it can be a mess in the locker rooms.

I'd recommend a fanny pack, but if you really need to bring a bag it's not the end of the world

 

[bowtie7]

While you will want to use your early entry to ride Forbidden Journey, make sure to also go back to the Harry Potter area after dark--this is the time when the illusion of really being their is most complete.

 

[Southernmiss]

With the ages of your kids you may also be interested to know about a few fast food kid friendly places to eat.

We ate at the Burger King Whopper Bar at City Walk. It has a limited Burger King menu but does have great Whoppers with different toppings and the kid favorite chicken nuggets. There is also an American Chinese Restaurant in the same building and a Salad and Wrap station in the same place.

Also, Pastamore has a counter service quick meal counter with salads, sandwiches and you can buy a whole pizza for under $15. We bought the pizza and it was a good size large pizza and tasty.

 

[macraven]

With the ages of your kids you may also be interested to know about a few fast food kid friendly places to eat.

We ate at the Burger King Whopper Bar at City Walk. It has a limited Burger King menu but does have great Whoppers with different toppings and the kid favorite chicken nuggets. There is also an American Chinese Restaurant in the same building and a Salad and Wrap station in the same place.

Also, Pastamore has a counter service quick meal counter with salads, sandwiches and you can buy a whole pizza for under $15. We bought the pizza and it was a good size large pizza and tasty.

yea, that is Panda Express.
Moe's is also there with them.

we have a lot of those three near where i live.

 

[caroline1851]

Thank you everyone so far for your advice and suggestions.

Few more questions:

We need to buy our tickets for the parks. 2 will be annual passes and the other 3 regular. Should I purchase on line or when we get there?

Can we get a fridge in the rooms? If so, does anyone know the cost?

Thank you!!!!!!

 

[macraven]

i think the fridge is $15

 

[pixeegrl]

Thank you everyone so far for your advice and suggestions.

Few more questions:

We need to buy our tickets for the parks. 2 will be annual passes and the other 3 regular. Should I purchase on line or when we get there?

Can we get a fridge in the rooms? If so, does anyone know the cost?

Thank you!!!!!!

The tickets are cheaper online as well as the annual passes. Actually they have the flex pay for the passes if you want to go that route (pay half up front and then 12 or 18 a month for 11 months) http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Annual-Passes.aspx

For some reason I thought the fridge was $25 a day.....unless you have a medical necessity for one in which case it's free.
Oh, and our favorite place to eat on our last trip was Lombard's in Studio's! The best milkshakes and you can eat out side if the weather is nice We also love Margarittaville (CityWalk) in the evenings after 6:30 I believe when all the stilt walkers are out. They make all kinds of crazy balloon hats, swords and animals for the kids....some adults too!
Enjoy your trip!

 

[macraven]

from the UO website:



Hotel Services

ATM Machines
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: located adjacent to the main lobby
Hard Rock Hotel: located adjacent to the main lobby near the ballroom
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: located adjacent to the concierge services desk

Cribs & Rollaways
Cribs are complimentary. Rollaways are available through Star Service Hotline. The fee for rollaway is $25 per day, plus 12.5% sales tax. Available on a first come, first served basis. Only one rollaway is allowed per room.

Microwaves & Refrigerators
The fee for a Microwaves and Refrigerators are $15 each per day, plus 12.5% sales tax. Available on a first come, first served basis. Only one Microwave and Refrigerator is allowed per room and are available through Star Service Hotline.

Currency Exchange & Check cashing
Services available at the front desk of each hotel.

Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Special Services
Our hotels provide a timely and efficient service based on the guest’s needs. Services include laundry, dry cleaning, quick pressing, and shoe shine service. If necessary, Express or Same Day Service can be requested. Hours of Operation: Available 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; 7 days a week

Star Service
Call Star Service to request anything to make your stay more comfortable. Whether it's a special amenity or a tooth brush, just pick up the phone in your guest room to make a request.



$15 + tax per day

 

[caroline1851]

So it looks like there are no laundry facilities only a laundry service?

 

[RMulieri]

So it looks like there are no laundry facilities only a laundry service?

Hard Rock and RPR have laundry facilities.Portofino Bay does not but can use the facilities at the other resorts