It's been a while. I have some questions.

[Pyotr]

I decided last minute to take my oldest daughter to Universal tomorrow. We had planned on going to Disney, but since we are both fully vaccinated, we didn't feel like dealing with the "M" word. It has been 6 years since last time we were there. Anyways, we are staying at Sapphire Falls and have tickets for both parks. Here are my questions....

We will be arriving around 7am. Can I park at Sapphire Falls and take transportation? Is it in walking distance?

How bad is the quick service situation? Would I be better off getting reservations anywhere?

I don't understand the locker situation. For some rides I have to put my items in a locker. To get a locker I need to use my ticket. My ticket is on my phone. I have to put the phone in the locker. I don't understand how this works.

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TreeFalls]

I can't advise about the hotel, but the others:

The quick service is ok, just make sure you have the universal mobile app all set up to pay, or that could complicate things. Most places want you to mobile order (though you can get around it if you ask). We try to eat at off times to avoid long lines.

The lockers just require a bar code- open it with the code, then the same locker opens when you come back with the same code. If you ask the attendant (there is always someone there), they will give you a little card with a bar code you can use.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

Yes, you can park in the Sapphire Falls parking garage & take the boat or walk over to the parks.

 

[macraven]

Pull up the park maps so you know where rides, shows etc are located

some new things have been put in since you last went there

 

[schumigirl]

Takes about 15 minutes to walk from Sapphire Falls to IOA.

Depending on your speed of course.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I decided last minute to take my oldest daughter to Universal tomorrow. We had planned on going to Disney, but since we are both fully vaccinated, we didn't feel like dealing with the "M" word. It has been 6 years since last time we were there. Anyways, we are staying at Sapphire Falls and have tickets for both parks. Here are my questions....

We will be arriving around 7am. Can I park at Sapphire Falls and take transportation? Is it in walking distance?

How bad is the quick service situation? Would I be better off getting reservations anywhere?

I don't understand the locker situation. For some rides I have to put my items in a locker. To get a locker I need to use my ticket. My ticket is on my phone. I have to put the phone in the locker. I don't understand how this works.

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

It's bad...and yes, make a res for anywhere in City Walk and enjoy a nice meal at lunch vs a crazy CS in the parks, for not much price difference and definitely not much time difference (if anything, City Walk might be shorter since your wait will be)...

 

[Bethany10]

It's bad...and yes, make a res for anywhere in City Walk and enjoy a nice meal at lunch vs a crazy CS in the parks, for not much price difference and definitely not much time difference (if anything, City Walk might be shorter since your wait will be)...

I cannot second this enough. The lines for ANY kind of food and drink are at minimum 30 minutes. We got a table at Fast Food Boulevard last week somewhat off prime lunch time. The line to get INTO the restaurant to even get a table in order to place an order was out the door and down the road past the taco truck. We just grabbed a table outside, placed the order and waited an hour for our food. I never saw the line go down at all.

I think people get in line around 11 to "eat early" it backs up with the folks who want to eat at noon and just never slows down.

 

[Pyotr]

I booked reservations for lunch at Margaritaville and dinner at Big Fire Grill. They weren’t my first choices but there wasn’t a lot of options with one day notice.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

If the parks reach capacity while I'm already inside, then leave to eat lunch at Citywalk, will I be allowed back in?

 

[TwoMisfits]

If the parks reach capacity while I'm already inside, then leave to eat lunch at Citywalk, will I be allowed back in?

In late May, I just asked the employee at the exit, and she said it was no issue - I'm assuming Universal has upped their capacities to normal or almost normal at this point, b/c it wasn't even on her radar...

 

[Pyotr]

I’m here now. It’s busy and hot. My daughter is doing the single rider line for the Hulk. I’m too old and need a break. We rode Hagrid first thing this morning.

 

[Ross Kratter]

I booked reservations for lunch at Margaritaville and dinner at Big Fire Grill. They weren’t my first choices but there wasn’t a lot of options with one day notice.

Bigfire is very good; you will likely not be disappointed.

 

[Pyotr]

I have bad luck.

Thank you to everyone who recommended getting reservations. The lines for quick service is insane.

 

[Ross Kratter]

View attachment 580962

I have bad luck.

Thank you to everyone who recommended getting reservations. The lines for quick service is insane.

Today is Media Day, with the official opening being tomorrow; that's why Velocicoaster is not open.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

View attachment 580962

I have bad luck.

Thank you to everyone who recommended getting reservations. The lines for quick service is insane.

I think they announced a couple of weeks ago that Velocicoaster would be closed today to prep for the official opening tomorrow.

And I hear ya about the QS - we were there 5/9-5/14/21 & just came on up out of the parks & ate in Citiwalk at lunch time - no reservations required - because the QS lines were ridiculous - plus it was a great sit down in the AC break !