how long does it take you to "do" US/IOA using FOTL?

[TigerLaw]

I now that different people do the parks differently, but I would like to try to get a general sense of how long it takes to finish seeing all the major attractions at US/IOA using FOTL. I guess I should also factor in we will be at HRH from 9/19 to 9/23 so it should be off season.

Basically, all I am looking for is a ballpark time and everyone's best guess. My idea would be to be done by mid-afternoon so we could hit the pool, but I don't know if that is realistic or not.

thanks in advance for your help!

 

[damo]

When we were there in May, we had about 6 days. Everyday we would do the main IOA attractions, that meant big coasters first and then a loop around. That would take about 3 hours. We would have lunch at Mythos or Oak Tavern or somewhere and then we'd go over to USF and do different things every day, but always ET and MIB and Jaws, spending about 2 hours there. By late afternoon we would do the pool, then dinner, then veg by the pool again. We also did a couple of movies in the evenings and did a Dive in Movie as well.

It was very relaxing and we never got tired or bored.

 

[Robinrs]

In September it's VERY realistic.

The best thing about UE is you don't really have to have a plan, just GO. I love it!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You can easily do each park in one day. However, when I went, we got so caught up in each land at IOA, that there was stuff that we missed. The same thing happened at Universal. However if you go for multiple days, you can do things at your own pace.

You will have plenty of time.

Have fun!

 

[CarolynNC]

I'm returning the week before you and also staying at the Hard Rock. The walk down the back path takes only about 5 minutes and you are at US front gate. About 5 minutes more and you are at IOA. This makes it easy to hit the parks, return to the hotel, then hit the parks again. I've gone the last two Julys and that's the way we've toured. We spend at least 4 days to visit the parks. By that time we've done everything and our favorites multiple times every day. I find it takes longer for US since you need to work around show times to do everything.

The park hours are shorter in September so I'm sure I'll be adjusting my touring. I think if you were there at park opening you could tour like mad and finish an entire park by late afternoon. If you're just hitting the major attractions, you should finish much earlier. I won't tour like that any more (don't do it at WDW either). I enjoy taking my time, riding my favorites multiple times, having a leisurely lunch, and taking a pool break at the hotel. On the days the park closes at 6pm I will probably delay my pool break until very late in the afternoon although I will keep my leisurely lunch. Having a leisurely lunch reminds me I'm on vacation and I don't need to rush back to the office!

Since you'll be there for 5 days you should have plenty of time for the park and lounging around the pool.

Hope you have a great trip.

Carolyn