Is there a thread for Disney visitors 1st trip to Universal?

[Jkpark]

I've seen threads for WDW experts going to DLR for the first time and vice versa. Is there anything like that for Universal?

I arrive early morning on Jan 5 and will have hotel early entry and express pass. We will have all day of the 5th and then a half day on the 6th before heading to the airport. I want to make the most of my time and am such a novice. I know DLR and WDW very well. I have been to Universal Hollywood as a day trip in 2016 and I haven't been to Universal Orlando since a day trip from Cocoa Beach in 2009 - when my kids were 1 and 3, and a tornado warning and tropical despression closed the parks.

I'm wondering about photo packages? Which restaurants require reservations? Any special dining experiences (besides the Marvel character dinner which I found some reviews on). Are there evening fireworks/shows? How many days out do they generally release their entertainment schedules? Is there an app for wait times when you are in the park? Will interactive wands purchased in Hollywood work in Orlando?

Hoping someone can direct me to a thread I overlooked when searching that has all this basic information. Is touringplans.com helpful for Universal? I might check for a book at the store later today, too.

thanks!

 

[schumigirl]

There are a whole load of Stickies at the top of the pages...….full of hotel information, restaurants and so much more...…..and of course the Universal Orlando website too

www.universalorlando.com

Have a read though and then ask specific questions and we`ll all be happy to help...….you don't really need a touring plan for Universal...…..

The FAQ and Quick ACCESS sticky is a good one too...….

 

[bchbetha]

Orlando Informer has really useful info.
Not sure why there needs to be a tutorial for Universal for Disney visitors. How do you plan trips to other amusement parks? I think it’s far better to seek independent of comparing it to how Disney does things. I just think it’s so much better to separate the 2. With an onsite hotel and Express Passes, you don’t need to plan anything. Treat it more like going to a local amusement park.
I don’t think you have time for a character meal. I’d prioritize shows and attractions.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Download the Universal App for ride wait times (and show times, etc). They don't tend to post show schedules until about a month out.

Take a look at restaurant menus right on the Universal website. Most don't require reservations. Mythos in IOA was the exception for me, but easy to make a reservation the day before.

 

[Jkpark]

Thanks. I'm less worried about having a touring plan. More curious if dining reservations are needed for certain restaurants. Does Universal have a restaurant that is so unique you want to make sure you eat there and possibly need to book ASAP? When I go to a local amusement park - I usually research rides so I know what ones have longer lines to hit early in the day. I've done that part already. I'm not even aware if the local parks I've gone to have photo packages to be honest. I sometimes get that at Disney, but not always. I might here so I can be in some photos, unless someone tells me it just isn't worth it at Universal. Does it pick up all character photos and random photos with iconic backdrops, plus ride photos - similar to Disney?

I've gone back to the FAQ thread which has helped direct me to parts of Universal's site but curious on opinions of people who do both parks - what do they do differently. It sounds like relax more - which is great b/c the overplanning needing at WDW is stressful sometimes - even for this girl who loves to plan.

 

[bchbetha]

You can’t book most restaurants yet anyway so plenty of time to research. You can make reservations a day or 2 ahead of time (I think the window opens 2-3 weeks out) and you’ll be fine. Mythos has a cool vibe. Most eat dinner at CityWalk.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Photo package info: https://www.disboards.com/threads/2018-photo-my-universal-photo-packages.3662994/

I feel the photo package is worthwhile if you get it during one of the sales, particularly if you want ride photos. There aren't as many roving photographers as I am told Disney has, and most scheduled character meets have photographers but not all.

 

[skylock]

Your dates should be on the slower end but you will have express pass, so you will be good.

You can make dining reservations starting about 30 days out, or you can do it the day before, or just show up the day of.

Your express pass is all the touring plan you need.

You can check with the hotels about character dining opportunities about a month out, but you will only have 1.5 days, so I don't think that would be high on my list.

Photos. I think it is worth it if you want pictures in the park. There are far fewer photographers than you expect at disney, but when you consider one ride photo is $20, that adds up fast. There are also a couple of places you can get auto photos to add to your photopass, plus any other you can snag. You can watch the link you were already given and try to catch a sale. Unless things change, you can buy on sale and it will be good until you use it.

As to the wands, I have never seen it mentioned if they work at both parks, but my guess is they will. You could call to find out ahead of time.

I would rather do 3 broomsticks than Mythos. Mythos is good, and looks great, but it just slows me down and with only 1.5 days, I would be skipping it.

I would plan on getting a butter beer in HPland, because, eveybody needs to try it I think.

Early hours will be mostly for the HPland areas of whatever park is open early that day.

As for any fireworks/shows that will be at the time of your visit, it is far to early to know at this time.

 

[bchbetha]

The wand will work. Go to Ollivanders for a map of Universal

 

[Jkpark]

Thanks for all of the feedback. This is very helpful. I will probably skip a sit down meal and just wing it. It will be a really nice way to tour the parks.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The Harry Potter restaurants are wonderfully done. If you are HP fans, at least pop in to check them out. They are pretty speedy too, so may be a good opportunity to sit for a spell (get it? ). You order at the register, then they bring your meals to your table.