How much time to do IOA/US ?

[4our4kids]

In trying to finalize our plans it looks like we may only have 1 1/2 days for the 2 pks. If we stay on site, arriving around 2pm on Fri, January 31, and having a full day Saturday, Feb. 1, what would be your plan? We've never been to the parks. 4 adults, 3 teens and a 2yr old. Can both parks be done in this time frame?

 

[4our4kids]

Not looking for a detialed ride to ride plan. Just wanting to know if generally 1 1/2 days is enough to see most of the major attractions in the 2 parks, and if it's worth the price for a 2 day/2 park admission.
Thanks.

 

[robvia]

Yes, both parks can be done in that time frame.

You're coming at off peak season, which is good. February is my favorite month to visit.

I went on the park web site and the hours are not listed for January 2003 yet, but I bet they close at 6pm, they always open at 9am. So you'll check in, and have a few hours to visit a park. That will give you about 3 hours Friday night, and all of Saturday. Goto USF and do a few attractions. It's a big park, so do a few movie rides, and you'll have an idea of what you want to see the next day when you come back.

Saturday morning, be at the gate of IOA first thing when they open at 9am. It takes about 3 hours to do a lap, going clockwise with light crowds. After that you head over to USF and do more attractions.

Late in the day the teenagers will want to head back to IOA and ride the coasters again.

You'll see alot, but believe me, the teens will be begging you to come back.

And will you let the teenagers go off on their own? The 2 year old will slow you down. I'd suggest you give watches to the teens, and make meeting spots, and let them go off on their own, depending on their age. A 2 year old will be sleeping in a stroller, and the teens will want to run from attraction to attraction. If you could leave the 2 year old at home with grand parents I'd say to do that.

 

[4our4kids]

robvia,
Thank you for your great suggestions!! I appreciate your response. My teens will have a fantastic time!!
Laura

 

[3reds]

Yes, I think you can do both parks in 1 and 1/2 days. (We just did it). Will you be staying on site? The front of the line access is invaluable. Even though lines weren't long at some attractions and we practically walked on even without the express access, the few times we did use it made it worth its weight in gold. There's no other way we could have ridden Spiderman three times!
If your teenagers agree to stick together, I would also "turn them loose" with specific check-in times, and they'll have a blast.
Be sure to go to the Makeup Show at Universal -- it's really fun!

 

[4greatboys]

We had our babysitter with us to help watch the little ones-2 yrs and 5 months. I definately reccomend staying on site to use the FOLT express entrance. It will save you lots of time standing in line. Even if the reg line is not long, that means on the express entrance you should be able to walk right to the ride w/no waiting. Be sure to do your must see things first then go back to whatever is left.