Help with trip planning

[ChrisinNJ]

We are going for 9 days, the last week of October into the 1st week in Novemeber. This is my first trip to universal. Last time we travelled we spent 7 days in MK, AK & Epcot, never made it to MGM or Universal.

My plan this trip is to buy the 1 week pass to US & IOA and spend 2-3 days in WDW, possibly a trip to Sea World, and a bit of poolside time. My kids will be almost 8 (twins) and 5 & none of us are big on rollercoasters. That in mind, here are my questions...

If I am going to US & IOA does it pay to go to MGM (or whatever it is called now) or should we just skip it?

With the days we have in mind, how many days would you alot for US & IOA? Is 3 days enough?

What do I need to know about dining in US/IOA? Do you need to make ADRs like in Disney? Are there character meals? Can you bring any food in? We are staying in a condo & will eat breakfast before arriving at the park, so I am looking mainly at lunches & dinners there.

At that time of year, are the crowds heavy? Would I need to pay for the express pass if I am not doing big roller coasters?? Or I am probably fine getting on all the rides we would want to do in 3 days? Is there anywhere to check to see which of the days we will be there would be the least crowded days at the park?

Lastly, Do US & IOA do anything special or different for Halloween? I am debating on getting tickets for MNSSHP at MK. My kids are getting an awesome vacation, but I don't want them to feel they completely missed out on Halloween.

I am sure I will think of more questions later, but this will give me a place to start planning.

Thanks in advance!

Christine

 

[bubba's mom]

We are going for 9 days, the last week of October into the 1st week in Novemeber.

If I am going to US & IOA does it pay to go to MGM (or whatever it is called now) or should we just skip it?

that's really a matter of personal preference...but, we prefer UO to the Disney Studios

With the days we have in mind, how many days would you alot for US & IOA? Is 3 days enough?

for the time you are going, it might be...if you get to the parks early each day. Not sure of your exact dates, but Halloween is on a Friday this year, and they will have the HHN.

What do I need to know about dining in US/IOA? Do you need to make ADRs like in Disney? Are there character meals? Can you bring any food in? We are staying in a condo & will eat breakfast before arriving at the park, so I am looking mainly at lunches & dinners there.

You don't need ADRs like Disney, unless you are dining at Emerils at CW or Tchop Chop at RPR. Every place else, you can make ADR that morning....or, just eat early (like 5-6pm) Check the times Mythos (IoA) is open, may only be open till 3 when you are there, best for lunch then.
The hotels have character meals and Confisco Grille in IOA has character breakfast...very good character interaction.
Yes, you can bring food in...like snacks in a backpack or whatever...but, they DO bag check.

At that time of year, are the crowds heavy? Would I need to pay for the express pass if I am not doing big roller coasters?? Or I am probably fine getting on all the rides we would want to do in 3 days? Is there anywhere to check to see which of the days we will be there would be the least crowded days at the park?

Day crowds shouldn't be TOO bad, but on the weekend (esp. with HHN), yes, it will be busier.
The EP are good for 1 time each ride/show....if you don't want to use them on the coasters, they are still good at other attractions.
If you go early, you should be able to do everything at least once...repeat your faves. You can wait to see the crowd levels/wait times in the park and then if you decide you want the Express Pass, you can purchase it in the park.
During the weekdays will be less crowded than the weekends. The earlier the park closes, the less crowded it will be....the later it's open, the busier it will be.

Lastly, Do US & IOA do anything special or different for Halloween? I am debating on getting tickets for MNSSHP at MK. My kids are getting an awesome vacation, but I don't want them to feel they completely missed out on Halloween.

Yes...Halloween Horror Nights at UO....it's for adults and scary....your kids are too young.... I wouldn't advise taking them to HHN.

 

[Metro West]

Yes...Halloween Horror Nights at UO....it's for adults and scary....your kids are too young.... I wouldn't advise taking them to HHN.

Absolutely...HHN is NOT for children under 14 or so. Stick with MNSSHP or check out the Halloween party at Sea World....very kid friendly.

 

[ky07]

Absolutely...HHN is NOT for children under 14 or so. Stick with MNSSHP or check out the Halloween party at Sea World....very kid friendly.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Sea World's Halloween "party" is on the weekends and is included in the cost of admission. It's very well done, loads of candy, and great costumed characters. Very kid friendly.