Going to Universal - first time!!!

[CJK]

Hi all

We just bought our tickets so I guess it's official! Dh and I have never been to Islands of Adventure. We're real coaster fans so we're pretty excited. We have been to the older Universal park, but that was about 12yrs ago! I want to make the most of our time at these 2 parks so I want to read up on "must see's" and other tips. Other than reading the Universal websites (and checking in here), do you recommend I go anywhere else to get more info? Thanks. I feel a little lost! Also, I have a vague memory of the ET ride. How does ET know your name on the ride? Do you give it to a CM before boarding? I remember thinking it was "magic"!

 

[phamton]

Here's another site for Universal and Ioa:
http://www.ioacentral.com/

On ET you give your name to a person at a computer and he/she gives you a passport that you hand to the team member right before loading the ride.

 

[Atreyu]

Originally posted by CJK
Hi all

We just bought our tickets so I guess it's official! Dh and I have never been to Islands of Adventure. We're real coaster fans so we're pretty excited. We have been to the older Universal park, but that was about 12yrs ago! I want to make the most of our time at these 2 parks so I want to read up on "must see's" and other tips. Other than reading the Universal websites (and checking in here), do you recommend I go anywhere else to get more info? Thanks. I feel a little lost! Also, I have a vague memory of the ET ride. How does ET know your name on the ride? Do you give it to a CM before boarding? I remember thinking it was "magic"!

Incredible Hulk, of course. The Dueling Dragons coasters are alright but the line to get up there is so obnoxious. It takes 5-10 minutes to get there if there isn't a line. Spiderman at IOA is great. Revenge of the Mummy at US is good too. If you have time or want to, you might try to go see the Horror Make-up show at US. We saw it and it was pretty funny. With E.T., what you do is you get a "passport" and you tell someone at a computer your name and they put it into the computer and scan it on a card then give the cards to the person who tells you where to go.

 

[gschmerl]

If you are staying on site or have an express pass, you don't have to go through the whole Dueling Dragons line--just go in the express entrance. You should see it at least once though. Go to Hulk and Dueling Dragons first thing so you can ride the fron row. It's especially important on Dueling Dragons. The back rows are good too.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You are going to love it. IOA is a coaster lover's dream. I love that park! Can't wait to get back. Stick around here and ask questions. We are all willing to help.

Congrats on taking the plunge! I am sure you won't be disappointed.

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

This website is the BEST but if you're like me and still want a book in your hand, I'd suggest Universal Orlando by Kelly Monaghan (I hope I spelled that right) . It is a great book

Elise

 

[Patch'sD]

Don't forget the Mummy, That's part coaster also. Can't wait to ride that one.

 

[damo]

Make sure you do every single thing!!!!!!!

We always give stupid names to the CM at ET. They tend to be things like Bart, Lisa, Homer etc. We are easily amused.

Last year when we went with two other families (just moms and kids), the kids gave the names Moses, Jesus, Noah, Adam, Mary, etc. Bunch of goofs.