HELP, 1st trip to Universal in a LONG time...

[bucky1023]

I’m a veteran WDW vacationer and this is the first trip to Universal for longer than a day (I haven’t been there in many years) to see the new Harry Potter section. There is a total of 6 of us going (3 adults, 2 kids – 5 & 10 and 1 senior… who is VERY young at heart). We booked our rooms at Royal Pacific for a few days in early August 2010 before heading over to WDW.

Any help, advice, suggestions, can’t miss rides/restaurants would be greatly appreciated!!! I’ve looked up all the info but would love to have what real people think. My mom will have a scooter (needs it because there is so much walking and the heat gets to her) and both the kids are relatively brave as far as rides go.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Metro West]

Since you're staying onsite, you will have unlimited Express access during your stay. Because of that, I would do anything and everything you wanted since the lines will short for you. As far as restaurants go...I would recommend Thunder Falls Terrace (counter service) and Mythos (table service) at IOA and Louie's (counter service) and Finnegan's (table service) at the Studios.

I would recommend seeing the Universal Horror Makeup Show at the Studios...it's a riot!

Again...you will have unlimited Express access so just go and have fun!

 

[xApril]

Since you're staying onsite, you will have unlimited Express access during your stay. Because of that, I would do anything and everything you wanted since the lines will short for you. As far as restaurants go...I would recommend Thunder Falls Terrace (counter service) and Mythos (table service) at IOA and Louie's (counter service) and Finnegan's (table service) at the Studios.

I would recommend seeing the Universal Horror Makeup Show at the Studios...it's a riot!

Again...you will have unlimited Express access so just go and have fun!

I completely agree with the bolded! I'd be silly not to.

Other than that, have a fabulous trip! Universal is tons of fun!

 

[Planogirl]

Remember that you will have a slew of great restaurants in Citywalk to choose from too. We love to take a break from the themepark crowds and eat lunch at Margaritaville sometime during our trip for example.

With Express access you shouldn't have much trouble riding things like already stated except for the Harry Potter area. That one is new for everyone so we'll just have to see how it goes. Just do what you want, stay cool and ride The Mummy and Spiderman a lot. (At least that's what I would do. )

 

[bucky1023]

Since I'll be down there in August, is it best to make reservations at the restaurants in the park as well as Citywalk before we get there or will we be fine just walking up at lunch/dinner time?

I'm use to the 180 day rule at Disney

 

[Metro West]

Since I'll be down there in August, is it best to make reservations at the restaurants in the park as well as Citywalk before we get there or will we be fine just walking up at lunch/dinner time?

I'm use to the 180 day rule at Disney

About the only table service restaurant in the parks that takes reservations is Mythos at IOA. Most of the restaurants are counter service so it's just walk up. You can make reservations at the CityWalk restaurants that morning at the kiosk across from the theater. There is no 180 day rule like Disney. I think reservations can be made 30 days out but not too much further.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Remember that you will have a slew of great restaurants in Citywalk to choose from too. We love to take a break from the themepark crowds and eat lunch at Margaritaville sometime during our trip for example.

Bula Poolside Bar at RPR is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner too. They have tables in the shade or you can order right from your pool lounge chair and dine as you lounge there. Actually, they have poolside bars at all 3 resort hotels, so if you're pool hopping, that might be a nice option.

RPR has great kids games every hour or so at the pool, so that may be something the kids would enjoy. My younger son had a blast playing "sharks & minnows" last summer. They also have a volleyball net in the pool with pick up volleyball ~ lots of fun for all ages.

The torch lighting ceremony at RPR is also a fun thing to watch. Before they light the torches they have a "hula lesson" for kids ~ we watched this & many of the kids seemed to really enjoy participating.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[mjohnson96]

You can make reservations 30 days out but we usually don't. This time since we will be there opening week I did make reservations since we have a group of 12 at Mythos and at Margarittaville.

Also, since you are staying onsite you can pool hop between the 3 hotels. I would reccomend heading over to the pool bar at HRH. I like RPH better overall but the pool bar at HRH is great and the kids love the slide and underwater music.

 

[Claire-Bear]

I was thinking about making ressies at Mythos (haven't actually eaten there before) but problem is since we're skipping over to WWOHP for FJ first, have no idea when to book it for so we'll have to take our chances and just turn up. What time is Mythos open from and to?

 

[wilma-bride]

I was thinking about making ressies at Mythos (haven't actually eaten there before) but problem is since we're skipping over to WWOHP for FJ first, have no idea when to book it for so we'll have to take our chances and just turn up. What time is Mythos open from and to?

I believe it usually opens up around 11.30 - not sure what time it closes (seems to depend on the park closing hours for the day). We have never had a problem turning up right on opening and getting a table for an hour or so later (or even straight away).

 

[BrerFoxx]

Definately ride the water rides, Popeye, Dudley Doo Right, and Jurassic Park.
Popeye uses the same type of rafts as the Kali Rapids in AK, but is such a better ride and there is no way you are coming off that dry. Dudley is a flume ride similiar to Splash Mountain. Jurassic Park is a water ride with a big drop as well.
When I stay on-site. I will wear my bathsuit to IOA if I know that I will be going on these rides. There are lockers around these rides if you need to store things or want to bring a change of clothes.

Have fun and enjoy everything Universal has to offer.