How much of an advanced plan?

[supedewoop]

I'll be going to US/IoA on May 11 and plan on spending a full day there. I might be going with some local friends who have been before or alone (it depends on their work schedules). Since I'm not sure how many people are going, I've been fairly relaxed about the whole thing--I haven't even bought tickets yet. I haven't done a lot of planning, but as it's getting closer, I'm starting to worry I haven't done enough planning and research, especially if my friends are unable to come! So, my main question is: how much of a plan should I have, especially compared to Disney? Should I make a backup plan for myself, if my friends end up not making it?

I haven't been planning the US/IoA stuff at all, since it's only one day, but the Disney planning has been taking SO MUCH time. I have modified dining reservations so many times, and questioned my fastpass choices SO MUCH and had lots of discussions with the people I'm spending time with at Disney about what our preferences are. I know US/IoA works differently and there are no fast passes and not many (if any?) restaurants that require reservations, but as it's getting closer, I'm starting to worry I've made a mistake! I have about 4 days before my travel "starts" and my downtime becomes unpredictable. Is it already too late?!

If my friends come, they're more of the priority than the rides, though they know I've never been and want to check out the HP stuff more than anything else. I think at least one of my friends has an annual pass, so we'd likely not do express passes, since it's not worth the extra cost for them. And, we haven't seen each other in 10 years, so there'd probably be lots to talk about waiting in a line. And, since they've been at the park before, they'll know what's worth doing and not, have preferred food, know the shows to see, know good orders and times for the rides. They're still not sure about their schedules, though, and by the time they know, I don't know if I'll be in a position to have enough time to make a lot of plans.

If I'm alone, though, I only know I want to buy a wand, do some of the interactive spells, do gringotts and Forbidden Journey, do the Hogwarts express (probably both ways, as advised) and eat a meal at either the three broomsticks or the leaky cauldron (though both seem excessive and not distinct enough to have a preference for one over the other). Other than that, I have no idea! That doesn't sound like a full day of activity (and I'd be more likely to get an express pass just to avoid boring lines, although I can always read a book on my phone), but none of the other "big" properties are things I'm super into, and I haven't looked into specific rides. I'd probably just walk around and go on rides based on their wait times and nearness. My non-hp meal will likely be me walking by someplace that looks good when I'm hungry. Should I be doing more research? Am I missing out on must-sees?


And, since I'm already making a post--My research suggests the best route for tickets is ordering online a day or two before I go, since I'm not in a position to have them shipped. "Discount tickets" that I remember from growing up, at the hotels and such, aren't really much of a thing anymore. Is this right?

 

[macraven]

Suggest you read some of the stickies and use
www.universalorlando.com and see what is in the parks for rides and shows in case you go solo

Get an idea by looking at the park maps so you will know your away around in the two parks

 

[brertoad]

I think the express pass helps a lot, but with most groups, not everyone has them so you end up waiting in line with the whole group.
For food options, most of Universal is easy quick service stuff, you just eat when you get hungry. Not really much of a problem there, you don't need to plan for food unless you had your heart set on eating at Mythos or something.

Definitely get yourself a wand, that is really awesome, make sure to do the interactive spells. I'd say make sure to try a frozen Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice or something fun. Check out all the shops Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I'd also recommend to see both Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks. Ride the HP rides. There is a short show with stage actors in Diagon Alley about the Fountain of Fair Fortune or the Three Brothers. There is also a frog choir in Hogsmeade, but I haven't gotten a chance to see them. I'd plan to head over to Hogsmeade at the end of the night for the projection show on the castle.

I thought the Simpsons area is cute, also I liked the ET ride. I like Shrek and Minions too, the gift shops are pretty neat.

 

[schumigirl]

As Mac says above.........read the stickies at the top of each of the forums.......

They cover everything you need to know.......the Quick Access and FAQ along with the food stickie damo has created are fabulous!!!

And check the website for park layouts........then you can have an idea of everything that’s there you’d want to see.

 

[shanew21]

If you stay at a hotel with the Express Pass, you don't need any plan at all really. Just look at the list of rides and food and make a list of what you want to see.

 

[gotomu212]

It should be fine! You sound pretty laid back and are really flexible so Universal should be a great fit. HP will take more time than you expect- just because the theming is so fantastic that you really do have to walk through the shops and around the buildings (normally I avoid shops but they are full of book details so sightseeing through them is worth it).

As far as a plan if you are alone- what other rides do you like? Rollercoasters, superhero stuff, water rides? We might be able to tell you which rides we’d suggest if it were us.

 

[supedewoop]

Thanks for the tips! I have looked at the stickies, but only briefly, as well the Universal site, but no rides are standing out, because they're so focused on the "theme" of the ride and it's harder to know what sort of ride it is otherwise and if it's still enjoyable if you just like that kind of ride. Looking at the layouts is a good idea, too! I have a good visual memory so could actually remember it in 2 weeks time, to not be totally lost the whole time.

I did just find out that one friend is like a 99% yes, so that's helpful! She'll probably have tips and suggestions, but has an annual pass, so won't be missing anything if we don't get to it. I think we might do one meal in the park at Leaky or Three Broomsticks and meet a third friend at City Walk after the park closes at 6. I've just now looked into what's offered there. Rising Star looks fun. I love karaoke, but I'm not a great singer, just for fun. Are people usually really good? Do bad singers get a bad reaction from the crowd? (I have read reviews, most mention the long wait/lack of order to the list, but not this).

It sounds like flexibility is the way, to go, but I'll do a little more reading too, and I'll definitely consider any suggestions!

I like roller coasters but not ones whose main selling point is how scary they are, especially if the climb is slow (too much time to think on what could go wrong!). RRR looks like it might be a bit too much for me. I was looking forward to the Dueling Dragons, but it's closed! I LOVE water rides and dark rides, (but mostly for the "storyline"). Simulation/Screen rides I'm so-so on, but really like if I'm into the theme (Star Tours and Iron Man Experience are some of my favorite rides!) Unfortunately, Fast and Furious and Jimmy Fallon aren't my favorites. I'm interested in the superhero stuff, but a lot of it seems more like a ride with a themed paint job. Is that a bad perception? I LOVE Dr. Seuss, but sort of hate the commercialism of it nowadays, so I might avoid the area altogether (and it seems like mostly kiddy rides?).

 

[macraven]

Some trip reports have more info and details of the rides and items in the parks

You get their personal experiences they had of the trip

 

[macraven]

I do not ride RRR due to the first portion of the ride

Could not sit at that angle going up to the top of the coaster that long

The coaster itself seems smooth for certain sections of the seats I have read

One thing I always do is sit and watch the peeps at the Mystic Fountain

The interactions of the “fountain” with those around it are a hoot

This is located in IOA