IOA without thrill rides? Suggestions needed.

[chip007]

I'm taking DD8 to WDW in two weeks, and are planning to go see WWOHP one day, but I'm not sure what there will be to do at IOA since neither of us do roller coasters or flume rides. Any suggestions?

 

[JessicaR]

Spiderman
Cat in the hat
Doctor Doom
High in the sky trolley
one fish two fish
Popeye Bilge rat barges
storm force
Sindbad Show
Poseidon Fury
Talking Fountain
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
Mythos
Confiscos
All of Harry Potter

I can spend a huge chunk of time in Port of Entry - the shops are wonderful!

This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing parks I have ever visited.

 

[FiveofusNL]

Spiderman
Cat in the hat
Doctor Doom
High in the sky trolley
one fish two fish
Popeye Bilge rat barges
storm force
Sindbad Show
Poseidon Fury
Talking Fountain
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
Mythos
Confiscos
All of Harry Potter

I can spend a huge chunk of time in Port of Entry - the shops are wonderful!

This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing parks I have ever visited.

Thanks for this list. I was wondering the same thing....was questioning if we should even bother visiting the park or just do another Disney day.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Thanks for this list. I was wondering the same thing....was questioning if we should even bother visiting the park or just do another Disney day.

If you can swing it, I'd go for the two-park hopper. There's a ton of things for you to do on the Studios side. IMHO the options are limited in IOA for non-thrill rides.

 

[FiveofusNL]

If you can swing it, I'd go for the two-park hopper. There's a ton of things for you to do on the Studios side. IMHO the options are limited in IOA for non-thrill rides.

Thanks. That is good to know. Would I need a two day park to park ticket to do both of them, or would just one day do? DH and two of the kids can manage a roller coaster like big thunder railroad in Disney's MK, but that is about it. Myself and the other son did not even do that (chicken I know, but we had done Dinosuar in AK the day before and I had enough jostling and screaming for one trip). DD wants to do some Cat in the Hat stuff but the rest of us want WWoHP. I am getting mixed reviews on FJ. Some people say it is a very scary ride with lots of movement (like Dinosaur), others say it is not bad and a must do. Any advice?

 

[DVC Daisy]

Would also love to hear the advice about FJ. MAJOR ride chicken here! I can give your family a run for your money on that.

Having said that, as far as rides & attractions go - Universal Studios is probably my favorite park! Nothing can top Disney, well because I love Mickey but as far as what I can see and do, US wins hands down, I would recommend that you do try it.

There are a ton of "show" rides - basically walking shows with some effects, but perfect for chickens at Studios. Things like Twister, etc. tons to do there. Even the rides (most of them) are not scary. I do have a problem filling my day & skip quite a few rides at IOA, but that was before HP. Still, I love the park and always spend a day there. It is very well done and you will have fun. :

But still - try US. I was amazed at how many things that I could go on or shows that I could watch

 

[DVC Daisy]

Oh & I think Popeye is a flume ride.

 

[FiveofusNL]

Would also love to hear the advice about FJ. MAJOR ride chicken here! I can give your family a run for your money on that.

Having said that, as far as rides & attractions go - Universal Studios is probably my favorite park! Nothing can top Disney, well because I love Mickey but as far as what I can see and do, US wins hands down, I would recommend that you do try it.

There are a ton of "show" rides - basically walking shows with some effects, but perfect for chickens at Studios. Things like Twister, etc. tons to do there. Even the rides (most of them) are not scary. I do have a problem filling my day & skip quite a few rides at IOA, but that was before HP. Still, I love the park and always spend a day there. It is very well done and you will have fun. :

But still - try US. I was amazed at how many things that I could go on or shows that I could watch

Thanks so much. I think we should try it this time. Hard to break away from Mickey though. Good to know there are others of our kind out there!!! Most that I read seems to be from thrill lovers or those who say that they are "chickens", but still ride coasters. I thought Twister was going to be a coaster of sorts! Shows what I know. I do not find that the Universal website provides as much information on the rides as Disney does. Do you think one day for both would be sufficient or should I buy a two day pass?

 

[Metro West]

I do not find that the Universal website provides as much information on the rides as Disney does. Do you think one day for both would be sufficient or should I buy a two day pass?

You might want to check YouTube for ride videos to assist you in what an attractions is all about. One day is not sufficient to see both parks...especially for the first time. You'd have a full day for both parks which will allow you to explore everything Universal has to offer instead of trying to rush through it.

 

[FiveofusNL]

You might want to check YouTube for ride videos to assist you in what an attractions is all about. One day is not sufficient to see both parks...especially for the first time. You'd have a full day for both parks which will allow you to explore everything Universal has to offer instead of trying to rush through it.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely check out YouTube.

 

[DVC Daisy]

Thanks so much. I think we should try it this time. Hard to break away from Mickey though. Good to know there are others of our kind out there!!! Most that I read seems to be from thrill lovers or those who say that they are "chickens", but still ride coasters. I thought Twister was going to be a coaster of sorts! Shows what I know. I do not find that the Universal website provides as much information on the rides as Disney does. Do you think one day for both would be sufficient or should I buy a two day pass?

Oh, I am a "Professional super chicken" LOL. Twister is definitely not a coaster. Not even a ride. You walk from room to room to watch stuff. There is one small surprise, but it is NOT SCARY

If you have any other questions about specific rides, just ask. I will be more than happy to share whatever I can.

And seriously, I find tons of stuff that I can go on or watch at US. Like you, it is hard to give up Mickey but US is so worth it.

We do stay onsite for at least one night though, so we don't wait in line. THAT is a giant perk! LOVE THAT!

 

[JessicaR]

Oh & I think Popeye is a flume ride.

No, not a flume ride it's a river rafting water ride. So much fun!

 

[DVC Daisy]

No, not a flume ride it's a river rafting water ride. So much fun!

REALLY?

No drops? Oh - if so, I just found another ride that I can ride!

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Thanks. That is good to know. Would I need a two day park to park ticket to do both of them, or would just one day do? DH and two of the kids can manage a roller coaster like big thunder railroad in Disney's MK, but that is about it. Myself and the other son did not even do that (chicken I know, but we had done Dinosuar in AK the day before and I had enough jostling and screaming for one trip). DD wants to do some Cat in the Hat stuff but the rest of us want WWoHP. I am getting mixed reviews on FJ. Some people say it is a very scary ride with lots of movement (like Dinosaur), others say it is not bad and a must do. Any advice?

If you can do two days, I'd say go for it.. but if you only have one day I think you can get to do most all of the big, non-thrilling attractions (depending on what time of year you go). If you take anything that has a drop in it at IOA, you're left with these major attractions:

Cat in the Hat
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Poseidon's Fury (could be skipped if needed)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Flight of the Hippogriph (small drop.. it's a kid coaster)
Pteranodon Flyers (must be accompanied by a small child to ride, and almost always has a very long wait.. I thin it can be skipped, although I've never been on it)
Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Spider-Man

At Universal, you have:

Despicable Me
Simpson's
Men in Black
Disaster!
Twister
E.T.
Woody Woodpecker Coaster

I put in bold the rides I don't think anyone should miss for a comprehensive, non-thrill Universal experience. Although I encourage all ride chickens to experience rides like Mummy and Jurassic Park.. they're just so great. I think if one can do Splash and Space Mountains, they're good to go on these.

As for Forbidden Journey, it's an intense motion simulator. The ride vehicle is on the end of a robotic arm that moves up and down, pivots from side to side and tilts you onto your back for a few seconds. You're constantly moving through show scenes comprised of screen projections and in-your-face animatronics. The motion is very fluid, like you're flying; not bumpy and jerky like Dinosaur. It's fabulous, and I think everyone should try it at least once.

 

[FiveofusNL]

If you have any other questions about specific rides, just ask. I will be more than happy to share whatever I can.

And seriously, I find tons of stuff that I can go on or watch at US. Like you, it is hard to give up Mickey but US is so worth it.

Thanks so much. I feel better about it. This will only be our 2nd trip to the area, we stayed at Disney last time and we REALLY fell in love with the place. I was wondering if we should just have a day or two extra at Disney....maybe do the water parks, but the feedback I am getting has convinced me. I can tell you are a big Disney fan also and are still saying it is worth it to visit US/IoA. I just did not want to get there see all huge coasters/rides with big falls and wish we had stayed at Disney instead. We are not visiting until next June, but I am trying to figure out if I wanted US/IoA now as I was going to buy the park tickets soon to have them as Christmas presents. What are the rides that you would recommend to a fellow coaster chicken?

 

[DVC Daisy]

Thanks so much. I feel better about it. This will only be our 2nd trip to the area, we stayed at Disney last time and we REALLY fell in love with the place. I was wondering if we should just have a day or two extra at Disney....maybe do the water parks, but the feedback I am getting has convinced me. I can tell you are a big Disney fan also and are still saying it is worth it to visit US/IoA. I just did not want to get there see all huge coasters/rides with big falls and wish we had stayed at Disney instead. We are not visiting until next June, but I am trying to figure out if I wanted US/IoA now as I was going to buy the park tickets soon to have them as Christmas presents. What are the rides that you would recommend to a fellow coaster chicken?

I am a GIANT Disney fan, and I won't make the trip without at least 2 days at Universal!

The lists so far seem really good as to what are ok for chickens. I go on all of them. Men in Black does spin, if that bothers you. Otherwise, so far there has been some great advice

 

[bumbershoot]

For our first Universal visit, the biggest ride anyone went on was FJ, and that was only me. DH can't ride those rides (doesn't fit the restraints for now) and DS gets scared. No one rode a big coaster. WE did ride Jurassic, but found that drop to be nothing compared to Splash. We rode Spiderman but that's a motion simulator, and if you get a dropping feeling in your stomach, just close your eyes and you realize that it's more of an eye thing than a true movement thing that makes you think you're falling or whatever.

We still had a TON of stuff to do, had a GREAT time, and wanted to go back!

Second time, DS rode Forbidden Journey with me, but we cut Jurassic out (the ride isn't much to us, but the dinos scare DS). Still had a ton to do.

Third time, I managed to go on Dragon Challenge and DS and I went on Rip Ride Rockit. Now I cannot say those are not scary. But there are still a couple rides not ridden, and yet we still had a GREAT time. (except for while I was wondering what sort of mother I was, risking my death on DC and our deaths on RRR...I was *slightly* scared on them, LOL)

Oh wait, the BIGGEST ride we went on was Pteranodon Flyers. I will ride the Hulk 100 times before I ride that thing again. Terrifying! (seriously, I hated it) I will ride Doctor Doom, and I don't ride *falling* rides (I will ride *pulling* rides like Tower of Terror, but not ones where you have to rely on brakes to stop you...TOT is actually pulling you down so when the mechanism stops, you stop, it's not the same) before I experience Pteranodon again.


But still, my point is that there is plenty to do and see, even without the big mega-rides.

Oh, and kids that like BTMM will like Flight of the Hippogriff, so definitely leave time for that one.

And if you have kids with you that are 48" or higher, they can go on rides *alone*. It's not an age thing like at Disney. I went on Hippogriff 14 times in a row with DS before I figured out I didn't even ahve to be in line with him. Next time we went, he did Hippogriff all on his own and loved it. He also did Woody's Nuthouse Coaster alone (even more times than Hippogriff). Love that hotel-based Express Pass for multiple rides, LOL.


FJ isn't a coaster, and again, there's a lot of *perceived* movement that disappears once you close your eyes (like Soarin', Star Tours, Spiderman, and Simpson's), but I would say there's the most *real* motion on that ride over all the others. Half the time I ride it I feel sick, and the other half I'm great. I think it's a sleep/food/water thing; if I'm rested and properly fed and watered (but not too recently) I'm good; if I'm lacking any of those things, I'm not. It's worth trying. But if you have any arachnophobes in the group, have someone else ride it first to know when to tell the phobic person to close, then open, their eyes.

 

[FiveofusNL]

I am a GIANT Disney fan, and I won't make the trip without at least 2 days at Universal!

The lists so far seem really good as to what are ok for chickens. I go on all of them. Men in Black does spin, if that bothers you. Otherwise, so far there has been some great advice

Perfect! Thanks for all of your help with this. I just noticed you leave on your trip tomorrow. Have a great time and congratulations on 25 years!

 

[FiveofusNL]

WE did ride Jurassic, but found that drop to be nothing compared to Splash. We rode Spiderman but that's a motion simulator, and if you get a dropping feeling in your stomach, just close your eyes and you realize that it's more of an eye thing than a true movement thing that makes you think you're falling or whatever.

But still, my point is that there is plenty to do and see, even without the big mega-rides.

FJ isn't a coaster, and again, there's a lot of *perceived* movement that disappears once you close your eyes (like Soarin', Star Tours, Spiderman, and Simpson's), but I would say there's the most *real* motion on that ride over all the others. Half the time I ride it I feel sick, and the other half I'm great. I think it's a sleep/food/water thing; if I'm rested and properly fed and watered (but not too recently) I'm good; if I'm lacking any of those things, I'm not. It's worth trying. But if you have any arachnophobes in the group, have someone else ride it first to know when to tell the phobic person to close, then open, their eyes.

This is excellent information and advice. Thank so much. Everyone has been so great with helping me work through this. I am actually looking forward to it now. We are going to be there on June 23rd and 24th and will not be staying at the hotels, should we buy express passes? Is FJ or Spiderman "jerky" like dinosaur in AK at Disney? I found that a really rough/jarring ride (and yes the big dino at the end scared me). We loved Soarin'! Even me, the biggest chicken of all, went on it twice and would have done it again if I could have. So if they are like that, I would definitely enjoy them. On Star Tours, I felt sick during it but I think it was due to lack of sleep the night before and the heat that day. My eyes were closed during a lot of it, not from fear, but to ease the queasy, vertigo feeling. Guess I can use that trick again. My youngest (DD - she will be 10 when we go) gets scared fairly easily and hates spiders, so I would have to watch out for that with FJ. She loved Haunted Mansion at MK though. Is it at that level of dark/spookiness? I tried looking at YouTube videos but could not really see anything. I thought Jurassic was supposed to be worse than Splash Mountain??? I did do Splash Mountain and came out of it okay, if not eager to do it again anytime soon. My oldest son was in the front seat and said "never again!", but I think he may be swayed to try a different one. The hippogriff will definitely be on the list!

 

[somethingblue]

Forbidden Journey is the best ride I've ever been on. I highly recommend everyone give it a shot at least once, especially if they are fans of Harry Potter. Walking through the castle in the queue is an experience of its own. The ride is a combination of a simulator ride, like Soarin', and an actual moving ride, dark-ride style.

There are a couple of intense parts, however the ride itself is not jerky and there are no big drops. When I went to IOA I went with my mom, sister, and best friend. My mom and sister are not roller coaster people at ALL; my sister was hesitant to even ride the kid-coaster Flight Of The Hippogriff and my mom doesn't ride coasters at all, but they both LOVED the ride!

In my opinion the Simpson's simulator is more intense. I don't know if it's because I wasn't expecting it, but that roller coaster simulator was really intense for me, and while fun, it was more of a scary-fun than Forbidden Journey.