How many hours to tour each park?

[waverider]

Early next week, I will be spending two days, one day devoted to each park. How many hours do I need in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios?

 

[robvia]

This is entirely subjective, and there is nothing that says you have to spend an entire day at each. You can hop between them. If you arrive at 8am and are first to the gate of IOA, you can tour the park in 4 hours. USF takes longer because there are shows, and the movie attractions have a preshow you have to wait thru. Therefore, my advice is to take that early morning lap of IOA, eat lunch, then walk over to USF and do a few attractions. The next morning you can decide if you want to go back to IOA, or start at USF.

 

[macraven]

is this your first visit to universal?

i only ask because i can remember when i was a universal virgin and had a frantic time trying to get everything in.

if this is your first time, i suggest you be at the ticket turnstyle at 8:30 and hit the parks when they open.

check out the guidebook to see what shows you definitely do not want to miss. for me, the gory make up show i always include at least twice in my visits.

also check to see the times some of the attractions will start. when i was last there, T2 did not start until 10:00.

for us side:

depending on what appeals to you the most, either start at the first street to the right after you enter........T2, lucy tribute, gory show.....down to et, animal planet, back to future, MIB...........circle over to the other side for jaws, and work your way up.

or, after you enter go to the 2nd street to the right and start with shrek, jimmy neutron, twister, mummy, etc side and then circle back to MIB

you could get it in if you start at opening and stay to closing but it will be tight if you take in shows, beetlejuice, blues brothers, etc.
if you are staying on site and do the fotl, you will get almost all of it done.

as long as you don't take time out to eat and shop, it can be accomplished but will be very tight schedule.
some rides are not that long but attractions can be 20 minutes of your time.

for ioa, i did this in one day, a very full day, and hit the high lights.
the water rides slowed me down.

if you park hop, you can get the highlights of both and then repeat your faves on the 3rd day.

it is possible to do both parks in 2 days but you will miss out on many things
i always suggest make it a 3 day event

 

[pjfnme]

is this your first visit to universal?


check out the guidebook to see what shows you definitely do not want to miss. for me, the gory make up show i always include at least twice in my visits.



Hi!! This is our first visit and I am looking for a good guidebook so that I can plan our itinerary....do you like anyone in particular????

 

[macraven]

when it comes to guidebooks for universal, i don't know if there is any one in particular i could recommend.

i suggest you go to the local library and see what books they have on their shelves on universal. i have seen about 6 of them in our library and they all have something that is good/great to read about the parks.

better yet, take about an hour out and go to a bookstore..barnes and nobles, books a million, borders and see what is on their shelves. skim thru them and see what is highlighted most in detail before you make a purchase.

the ones that describe the rides and attractions and has the layout of the parks and eating places are usually more on the mark.

i will look and see what i have in my collection. i have some that i don't need. i can send you one to get you started if you want.

since this is your first trip, there is so much to cover.

give us more details of your plans.
when are you going?
ages of kids? just adults?
length of time you plan to see universal
where do you plan to stay?

fill us in more and i will concentrate on the facts you need to set up an itenary.

 

[pjfnme]

Thanks soooo much!!! I would appreciate any help I can get! I had already thought about making a trip to the bookstore to see what I could find there as well. Anything you could do would definitely be an added bonus! There are 3 of us...2 adults, 1 6 year old girl (loves thrill rides too!). Oh..she is 50 inches tall right now...I know that can be a factor on some rides. We are going the first two weeks of May. I have a 7 day pass for Universal/IOA but, we probably wont spend but 3 days touring there...it was just the best deal I could get at the time! Oh...we are staying apx 1 1/2 miles from WDW! Okay..I think I answered everything!

Like I said, anything you could do would be great! Thanks sooo much!

 

[macraven]

let me see what books i have here.
i don't use my guide books anymore as for one thing, they are outdated and i can't find anything in them that i don't already know.

not that i am an expert, but have been there on 15 trips and trip 16 coming up this fall.

the books are good for the layout of the parks, eating places, shops, explanation of rides.

let me see what i can part with for you.
if i could borrow a scanner i could send it by internet or if there is too much to do, mail it to you.

i have only been to universal one time in early may....the week before mothers day back in 1999........it was not busy then but two parks now.

if you are going before the schools get out that will be to your advantage on lines and crowds.

if your child is 50 inches tall, i don't know if that meets height requirements for rides. i will have to look at last years park guidebook to see.

feel free to pm me anytime.

 

[jmsvss]

Yesterday I called the Universal ticket line to add the Express option to our tickets (since we will be there during a crowded time). Since the Express option is date specific I had to give her the days we would be at each park. She (the ticket lady) recommended allowing 6-8 hours per park especially since we had not been there in 4 years and the kids are older (and can do more stuff).

So - the ticket lady's advice is to give 6-8 hours per park.

 

[macraven]

i think the ticket lady gave you accurate advice.

since it has been 4 years since you have been to that theme park, you have a lot more to catch up and see.