Going to USF/IOA for the first time!

[VT_HOKIE]

My DH and I are going to USF/IOA for two days in early October. I know that if you stay on site you get the FOTL pass, but was wondering if you even really needed that in October? The onsite hotels are so expensive, I was hoping to stay off site and just wait in the regular lines if they aren't too bad this time of year. Also, does anyone know if most of the hotels will store your luggage for you after you check out? We are only planning to stay near USF/IOA one night then take a cab to Disney the next night since our Disney vacation starts the day after. How much does a cab from USF to Disney cost? We will not have a car. Is there anything that you can take from the airport to get to the offsite hotels at USF? What is a good (reasonably priced) off site hotel?

The eating part of vacation is one of the top reasons that we go on vacation so if you can recommend some not to be missed restaurants, I would really appreciate.

Thanks so much for your help. I am excited about our first trip to USF but stress out so badly when there are this many unknowns. Any info would definitely make this a more relaxing vacation for me.

Tracy

 

[kcarp]

We stayed offsite in June and the longest we waited for a ride was 20min (MIB & SpiderMan) also our Hotel had free shuttle to US/IOA & Disney. Do some searching and you will find some great deals out there.

 

[ksdave]

The eating part of vacation is one of the top reasons that we go on vacation so if you can recommend some not to be missed restaurants, I would really appreciate.

This is my biggest area of enjoyment too.

In IOA, the best food is at Mythos. IMHO, this is the best restaurant in any themepark, anywhere. Also good are The Enchanted Oak Tree and the Confisco Grill and Backwater Bar.

In USF, our favorite is Lombard's Landing. Excellent seafood here.

In Citywalk, we like Margaritaville and Emeril's. To do Emeril's you need to make a reservation pretty far in advance.

The other favorites are both located in UO resort hotels. The first is Mama Della's at the Portofino Bay Hotel. This is our number one restaurant at all of UO. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere fabulous. It is definitely worth the free boat ride over from Citywalk for off-site guests. The other is Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort. We feel that this one is actually better than the original Emeril's in Citywalk. As with Emeril's, you should make reservations in advance for both of these restaurants at the resorts.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[highlander447]

We went in 2002 last week sept first week oct off site and very little wait time u just need to void columbus day

 

[Robinrs]

I know that if you stay on site you get the FOTL pass, but was wondering if you even really needed that in October?

October is generally very light. I don't think you'll need FOTL.


Also, does anyone know if most of the hotels will store your luggage for you after you check out?

Yes, they do.

How much does a cab from USF to Disney cost?

I've paid $25 to 40 dollars.

Is there anything that you can take from the airport to get to the offsite hotels at USF?

You can take Mears, which is reasonably priced. Check them out at www.mearstransportation.com

What is a good (reasonably priced) off site hotel?

There are plenty in the area, my faves are the Holiday Inn Universal and the Radisson Universal on Kirkman. There are lots of reasonably priced offsites on www.hotelkingdom.com or you can bid for one on Priceline.com.


The eating part of vacation is one of the top reasons that we go on vacation so if you can recommend some not to be missed restaurants, I would really appreciate.

I love MYTHOS in IOA, Lombard's Landing in Universal. I've heard that Mama Dellas in Portofino is awesome and ONE day I will go myself. Tchoup Chop is great if you like oriental food, also. It's Emeril's restaurant in the Royal Pacific.

Thanks so much for your help. I am excited about our first trip to USF but stress out so badly when there are this many unknowns. Any info would definitely make this a more relaxing vacation for me.

Relax and enjoy! I went 6 times last year and I NEVER tire of it!

Tracy

 

[flfun]

EARLY October should be a great time with little or no wait. I'm going the last of August or Middle of September which are also very low attendance times (still hot though). I wouldn't worry about FOTL at this time, you won't need it.

 

[jaysue]

Since you will not have a car make sure you stay reasonably close to USF/IOA and the hotel has a fast shuttle there or of course you can hop a cab to go there

You will love USF/IOA - it is a blast

thanks
jaysue

 

[VT_HOKIE]

Thank you all so much for your help! I am getting SO excited and the trip is still 5 months away!! I don't know how I am going to make it that long!

Tracy

 

[mtblujeans]

We went last year, late October. We stayed off-site and took a shuttle every day. (First time we had used shuttle services.) We found that it was better to go early in the morning. Shuttle stopped at several motels and got so full you had to stand in the isles on the bus. Also, we got to ride rides several times in a row before lines actually started to form. We went early one morning and road MIB over and over until we got our highest score and then moved on thru the rest of the park. It was great!

 

[kcarp]

If the Bus that picks up at Hawthorn Suites is full, when it arrives at your hotel the bus driver calls another bus to pick you up. It really worked well.

 

[Beanie]

I just wanted to say that I hope you have a wonderful trip!!