I need a map and I need an itinerary...FAST!

[Familyof14]

We are doing a 1 Day 2 Park visit to Universal on July 17th. We booked a room at Portofino Bay for two nights so we could take advantage of the FOTL pass. Having never been to IOS (and years since we went to USF), we were counting on that pass to get us through the parks in one day.
Now, since we can only ride each ride once before 3:00, and knowing that my teens will want to ride each more than once, where do you suggest we start?
I was thinking that maybe we should start in USF first and go through all the rides once. We plan to arrive really early, so I don't think we will still be around after 3:00.
We are not planning a swim break or rest. We will have lunch in one of the parks.
We can then head over to IOA and start the rides. Shortly thereafter, it will be after three and my teens can ride over and over. Really not that bad!
Which park do you all think we should visit first considering the new rules?
I would really like to see maps of both parks and have a layout/notation of each ride as we come to them. We do not need any of the kiddie rides as all of my children are adults. I have heard that you should go clockwise and I have heard counter clockwise. Which is best?
Thank you for any help you can give!
Also, I don't know all the code names for the rides, so could you please spell them out (at least partially).

 

[Motherfletcher]

IOA-
I go left
Hulk
Spidey
Jurassic Park Pternandon flyers(only chance to ride)
JPRiver Adventure
Dueling Dragons

OK, if you are there when it opens you haven't used FOTL yet.

My kids do Dueling Dragons again (Fire&Ice).

Cat In The Hat
Go back to Hulk and use FOTL
Spidey FOTL

It should be noonish.
Head toward USO. Eat at NBA City. Take a left just after Hard Rock and take the back gate to USO which enters by Nickleodeon.
Do Jimmy FOTL
Shrek FOTL
Mummy FOTL
Jaws FOTL
MIB FOTL
Back to the Future FOTL
Horror Makeup FOTL
T2 FOTL

You've done the headliners and its past 3 now so you can re-do anything.

 

[GeminiMom]

Also, don't forget to utilize the single rider option for the rides that offer it & you enjoy the most. We used single rider on Men In Black for day 5 of our passes when we didn't have FOTL & found it just as fast, if not faster than using FOTL!

 

[damo]

I don't think the new rules will affect you if you follow MF's advice. Most rides you don't want to ride over and over again anyway. Just do those repeats after 3. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Familyof14]

You always have the answers. So obviously, you recommend IOA first.

You left out ET and Twister in USO. We have to try those.

Also, how do you get to the Hardrock from IOA? I know exactly where it is in relation to Nick, but don't know how to get there from IOA.

I NEED A MAP!

 

[Motherfletcher]

The best map that I have seen is the aerial phots flown by the U. S.Geological Surveys in 2002. It shows the gate behind HRC. It it a little technical and takes some time to decipher.
When exiting IOA bear left not crossing the bridge back to CityWalk. The 1st restaurant is NBA City which is pretty obvious when you see it. I suggested lunch there because I think the time will be close, its on the way and they surprizingly have pretty good food. If for some reason your touring has you close to Mythos after 11:30 go there.
The 2nd restaurant is Hard Rock and the path to the gate will be on the far side of the restaurant. Climb the steps as if you are going there and continue around the building.
I left ET and Twister out because they are not on my "not to be missed" list. Do both with FOTL and I would be surprized if you would want to re-ride. ET is a Peter Pan-like dark ride and Twister is a walk through (no seating). I left out Earthquake too.
I put IOA first because there is nothing quite like the front seat of the Hulk first thing in the morning. The only trouble I see is getting there before opening. I have seen the boat leave PBH in July as early as 7:30 but a couple of weeks ago neither the boat or the bus got PBH guests to the park before opening. I was on the bus when they announced IOA opening over their radio. It is nearly a mile walk to the IOA turnstiles from PBH but the teenagers might consider it.
I've seen people post the guide maps but I don't know where to find one now. After you check in at PBH follow the hallway beyond the American Bar to the concierge desk where they will give you all the maps with current times and events.

 

[Familyof14]

Oh yes...we must do Earthquake too!

Where is Mythos? Is that in IOA?

Bummer about the boat and bus transportation. I thought the walk was just a hop and a skip! I walk a mile each morning in my neighborhood, and I have no desire to make that walk just to get to the park. I guess we will make sure we are at the boat by no later than 7:30. Is there more than one?

 

[GeminiMom]

Familyof14,
Found your maps for you!

Universal Studios

Islands of Adventure

Well, looks like the link for US is working, but having problems with the IOA link. If you go to www.studiovacations.com & search under theme parks, you should eventually stumble onto the park map.

 

[damo]

Originally posted by Familyof14
Oh yes...we must do Earthquake too!

Where is Mythos? Is that in IOA?

Bummer about the boat and bus transportation. I thought the walk was just a hop and a skip! I walk a mile each morning in my neighborhood, and I have no desire to make that walk just to get to the park. I guess we will make sure we are at the boat by no later than 7:30. Is there more than one?

Boats run continuously all day. The walk is just a hop and a skip from HRH or RPR, PBH is more secluded.

Mythos is in IOA.

 

[gschmerl]

Originally posted by Familyof14
Where is Mythos? Is that in IOA?

Yes, Mythos is in IOA and is WONDERFUL. Try to eat lunch or dinner there. It's a great experience. Sit by the window and watch the Hulk as you eat!

 

[Cheryle423]

go to Studiovacations.com then choose theme parks; then Univ. IOA.. then pick Port of entry .. to the far right is a pin labeled PARK MAP, click here and then print it!

We are going for the first time in December, so I was interested in the maps also. we only have 2 days also!
Can't wait to hear how your plans work out.

 

[Familyof14]