Have 1 day - 2 teens - never been. HELP Please!

[Needafix]

Have 1 day and Never been! HELP!!!
My 2 boys (14 & 18) have never been to Universal. We're driving home to PA from Naples, first week of July '12 and I thought I'd surprise them with a day at Universal, but I don't have a clue where to start.

1. Will have dog with us. I see there's a kennel. Will they keep my dog the whole time the park is open?

2. Is it worth paying the extra for the skip to front of line passes? I won't go on roller coasters, but they will.

3. What are must do's for teens who are big time into roller coasters?

4. Suggestions on reasonably priced place to stay.

5. Any discounts I can find anywhere?

I can't thank you enough for any suggestions you can offer. I know Disney very, very well, but not a clue about Universal.

 

[macraven]

Have 1 day and Never been! HELP!!!
My 2 boys (14 & 18) have never been to Universal. We're driving home to PA from Naples, first week of July '12 and I thought I'd surprise them with a day at Universal, but I don't have a clue where to start.

1. Will have dog with us. I see there's a kennel. Will they keep my dog the whole time the park is open?

2. Is it worth paying the extra for the skip to front of line passes? I won't go on roller coasters, but they will.

3. What are must do's for teens who are big time into roller coasters?

4. Suggestions on reasonably priced place to stay.

5. Any discounts I can find anywhere?

I can't thank you enough for any suggestions you can offer. I know Disney very, very well, but not a clue about Universal.

1. the dog can be kept at the kennel the entire day.
you will need to come and walk the dog during the day.

2. if you are going the first week of july, you will be facing crowds.
stay away on the 4th and weekend. try for the 1st or 2nd.
yes, express pass plus will be a great help for long lines.
the passes are valid for one time use per ride/attraction.
they can use the single rider lines for unlimited times.

3. check out the website to get an idea of the rides and layout of the park.
go to www.universalorlando.com
there are coasters in both parks.

4. offsite you have Double Tree which is walking distance to the parks.
consider a one night stay at one of the 3 onsite hotels.
you get free unlimited usage of all rides and shows by using the express lines.
also early entrance of one hour before the park opens to explore and do parry hotter.
in the long run, the express pass plus may cost as much as the hotel if there are 5 in your group. it might be cheaper to get a room onsite. check the prices on the website of the hotel compared to the epp costs for the day you will be there.

5. universal does not discount one day tickets. not sure if anyone does.
if you have AAA, it will allow you a 10% discount off of food and merch in the parks. just show it when you order or buy merch.

 

[Metro West]

2. Is it worth paying the extra for the skip to front of line passes? Just for some clarification...there are no front of the line passes at Universal Orlando. Express Plus passes work the same basic way as FastPasses at Disney but do not allow you to skip to the front. Express has a separate line you would enter. You should wait until you arrive before deciding on purchasing the EPs. They are date specific and non-refundable.

5. Any discounts I can find anywhere? As Mac stated there are no theme park ticket discounts for single day admissions. If you have AAA you can save a bit on food and merchandise in the parks.

My answers are above.

 

[Needafix]

WOW, thanks soooo much for your help. Now I'm even more excited. I will definitely look into staying on site.