Help! US/IOA - I don't know what I'm doing!

[guyzmom]

Our family (DH -38, DS twins -7, me-36) will be staying at WDW (POP) Sept 29th-Oct 7th. We would like to go to US/IOA for a couple of days (I saw the great ticket deal). DH and I went to US about 10 years (pre-kiddos). I am an obessive planner (I really enjoy it, too) and any advice, info, suggestions, etc. would be GREATLY appreciated. I have read through a bunch of posts here so far. I'm guessing that our best bet to get there will be arranging for a town car (I hope I'm right). The days that look like they will fit into my schedule would be Sat and Tues (I'm concerned about Sat being too busy). Where can I find some actual itinerary-type info and tips for these parks (like in Unofficial Guide, Passporter, Tour Guide Mike, etc.)?
I know I'm a planning geek, but I feel really uninformed and unprepared for these parks. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Sleepy]

Is there anyway you can combine those days to be back to back and possibly have in your budget the ability to stay onsite? I really think this would maximize your enjoyment of the parks for the unlimited Express pass perk.

 

[guyzmom]

Is there anyway you can combine those days to be back to back and possibly have in your budget the ability to stay onsite? I really think this would maximize your enjoyment of the parks for the unlimited Express pass perk.

I agree that the free FOTL passes would be awesome, but it's just not in the cards for us on this trip. We're doing a value resort, we're getting the free dining, and I also like getting the free DME tranfers to/from the airport.

 

[kimberh]

You can buy the FOTL passes on Universal's web site. They are priced different prices for different times of the year. If the crowd is heavy, I really would recommend getting them, if there is any way that the budget can manage them. You can also buy them on site, Universal advertises that they only sell a certain number.
If it's been 10 years, well, a ton has changed!! For one, there are 2 parks and they have taken some things out of US and replaced it with more popular rides ex: King Kong is gone and the Mummy is there. WE loved the 2 parks. It's not Disney, so don't even begin to compare it to that. To tell you the truth, in some ways it's better and in others it's not. We really were impressed. I realize there is a controversial thread going on right now, but I say to each there own!

Have a Great Trip!!

 

[damo]

That time of year is not too busy and you probably won't need express passes. My suggestion would be just to get to the parks before opening and do all the big rides first.

My best advice for getting information is just to read through the threads on this board as far back as you can. Everything you ever wanted to know can be found here somewhere. Then we can fill in the blanks for you.