How is US/IOA for just "hangin out"?

[tonyk]

We are Disney lovers who are considering getting annual passes to US/IOA this year. Being FL residents, we used to like Magic Kingdom and Epcot becuase you could just hang out, relax, enjoy the atmosphere etc.

I know there is plenty to do at the parks, but we will be deciding on whether to get annual passes partly on this criteria. So, to those of you who have been at both Disney and Universal and understand our desire to just hang out sometimes...what do you think? Thanks

 

[Prince Eric1]

Oh boy, I know I'm going to get in trouble here. I love Universal and Disney, but I have to think for me that if a large amount of my time was going to be spent hanging out and enjoying the scenery, Disney would be my pick. They have more characters, color, four parks with different atmospheres, and more "relaxing spots". Universal has Citywalk with the different restaurants and bars, but has less outdoor activities and shows to watch. I also think that the design of IOA would not make it as relaxing for hanging our as with its circular pattern people are forced into the same areas and are not spread out, leaving few areas not crowded.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I went to Universal over 35 times last year...and let's just say I didn't go on a lot of rides all those times. I personally enjoy the atmosphere of the universal parks. In fact, half of my day is spent just walking around, sitting on the benches relaxing. Universal has become like my second home, so that helps of course. Our second year of having annual passes will be over in March. Are we renewing? Of course. I say go for it, but that's just my opinion.

 

[edie w]

If I was hanging out in the parks, I'd pick the Universal ones and Epcot.

US looks so real! You could spend ages just looking at the "architecture" in the area over near Earthquake, and all the props in the boneyard and dotted around the park. And there are some lovely areas just to sit in and watch the world go by.

IOA is fantastically themed with far too much to take in on even 2 or 3 days.

You just have to walk into Jurassic Park at dusk on a very quiet day. The very first time we went in 1999 we walked over to IOA from US which was closing early for HHN. By the time we got to JP, it was just getting dark, everyone was leaving the parks and there were just us, the music, and the gates to Jurassic Park. Just like the film. A never-to-be-forgotten experience!

Presumably your APs wil give you free parking for Citywalk during the day? Another advantage.

SpideyHulk - your turn!!

 

[Blueberry]

HANGING OUT IS AWESOME AT THE UNIVERSAL PARKS....


True there is a lot to do but you cannot beat the atmosphere either of hanging out over in the Lost Continent at IOA, Jurrassic Park or Seusland. Wish I was a Florida resident with opportunity to go often and just people watch and hang out....

 

[threeboysmom]

Universal Studies has a great "hanging out" place. It is themed after Central Park in NY with lots of benches & a pretty water view. Not a lot of people walk through this area, so it makes a great spot to get away from the crowds and just relax with a drink or snack. You can watch the crowds at a distance from across the water. It is especially pretty at night when all the lights come on!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The Universal parks are a good for just "hanging out". USF would be a better chpice, IMO, though IOA does have some great spots. threeboysmom mentioned one of the best spots in USF. In IOA, one of the most serene/atmospheric/picturesque areas is behind the Discovery Center. There's a little pathway between the Center and the Watering Hole. It gives you a great view of the park and it's usually overlooked, so it's usually desolate.

Another good spot in IOA is directly across from Spider-Man/Doctor Doom, behing the Alterniverse store. This area gets a crowd during fireworks season, but is generally quiet (except for when the Hulk passes by) and also gives another great view.

HTH

 

[SpideyHulk24]

LOL!!!! Edie, but of course I will give my two cents. I love Disney, but also love Universal and it is great to hang out as you put it. Not sure if you have children, but sometimes we go and let our son play at the curious george water area while we have a drink and a snack. It's a great atmosphere and lots of fun!

Definitely worth it, IMO.

 

[themepark]

I discovered the quiet area behind the JP Discovery Center on Friday. I was the only one back there. It was very relaxing and the the view of the park from there is awesome. I just became addicted to USF and IOA last August, but I have to say I love the atmosphere of both parks although they are very different. We spent a lot of time last weekend just strolling around and taking in the scenery. I love all the little details in USF. It's not just anywhere you can feel like you are walking around Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and a few minutes later be in the streets of New York.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

I have to agree. It is so realistic!

 

[tonyk]

Thanks everyone. This was exactly the kind of input I was hoping for!

 

[kellymonaghan]

Another spot that I like is the balcony of the Discovery Center -- a great place to take your Burger Digs tray for a leisurely lunch. It's never crowded in my experience.

I used to take my laptop, plug it in, and work up there for hours. Haven't done that since security got tighter. Do they still let you bring in laptops?

And if you REALLY want to get away from it all, go out the back door of the Discovery Center, turn left, and go down the stairs to the old Island Hoppers dock. Very secluded. Very romantic.

 

[threeboysmom]

Hmmm......... I'll have to check out this Discovery Center on our next trip. Sounds like there's more there than meets the eye there - lots of "hidden areas".