Help - "newbies" to Universal

[jksgrammy]

Hubbie and I are staying in Orlando (staying off site, not at one of the Universal hotels) from Jan. 6 - 18, 2008. We are getting annual passes (one power pass and one preferred - exchanging our existing $86 tickets our first day per discussion on another thread).

We have not been to Universal since we were MUCH younger; we are both 55 now.

We decided to visit during this trip to "check out" the parks as we are bringing our grandkids back in May, 2008 for a week to visit Universal (staying off-site that visit).

I know to get there early, but any other suggestions? Such as what days are less busy? Will we need to make reservations at any of the restaurants, or is January considered a "slow" time?

Thanks for any input.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Hubbie and I are staying in Orlando (staying off site, not at one of the Universal hotels) from Jan. 6 - 18, 2008. We are getting annual passes (one power pass and one preferred - exchanging our existing $86 tickets our first day per discussion on another thread).

We have not been to Universal since we were MUCH younger; we are both 55 now.

We decided to visit during this trip to "check out" the parks as we are bringing our grandkids back in May, 2008 for a week to visit Universal (staying off-site that visit).

I know to get there early, but any other suggestions? Such as what days are less busy? Will we need to make reservations at any of the restaurants, or is January considered a "slow" time?

Thanks for any input.

Weekdays are generally less busy. January itself is considered a "slow time" (after New Years-March is generally a slow time, unless Easter falls in March. Also, WINTER BREAK = NO!) The only crowded-ish day would be Martin Luther King Jr. Day. How old are the grandkids?

 

[jksgrammy]

Grandkids will be 7 (boy) and 9 (girl). They are SOOOO excited about the trip - have been looking at the Universal website. We are staying at Homes at Summer Bay (3 bedroom/3 bath with it's own private pool). Grandson is into Spiderman big time, so know he'll have a great time.

 

[WDWFreak200]

January is considered part of the non-peak season for Universal/IOA, so you will be set for a good time. The weekends may be a bit crowded, but usually not that much. Have a great time!

 

[ky07]

Grandkids will be 7 (boy) and 9 (girl). They are SOOOO excited about the trip - have been looking at the Universal website. We are staying at Homes at Summer Bay (3 bedroom/3 bath with it's own private pool). Grandson is into Spiderman big time, so know he'll have a great time.

Then you have to do IOA and the spiderman ride and have to be around super hero island when spiderman comes out and let him get a pic with him cause think it will make his day

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Then you have to do IOA and the spiderman ride and have to be around super hero island when spiderman comes out and let him get a pic with him cause think it will make his day

I agree!
My BFF and I met Spiderman-he was really friendly to all the kids! The superheroes actually TALK to the kids, pose with them, everything! They will love the rides, for sure. Your Granddaughter might like Suess Landing, unless she feels as if she's "too old" (and she shouldn't!) She'll also like Flying Unicorn if she likes coasters (Hey, I'm 14, and me and my friend went on it, and loved it!)

On the USO side, they'll like Woody's KidZone, Jimmy Neutron, Shrek 4D, etc.

 

[jksgrammy]

Thanks everyone for the posts!

Will there be a time posted when Spiderman comes out at super hero island?

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Thanks everyone for the posts!

Will there be a time posted when Spiderman comes out at super hero island?

It should be in the guidemap that you can pick up when you enter the park. It has showtimes, character greet times, etc. They also post meet-and-greet times in the area.

 

[ky07]

This is where they do some of the meet and greets but they also do them all over super hero island

 

[jksgrammy]

Oh my gosh! Wait 'till my grandson sees that!! Thanks for the great picture.

 

[ky07]

Oh my gosh! Wait 'till my grandson sees that!! Thanks for the great picture.

Your welcome and have a great time

 

[bubba's mom]

jksgrammy..... buy Kelly Monaghan's book Universal Orlando. It IS the Universal bible...much like the UOG to WDW. The book has everything in regards to attractions, shows, eats (in the parks, hotels and at CityWalk), the hotels and City Walk. It is full of great info and I recommend it to everyone....it helped us a great deal our first trip..... well..that AND the DIS...of course

This would be what you are looking for....(in any bookstore, I'm sure....)
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...bs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198726908&sr=1-2

 

[wwessing]

jksgrammy..... buy Kelly Monaghan's book Universal Orlando. It IS the Universal bible...much like the UOG to WDW. The book has everything in regards to attractions, shows, eats (in the parks, hotels and at CityWalk), the hotels and City Walk. It is full of great info and I recommend it to everyone....it helped us a great deal our first trip..... well..that AND the DIS...of course

This would be what you are looking for....(in any bookstore, I'm sure....)
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...bs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198726908&sr=1-2

Yep - I'll second that. You can also go right to his website and order. He's also got another book called The Other Orlando, which, if you are doing other things in the area will also be a wonderful guide. Go to The Intrepid Traveler website. . . www.intrepidtraveler.com. . . and you will find the books you need, and usually at a discount.

 

[jksgrammy]

Thanks for suggestions on the books. Think I'll pick them up and have for reading on our driving trip down to Florida. Can't wait - we leave on Jan. 3rd!