I,ve been so busy planning for Disney, I have neglected our Universal days!

[BYC]

I have been reading the DIS boards, and Tour Guide Mike, trying to plan our days at Disney. I completely forgot I may need to plan the Universal days, too! We are doing Dec. 8-15 at Disney, and then moving to Royal Pacific for 15-17. No small kids...youngest is 15. I haven't even thought about restaurants, or touring plans for either Universal park. Guess I have a lot of reading up to do! How far in advance will they accept dinner reservations, and what are some good places to eat? Also, is there somewhere to see some sample ideas for touring to avoid long lines?? Thanks!!!

 

[damo]

You will have unlimited express passes (included with your hotel) so there won't be any long lines for you. Those dates are pretty relaxed at Universal anyways.

I highly recommend Mythos for lunch or dinner.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Margaritaville and Hard Rock are good choices too. There are coupons floating around that give you free appetizers at these restaurants too.

 

[BYC]

Thanks! How would I find those coupons?

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Any offsite concierge has them. They also give priority seating for those restaurants too. If you stop off at one of those welcome centers that you see everywhere you should be able to get one too.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I have never found the need for a touring plan while staying on-site. Just go, ride what you want. Have fun. I suggest contacting the RPR concierge as you dates get closer and ask them to handle your dining reservations for you.

 

[Snoopymom]

If your kids are interested in music, the Hard Rock Cafe has an awesome tour that takes about 45 minutes.

Have fun!

 

[Figment22]

Also, is there somewhere to see some sample ideas for touring to avoid long lines?? Thanks!!!

As has already been mentioned, as you are staying on-site at RPR you will have front of the line access to the rides and attractions at USF and IOA so you really don't need a touring plan. If, however, some in your party would like front seat rides on the coasters (Hulk, Dueling Dragons), you need to be at the IOA gates at opening. Ride the front seat of Hulk, hit Spiderman in the regular line (the queue is different than the FOTL queue), and then head for Dueling Dragons (Fire and Ice, both coasters are different) for rides in the front seat. From that point on your magic hotel card keys will take care of the rest!

BTW, you're certainly doing it the right way by doing Disney first and then Universal. If you do it the other way around, you're completely spoiled by having FOTL access and then having to deal with the long lines at WDW.

Oh, it's also OK to pool hop at the Universal resorts. Even though you're staying at RPR, you can also check out the great pools at Portofino and Hard Rock (my personal favorite.)

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[mouseRD]

I had bought Kelly Monehan (I think I butchered the spelling. Sorry, Kelly!) in 2004. As it worked out, we weren't able to go until this past month. I am certain there is an updated version by now. Anyhow, it is a great resource for Universal Orlando. We too, spent several nights at WDW prior to UO. I just decided (we stayed at PB) that with the Universal Express, there was no reason to rush around. I wanted to truly enjoy the resort & it is beautiful! RPR is also! We had lunch there at Tchoup Tchoup one day as a break from the parks. We also had lunch one day at Mythos in IOA - it was really good! We also had dinner at Mama Della's at the PB resort one night - very good! Enjoy! Can't wait to go back! As a confirmed WDW fan, I was wondering what I would think of UO & we absolutely loved it! The theming is amazing! People everywhere were so friendly too - from the hotel, restaurants to the staff in the parks.