Help me convince my DH

[Leger13]

So, my DH and I are avid Disney goers. We absolutely LOVE the world. We even had our honeymoon there

We will be at the world this September 13th through the 21st (or maybe 22nd if we extend our trip) and since we will be there so long I was thinking of going to Universal. But DH is not convinced that it will be worth the $64 ticket per person (I'm not sure I am either). He does not enjoy thrill rides like roller coasters but he does love Star Tours @ MGM and Test Track at Epcot. I've only been to Universal once and that was back right after the park first opened so it was overly crowded. Plus I was with my Grandmother who didn't want to get on most of the rides due to the signs posted for ppl with heart coniditions not to ride and it also poured most of the morning we were there so we decided to make it an early day and left. So, needless to say, I do not have a very good recolection of the park.

Is it something that an avid Disney lover will full enjoy and feel that at the end of the day they got their $64 worth!? I would like to experiance something other than Disney while we are down in Orlando this time so hopefully ya'll can help me out here.
I love these boards...everyone is so helpfull and friendly here

~Carla~

 

[patster734]

If you can only go for one day, get the 2 park - 1 day pass. Some of the best rides in Orlando are located in either Universal OR Islands of Adventure(IOA).

At Universal, be sure to catch MIB (the Men-In-Black ride), Shrek 4D and Terminator 3-D. You said your DH doesn't like rollercoasters, but you might want to try riding The Revenge of the Mummy. I have seen plenty of posts from people who don't like rollercoasters but enjoyed this ride. For comedy shows, there's the Gruesome Horror Make-up Show and Beetlejuice Graveyard Review.

At IOA, Spiderman is considered one of the best rides ever designed. Other rides worth mentioning at IOA are Jurrasic Park River Adventure and Cat in the Hat. If you're into water rides, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls are extremely fun. Warning: You will get absolutely soaked on these rides, especially Popeye's!

Universal and IOA shouldn't be missed. The best option is to spend a day at each park so that you can enjoy them both to their fullest. However, if you can only spare one day, get the 2 park- 1 day pass and see the best from both parks.

 

[damo]

What I would do is stay onsite for two nights and buy the $86 pass. That way, you get unlimited express pass access for three full days and get to experience Universal in its full glory with Citywalk and the hotels.

 

[F-L-A]

Universal is just as good as Disney, IMO. They've also been better than Disney for the past decade. But don't make the same mistake as a lot of Disney fans by going into it expecting Disney or it's so-called "magic." Universal doesn't strive to be Disney. It is different but worth it.

 

[lorax123]

Well, $64 a person per day isn't far out of line with a single day pass for a Disney park... There are other deals out there too if you do decide to go for more than a day.

I'd say go for it. If you've been to Disney I'd say at least give Studios a try. The rides and attractions there are pretty much geared for everybody. Even coaster haters love Revenge of the Mummy.

IOA is a very great, and my favorite, park. Details and themeing are incredible. So are the rides. But, it may not be for you. My in-laws are Disney fans, they like USF, but just don't find enough to do at IOA. They just aren't into thrill rides. My FIL will try to do the Hulk and Dragons once, if his stomach is up to it. But both MIL and FIL pass over Toon Lagoon. When it comes down to it, they might do 3-4 rides at the park.

I'd try and convince him a One Day 2 Park ticket is the way to go. Hit USF, then go next door do Spiderman, take in the theming and see what else is there. Never know, you may decide to upgrade the ticket for one or 2 more days!

Remember it's only money! As long as there's some bucks in the vacation fund, might as well spend it!

 

[Leger13]

thanks so much ya'll for your help so far. I think I've got him pretty much convinced to do the 7 day ultimate ticket for $84. More than the one day ticket but then we won't have to rush if we do end up liking the parks. And if we don't then we know not to do it again.
As the last poster said...we only live once, we've got the extra $ so why not!?

Anyways, thanks again and keep those convincing ideas coming. I'd LOVE to hear more about the parks and what we should hit while we're there. That's the other delima. I'm new to being new to a theme park. This year we'll be new to three...AK, US and IOA. Crazyness will ensue I'm sure but at least it's just the two of us and we have 9 days to explore.

How exciting!!!

 

[tropical depression]

thanks so much ya'll for your help so far. I think I've got him pretty much convinced to do the 7 day ultimate ticket for $84. More than the one day ticket but then we won't have to rush if we do end up liking the parks. And if we don't then we know not to do it again.
As the last poster said...we only live once, we've got the extra $ so why not!?

Anyways, thanks again and keep those convincing ideas coming. I'd LOVE to hear more about the parks and what we should hit while we're there. That's the other delima. I'm new to being new to a theme park. This year we'll be new to three...AK, US and IOA. Crazyness will ensue I'm sure but at least it's just the two of us and we have 9 days to explore.

How exciting!!!

I wouldn't get too excited about Animal Kingdom....

 

[lorax123]

AK, really isn't that bad! The theming is great. Very reminiscient of IOA. The selection and quality of rides is sub-par though. But a nice place to walk around. It does have Rain Forest Cafe to eat at.

Very glad to hear you are going to give them a try! The best thing about the parks is just how relaxed they are. When you are going is the perfect time. Crowds are light, weather should be good too!

Go to USO after your Disney parks. You'll be amazed at how easy going they are. They really aren't seen as kid parks, so you won't have the stroller patrol! That makes life much easier. Plus, the parks and Citywalk are all within walking distance. While they don't have the room to spread out like WDW, the convenience is worth it.

I'd try everything, you feel up to, at least once! I'd definately say plan on eating at Mythos in IOA and the Enchanted Oak. Both are great bargins and awesome food (go for the Risotto of the day at Mythos!). At USF Finnegans is decent table service, and Lombards landing is very, very good.

Out in Citywalk, I'd say if you want a special meal, Emerils is the way to go. Maybe even Emerils Tchop-Tchop. If you go there, you can also check out the Royal Pacific Resort.

Yeah, I'm a little obssessed with food. On vacation that is.

While the UO parks don't have the Disney magic, they have their own special magic. I can't help but get a little misty every time I hear "Call to Adventure" when entering IOA for the first time. I think it really depends on your background. I was raised on Spiderman, Jaws, Back to the Future, Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park and ET. I barely remember seeing any Disney flicks as a kid.

 

[Ladybugsy]

So, my DH and I are avid Disney goers. We absolutely LOVE the world. We even had our honeymoon there

We will be at the world this September 13th through the 21st (or maybe 22nd if we extend our trip) and since we will be there so long I was thinking of going to Universal. But DH is not convinced that it will be worth the $64 ticket per person (I'm not sure I am either). He does not enjoy thrill rides like roller coasters but he does love Star Tours @ MGM and Test Track at Epcot. I've only been to Universal once and that was back right after the park first opened so it was overly crowded. Plus I was with my Grandmother who didn't want to get on most of the rides due to the signs posted for ppl with heart coniditions not to ride and it also poured most of the morning we were there so we decided to make it an early day and left. So, needless to say, I do not have a very good recolection of the park.

Is it something that an avid Disney lover will full enjoy and feel that at the end of the day they got their $64 worth!? I would like to experiance something other than Disney while we are down in Orlando this time so hopefully ya'll can help me out here.
I love these boards...everyone is so helpfull and friendly here

~Carla~

We are checking in to POP the same day you are and ALSO are doing Universal for the very first time. It's a surprise for my kids. I was so happy to see this thread! Hope you have a great time! We're going to!

 

[bubba's mom]

Don't forget to read the FAQ thread above

 

[Leger13]

Ladybugsy,
That's so awesome that ya'll are gonna be checking into POP the same day we are.
What an awesome surprise for your kids to go to Universal. How exciting! I'm glad I'm not the only first timer to Universal.

Vacation just can't get here fast enough!