Just ONE day at Universal - What To Do?

[DisneyFamily123]

Never been to Universal or IOA.... seems silly to go to WDW again and not go. So, I may pick one day between May 23 to 26. It is Memorial Day Weekend and will be busy. Questions:

(1) Am I just nuts to go there for 1 day on a busy weekend? Should I just plan a separate trip to Universal and IOA some other time and really take our time and enjoy it? It's not expensive to fly to Orlando so a separate trip is definitely possible.

(2) If I go for 1 day, would you suggest picking Universal or IOA or both? It's mom, dad, and 8 yr old son. No one likes thrill rides/coasters --- at Disney, Expedition Everest is our limit. No wild coasters with corkscrews. Afraid of heights....

Thank you! More than 1 day is not possible... we want to take advantage of lower crowds at Disney World the few days before Memorial Day Weekend starts and enjoy some of the Star Wars Weekend stuff there too.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, as busy as it might be, it's not going to be as busy as WDW during their "rock your disney side" event! "From 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM, May 23 to May 24, 2014" they are open. I would choose the 23rd to visit Universal over WDW, that's for sure.


Are you guys Harry Potter fans? Even without riding Dragon Challenge it's still great. Forbidden Journey can be intense in feel, but it's not an actual coaster. You're on a robot arm, in control at all times. And even if you don't go on that, it's still very nice to be there if you're a HP fan.

Other than that, look on the websites, see what they have.


We have done a Universal-only trip before, even flying out from the west coast. We love spending time there!

 

[lehmaac]

Universal definitely has more thrill rides than WDW, but there's lots of other stuff to do as well. DS was almost 8 the 1st time we went, and taller than average, but he was still not quite tall enough for the coasters (54"min).

If anyone in your fam is a HP fan, IoA will likely be your priority. Besides Dragon Challenge, WWoHP has FJ (min 48" & pretty intense, but amazing), and FotH, a fun jr coaster. IoA also has Spiderman, Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park, and the Dr Seuss themed section.

On the other hand, US has Transformers, Despicable Me, and The Simpsons, and a ton of shows and "experiences" that are great as well. Lots of fun without getting dropped from the sky

It doesn't sound like the Diagon Alley extension (in US) will be open by then, but I've read that the parks have been less crowded this spring since many are waiting until DA is open, so that could be a plus. Also, depending on your budget & priorities, Universal Express could make sense on a busy weekend.

A word of caution, even as the kids get older, my family gets more sensory overload at UOR than WDW. The music is louder, the rides jerkier, there's less shade, the food is much worse, and the shakedown is more blatant than at WDW (All my personal opinions). Despite all that, I can't imagine planning a trip to Orlando without stopping at UOR! Have a great trip!

 

[mrsabbott]

If you have just one day, I would pick IofA. There is a lot to do and ride, although the largest ones may be off limits. Highly recommend Mythos for lunch!

 

[glocon]

I there any way that you could stay at one of the UO resorts on either your first or last day there? The early entry and unlimited express make for a much more relaxing visit, and there is more of a chance to see as much as possible this way-especially since it is a holiday weekend.

If we were to go for only one day and were staying offsite, we would choose IoA. Harry Potter is there, lots of rides (especially the wet ones), Mythos, and just a sense of adventure.