Having a domestic about 3rd day at Universal so asking the experts!

[Metro West]

We just got back and spent our first time at US/IOA, we went for two days with very short wait times usually 10 min or less and still did not get to do and see everything. I think three days as you stated to mop up would be alright. I also think that HP is going to take a lot of time the first year. Also I might add that we have been going to Disney for many years and it was nice to see something different..

Glad you had a good time.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Hi everyone,

DBf (pumpkinpilot) and I are currently bickering over plans for our trip in December. We're travelling with Dbf's parents and (adult) sisters, all staying on property at Disney for 16 nights.

We're definitely doing one day each at US/IOA, but can't decide whether to schedule a third day to "mop up" at either or both parks. Basically, I want to allow 3 days overall for the Universal resort and DBf thinks 2 will be enough.

We were there in 2008 and he felt we covered the parks well enough in a day each. I felt we were a bit pushed for time at US and missed a few things - also worried about crowds at IOA considering WWoHP.

Today, we've been talking about a few nights at a Universal resort at the beginning of our trip, so that's on the table too...

So what do you all think? 2 days or 3? And is the answer different if we're onsite?

(P.S. Not complaining, as problems go, it's a nice one to have! )

I personally would opt for 3 days staying ON-SITE definitely! Have fun tho, that sounds like a fabulous trip.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Thanks for all your suggestions, we really appreciate it As longway says we've decided to compromise and do a US stay up front, then move on to Disney afterwards. In response to a previous post it was 6 of us last time we went, albeit it with a very different group!

Doing Universal up front we should be able to save a few $ on the rental car too. We were going to rent from the airport and drive back and forth from Disney to the offsites (which we will still do), although doing it this way we could get a town car from the airport to Universal and wouldn't need to rent a car until we leave, saving 3 days on the rental

Depending on how we're stretched, we may spring for a limo to pick us up as a surprise for my folks too. Although longway doesn't approve as she thinks they're tacky

Oh I didn't see this before I replied, that sounds fabulous, really glad to see you are staying on-site! That sounds like a really phenomenal trip!

 

[brenda1966]

We just got back and spent our first time at US/IOA, we went for two days with very short wait times usually 10 min or less and still did not get to do and see everything. I think three days as you stated to mop up would be alright. I also think that HP is going to take a lot of time the first year. Also I might add that we have been going to Disney for many years and it was nice to see something different..

Glad to hear you enjoyed it as a nice change from Disney.
Did you do one day at each park? Did you do all of the big thrill rides?

I really figured 2 days would be enough (and was actually worried we might feel like there wasn't enough to see or do).

I think we are just not going to able to squeeze a third day in, so will have to make do with 2. Guess that means we'll have to return in 2011 too.

 

[becky1960]

Yes we did most of the regular rides, if you go to IOA you will get wet on the water type rides, we got every part of our clothes soaked. I can see that the wait times would be bad at busier times of the year. We did 1 day each park and didnt stay till close but left late afternoon. For the price it was a great time..

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I think two days if you stay onsite is plenty of time, if Harry Potter's not open yet, if it is, I think a thrid day wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if you're a big fan of the series, you might end up spending a whole day in that area.