Hello Universal Goers. I just want to say...

[faindrops27]

I'm sorry everyone, I have not been on in two days. I have been feeling a bit under the weather. Yet, still going to work. So when I come home. I would just take a bath and go to bed. Of course coming to the boards was sorely missed. But, I was trying to get more rest. Anyhow, I went to the doctor today. I had a fever of 101. He thinks it could be a virus for most everything looks ok. I have no symptoms other than being overtired, and nauseas. He took blood work, and gave me the rest of the week off, so we will see. (No, I am not pregnant, ladies !! )

Now, onto the real business at hand. It is so nice to see old, and newcomers. Hiya!!

Thank you very much Macraven, and Seahag, for bringing me up to date on wolfs site. I actually went over to universal's site, and saw just what I am in for. I cant remember the name exactly but that house, which has darkness, and then bright lights at times. I know that will really scare me. I still, till this day sleep with my tv on for I dont like pitch darkness. So, I know I am surely, in for it.

Has anyone ever had breakfast, @ a resteraunt called le peep? I hear it is very good. I am trying to decide if I should go there instead, of having a character breakfast with spiderman, etc. Anyone have any experience? I don't want to choose both because honestly I would rather be riding the rides, than eating a big meal early in the morning. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Well that is enough. I will be here tomorrow. Take care, God bless!

 

[GoofieRuthie]

is your group staying on site? if so, the fotl will be great for all of them.

if you are staying off site, you can use the free express pass system or purchase the express pass plus for the express lines.

not sure what dates in october your group will be at universal but hhn starts sept 30. it is on weekends until mid oct then more weekdays are added.

check the universal site for the exact dates.
if you attend universal during the time hhn will be then be aware the parks close early on those dates.
ioa: closes 5
universal at 6

anymore questions, just post

No, we are staying off site at a Roadway (?) Inn. (anyone ever stayed here? I can't find anything on it with that spelling, but I know that is next to a Shoney's) But glad to know that we can still use an express pass. I'm assuming this is similar to the fast pass at WDW? How much extra is the plus pass and how is it different from the regular? I realize that the parks will be closing early due to HHNs, but I think I schedule actually has us leaving around that time anyway, so no harm no foul, there. I really wish I could go to HHN though!

How about rides for a non coaster rider? I know the mummy is a movie type ride, but is it going to scare someone that doesn't like coasters? We are going to Universal first.....anyone have a favorite ride that they do FIRST? I want to start off with a bang. TIA!!!! 30 more days!!!

ETA: I am NOT the non rider. My daughter and I are both anything goes kinda people!! I am so looking forward to this. That is the only thing that will make it more thrilling than going to Disney.

 

[macraven]

the express pass is like the fast pass. universal i believe used it before disney started it.

express pass is free. you will find the pass station at different parts in the park. it will show 3 time periods and also about 2-3 different rides.

you choose the ride you want and the time you want.
you can pick another express pass after one hour from the previous one.

the express pass plus costs money. the price depends on the date you are there. it can run between 10-30 for the day. hhn is the high end.

with the express pass plus, you enter thru the express lanes all the time.
you have the right to go on each ride one time and also for all the shows/attractions. hint: if you do not have a line for a specific ride, do standby.
use the express pass when there is a line over 5 minutes. you might want to do repeats on some of them and can use the pass then.

the fotl, is front of the line pass. this is used only for on site hotel guests.
the fotl and express pass holders use the same express line.
fotl is free but then you are kicking over about $175 a night in the cheaper rooms.......this is my joke for the night....ignore me.....

roller coasters: mummy, is very themed in story and props. is tamer than rock and roll coaster. itmoves, stops, continues and then strickly a roller coaster. well worth it and i am a ride weinie (that is until i discovered universal) when you stop in a room in the beginning, it lights up and you can see all around you. the sound system is good and you can hear the story that is being presented. the fast part is about as long as rock n roll coaster.

dueling dragons: my fave, two coasters go in opposite direction and loop close to each other. fire and ice. one has more loops/hills. to repeat the ride you do not have to exit to the bottom. there is a turn around area to enter back in for the ride. two sides of entry for this ride.

hulk, fast moving roller coaster, so fast for me i pray for it to get over and then go back on it again. the only thing i do not like about this ride is my head jerks some and i have to put my hand on my cheek to steady my neck.

spiderman: 3 D .........don't forget the glasses, some people do.
some spinning, special effects, great story line.

dr. doom, my fave also......shoots u up high and slowly lowers you.

i forgot the rest of your question. need to reread it.

 

[macraven]

faintdrops, sorry you are under the weather. play catch up while you are off work and play on the boards with us.

i saw you posted above me on another thread today, was going to do a shout out but thought to myself, thats so juvenile.........so i'll do it here.


HEY FAINTDROPS........HIYA....

 

[macraven]

ok, just reread your question

do shrek.....it is a hoot......
jimmy neutron is kewl.....all cartoons, moving chairs kind of sort of in a way
animal planet is nice
et is relaxing
beetlejuice used to be very kewl but they changed the songs and not on my A list anymore
lucy tribute is kewl, its a walk thru
many like T2. i have seen it 3 times and haven't been back. its kind of like watching indiana jones for me at mgm. you know the lines after awhile.

men in black very superior to buzz light year. there is a site that tells you how to score higher points.
jaws is good to see at least once.
other things in universal
many more in ioa

 

[GoofieRuthie]

Wow!! Thanks for all of the info, Macraven! I will definately research the express passes some more. I'm hoping that it won't be overly crowded early in the day while we are there. I have read that it will start picking up later in the day due to HHNs. If the lines are bad, I just might spring for the express plus. We won't have much time in the parks as it is and I don't want to waste it waiting in long lines.

Shrek sounds like a good one to start with. My mom is a big kid and loves that movie, so that would be a good kick off. Thanks again for all of the info. I will be back with many more questions I'm sure.

 

[GoofieRuthie]

I just thought of another question.....Are there chicken doors? In other words, could my mom go through the lines with us then exit as we get on the ride? Are there preshows and things to keep the lines interesting? My husband won't ride coasters either, but I make him go through the lines at WDW so he can experience the rest of it. I would hate for my mom to be waiting outside by herself all the time. Although, I think at least one of the girls I'll be chaperoning won't do rides either, so she may have some company, lol.

 

[macraven]

my experience at being at the parks when it will be hhn in the evening might be different than others.
i go friday, saturday, sunday in october. i don't just go to hhn at the night, i go to the park when it opens in the morning and stay till it closes.

i have not found crowds at the parks at those times. people that are going to hhn, genrally don't come to the park until late afternoon. last year on a saturday, the crowds did not begin until about 3:30/4:00.

you should be safe during the daytime at the parks.

i don't know about the chicken exits. i have stupid sons and i didn't let them go on rides unless i was with them. they were brave and had to hit all rides.

last year and this year i am going solo though.

do see twister if you can work it in. just like a tornadoe.....and i have been in one once before.

 

[faindrops27]

Hiya to you Macraven!!

Macraven, is there anything you don't know about universal? You are such a wealth of information. Very informative. And sweet, at least of what I see of you, here on the boards.

Hi everyone else. I just wanted to say this is very kewl. Thanks for keeping this post going everyone As suspected, even though I have off, with two little ones, I really cannot get any rest. Still have to bathe, Cherish, and comb her hair, which is a job in itself. Plus cook dinner But, thank God, Today, I am feeling more like myself. So, off I go to bathe, and cook. I will be back later

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

One week from today....we will check into the PBH then on to the GF!

 

[macraven]

faindrops, do hope you are feeling better real soon.

and thanks for the compliment but i don't know it all.
i can share my experiences and what i know, but there are many many more out there on the boards that put me to shame on their knowledge of universal.

i learned early when i started going to universal to check all websites, coupons and ticket deals. that is the hardest part as it is time consuming.

if you have any other questions, i will try to answer them and if i can't i am sure someone else can.

 

[faindrops27]

Yes, time consuming. But, fun. You are welcome for the compliment. Thank you for the well wishes. For questions, I think I am basically all questioned out though. At least for tonight, or morning. I have always had so much trouble going to sleep, at a reasonable time. I need to start doing better.

 

[macraven]

i'm starting my trip in disney then moving over to universal.

i save the best for last.
the fotl spoils me.......

 

[faindrops27]

Hello everyone, I have not been coming to this thread for a little bit. So much has happened in 11 days. But, I do have to say this. We cannot lose focus. We must keep our universal board alive!! I know, I have not been a participant. But, there were so many things going on. Havent been in the mood. To type, or shall I say didnt have the time to type. But, anyhow. I am leaving in a couple of weeks. I cannot believe after, waiting for a whole year and a half to go by, and now it is almost here.

Question, for all of you that know. I am sure Macraven you know. I found a website. Where they sell cups from Universal. If, I bought it. Would, I be able to get discounts on refills, in the parks? Im thinking just to be safe to buy from the parks when I get there. Ok, off to bed.Have a full day tomorrow. Even though, I am off from work.

 

[macraven]

faindrops, i don't know about the site for the cups.
are they from the universal store and universal cups?

if they are, then i think that would/could be safe.

for me, i bought mine at universal and reuse that one.
i bought the dueling dragon one as i love ice and it has a handle.

the ones without a handle are a pita to carry around in the park and on rides.

i can tell you this. none of the places where i did refills checked the cups to see if they were imitations of the ones at universal. mine is over 5 years old and the style is not sold anymore.

going to work, will try to come back later this evening.

 

[faindrops27]

Macraven, it was this site called IOA Central. A website dedicated to Universal. I dont think they were knock offs the cups. Around 8.00 - 9.00 a cup. Thanks for telling me about the handles. What I think I will do is. make a velcro strap to hang around my daughters stroller, and just hang the cups on there. I cant wait.

 

[macraven]

ioacentral is one of the sites i frequent.
i guess you can't go wrong with them.

try to buy one with a handle. it is easier to hang on to.
some people carry their cups on their belt loops. that way you don't have to carry it all the time.

 

[MrsMud]

We are leaving in 7 days!

It will be the third time for hubby and me, 2nd for my 2 girls, but the first time for my MIL. I am looking forward to showing her the attractions (she will have a COW when she sees my 9 yr old on DD and Hulk)!! I also have a special dinner planned at PBH one night (we are staying at HRH, but wanted her to see PBH at night and experience la Musica della Notte (yes,as you might have guessed, she is Italian, born and bred). We are not doing HHN (way to scary for us...er... I mean, my daughters), but will head over to the Magic Kingdom one night for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

My favorites that I can't wait for: Spiderman, Dueling Dragons, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and believe it or not...Jimmy Neutron!

 

[phamton]

I just checked the cups on IOACentral. None of them look like the refillable mugs that I have seen around the parks lately. Maybe someone else can take a look: http://www.ioacentral.com/live_the_adventure/ioacentral_store/cups_glasses_and_mugs.htm

They just look like souvenier cups and not refillable mugs to me.