Going to US this week, 1st timer has ????

[MemphisBlonde]

Hey gang, I've certainly learned alot from all your posts, and would like your help.

Taking the DS to US tomorrow! Plan on going to the park Thurs, Friday and Saturday. We are not staying onsite, so no FOTL option for us...... maybe next time.

What can we expect.....??? Any rides we should try first, that might be too busy later (we will get there early am each day)? If I can't swing Express passes for each day, or can only afford one day, which day would you purchase one for? Is it worth the price? What about the free express ticket thing- does that work, and how would that be best used? What is the strategy with those?

What about the refill drinks (not the sipper cup, no meal deal tickets)? I read somewhere where you could purchase them, but the places where they could be refilled were so crowded that it made it near impossible to take advantage of it. Is that correct?


This was a last minute budget trip, and I'm not as planned as I would like to be, plus this is our first trip to US. ANY suggestions would be most welcome.......just hurry, our plane leaves tomorrow afternoon!!!! Yeah!!! THANKS!

 

[ChrisFL]

Since you'll be there all 3 days I dont think you'll need Express passes to see everything you need to.

The busy attractions in the morning are the close ones to the entrance of each park, at Universal, The Mummy and Shrek get busy fast, and at IOA Hulk, Spiderman and Dr. Doom

 

[Spidey7]

Yes, do Spiderman first thing at IOA, get there as early as possible. The earlier you are the less the lines will be an issue and you can squeeze in quite a few before the lines get to be an hour long or more. Then Hulk 2nd after Spidey.

Then head to Jurassic Park for the River Adventure boat ride, then around to Dueling Dragons. After that the park will be getting full so just play it by ear.

Highly recommend lunch at Mythos or Enchanted Oak if you are on a super strict budget. (Mythos is going to run roughly $35-$55 for 2 people, not counting alcoholic drinks.) EO would be more like around $20 for 2 people. Mythos is very very nice dining, EO is nice with a great atmosphere but not sit down order off a menu ultra exceptionally nice like Mythos.

For the old Universal Park, run to Mummy first thing in the morning. Ride as many times as you can until it fills up. Then afterwards I would recommend Men In Black before the park gets too full. Afterwards, just play it by ear and do as much as you can fit in.

For good beverage deals, the best deal in the park is the refill cups, they are good for refills at ANY location in the parks that have fountain drinks, for I believe its 75 cents per refill, probably best overall deal in the park. And no, the places you will go (which is anywhere with a fountain) are no more crowded than anywhere else in the park.

 

[Metro West]

I just wanted to say....have a great time and relax. You do not have to overly plan for Universal like you would for Disney. Have a great trip!

 

[ky07]

I agree with Metro just relax take your time and do and see as much as you want and have a great time cause universal is truely a great place to have fun with the family.