Is US worth a visit?

[JennyTigger]

I have to say that I have been to US on my last 3visits to orlando, and have to say that after last year I do not plan to return. US now charge for their fastpass system, and my entire party found it a long day, having to queue for every ride. Also whenever we have visited the rides have broken down on several occasions, which is very frustrating, getting to the front of a queue and then to be told it has broken down and to be escorted from the queue.

I hope whatever you decide to do have a magical time.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I have to say that I have been to US on my last 3visits to orlando, and have to say that after last year I do not plan to return. US now charge for their fastpass system, and my entire party found it a long day, having to queue for every ride. Also whenever we have visited the rides have broken down on several occasions, which is very frustrating, getting to the front of a queue and then to be told it has broken down and to be escorted from the queue.

I hope whatever you decide to do have a magical time.

They do charge for their express pass system now which is a shame and something that can affect your day, it can depend on what time of year you visit how busy the queue's are.
We have found by visiting at quieter times of the day, early morning mainly you can beat the worst of the crowds.
It is not a coincidence that many of the popular rides such as Shrek, Spiderman, Jimmy Neutron and Hulk are closer to the park entrance, so they can get very busy at times as many head for them first.
Disney parks get busy too , at times ALL the parks have rides where you have to queue.

I don't necessarily disagree about the rides breaking down, it is a shame your day was spoilt but unfortunatley that happens from time to time, Universal AND Disney also.

 

[wayneg]

I have to say that I have been to US on my last 3visits to orlando, and have to say that after last year I do not plan to return. US now charge for their fastpass system, and my entire party found it a long day, having to queue for every ride. Also whenever we have visited the rides have broken down on several occasions, which is very frustrating, getting to the front of a queue and then to be told it has broken down and to be escorted from the queue.

I hope whatever you decide to do have a magical time.

This year Disney have had more than their fair share of ride problems on our visits, Space Mountain, Splash mountain, Winnie the Pooh, luckily just got off Test track before the rain came down and it closed for an hour.
Thankfully no problems at US for us, but they all have problems its not just US.
I was annoyed when they removed express passes with our AP's but it really has not made much difference, we go in early and use single riders lines (usually get sat together anyway) Even just after Easter it was only 10 mins on Hulk and no line on Dualling dragons. Longest was Spiderman at 20 mins.

 

[wicket2005]

I have to say that I have been to US on my last 3visits to orlando, and have to say that after last year I do not plan to return. US now charge for their fastpass system, and my entire party found it a long day, having to queue for every ride. Also whenever we have visited the rides have broken down on several occasions, which is very frustrating, getting to the front of a queue and then to be told it has broken down and to be escorted from the queue.

I hope whatever you decide to do have a magical time.

Unfortunately, the key to short lines especially at peak times is to get there when the parks open. At both Universal and Islands we had all the rides done in the morning and to be honest, felt quite smug as we left the park seeing people lining up for 60 minutes plus for some rides.

It is unfortunate that you may have experienced more rides breaking down in US but we have found all the parks to be roughly equal in this. However, you have been to the park 3 times so it isn't necessary for you to go again unless you want to. The main thing is to at least go and experience it yourself and make your own mind up.

 

[dc1964]

All this talk of US and IOA is making me want to buy some extar tickets next week, perhaps i will make do with a cold one at Nascar and just look at the Hulk in the distance.

 

[Vicki1971]

Our first visit to Orlanod in 2006 saw us trying to fit as many parks in as we could. We didn't manage all of them but we did get to US and IOA. Both parks were enjoyed by all the party from age 7 to 64.

We returned this year - (haven't been back a week yet) - and went to US 3 times. We did fit in the 2 parks we'd missed last year but couldn't fit in IOA. I was disappointed with this as I enjoyed that park. However, you really can only do as much as your kids can manage. No point in ruining the holiday.

We made Mardi Gras at US this year. We all loved it - my DDs want to do it again next year and my DH even wore the beads!!!!

I wouldn't go all the way over there and not do US. However we do always adjust our timetable depending on the weather and the health of the party. Sometimes the children can get worn out and just need a couple of days away relaxing.

For me a must do are:
Magic Kingdom
US
Sea World
MGM Studios
Busch Gardens

My piece of advice would be to hire a stroller in the park you go to each day - a double one even if you have 1 child. The heat can take it's effect on children very quickly and a crying child isn't experiencing the fun they should be.

I hired a stroller this year and my youngest is 8. She would not have one last year and we didn't get round much. This year she had shade and was pushed when tired. It really reduced stress on everyone. She didn't get as tired as last year. It's about £5-6 per day for a single and it's worth it.

Have a wonderful time. US is great. However don't forget to check out Captiain Jack at MK

 

[wideeyes]

Hi again, It seems like we will be going to Universal Studio's on my DD request, she saw an advert for it on Nickelodeon and realised it was where we were going on holiday so she asked if she could go to see the characters.
As she only wants to go to see the characters we will just spend the day there.

 

[wicket2005]

Hi again, It seems like we will be going to Universal Studio's on my DD request, she saw an advert for it on Nickelodeon and realised it was where we were going on holiday so she asked if she could go to see the characters.
As she only wants to go to see the characters we will just spend the day there.

Excellent. At least you will all experience it too and be able to form your own opinions on the park.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

My family prefer US to Disney. We're lucky enough to have been to Florida quite a few times now and know exactly what parks and rides we want to go and and always visit Universal Studios and IOA a few times, whereas Disney it's normally just a once off.

It's all down to what you prefer, of course, but we have a teenager (plus two growed up kids - me and DH ).

You'll have a happy time wherever you visit, but please don't discount US.

 

[tttessa]

Hiya - we're going for the "highlights" of each park thing too - only one visit to each, a different park each day but must include
Animal Kingdom
Magic Kindom
Universal Studios
Islands of Adventure
Sea World
Typhoon Lagoon
Kennedy

then MGM or Epcot or gatorland or bush gardens or revisit favourites....

only a 10 day trip fits our holiday dates this time, so we'd rather take it fast and fleeting than stick just to Disney.... next time we can decide which parks to concentrate on...

Tessa

 

[Graeme]

Hi again, It seems like we will be going to Universal Studio's on my DD request

Good. That sorts that then!! LOL
Don't miss Dudley Do-Rights. I proposed to my wife on the top of the drop!

 

[wicket2005]

Don't miss Dudley Do-Rights. I proposed to my wife on the top of the drop!

Didn't you think you were going to survive the drop. Seriously what a memorable place to propose, probably took her mind completely off the drop.