I have neglected my Universal touring plans

[BYC]

We are leaving in 20 days for 7 nights at the BCV in Disney, and then will be spending 2 nights at the Royal Pacific! Anyway, we will be Me, DH62, DS23, DS18 and DD15, so we have no interest in the kiddie rides and shows. We will arrive in Universal on Friday, Dec. 15 around noon, and have to leave for the airport on Sunday, Dec. 17 around 2:00 PM. So, I guess we have one full day, and 2 half days. Is there somewhere I can find touring plans like they have for Disney, to give me the best ideas on how to tour Universal and IOA? Thanks!

 

[PlutoLuvr]

I don't know of any guide/plan/tour books, but one thing I love about USO/IOA compared to WDW is the fact that you don't need to plan yourself to death! Dining and park touring can be done by winging it and just doing what you feel like doing -- especially at the time of year you're going.

Even tho Shrek may seem like a kid's movie, the ride is great! Make sure you go on it

FWIW, we find IOA to be a shorter park than USO. We generally do IOA when we have a half day. With the weather more than likely being chilly, you can probably count the water rides out at IOA. Y'all should be okay with the flume rides, but the Popeye Bilge ride (similar to Kali River Rapids at AK) will probably be too chilly to get soaked on. There are no water rides at USO that I can think of (you might get a tiny splash on Jaws).

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip

 

[BYC]

I don't know of any guide/plan/tour books, but one thing I love about USO/IOA compared to WDW is the fact that you don't need to plan yourself to death! Dining and park touring can be done by winging it and just doing what you feel like doing -- especially at the time of year you're going.

Even tho Shrek may seem like a kid's movie, the ride is great! Make sure you go on it

FWIW, we find IOA to be a shorter park than USO. We generally do IOA when we have a half day. With the weather more than likely being chilly, you can probably count the water rides out at IOA. Y'all should be okay with the flume rides, but the Popeye Bilge ride (similar to Kali River Rapids at AK) will probably be too chilly to get soaked on. There are no water rides at USO that I can think of (you might get a tiny splash on Jaws).

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip

Thank you! I am SO excited, I am useless! I can think of nothing else! My house is crumbling around me...but I don't care! All I do is read up for this trip!

 

[Nan]

Although you don't have to obsessively plan for Universal Orlando, there is a really good guidebook: Kelly Monaghan's Guide to Universal Orlando

I am not sure of the exact title, but it is a great book to use while planning a Universal vacation.

Hope this helps,

Nan

 

[LauraWV]

Hi. I hope your trip is wonderful!

Like the others said, you probably don't have to have a serious plan to have a great time at Universal. I just wanted to mention that a lot of people that I've known to go for shorter Universal trips sometimes neglect to go on Poseidon's Fury, and IMO that's a mistake. It's one of our favorite things there. Definitely give it a try.

Have a great time!!

 

[damo]

Make sure you see the Horror Make Up Show at Universal. It is often ignored because it isn't a ride, but it is hilarious.

 

[riu girl]

sorry to thread hyjack, but would you say that that the make up show would be good for a 6 and 9 year old? Or is it geared for teens and adults? We have one full day per park and really want to see the highlights of each park. Not sure if we should include this show or not??

Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The Horror Make-up Show is rated PG-13, but it's essentially an all ages show. The actors do use some adult humor, but it's slick enough to fly over children's heads.

 

[marciemi]

I just bought the 2007 version of Universal Orlando, by Kelly Monaghan as mentioned above, from Walmart for $10.31 (vs. the 15.95 list price). Shipping was only 97 cents and it says I should have it between Nov 23 and 27th! (also was 62 cents tax). Might be worth investing in - I haven't read it yet obviously!

 

[BYC]

Thank you all! I haven't even heard of Poseiden's Fury! I'll have to look that one up! I can't wait! Thanks again!

 

[damo]

sorry to thread hyjack, but would you say that that the make up show would be good for a 6 and 9 year old? Or is it geared for teens and adults? We have one full day per park and really want to see the highlights of each park. Not sure if we should include this show or not??

Any opinions would be appreciated.

If your kids like goofy humour like monsters running around and fake blood squirting and stuff like that, they will love the show. The raunchy stuff does go right over their heads. The actors actually talk to the kids quite a bit. For example, "Kids, don't try this at home...try it at a friend's place." That sort of thing.

 

[ajcolorado]

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World also includes touring plans for Universal & Islands of Adventures.