How many days needed for Universal?

[deepseadiver]

Is one day at Universal Studios at Easter too ambitous? We are going to Orlando for the first time and my family are not big coaster fans so the multi-park ticket (seaworld/IoA etc) is not currently on the shopping list. As a result we are planning one one day tickets each for Universal & Seaworld. The latter gets a second day free, but not Universal.

Will we see enough in one day or should we revise our plans?

 

[beattyfamily]

IMHO, Universal (which has 2 parks) should be done in 2 days, especially at Easter time.

If you were going off season and staying onsite with the added benefit of "Front of the Line" then you can probably do both parks in one day.

I believe Universal has a one-day, two-parks pass but it is only available at the gate.

If you post this at the Universal board, you'll get lots more replies from the experts!

 

[lori saxman]

This July will be my 4th time to US in Orlando. First, I feel if you're not going to go to WDW, then US is the right choice for non coaster people. However, with this being your first time, (not to mention the holiday season) I think you and your family would enjoy at least one extra day. Whatever you decide, you will have a great time! I really like US, SW is "ok"

 

[ashjohnson80]

Hi, I think that Universal's Islands of Adventure is mostly roller coasters that is why I didn't go to that one last year. I did go to Universal Studios and it can definately be done in one day. Have fun!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

There are only 2 big coasters at Islands of Adventure and none at Studios. I would stay onsite and spend at least 2 days in the parks. Three is better. You get the front of the line keys if you stay onsite and that makes a world of difference during a busy time of the year. If you stay onsite for one night you get tow days of FOTL so that would really be the way to go. We were there last spring vacation and had almost no waits with FOTL (max of 15 minutes) with the regular lines being 60-90 minutes, sometimes longer. If you spend two nights onsite you'll get three days of FOTL and could see everything more than once.

I've heard mixed things about Seaworld and one day of Universal would really leave you wanting more.

Do you have kids and if so how old (and tall) are they? I'm a Universal nut--the parks are nice, not too expensive, and there is something for everyone. We started going when my kids were 1-13 years old and we've all had lots to do there. My little one is now 4yo and I am bringing just him next month.

T&B

 

[jkovick]

We only spent one day at Universal and thought that was plenty of time. Depends on your touring style though-- we choose the things we wanted to do and skipped thing that didn't really interest us. It was ok, worth going to--but definately not Disney.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I would take two days and do Universal & IOA. AAA runs a special where you get 3 days for the price of two and can hop parks.

There is a lot of non coaster stuff to do at both parks. Dr. Suess Land, the dinosaur area of (both of IOA) are places you'll want to go with kids.

Really, one day, you'll be rushing and skipping IOA you'll miss alot of good kid stuff.

Sheri

 

[MikeVarney]

I concur. Just like the unwritten 1-day-per-park-minimum rule at WDW, each park at Universal really should get a day each as well.

-- M

 

[Dad of 3]

IMHO, Definitely plan at least two days for Universal and Islands of Adventure (IOA). Those who say that IOA has only roller coasters have never been there. Spiderman blows away any simulator attraction at WDW (although, I have not done Mission Space yet) and does not require a barf bag. Posideden's fury is great, it is sort of a cross between Haunted Mansion and Fantasimic, believe it or not. Sinbad is most entertaining show. Some rides, you will get wet, such as Poppy's River Barges. There is also lots of attractions for the young children as well. There is maybe not as many attractions as MK, but there is a lot more than MGM. There is baby swap at all attractions, ride Spidy, you will be glad you did. Anyway, I could go on and on, IOA is my favorite park, even if it does have the two best roller coasters in Orlando. If you can swing it, stay at a Universal Hotel for Front of the Line (FOTL) privileges at the parks. Check out the UO & IOA discussion boards for discounts at these hotels.

Have fun,
Dad of 3.

 

[deepseadiver]

Many thanks for the replies. For the record, I have two girls aged 13 & 10 but only the oldest is interested in coasters, and the youngest and my wife definately are not!- but I get the message about there not being that many anyway.

I guess as it is going to be very busy at that time of the year and it being our first time, and given what everyone has said, I think we do need to have at least a couple of days there.

I booked flights & hotel on IDrive way in advance -with hindsight the on-site hotels might be better especially at peak times such as the easter weeks. But can't you get FOTL by buying an express pass plus ticket -and get similar advantages to staying on-site? Or am I wrong about that one as well?!!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

10 & 13 are great ages for US/IOA. My neice is 11 and she LOVES it. It's not just coasters...in fact the only coaster that pops to my mind is the Hulk & the Dueling Dragons. There is a kiddie coaster called the Flying unicorn. But mostly, it's just themed rides like Snow White, Buzz etc... & shows. There are a lot of simulator rides and I have to admit they are better than the ones at Disney, aside from maybe Mission Space. Take 2 or 3 days at US. You & your kids will be glad you did.

My trip in a month, I'm doing 5 (maybe 6) days at Disney, one day for each park, possibly 2 days at MK, one day at Seaworld (Seaworld can easily be done in a day) and 3 days at US/IOA. Actually I'm leaving on the 3rd day at US/IOA so that will likely just be a half day at IOA before going to the airport. and I don't think it's nearly a long enough time

 

[Shooby doo]

I would compare your costs with the possibility of 4 park flex tickets(we always buy the 5 day as that includes Busch-but there are alot more Rcs there),this includes US,IOa,Sw & Wet'n'wild-unlimited for 14 days!US is my fave park & until "Mummy" not a roller coaster in sight-Shrek 3D is excellent,worth the admission on it's own -but it can get pretty busy!Not doing IOA you'll be missing out on some pretty impressive attractions ie Spiderman,Jurassic Park,even the cat in the hat ride is worth a go !
SD

 

[SpideyHulk24]

At least 3 days to do most of it. My next summer trip is for six. We just didn't have enough time for ALL there was to do.

 

[Dad of 3]

Deepseadiver,
To answer your question, FOTL is only available to hotel guests. I wish you could buy it too. Day guests to the park can use Universal Express which is equivalent to Disney's FastPass. For more information, see the "Important" thread on "How to get to FOTL" in the Universal Parks Disboards.

Dad of 3

 

[the Dark Marauder]

You *CAN* buy express/fotl at Universal. It's called express plus and price varies per the season. It can cost anywhere between $10-$25 per person. The express plus pass is also date and park specific. You can buy an express plus pass for both parks during the slow season. They usually cost $25-$30 per person. In either case, you only get one express access per attraction with the express plus.

 

[Selina]

Even if you are not interested in the coasters, there is still so much at both parks, I think you will be worn out if you try and do them in a day. Also, some of the attractions are so good, that one go is not enough!! You'll want to go on again!!! My two kids start off at Seuss Landing in IOA and spend at least an hour there alone., and as you are not staying on-site, with no FOTL, there will be longer waits at the most popular ones - and those are the ones that you will want to have another go on. 3 days minimum I think. Wishing you a lovely holiday.

 

[Dad of 3]

The Dark Marauder,
Thank-you for your post. I did not know about express plus, I have previously stayed on site.

Is Express Plus sold only at the Universal ticket booth? I cannot find Express Plus on the Univeral Online ticket store.

Thanks,
Dad of 3