How similar are USF and Universal Hollywood ? A variation of the USF vs IOA question

[mill4023]

I'm going with DW, DS10, DD7, DD4.
We've never been to any of the Universal parks.
I was planning to do USF because it seemed better than IOA for the ages of my kids. But we live in Oregon and often make trips to southern cal, so we will have plenty of chances to visit Universal Hollywood in the next few years. So I was wondering if USF and Universal Hollywood are very similar, than maybe we should do IOA instead since we probably won't get a chance for again for quite a few years.

I know there are plenty of threads on whether to choose USF or IOA, but if you knew you'd be able to go to Hollywood soon, which would you choose with kids?

 

[robvia]

I don't get it.
If you're going to come all the way to Florida, then spend two days and visit both parks, they're both worth it.
USH and USF are similar, and different at the same time. Each park has a few rides the other doesn't, and the Mummy is different. It's worth it to visit both Universal parks. You can see my recent USH report here.
http://www.nogodforme.com/USH2005.htm

 

[damo]

We were at Universal Hollywood last summer. I would do both parks in Orlando since they both have different things than the Hollywood version. Even rides with the same name are different (except Back to the Future...you should just not bother with that ride). Shrek is the same as well, but still fun. Jurassic Park and Mummy are both different.

 

[mill4023]

I don't get it.
If you're going to come all the way to Florida, then spend two days and visit both parks, they're both worth it.
USH and USF are similar, and different at the same time. Each park has a few rides the other doesn't, and the Mummy is different. It's worth it to visit both Universal parks. You can see my recent USH report here.
http://www.nogodforme.com/USH2005.htm

I'd love to, but ...
The problem is that there is too much to see and do and not enough time to do it. We've got 8 full days in Orlando and I don't want to skip any of these:
2 days MK
1 day Epcot
1 day Dis-MGM
1 day AK
1 day Typhoon Lagoon
1 day Sea World
1 day Universal

When we've gone to Disneyland, 1 day never seems like enough so I'm really looking forward to spending 2 days at MK. I definitely want to devote at least 1 day to each of the other disney parks, including a water park. Sea World cannot be skipped because my cousin is a trainer working with the orcas, so we will get free tickets and get to go "backstage" and see the whales up close and personal. I was worried that adding the 1 day for Universal was going to be too much, but we decided we should be able to handle it as long as we take afternoon breaks each day at Disney. So I really can't squeeze a second day in at Universal.

I know it's a hard choice to make, but if you HAD to make the choice, is USF better for kids, or should we do IOA since we will be able to go to US Hollywood sometime in the next year. My 4 year old is really excited to see Barney, but she loves Dr. Seuss books too, so I'm sure she would love Seuss Landing.

 

[Kristina]

When we were there last November, we spent two days on IOA/Universal but couldn't resist doing both parks each day. Hence I think we missed a few attractions in Universal, but perhaps that's an option? Of course that would be an added cost as well, and if you do only one park you will still get plenty of bang for your buck! I don't do the big coasters at IOA but it's a one of a kind and I wouldn't have missed that park for anything, and Suess Landing is really cool for kids. That said, Universal Studio's is wonderful! Whatever you decide, your gang are going to have such a wonderful vacation ! I myself haven't been to Universal studios Hollywood in about 15 years, so there I can't advise. I think you are right to plan two days at Magic Kingdom, which in my opinion is the best of the best!

 

[F-L-A]

I've personally never been there, but by all accounts, USH sucks. Besides sharing some attractions, the parks don't seem to have much in common at all. USH is more of a studio than a theme park. The studio takes first priority, so the park isn't nearly as good as USF, where the theme park is the first priority... or that's the impression I've gotten from people who have been there and from all the photos I've seen. And I've also seen an on-ride video of USH's Mummy, which simply pales in comparison to ours in every way.

On a side note, there's absolutely no way you'll need a full day at Animal Kingdom. Even if you've never been there before.

 

[damo]

I've personally never been there, but by all accounts, USH sucks. .

Actually, I don't think it sucks at all. Mummy is excellent, but different. I wish the Orlando Mummy would have incorporated some of its details. I love the arms reaching down to grab you and the extended backwards ride.

Now back to the original question. It sounds like you have a very full itinerary. Personally, I would skip Typhoon Lagoon and do IOA since it has several water rides. Universal and IOA both have great play areas where the kids can also get soaked.

 

[robvia]

The "I need one day at each park" mentality is not necessary and is your problem. I understand some people like to relax and take their time, but some just over do it. Whenever I go on trips, I visit one park in the morning, then another in the eveing. Rush hour at the parks is between 11am and 4pm, and that's when I'm resting at my hotel, and traveling between the parks.
You don't need an entire day at AK, and you don't need an entire day at Typhoon Lagoon. Do you realize that most Disney parks stay open until 10pm at night? You won't spend an entire day/evening at Typhoon lagoon. You'll spend maybe 4 hours.
What I tell everyone to do is rent the car for the week. That way you can ping back and forth between the parks.
8 full days, my gosh, you can easily see everything. At first I thought you were only flying in for the weekend or something. Here's my plan.
1 day at MK
1 morning at AK, evening at MK
1 morning at MGM, evening at Epcot
1 morning at Typhoon Lagoon, evening at MGM.
1 morning at SWF, evening at favorite Disney park
1 morning at IOA, evening at SWF (see last Shamu show, it rocks)
1 morning at USF, evening at your choice.
1 morning at USF/IOA. Evening at your choice.

Do you see what I'm doing? The morning is the best time to visit a park. If you arrive before a park opens at 8am, you can tour the park before the crowd arrives, then go back to your hotel room, rest, and then do something else. Disney parks stay open late, so if you return to them, the crowds will be less as the evening goes on, plus you get to see them at night after you have rested. For Disney parks, one opens at 8am each morning, and it's called the "Surprise" park. So you may switch around your plan, because it really helps to be there at 07:30am, so you can get into the Surprise park at 8am.

Epcot is really for adults, the kids won't really like it, and they'll get tired out. That's why I put that park as an evening one. It's nice to see the fireworks show as it's closing at 10pm, and you can get a beer in the German section.

Buy the 2 day, get 5 free tickets for USF/IOA and ping pong back and forth. Get the rental car, even if that means paying for gas, and parking fees. Use a weekly rental coupon to do it.

You visit a park in the morning doing the major rides, then around 1pm, the place will be packed, the kids will be cranky, and you'll need a rest. Go back to your hotel, take a nap, change cloths, have a few beers from the cooler you're going to stock up, then visit another park at night. Read my pages here to get directions and money saving tips.
http://www.nogodforme.com/orlando2004.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/orlando2005.htm

 

[Metro West]

On a side note, there's absolutely no way you'll need a full day at Animal Kingdom. Even if you've never been there before.

You got that right! I went once last year and won't go again until EE opens. Personally, I think Disney should change the commercial to " it IS a zoo!"

 

[damo]

1 day at MK
1 morning at AK, evening at MK
1 morning at MGM, evening at Epcot
1 morning at Typhoon Lagoon, evening at MGM.
1 morning at SWF, evening at favorite Disney park
1 morning at IOA, evening at SWF (see last Shamu show, it rocks)
1 morning at USF, evening at your choice.
1 morning at USF/IOA. Evening at your choice.


You visit a park in the morning doing the major rides, then around 1pm, the place will be packed, the kids will be cranky, and you'll need a rest. Go back to your hotel, take a nap, change cloths, have a few beers from the cooler you're going to stock up, then visit another park at night.

Excellent plan. I don't think I would change a thing.

 

[mill4023]

The "I need one day at each park" mentality is not necessary and is your problem. I understand some people like to relax and take their time, but some just over do it. Whenever I go on trips, I visit one park in the morning, then another in the eveing. Rush hour at the parks is between 11am and 4pm, and that's when I'm resting at my hotel, and traveling between the parks.
You don't need an entire day at AK, and you don't need an entire day at Typhoon Lagoon. Do you realize that most Disney parks stay open until 10pm at night? You won't spend an entire day/evening at Typhoon lagoon. You'll spend maybe 4 hours.
What I tell everyone to do is rent the car for the week. That way you can ping back and forth between the parks.
8 full days, my gosh, you can easily see everything. At first I thought you were only flying in for the weekend or something. Here's my plan.
1 day at MK
1 morning at AK, evening at MK
1 morning at MGM, evening at Epcot
1 morning at Typhoon Lagoon, evening at MGM.
1 morning at SWF, evening at favorite Disney park
1 morning at IOA, evening at SWF (see last Shamu show, it rocks)
1 morning at USF, evening at your choice.
1 morning at USF/IOA. Evening at your choice.

Do you see what I'm doing? The morning is the best time to visit a park. If you arrive before a park opens at 8am, you can tour the park before the crowd arrives, then go back to your hotel room, rest, and then do something else. Disney parks stay open late, so if you return to them, the crowds will be less as the evening goes on, plus you get to see them at night after you have rested. For Disney parks, one opens at 8am each morning, and it's called the "Surprise" park. So you may switch around your plan, because it really helps to be there at 07:30am, so you can get into the Surprise park at 8am.

Epcot is really for adults, the kids won't really like it, and they'll get tired out. That's why I put that park as an evening one. It's nice to see the fireworks show as it's closing at 10pm, and you can get a beer in the German section.

Buy the 2 day, get 5 free tickets for USF/IOA and ping pong back and forth. Get the rental car, even if that means paying for gas, and parking fees. Use a weekly rental coupon to do it.

You visit a park in the morning doing the major rides, then around 1pm, the place will be packed, the kids will be cranky, and you'll need a rest. Go back to your hotel, take a nap, change cloths, have a few beers from the cooler you're going to stock up, then visit another park at night. Read my pages here to get directions and money saving tips.
http://www.nogodforme.com/orlando2004.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/orlando2005.htm

I appreciate everyone's opinions and I agree with most of what you said.
I didn't mean we would be at each park all day long. We will be taking afternoon nap/swim breaks whenever possible. This is one of the reasons I don't want to pack too many things into our schedule. I'm leaving some time open for just relaxing around the hotel, some nice dinners, a boat ride from POR to DTD, and some "get to bed early" nights. I know you guys are big Universal fans, and I'm sure we'll enoy it too, but WDW is our priority for this trip. IOA does seem to have some cool things for kids, but comparing it to USF and looking at height requirements, USF definitely seems to be a better choice for us.

Thanks again for all the opinions.

 

[MamaKate]

I've personally never been there, but by all accounts, USH sucks. Besides sharing some attractions, the parks don't seem to have much in common at all. USH is more of a studio than a theme park. The studio takes first priority, so the park isn't nearly as good as USF, where the theme park is the first priority... or that's the impression I've gotten from people who have been there and from all the photos I've seen. And I've also seen an on-ride video of USH's Mummy, which simply pales in comparison to ours in every way.

I agree! I live in So. California & we had AP's to USH last year and only went twice because my kids rather go to Disneyland. We actually had AP's to USO & went here 6 times in the year (we rather fly to Florida than drive 20 miles to Hollywood go figure!)

The MUMMY ride in Florida is 100 times better. Jurassic Park, Shrek, Animal Planet Live, Terminator & BTTF are about the same & there isn't much else to do there. They do have the Tram ride (which the Jaws part is horrible). Water World is OK, but not worth a trip to the park. Plus USO alot more to do all around.

I would definately take USO over USH. I love both parks and wouldn't miss either, but if time only allows one day, why don't you spend the extra money and get a hopper pass, that way you can do all the kids rides & then hop over to IOA and do the roller coasters & Suess Land for the kids.

Just my 2 cents!
,
Katie

 

[mill4023]

I agree! I live in So. California & we had AP's to USH last year and only went twice because my kids rather go to Disneyland. We actually had AP's to USO & went here 6 times in the year (we rather fly to Florida than drive 20 miles to Hollywood go figure!)

The MUMMY ride in Florida is 100 times better. Jurassic Park, Shrek, Animal Planet Live, Terminator & BTTF are about the same & there isn't much else to do there. They do have the Tram ride (which the Jaws part is horrible). Water World is OK, but not worth a trip to the park. Plus USO alot more to do all around.

I would definately take USO over USH. I love both parks and wouldn't miss either, but if time only allows one day, why don't you spend the extra money and get a hopper pass, that way you can do all the kids rides & then hop over to IOA and do the roller coasters & Suess Land for the kids.

Just my 2 cents!
,
Katie

Can you upgrade tickets after you are already in the park?

I already bought my 1 day/1 park tickets from AAA. I'd consider upgrading to the hoppers, but a lot of people have said it's too hard to do both parks in one day. I wouldn't want to spend the money if it ends up taking us until closing time to see everything in just 1 park. But if we finish everything we want to see at USF by midday, then I'd consider upgrading to hoppers and heading over to IOA for the evening. But then again, my 10 year old is pretty timid so the IOA thrill rides might be too much for him. My 7 year old has no fear and is determined to go on everything. But she's not tall enough for Dueling Dragons, Dr. Doom, or Hulk. We are trying to stay on a budget also. It was a big splurge for me to book on night at Royal Pacific.

 

[MamaKate]

Can you upgrade tickets after you are already in the park?

I already bought my 1 day/1 park tickets from AAA. I'd consider upgrading to the hoppers, but a lot of people have said it's too hard to do both parks in one day. I wouldn't want to spend the money if it ends up taking us until closing time to see everything in just 1 park. But if we finish everything we want to see at USF by midday, then I'd consider upgrading to hoppers and heading over to IOA for the evening. But then again, my 10 year old is pretty timid so the IOA thrill rides might be too much for him. My 7 year old has no fear and is determined to go on everything. But she's not tall enough for Dueling Dragons, Dr. Doom, or Hulk. We are trying to stay on a budget also. It was a big splurge for me to book on night at Royal Pacific.

Yes, you can upgrade tickets. I'm doing that on our trip in September. I'm not 100% positive you can upgrade them once you've used them, but I don't see why not. I know Disneyland & WDW allow you to upgrade, even if you already entered the park. You would upgrade at the Ticketing window.

Also, during our first trip to IOA my son was 7 and he was timid to ride the roller coasters, but once I got him on, I couldn't stop him (He'll turn 10 during our next trip). My daughter who just turned 8 is finally tall enough to ride the coasters at IOA and she can't wait to ride them in September!!

I would see how the crowds are when you arrive & determine how you feel once you completed USO.

I don't know if this is a one time trip, but IOA will always be there if you go in the future, but I think you should definately go to USO. It sounds like your family will really enjoy it there.

,
Katie

 

[hannahouse]

We are trying to stay on a budget also. It was a big splurge for me to book on night at Royal Pacific.

I called universal and was told you can easily upgrade - also since you are staying onsite, you'll have fotl for 2 full days. you should be able to do a lot in both parks because of that...