Is IOA worth it?

[ChrisFL]

Originally posted by wdwphanatic
- it just doesn't look in pictures like it has the magic and theming of Disney...

You're right, in IOA, the theming SURPASSES Disney in many areas.

If you don't believe me, go here:

http://www.ioacentral.com/news/columns/kevins_khronicles/kevins_khronicles.htm

This gives info on all the little intricate details of IOA, and it's really incredible to think they put so much work into it...

 

[sha_lyn]

We're thinking of staying at HRH, which I hope will be nice. Any further recommendations on what to do and see, not-to-be-missed restaurants, general touring tips, etc. would be much appreciated!

Many here have had wonderful experience at HRH... however I've had 2 horrible stays. The second trip was what was suppose to be 2 nights "on the house" because of the first trip. We then had a horrible experience the night we checked in. The door keys would not work and the front desk insisted it there was nothing they could do about getting us working keys (we ended up trying 3 sets). We eventually demanded a different room. And since we didn't get into it until after 1 am, they offered us the 3rd night free also. They took all that back about 3 months later when they decided to bill my sisters credit card for 2 of the 3 nights. They insisted to the creidt card company that they had told us ahead of time that we wouldn't be billed for a long period of time because their computer system was down. No one cared that I had a printed final bill that showed there was no charge for the rooms. They continued to reboil the credit card company until the CC refused to remove the bill the final time. As beautiful a hotel it is and as amazing as the pool is, I don't think I could ever stay there again.


My sister had a great trip at the Royal Pacific. She would stay there again in a heart beat.

Restaurants... We love mythos, NBA city, Margaretaville and pastamore'

 

[mulchpuppy]

wdwphan - remember, we're talking about IOA more than the Studios = while the theming in the queues of the line are fabulous at the studios, the theming in the rest of the park is more hit-or-miss. I think MGM nails it's exterior theming more consistantly than Universal, but it's only by a minor margin.

ryanrop - I wasn't really recommending Busch - I was using it as the "if all you want is roller coasters, just go here" example. That said, I do have to say that, despite the fact that I really dislike Busch Gardens, Montu is a better ride than Dueling Dragons. Note that I only said "ride" - Dueling Dragons is a much better overall experience (though I think they screwed up putting the set-up video stuff so far back in the queue - I only saw it once when I was walking through it just to look at the theming - I never want to see the line backed up THAT far!).

Beer companies aren't the best owners of amusement parks. The same applies for Sea World, tragically.

h20jag - one more thing to add to the list of reasons to do 1 day/2 park tickets: they're going in June, so the Mummy ride should be open as well!

Back to wdwphan - never stayed at the Hard Rock. We did stay at Portofino Bay earlier this year (thank you Entertainment Card!). Holy crap, that place was gorgeous. We MAY be staying at Royal Pacific next month (I'm unsure because I just found out my car needs a new transmission; hooray).

 

[emilymad]

Thank you for all your great advice. You have convinced me. We are definitely going to go. I haven't been to the Studios in 6 years so I am sure a lot has changed since then. That will have to wait for a different trip. I only have 6 days. So how bad will the crowds really be at the end of June?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Crowds at the end of June are busy. I'm talking 30-60 minute wait for everything busy.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

emilymad-

Glad to hear you are going to give Universal Orlando a second chance. I am positive you won't be disappointed!!!! Let us know how it goes and have fun!

 

[damo]

Mulchpuppy, ever been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg? It is an absolutely beautiful park with wonderful food, shows, rides and especially coasters. The beer company did something right there!

 

[mulchpuppy]

I have, damo, but I was in the eighth grade at the time and probably had no appreciation for anything there. I am aware that Williamsburg is considered to be much better than Tampa Bay (which strikes me as odd, since Tampa Bay has a helluva lot more competition!).

I'm tentatively planning on visiting BGW and King's Dominion sometime early next season.

But yeah - I know Williamsburg is supposed to be really pretty.

 

[Planogirl]

If you can I suggest taking some time and enjoying the theming and show just like at WDW. We personally preferred Universal park but IOA is gorgeous and a ride on Spiderman is by itself worth the price of admission IMO.

 

[ryanrop]

Originally posted by mulchpuppy

ryanrop - I wasn't really recommending Busch - I was using it as the "if all you want is roller coasters, just go here" example. That said, I do have to say that, despite the fact that I really dislike Busch Gardens, Montu is a better ride than Dueling Dragons. Note that I only said "ride" - Dueling Dragons is a much better overall experience (though I think they screwed up putting the set-up video stuff so far back in the queue - I only saw it once when I was walking through it just to look at the theming - I never want to see the line backed up THAT far!).

You are right on that one, the Montu is probably the best ride in all of Florida.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Montu is a better coaster than Dragons, but the theming in Dragons is impressive. It sorta cancels each other out.

 

[Motherfletcher]

I was there the last week in June and then the 3rd week in July. June was better by a hair but the Marauder is right the wait times will be 60-90 minutes on all of the popular attractions. You will get rained on at least twice. IOA is tough when it rains in that only 3 attractions will remain open. We were staying at PBH so we had express privileges but got bored riding Spidey for the 9th time because of the rain. Universal is better in the rain. By end of June The Mummy ride should be open and that will take some of the pressure off of Shrek and Jimmy. I don't think I would spend a whole day at the parks during June without Express Pass.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The rain only slightly affects IOA. It's the lightning that is killer...

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by the Dark Marauder
Montu is a better coaster than Dragons, but the theming in Dragons is impressive. It sorta cancels each other out.

What planet are you from, bird brain? (hehe ) No way!!!! Well, maybe because I always get a terrible headache after riding Montu...Dragons isn't so rough...but still VERY intense...I love Dragons better than Montu by far...if I ever go to Busch Gardens again, I usually skip Montu and go on Kumba...one headache from Montu ruins your day...

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I agree that the rides remain open when it rains (and that lightning is the determining factor of closing any rides down). I've been on the Hulk while it rained...boy that hurt like a b****!! Never again!! But the ride photo was truly hysterical...here I'm sitting alongside 3 strangers and every single one of us has our hands covering our faces...rain drops feel like hail...and it wasn't even raining all THAT hard (steady drizzle when that happened).