IOA or Universal Studios

[PRaffen]

We haven't been to Universal for over ten years. We will only have one day so am looking for advice whether to choose the studios or IOA.

Two adults, one teen - we all enjoy rides but no one is a "thrill seeker."

Thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[magicalmickey]

Universal has more rides that I like. But I'll go to IOA just for the Spiderman ride! That's probably my favorite ride in all of Orlando!

 

[ChrisFL]

well the whole experience will be totally different than you may remember. US by itself has really transformed itself in the past decade. Really you should take 2 days to see it all and I really don't understand why people always ask about only spending one day there.

 

[goofyfordisney]

We haven't been to Universal for over ten years. We will only have one day so am looking for advice whether to choose the studios or IOA.

Two adults, one teen - we all enjoy rides but no one is a "thrill seeker."

Thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks!

We are doing both parks in one day! We will probably spend more time at US--but we wanted to check out IOA too.

You can purchase a 1 day/2 park ticket at the gate for about $10 more than a 1day/1park ticket.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Yeah...do both parks. IOA first, as they get the most crowded the quickest. If you get there early, I mean before the gates open (oh no you have to get out of bed!) you can hit most of the park before the crowds pile up, then walk over to USF.

 

[judykay53]

I'm glad I came across this. We are going later this year and was going to have to pick between the two parks. We only have one day available. We have three kids ages 4, 8 and 10. The oldest likes the thrill rides but not the other two. I would rather go to Universal but my daughter wants to go to IOA. I did not know you could get the l day/2 park ticket. Looks like we will do that. This should make everyone happy.

 

[Lewisc]

See if you can get a price you can live with at one of the onsite resorts. The "FOTL" access will make doing both parks in one day much more doable. Remember during the slow seasons the parks close early.

 

[stitchesmom]

Hi

If you are not thrill seekers I would go to Universal Studios. There is so much to do there. Jaws and ET oldies but goodies and then the newest rides Jimmy Neutron and the Mummy, also Shrek 4D - They are awesome.

I love both parks and will be going to both. I would hate to have to choose between the two.

Have fun!

 

[yaytezIOA]

I'm glad I came across this. We are going later this year and was going to have to pick between the two parks. We only have one day available. We have three kids ages 4, 8 and 10. The oldest likes the thrill rides but not the other two. I would rather go to Universal but my daughter wants to go to IOA. I did not know you could get the l day/2 park ticket. Looks like we will do that. This should make everyone happy.

This site is nothin. I mean as far as information goes. You get all the same questions all the time. If you really want info, try IOAcentral.com Loads of good info, and people who know a bit about the whole UO resort, not people that just spill over from disney.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

There is no reason why you cannot visit both parks, it is very easy to walk from one to the other.

I do not think it matters which you do first but as you only have 1 day it is best to research which rides you must get on.

The likes of Spiderman at IOA and Shrek at US are both very popular and I would suggest you try and get on 1 of them first thing.

 

[kimmmbers]

During the off-season it is possible to hit the highlights of both parks in one day. I've done that before. So the parkhopper option is highly advisable as is staying at a Universal resort for one night for the front of the line access. The parks are very close together so it is not difficult to walk from one to the other.

If you have to choose, IOA is more for thrill-seekers and Universal Studios has more themed rides.

If I had to pick one, I would pick Universal even though my favorite ride (Spiderman) is at IOA. Universal is literally like "riding the movies" and the shows are first-class.

Good luck! Hope you have lots of fun!

 

[Quiksilver45]

i havent been to universal in a long time, they were building islands of adventure when i was there but when i was at universal studios there were alot of rides, but what i have seen from books and videos, ioa looks like it has alot more rides and atrractions, but it depends if thats what you like.

 

[reallyBIGfish]

Yeah, but, now Universal has a lot of different rides and shows and things...let's just look at what's new.

CLOSED ------ NEW
Kong --------- Revenge of the Mummy
Hanna Barbara-Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoons Blast
Hitchcock----- Shrek 4D
Wild Wild West-Fear Factor Live
Animal Actors--Animal Planet Live
Nick Studios---Nothing...its just sitting there.
Ghostbusters--Twister
n/a-----------Men in Black: Alien Attack (completely new building, opened in '99)

And I'm pretty sure I forgot something, but that just gives you an overview of what's different at Universal.

 

[cbdmhgp]

I couldn't choose so I would just go to both, but get there really early