IOA & US - What to do at each park first to make most of day

[MelanieC]

We are going next week. I've only been to US and that was about 9 years ago.

What should we do first in each park so that we make the most of the day. Example - Mummy first, hulk first. That kind of thing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gschmerl]

It depends. Are you staying on site? If you are, it doesn't much matter because you will have FOTL anyway. I always go right back to Dueling Dragons first so I can ride the front row over and over with no wait. Other people head to Pteradon Flyers since there is no express for that.

 

[phamton]

My recommendations:

Shrek first and then Mummy .

Hulk first and then Spiderman.

 

[MelanieC]

Hi there,

Thanks for your answers.

We are staying at the All Star Movies and will be going to

IOA on 11/23 & 11/29 & US on 11/24.

 

[phamton]

Remember to be at the park at opening. The gates usually open before 9:00 AM , usually around 8:45. So you will need to be at the parking lot by 8:15 AM. If you are there early, you will avoid the crowds. It gets busier around 10 or 11 AM.

 

[patster734]

Universal also has 2 types of express passes available besides the FOTL privelege for onsite guests.
One type is a booklet of express passes that they sell near the front gate for about $20 a piece. I believe that each park has its own express pass booklet and each booklet contains only one pass for each express pass ride. As it only applies to one traveller, its not very feasible for large groups.
The other option is to obtain an express pass near the ride itself which is very similar to Disney's Fastpass. Obtaining an express pass this way is free but the number of passes available is limited and has a habit of running out early on busy days.
I suggest arriving early as Phantom suggested, obtain an express pass from one ride and then head on over to another ride. Please note that Shrek is near the front of the park where the Alfred Hitchcock show used to be, and The Mummy's Revenge is near the back of the park where King Kong used to be. So there is quite a walk between the two.
As for IOA, the Hulk and Spiderman are pretty close together while Dueling Dragons is on the other side of the park.

 

[phamton]

I would never consider Mummy and Shrek being far away from each other. Now Shrek and Men in Black are far away.

It takes only a couple of minutes to walk to Mummy from Shrek. It's just right down the street near Twister.

 

[phamton]

OK, today, I counted my steps from Shrek to Mummy and it took me a little under 200 steps so I'm guessing they are less than 100 yards apart.

Yes, I have no life.

 

[patster734]

I don't believe you. I'll just have to go down there and measure it myself! Do you think that my wife will fall for this excuse?

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by patster734
I don't believe you. I'll just have to go down there and measure it myself! Do you think that my wife will fall for this excuse?

Tell your wife that those of us who have no life are getting tired of having to go to Universal several times a week just to answer questions on the DisBoard. It's time the rest of you to pitch in and go to the parks for these research projects.

I'm sure people thought I was nuts counting my steps yesterday, but anything for science. At least I didn't show up with a tape measure or surveyers tools.

 

[MelanieC]

You both are a riot. I personally think your wife should fall for this excuse. Who needs an excuse to go!!!

Thanks for all your help. I can't wait till I'm there next week. I'll let you know how many steps it took us!!!

 

[patster734]

Originally posted by phamton
Tell your wife that those of us who have no life are getting tired of having to go to Universal several times a week just to answer questions on the DisBoard. It's time the rest of you to pitch in and go to the parks for these research projects.

I'm sure people thought I was nuts counting my steps yesterday, but anything for science. At least I didn't show up with a tape measure or surveyers tools.

My sincerest apologies Phantom! I hadn't realized how much I had been slacking over the years. Although in all fairness, when I was there last month, I tried to count the number of steps between Shrek and Mummy. Unfortunately my numbers were a bit eschewed because of bathroom stops, drink stops, and, to be honest, I have a habit of getting lost in all of the different alleyways! Hopefully, The Blues Brothers aren't playing as I'm pasing by as that will probably mess up my count even more as I stop to watch.
For all of your hard work and dedication to the cause, you deserve a .

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by patster734
I tried to count the number of steps between Shrek and Mummy. Unfortunately my numbers were a bit eschewed because of bathroom stops, drink stops, and, to be honest, I have a habit of getting lost in all of the different alleyways! Hopefully, The Blues Brothers aren't playing as I'm pasing by as that will probably mess up my count even more as I stop to watch.

The Blues Brothers, huh? No wonder it took you so long to get there. You took the long way around. When you leave the exit at Shrek, instead of going through the alley where all the movie cars are parked, instead go back toward the entrance to Shrek.

From the front of Shrek, head past Monster Cafe. Across the street from Monster Cafe is a small circular park with a statue there (Icarus, maybe). Cut through the park and Mummy is right in front of you. Actually it probably isn't that much of a short cut but will keep you from getting lost in alleyways.

 

[patster734]

See. I told you I get lost! Besides, that way takes me past the boneyard where I have to stop and gawk and all the props there.