Help me with a plan! Trip 4/10

[Miz Diz]

I have a 7yo and 3 yo. The last time I went to US and IOA was about 10 years ago.

I have no idea where to start with plans. With Disney, I always know what we are doing before we get there.

My 7yo loves rollercoasters and ToT at Disney. My 3yo loves Barney.

We will be checking into our hotel in Orlando on 4/10 (morning) and checking out 4/13.

Which attractions do we need to get to first thing in the mornings before crowd levels get too high? We are not staying on site, so won't have Front of Line privileges.

What are some not to miss things?

I also bought the meal plan for 1 day. Which park is best to use this at? Or are they all pretty much the same?

Do I need to make dining reservations for Table service meals and where are the best places to eat? I am guessing citywalk for table service?

 

[goofie4goofy]

I don't know how much planning you will need to do. The parks close at 7pm (8pm on that Saturday) which means the crowd level should be low. The best plan for USO is to follow the circle - in the opposite direction. At IOA everyone goes to the left, which is in the direction of the Hulk Coaster. Instead go to the right and head to Seuss Landing. There's a lot of fun rides there for your kids too. When going to the Studios, do the same thing. Everyone heads straight and heads for The Mummy, instead make the right and go in the opposite direction of everyone else. I have never used the meal deal, but from what I have read the choices are pretty much the same at all participating restaurants.

We have been to the parks during the slow times, and the regular lines are minimal, so you should be able to do and see with little or no planning. Since the parks are in a big circle, it is so much easier than WDW. Just follow the path around and you will see and do everything you want to do. After reading the post here from an employee that works in Seuss Landing, the "reverse" circle is a good idea, he said everyone goes to the left and they sit around for a long while before anyone gets to his area. As far as what to ride for your kids, I think all kids are different. I would check out the info on the universal orlando website and watch the videos of the rides. The motion of the rides may be similar to WDW, but the visual effects are different on some of the "bigger" rides, which may make the difference to your child. There's still plenty to see and do for your little ones. Have a great trip

 

[Miz Diz]

I don't know how much planning you will need to do. The parks close at 7pm (8pm on that Saturday) which means the crowd level should be low. The best plan for USO is to follow the circle - in the opposite direction. At IOA everyone goes to the left, which is in the direction of the Hulk Coaster. Instead go to the right and head to Seuss Landing. There's a lot of fun rides there for your kids too. When going to the Studios, do the same thing. Everyone heads straight and heads for The Mummy, instead make the right and go in the opposite direction of everyone else. I have never used the meal deal, but from what I have read the choices are pretty much the same at all participating restaurants.

We have been to the parks during the slow times, and the regular lines are minimal, so you should be able to do and see with little or no planning. Since the parks are in a big circle, it is so much easier than WDW. Just follow the path around and you will see and do everything you want to do. After reading the post here from an employee that works in Seuss Landing, the "reverse" circle is a good idea, he said everyone goes to the left and they sit around for a long while before anyone gets to his area. As far as what to ride for your kids, I think all kids are different. I would check out the info on the universal orlando website and watch the videos of the rides. The motion of the rides may be similar to WDW, but the visual effects are different on some of the "bigger" rides, which may make the difference to your child. There's still plenty to see and do for your little ones. Have a great trip

Thanks for the response. The reverse direction sounds smart! I went to the website a while back, but need to go and really look at the rides and height requirements.

Do they allow child swap so we don't have to do the line twice when one of us sits out with dd3?

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Thanks for the response. The reverse direction sounds smart! I went to the website a while back, but need to go and really look at the rides and height requirements.

Do they allow child swap so we don't have to do the line twice when one of us sits out with dd3?

Yes. Many of the attractions have Child Swap areas.

I know a lot of people so go the right when you get in, and that really is a good idea, but some attractions have longer waits later in the day like Jimmy Neutron Nicktoon's Blast. The lines for that can go over an hour. If you're getting to the park before opening, I think you should get that out of the way first. It's the first attraction on your left as you enter the park.

 

[damo]

Get to the parks before opening and ride the things that are most important to you. There are great play areas in both parks with water features that your kids will love.

 

[mslclark]

I'd get to IOA about 30 min before park opening. Do Hulk or Spiderman first before the crowds arrive.

 

[goofie4goofy]

JMHO, but I don't think that you will have "crowds" during the time you will be visiting. Spring break will be over by that time. We stay on site, however we always go after spring break too, we get to the parks waaaaay after the parks open and the place is empty--no lines--no crowds. I have seen many times no FOTL line because there was not enough people so it is just 1 line. Also will you be taking your small children on the Hulk?? I know all kids are different, but Spiderman may also be too intense for a 7 year old. My 8 year old nephew, who loves Spiderman, freaked out on it. That ride would be a judgement call based on your child. If you have never been on it you may want to ride it first to check it out and then decide.

I know vacations are also for relaxing, so I am jsut trying to give you some info so you don't feel that you have to get up at the crack of dawn to fit it all in. The crowd level will be low so you can see and do all without the stress of getting 2 small kids ready so early and you can relax and enjoy yourself.

USO also does a great job of "crowd distraction" with shows, performers and characters. I have seen many people get off a line to see the Blues Brothers perform...

No worries