Itinerary ideas for this weekend?

[Lawshark]

Hey all...we ended up getting an alert for a great fare on JetBlue last month so we are heading direct from Portland, Maine to Orlando. Decided to change it up and do Universal instead of Disney.

I know the planning isn't quite as crucial for Universal...but I'm feeling a bit weird not planning too much and getting feedback. So...

We are staying at Portofino in a club level room...me, DW, DS9, DS6. Arriving Saturday in MCO at 7:30pm...leaving next Wednesday at about noon. We'll have Sunday, MLK Day and Tuesday in the parks.

The only hard and fast plan is Blue Man Group at 7pm on Sunday. It sounds as though Sunday is typically less busy...so I thought we would hit IOA and WWHP 1st thing on Sunday. Hitting HarryLand first...and wandering from there.

MLK Day for Universal...then both on Tuesday to cover whatever our favorites turn out to be.

We have NO food reservations. Any recommendations? People seem to say not to worry so much about reservations...but...

Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[flfun]

I think you should expect fairly heavy crowds for the majority of your stay, (with Tuesday being your best day and Sunday being the most crowded -because of the 3 day weekend). I would do the Studios on Sunday, then do early entry at HP at IOA on Monday and Tuesday. Hit Ollivander's first if its not too crowded then FJ, spend the peak hours of the day enjoying the rest of IOA and/or the Studios with your express pass and return to HP at night. Its beautiful at night and the crowds will have thinned out. But, as I mentioned, I am betting that Tuesday will be the optimum day since out-of-towners and the locals will have returned to home/work/school.

HP could be a game changer but this is my best advice.

 

[Lawshark]

Thanks...I'm curious to see just how bad the holiday will make things...hoping for the best...but expecting that the crowds may be bad.

I may still hit IOA Sunday first thing on early entry at RD and get the heck our of dodge...the whole Magic Kingdom phenomena of "we have to go!"...but will play it by ear.

I don't do lines...so if WWHP is a mess...I have other options

 

[flfun]

I'm the same way about lines. Looking at the closing times, they don't seem to be expecting large crowds so maybe you'll luck out with the early entry on Sunday.

Also, try the single rider line when FJ has a long wait. You might end up riding in separate "cars" but even with hour waits you're usually on in 5 minutes doing this, something to keep in mind if you need it. Then do the castle tour line afterwards at your leisure.

Have fun!

 

[Metro West]

I may still hit IOA Sunday first thing on early entry at RD and get the heck our of dodge...the whole Magic Kingdom phenomena of "we have to go!"...but will play it by ear.

I think that's a good plan.

 

[ladylinda65]

Normally, IOA is slowest on Sunday's as they are travel days. I would definitely take advantage of the one hour early admittance you get by staying on property and utilize your unlimited express pass for everything else.

Keep in mind that RRR is the only ride that has no allowance for Express Pass. Though HP does not take express pass you do get the extra hour before the park opens to get in there.

Food wise I always recommend Meal Deal if you plan on being there all day and you tend to eat a few times during the day. For 19.99 Adult and I think 9.99 for kids you get to eat all day at three of the restaurants (IOA is Circus McGirkus, Comic Strip CAfe and Burger Digs - USF is Mel's Diner, Louies and International Food). Another thing you can do with this plan is add both parks for an extra $4 and also add dinner at Citywalk for an extra $6.

If you don't do Meal Deal at IOA then I HIGHLY recommend Thunder Falls Terrace. Great chicken salad (not mayo type), roast chicken and ribs!!

Personally, I love Emeril's, Hard Rock, Latin Quarter and Nascar out at Citywalk. Not a big fan of Margaritaville, though alot of people swear by it.

Good Luck and Enjoy all that Universal has to offer!!!

Linda

 

[christophfam]

I think your plan of IOA for early entry on Sunday should be fine. If it is crowded later, just head out and you can always return in the evening when things have died down.

I'm personally not a fan of the meal deal. I think it is hard to get your moneys worth. You have to eat a lot of fast food for it to work.

I would definitely call and get a reservation at Mythos (IOA) for lunch one day. They have great food in a wonderful atmosphere for not much more than what you'd pay for counter service. Since you're staying at PBH, I'd also try Mamma Della's one night for dinner.