Lots of annoying questions from a Universal newbie

[MellyBeans]

So, my husband and are are going to Disney World in May. We travel to WDW quite a bit, and know the ins and outs of park touring. Well, this year I decided that I'd really like to take a day out of our WDW to visit Harry Potter. I have *never* been to Universal, this will be my first trip. DH hasn't been to Universal since he was a kid, but he really liked it back in the day. I know ideally I should plan for more than one day in the parks, but it really isn't feasible for us this trip. My questions:

1. We will most likely go on Tuesday May 17th. How crowded are Tuesdays in May? I see the express pass is selling for $31 that day, the second lowest.

2. My main priority is seeing Harry Potter, however I would like to see as much of Universal and IoA as I can. I fully realize I won't be able to do everything, but if we buy express passes, how much do you realistically think we can get done in both parks in one day?

3. What is a good plan of attack for us? I know we need to be at Universal before park opening, so we can head STRAIGHT to Harry Potter at opening. Then we should go see Olivanders and FJ in that order. But then what? What would be your strategy after those two attractions when wanting to maximize time throughout TWO different parks. Please keep in mind that Harry Potter is my main priority with this trip, but at the same time, it is kind of expensive for us to go for just one day, so I want to get the most out of this experience as a whole as possible.

4. Outside of the WWoHP, what attractions are NOT to be missed? We aren't opposed to roller coasters and thrill rides, and will ride if it's an awesome experience, but in general, those types of thrill rides aren't things we seek out.

5. I definitely think we will consider buying express passes, especially if they are only $30 a piece and we can get more done. If I wait to buy them in park after I know what the waits and the crowds are like, will they be sold out?


Thanks in advance! Sorry for all my annoying questions.

 

[IdesOmarch]

It depends on if schools are already out by May 17, if not, then a Tuesday is probably going to be light crowds.

Not to be missed attractions and rides besides Harry Potter:

1) Jurassic Park River Adventure
2) Spiderman
3) Mythos (restaurant for lunch in the Lost Continent, right outside the Harry Potter area)
4) The Mummy
5) Jaws
6) Men in Black
7) ET
8) Terminator

 

[MellyBeans]

Is Mythos a Table Service restaurant, or counter service? I've heard good things, but don't know what to expect.

 

[macraven]

you have great questions.

there is no such a thing as annoying questions.


since parry hotter came to town, all of our former ways of planning and advising has taken a side path.

what i can tell you is tuesdays are good for newbies.
crowds should not be bad for a weekday.

tue, wed, thur are usually the best lower crowd days in the parks.

if you are driving in from disney for the day, leave the motherland early to beat the traffic.
the parking garage will be open an hour prior to park opening.
8:00/7:00

even though you would not be allowed the early entry, you can be at the gate prior to 8:00 and then be at the head of the line after the hotel guests and package homies enter.

chances are the second wave to the general public will be allowed in prior to 9:00.

there will be a wait area inside the park but don't fret.
this keeps everyone from running.

do ollivanders first if you are into the wand presentation.
it won't take more than 15 minutes tops in the building.
waiting in line for ollivanders will be the issue.

do FJ next, hippo, and dueling dragons if you are coaster peeps.

check out the convenience places to hear myrtle moan.


do not leave the potter section until you know you are done with it.

if lines are long, crowds grow, there might be restrictions on the number of peeps allowed into the potter section of the park.

you probably heard about the time receipt that has been used in the park on crowded days.

do not buy the express pass plus until you know you need it.
you can only use the express pass for the hippo and DD ride in the parry hotter section.

once you leave potterville, either hit jurassic park section or go to marvel land. if lines are tremendously long at this point, consider buying the express pass.
it is valid for one time only per ride and attraction.
i have not heard of the epp selling out when it is selling at a lower rate.

if a rain storm would come in, the crowds and lines will disperse.
once you buy the epp, they are non refundable.


check out seussland.
it's not only for kidlettes.
one of my favorite parts of IOA......

since you plan on one day only for universal, switch to the studios side after lunch.

if this side is now having long lines, buy the ep at the main merch store or at guest services.

if you bought the ep for ioa only and find out you also need it for the studios, go to guest services and upgrade that pass.
it will be cheaper to do that then to buy another one.

epp are date specified, park specified.
you would have to make them hoppers for epp.

there is no way i think anyone can do both parks including parry hotter in one day.
you would have to hit the highlights first and then hit the other attractions.

check out the uo website and see what rides and shows you would be interested in doing.
base your tentative plans on that knowing you can be flexible and change.


hopefully you will be able to start ioa by 8:45, do potter and leave that section by 11.
hit the other sections of ioa for a couple of hours, switch to the studio side for lunch and stay there until closing time.

 

[macraven]

Is Mythos a Table Service restaurant, or counter service? I've heard good things, but don't know what to expect.

table service and it is great!

 

[GreyStr0ke]

1. Not sure. The end of May is cutting it close to when schools begin to let out so it being a Tuesday may or may not make a difference. Either way, I would predict Tuesdays to be less crowded then a Friday or Saturday.

2. If you arrive at opening, you shouldn't have any problems seeing everything at Islands of Adventure and most of the main attractions at Universal. Especially if you have the Express. You could probably get to IOA at opening and finish all the Harry Potter stuff and then make it to some of the other big attractions without having to use your Express Pass. Then later on in the day you could go back to those attractions you already rode and ride them again with Express. Once you get to Universal, just use Express on everything.

4. Definitely see Spiderman at IOA and Revenge of the Mummy at Universal. Aside from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey I think these are two of the best rides in the parks.

5. Express probably won't sell out. However, the closer it gets to that date the price may change. Last time I went the Express was so cheap weeks before so we waited to buy them. When we got there they had jumped up $15 more than what they were posted at online.

 

[MellyBeans]

Oh my gosh! Thank you for those wonderful and detailed responses! I think I will even print this out to bring to the parks!!!

Can anyone recommend a good counter service location in either park for lunch? Mythos sounds great, but since we are only at Universal for one day, I really want to maximize our attraction time. Plus, we are on the DDP at WDW all week, and will get our fair share of sit down, table service meals.

Thanks again for all of your wonderful help! I know I won't be able to see everything, but so long as I see all of Harry Potter and hit the headliners in both parks, I'm good.

 

[tinydancer09]

Oh my gosh! Thank you for those wonderful and detailed responses! I think I will even print this out to bring to the parks!!!

Can anyone recommend a good counter service location in either park for lunch? Mythos sounds great, but since we are only at Universal for one day, I really want to maximize our attraction time. Plus, we are on the DDP at WDW all week, and will get our fair share of sit down, table service meals.

Thanks again for all of your wonderful help! I know I won't be able to see everything, but so long as I see all of Harry Potter and hit the headliners in both parks, I'm good.

Three broomsticks! Ask the cast members when it opens for lunch and head there at that time. I promise you won't regret it! (Eat a light breakfast as they probably open at 10:30).

Just a tidbit. Get a souvenir cup. about 6.95 first purchase and .99 cent refils. Free water. It's a lifesaver!

Also about the express passes. macraven is right and you SHOULD wait to buy them til the time presents. However, I honestly would go ahead and get them because every half hour matters when you are doing both parks. But thats just my opinion. It is $60 that might go to waste in a budget.

I recommend getting there atleast 15-30 min before the gate opens. Bring breakfast to munch on. Head to WWOHP and do Olivanders, FJ, and Dueling Dragons. Shop to your hearts content and get some butterbeer. It should be close to 10:30 if not after by this time to head to lunch. Know that they do not sell coke in WWOHP.
By this time it will probably be 11:30ish.

11:30Head to Jurassic Park and get in line for River Adventure.
12:15ish?If you don't like water rides skip the rides in Toon Town and just look around a bit. Don't skip over it it's a neat place!
-Marvel is next if you like roller coasters or try them atleast once ride hulk. Def ride spiderman. Doom if you like that kind of thing.
-1-2ish. Suesslanding- Ride Cat in the Hat for sure if you enjoy Suess. If the trolley has less than a 10 minute wait ride it. GREAT views of the park!

Now HIGH TAIL IT TO Universal! 2-3ish.

-I always start with E.T. because the line is usually short. Must
-RRR (I dont have a suggestion for time to ride... so anyone step in)
-Twister... can be skipped.
-Revenge of the mummy is a must
-Disaster.. if you please.
-Jaws is a must
-Men in Black is a must
-Simpsons (Simulator-Must for me but not if you don't like them)
-Horror make up show Must. Hilarious!
-Shrek 4d I think is funny but if you don't know the movies no point.
-Terminator... ehh if you want.

And if you have time left over! Beetle juice is a pretty good show and is a great snack spot. Blues brother's show is also pretty good.

Have I missed anything?
I think US/IOA is very doable in 1 day. With Harry Potter added in it makes it a TIGHT squeeze and things have to be skipped but can still be done. The main thing you will miss is all the detail in the parks. If you plan on going back leave the details and wondering around for then and get everything you WANT to do done. Esp nostalgia things for your hubby.

 

[macraven]

Can anyone recommend a good counter service location in either park for lunch? Mythos sounds great, but since we are only at Universal for one day, I really want to maximize our attraction time. Plus, we are on the DDP at WDW all week, and will get our fair share of sit down, table service meals.

Thanks again for all of your wonderful help! I know I won't be able to see everything, but so long as I see all of Harry Potter and hit the headliners in both parks, I'm good.

if you like home made sandwiches, try Blondie's.
you choose the type of sandwich you want made.



Blondie's: Home of the Dagwood

Nothing tastes better than a gravity-defying sandwich stacked with fresh meats, cheeses, vegetables and dressings. That's what you get at Blondie's deli featuring made-to-order Deli Subs and Sandwiches including the famous, piled-high "Dagwood."

Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily
Service Type: Counter Service



Thunder Falls Terrace®

Now these are some bones you can really sink your teeth into. You'll be glad you're a meat eater when you catch the aroma of sizzling BBQ Ribs, Wraps, Rotisserie Chicken, Smoked Turkey Legs, Soup and Salads.

Service Type: Counter
Dining Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily




for burgers in the jurassic park area:



The Burger Digs®

Meal Deal
This is where Jurassic Park’s staff paleontologists take a break from unearthing fossils and dig in to mouth-watering Burgers and Garden Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Tenders and ice cold drinks.

Service Type: Counter
Dining Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily

Participating Meal Deal Location: Yes

my favorite for gyros and dogs:



Fire Eater's Grill

It's an inferno of flavor! This popular food merchant in Sindbad's Bazaar is known throughout the land for his Grilled Gyros, Fiery Chicken Stingers, Chicken Fingers, Hot Dogs and Salads.

Hours: 11:00am to Park Close daily
Service Type: Walk-Up Window



at the studio side:

my first favorite food place



Beverly Hills Boulangerie

Everyone knows how health-conscious celebrities are, and this is where the stars can eat right AND splurge at the same time. Enjoy Breakfast Croissants, Sandwiches, Soup, Salads, Freshly Baked Pastries and Cheesecake.

Service Type: Counter Service
Dining Hours: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily


get a sandwich on croissant with potato salad and drink for under $10.
they also sell Cheesecake Factory desserts here.
i get the tuna special sandwich.

all made fresh when you order.



at the studios:

i love the pizza and salad combo at this place.
meatball sandwich also good.

my 2nd favorite place


Louie's Italian Restaurant

Meal Deal Best for Family
You might rub elbows with Michael Corleone himself at Louie's, the Italian restaurant home to the Bronx's best Pizza, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fettuccini, Meatball Subs, Salads, plus Gelato & Italian Ice.

Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily
Service Type: Counter Service

Participating Meal Deal Location: Yes


sit down restaurant at very affordable prices:
if you want a drink and snack, sit at the bar.
easy in, early out.



Finnegan's Bar and Grill

Take a trip back to the rolling green hills of Ireland at this authentic Irish-American pub and restaurant featuring Fish 'n Chips, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Guinness Beef Stew, Sandwiches, Salads, and a Full Bar with Happy Hour Daily.

Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily
Service Type: Full Service

Reservations Accepted: Call Universal Studios Reservations at 407-224-3613



i like this place, cafeteria style with tv's on for entertainment.
fried chicken dinner is excellent here.



International Food and Film Festival

Meal Deal Best for Family
No matter what your native tongue, when it’s time to say "I'm hungry' this cafeteria-style food court speaks your language. Choose from Asian, Italian, and American Dishes, Salads, and a Soft Serve Ice Cream window.

Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily
Service Type: Counter Service

Participating Meal Deal Location: Yes



at city walk:




Top of the Walk Food Court

Located on the upper level, CityWalk's new food court offers you a variety of popular eating options and your choice of seating indoors or outside.

Enjoy the flame-broiled burger you love with over a million ways to HAVE IT YOUR WAY®.





Giant burritos, cheesy quesadillas and flavorful salads prepared right before your eyes.






Original Orange Chicken and zesty Beijing Beef wok-ed up fresh, hot and fast.






Enjoy a great selection of sushi and Japanese fusion dishes as well as fruit-infused sakes. Watch as fresh sushi is prepared while a modern geisha host serves up trendy sakes and beers.

 

[macraven]

if you have the AAA card, show it and you will receive 10% off your meals at universal and city walk.

also get 10% off merch when you show the AAA card.

 

[Karpkg]

Macraven,

Excellent condensed info pack. I'm cutting and pasting this into my notes to go in my Iphone.

I'm not a newbie, but it will be my 2nd time going to Universals/IOA and this is very helpful.

Thanks!