Going to Universal in July for the first time...Help

[CarolinaGirlTiss]

We will sadly not have the FOTL tickets as we really can't afford to do it and we aren't staying onsite, staying at the Holiday Inn Express. We are going to get the two day/two parks tickets.

We are doing two days at Disney (HS and MK), 2 days at Universal (one day at US and one day of IOA), and one day at Sea World (possible a second if we aren't exhausted).

We have never done Universal or IOA before. My husband and son are avid coaster riders. My daughter sometimes. Me, not so much (as in I NEVER ride them). Any suggestions on things not to miss? I know we won't be able to do everything in both parks but I am looking for some definite highlights we need to do.

It is gonna he hot as you know what down there. I wish we could have held off till fall or winter but this time was the best time since I am out of school (teacher) and my husband is currently unemployed but still getting paid. DS18 just graduated and DD19 graduated last year so this is kind of a congrats trip for them.

Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone know what the cost of parking is? Thanks!

 

[jmskinner]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in on your thread. I am looking for any info on UO/IOA for our first trip, also in July. What dates are you going?

Also, I just noticed you are in Sumter. We use to live there from 1996-2000. My son was born there.

 

[Metro West]

The cost of parking is $12.00 per car.

It's going to be HOT but drink lots of water and rest along the way. A lot of the queues at the Studios are inside so you'll be in the A/C. Plus...there are misting machines on the queues that are outside.

The best strategy for someone staying offsite is get there EARLY. Since you have coaster fans in your party, I would start with IOA and go to Hulk, Dr. Doom and Spiderman first. Then work your way around to Jurassic Park River Adventure and onto Dueling Dragons. You should finish up in Suess Landing.

As far as food goes...I would recommend Mythos or Thunder Falls Terrace.

At the Studios...same thing...get there early. Hit Shrek first and then head over to The Simpsons. Work your way around the park hitting MIB, Jaws, and then Revenge of the Mummy.

For food choices, I would suggest Louie's (which has excellent pizza) or Finnegan's...which is a nice sit down restaurant.

Hope that helps and please ask questions if you want to know about something in particular.

 

[CarolinaGirlTiss]

Wow, it's a small world! We are going for our Florida trip the 11th - 18th. We actually just went to Florida in April. We only did Disney (DH first time there) and Seaworld then. It was just the two of us. This time we are bringing the teenagers (pray for us....lol)

 

[CarolinaGirlTiss]

Thanks Metro, I do have one question for you. I get motion sickness very easy (thus I don't ride the coasters). What things can I do there that won't make me sick? Is Twister a ride or more of a show? Do you think I could handle that?

I don't do similators well either, shoot just riding down a steep hill in the car makes me sick sometimes. LOL Just wondering what I can do while we are there.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks Metro, I do have one question for you. I get motion sickness very easy (thus I don't ride the coasters). What things can I do there that won't make me sick? Is Twister a ride or more of a show? Do you think I could handle that?

I don't do similators well either, shoot just riding down a steep hill in the car makes me sick sometimes. LOL Just wondering what I can do while we are there.

You could do E.T., Shrek (stationary seating is available) and possibly Jaws at the Studios. Twister is a walk through attraction so you shouldn't have any problems. At IOA...stay away from the thrill rides but you should enjoy Seuss Landing and Poseidon's Fury...another walk through with nice special effects and...it's indoors.

Also...don't forget the Horror Make Up Show and the Animal Actors shows at the Studios.

 

[jmskinner]

Wow, it's a small world! We are going for our Florida trip the 11th - 18th. We actually just went to Florida in April. We only did Disney (DH first time there) and Seaworld then. It was just the two of us. This time we are bringing the teenagers (pray for us....lol)

It is a small world. We will be at Universal the 14th-16th and then WDW 17th-21st. At least with teenagers, you can let them hit the parks by themselves. I will have one teenager with me, my 16 year old stepdaughter. But she is lots of fun.

You could do E.T., Shrek (stationary seating is available) and possibly Jaws at the Studios. Twister is a walk through attraction so you shouldn't have any problems. At IOA...stay away from the thrill rides but you should enjoy Seuss Landing and Poseidon's Fury...another walk through with nice special effects and...it's indoors.

Also...don't forget the Horror Make Up Show and the Animal Actors shows at the Studios.

Metro, thank you, you helped me also. I think my son will love those shows. He won't ride the rollercoasters. If he didn't look like me I would think he was switched at birth.

One question, with the "FOTL" and being at the parks for the 3 days, is there any need to hit certain rides first?

 

[mistymichael]

You can do both Universal parks in one day with plenty of time to spare if you get the front of the line pass. Totally worth it.

 

[Metro West]

Metro, thank you, you helped me also. I think my son will love those shows. He won't ride the rollercoasters. If he didn't look like me I would think he was switched at birth.

One question, with the "FOTL" and being at the parks for the 3 days, is there any need to hit certain rides first?

You are certainly welcome!

Since you will have the unlimited Express access, you can take your time and ride whatever you want...whenever you want.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I agree with everyone else who says the best advice is to get there early if you have no FOTL pass. Simpsons gets the longest waits in Universal, while Spider-Man gets the biggest waits in IOA.

The parks are completely manageable without Express. Have fun.

 

[Bluer101]

Also Rip Ride Rockit might be open then too in Universal Studios.

 

[Metro West]

Also Rip Ride Rockit might be open then too in Universal Studios.

Let's hope so.