If IOA opens at 9:00...

[RyMickey]

...when can off-site guests enter the park? Does IOA open the gates early and simply keep you waiting in the Port of Entry?

Thanks for your help.

 

[flatline]

unless you have booked a special package UO has offered in the past, everyone walks in at the same time. there's no preference given to onsite guests.

 

[katybugsmom]

Good morning!
If you go on UniversalOrlando.com I was able to find after much digging where they have a special code for entering the park early just to ride Spiderman. You had to use the code when you made reservations and it was only for certain dates. If you can find it you might be able to call and ask if you can still use the code if it coincides with the dates you are going. Sorry, but I don't remember where I found it exactly. I was looking at vacation packages so you may want to start there. Hope this helps. If I go back and find the page I will email you back! Have a great day!

 

[robvia]

The thing about IOA and USF, is you wait outside the gate before being let in. Whereas at Disney and SWF, they let everyone in early, and then stop them with ropes just after the main entrance (gift shops and picture sharks).

This is a big deal, because if you're near the front of the gate at IOA, it means you can run to Hulk, get a front seat ride, then ride again while others are still waiting outside for the line to move.

Cedar Point does the same thing now. They used to let everyone past the gate and had a "running of the bulls" but then they changed it a few years ago so that everyone waits outside.

I like this better because it rewards those who show up early.

 

[cbdmhgp]

yes, they do let everybody in at the same time, but in the past year when we went we got in early but waited 5-10 minutes for the rides to start.

 

[Slacking]

Onsite guests get Unlimited Express as their perk, so for the most part, there is no early entry. So, when they open the gates, everybody is let in at the same time.

But, my experience is that they usually open the gates about 10-15 minutes before the scheduled opening time. What is even better is that usually the atractions in Marvel are already open and running (and possibly Seuss, not sure.) I remember one time, when I rode all 3 Marvel attractions before 9am, and they were blocking off Toon Lagoon until 9am came.

But definitely get to the gates 20-30 minutes before opening and hit the Marvel attractions first thing (Hulk first, then the order doesn't really matter, but I'd probably hit Spidey and then Doom), it'll give you a nice head start on the day.

 

[katybugsmom]

Found it! Here is the web link for getting in early to ride Spiderman! You get in 1 hour early on certain days and dates by using a code when you make your reservations! Good luck!

http://www.univacations.com/spiderman/index/asp