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[Candy30]

OK so we are as a group only going to Universal for one day. Can you give me a day plan on what to do first, what to pass up this time, and the best timeline for doing both parks on that day. We are going off season (Sept 17th) which the park closes at 6 pm. There are some of us that plan on coming back another day but most are not. 2 Srs, 5 adults and 2-12year olds. Now the Srs will not be going to IOA but the rest of us will. What are your thoughts? Day plans you have used?

 

[SNylund]

If it were me, I would start out at the Islands of Adventure Park (IOA). To me IOA is the best themed park in the country, and is #1 on any list. Take the left side, go to Marvel Super Hero Island first and ride the Hulk coaster and Spider-Man. Spider Man is the top attraction at IOA and is a must do.

Wing around the circle towards the next Island, Toon Lagoon. TL is primarily water rides. A great log ride and a raft ride, both get you very wet. These are not MUST dos but are an option.

Next go to Jurassic Park and ride the boat ride Jurassic Park River Adventure, another MUST do in IOA. Experience this area and head on to the Lost Continent. Dueling Dragons are good coasters and are options, but not must dos in this area IMO. Eat lunch at Mythos restaurant in the Lost Continent, which is the restaurant must do at IOA.

After this head on out through Suess Landing, kiddie rides in this area if you have smaller children in the group.

Go to the main Universal park. The Mummy, Men In Black, and Terminator for me are must dos but they also have a new coaster there, haven't been on it yet, but also looks like a must do. After this, anything else you can squeeze in.

 

[macraven]

OK so we are as a group only going to Universal for one day. Can you give me a day plan on what to do first, what to pass up this time, and the best timeline for doing both parks on that day. We are going off season (Sept 17th) which the park closes at 6 pm. There are some of us that plan on coming back another day but most are not. 2 Srs, 5 adults and 2-12year olds. Now the Srs will not be going to IOA but the rest of us will. What are your thoughts? Day plans you have used?

sept 17 is a thursday.
good choice.

you will find light crowds for when you will be there.

i suggest you check the interactive map and look through the rides and attractions at the parks.
see what would appeal to all of you.

it is difficult for me to state what rides you should not miss as not everything appeals to everyone.

www.universalorlando.com

you might want to also check out the studio side.
there is a lot in that park many enjoy. plan ahead of what the seniors in your group find good for them.
they might want to do that park while the other group does ioa.

you need to be at the parking garage a good 45 minutes before the parks open.
they open to the public one hour before the parks open.

many times the public is allowed in to the parks prior to the official opening time of 9:00.
if that would happen, there will be rides open for that early group.

if you plan to do both parks in one day, check out the UO website and get an idea of what highlights you want to include in your touring plans.

i don't know if any in the group will have restrictions on what they can or can not do.

 

[Candy30]

Well I know the two Seniors will not do any of the roller coasters but want to stick with the group as long as possible. So, I would want to do any simulation/movie rides together and then venture off to the roller coaster rides. We don't have little kids so we will be skipping Suess' area and woody woodpecker stuff. I know we want to see the following : Terminator, MIB, JAWS, Jurrassic Park, Twister, Spiderman, Do they still have earthquake? King Kong? I know I am going way back. ET if time only for Nastalgia. Coasters, The new one, hulk, DD,Storm and anything else we can fit in there.

 

[macraven]

Well I know the two Seniors will not do any of the roller coasters but want to stick with the group as long as possible. So, I would want to do any simulation/movie rides together and then venture off to the roller coaster rides. We don't have little kids so we will be skipping Suess' area and woody woodpecker stuff. I know we want to see the following : Terminator, MIB, JAWS, Jurrassic Park, Twister, Spiderman, Do they still have earthquake? King Kong? I know I am going way back. ET if time only for Nastalgia. Coasters, The new one, hulk, DD,Storm and anything else we can fit in there.

earthquake bit the dust.
it is now "Disaster"

king kong also gone,
in it's place is Revenge of the Mummy

 

[Metro West]

We don't have little kids so we will be skipping Suess' area and woody woodpecker stuff.

This might sound strange but I really enjoy Cat in The Hat and the trolley train ride at Suess Landing. The seniors would probably enjoy the trolley too.

 

[Candy30]

Wow they are gone!! Bummer! I can't wait to go! We are getting so excited about it!

 

[damo]

This might sound strange but I really enjoy Cat in The Hat and the trolley train ride at Suess Landing. The seniors would probably enjoy the trolley too.

I agree! You should at least do Cat in the Hat!

 

[macraven]

cat in the hate rules........

 

[SNylund]

Another vote for Cat in the Hat if you have the time, but I wouldn't sacrifice Mummy time, Terminator time and MIB time for it. But it is cool, actually the whole Suess Landing area is extremely cool. Its like you have literally jumped into the middle of a Dr. Suess book.

Also, though as another TRY to do at all costs, not necessarily a MUST do, is Twister. I personally love this tornado sim. Think its really cool, others may disagree. Jaws as well, but looks like your list is pretty good, its basically the same list I would have come up with. Although I put a big emphasis on the IOA park in general.

Point is, I personally think the experience of IOA, with the incredible themed areas, should be first, that way if you can squeeze in what you want to do, you can head back to it at the end of the day if you still have time and re-ride Spiderman and JPRA if you can, at least that's what I do. But I realize that would be a lot to squeeze into one day. Have fun.

 

[damo]

I would probably only do one or two rides as IOA and spend the rest of the time over at USF with the seniors. With such a variety of ages in your group, USF pleases more people.