Much Needed Advice

[DisneyyDaydream]

Hey everyone
So this November, I’m heading to Universal for 3 days and I’m super excited! The only issue is I’ve only been to Universal for 1 singular day back in 2006/2007 when I was 15 My traveling buddies include my best friend and my mom, both of who have never been to Universal. At all. Ever.

Do you have any advice for us? Must do rides? Shows we have to watch? Food we have to eat? Any and all tips and tricks are appreciated!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Check out the universal website to get an idea of the rides to prioritize and the layout of the parks. So many very very good rides!

You should be able to hit most things over 3 days, depending on your dates in Nov. Are you staying onsite and/or getting express passes? Without express passes, as three adults you can also take advantage of single rider lines if the standby line is longer than your liking.

If you're looking for a break, the Horror Makeup Show is great and amusing. Consider wandering out to CityWalk for dinner or lunch, as there are many great options out there just beckoning you... Check out menus ahead of time to create dining priorities.

 

[DisneyyDaydream]

You should be able to hit most things over 3 days, depending on your dates in Nov. Are you staying onsite and/or getting express passes? Without express passes, as three adults you can also take advantage of single rider lines if the standby line is longer than your liking.

We’re going Nov 3rd-5th and we’re staying at Royal Pacific. The included express passes really, really sold us on staying onsite.
I’ve heard that a lot of the in park restaurants are really lacking in quality/diversity besides the average theme park food so I’m leaning towards checking out Cowfish and/or Toothsome. But part of me is dying to try the Simpsons Food Court or one of the Harry Potter places. Call me a sucker for themeing, but I don’t know if I can pass them up lol

 

[CAPSLOCK]

With 3 park days, you should have time to enjoy several dining options. Note that a few of the in-park restaurants close earlier than the park itself.

Even if you don't eat at one of the HP places, wander through and enjoy them. They do make quite tasty food at Leaky Cauldron (and probably 3 Broomsticks also, but I didn't try there). Enjoying a Butterbeer while wandering through Hogsmeade is just lovely.

The Simpsons area also makes a wonderful donut sundae...

 

[DisneyyDaydream]

Oh wow, I had no idea that some in-park restaurants closed earlier! That’s really good to know. Thanks for that! I think we’ll stay in-park for lunch, and hit up City Walk for dinner in that case.

What are your top rides that you think are can’t miss?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

There are so many good ones. Everyone's taste will be different of course.

My top bunch: Escape from Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, Kong, Mummy, Simpsons, Jurassic Park River, Transformers, Spiderman, MiB. Hulk and RRR are good roller coasters, but they are straightforward roller coasters so nothing spectacular.

The gentler paced rides (Suess rides, ET, Minions, Shrek, etc) and other water rides (think soaking, not marginally wetted like Jurassic Park) are also worthwhile. If you are a Simpsons fan, Kang & Kodos is funny and has nice views at night especially.

 

[schumigirl]

There are plenty of food options that are more than average theme park food.

Have a read of this.....it has all menus from parks, Citywalk and the hotels too.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...do-including-menus-updated-regularly.2681315/

 

[Tksolomom]

Spiderman is probably my favorite ride in both parks. As for shows, I also love the makeup show, it is very funny. I enjoy all of the roller coasters, especially the Mummy. I have not tried Gringott, Kong or F&F as they were not open. I really like FJ, but it makes my husband sick. Just walking around the Harry Potter land is a lot of fun. Of course Jurassic Oark is a lot of fun too. As another poster commented, the Dudley Doright and other water ride soak you to the skin.

 

[skylock]

Hey everyone
So this November, I’m heading to Universal for 3 days and I’m super excited! The only issue is I’ve only been to Universal for 1 singular day back in 2006/2007 when I was 15 My traveling buddies include my best friend and my mom, both of who have never been to Universal. At all. Ever.

Do you have any advice for us? Must do rides? Shows we have to watch? Food we have to eat? Any and all tips and tricks are appreciated!

Must do rides = everything.
Must do shows = all of them.

Food. Some places are better than others but I have never had a meal there and thought, I won't be eating there again and I would say over the years, we have probably eaten everywhere.

I do like 3 broomsticks a lot but I am a sucker for fish and chips and theirs are really good to me.

We never do a sit down in the parks. We sometimes do citywalk, but we have a car and really prefer to hit the orlando area for supper.

There is a counter service dining plan and the formula I use is if your entree will be $14 or more, you can save a few dollars by getting it. You do not have to buy it ahead of time, you can get it right there at the register when you order your food.

You will get an entree and drink, an additional snack (can be used for butter beer) and one additional drink.

We go 4 days and will get it at least once but the other days rather than actually having a meal, we snack our way thru the parks.

Ex: A big pink donut, lemon slush, cotton candy, pretzel with cheese, we usually have our refillable popcorn bucket, ice cream. You get the picture, so we do not need a hamburger or whatever on top of all that. We snack thru the parks and then have a nice supper. I eat everything I do not eat at home while on vacation.

With the express pass, you will get to go thru the short line, as many times as you would like. If you really like a certain ride, do it again. No having to wait. Get off, get back in the short line, go again. Just start at one place and move around the park. I recommend riding everything at least once.

Do not omit the "kiddy" rides thinking they will not appeal to adults. I am an adult and I love them. Even my full adult he man son likes them. He can go from Hulk to cat in the hat without blinking an eye.

If you plan to do the water rides, just know that you WILL get wet, and probably soaked. Staying onsite, you can plan them for just before you leave and go back to the hotel. The water rides are on the IOA side.

If you have Park to Park tickets you can ride the hogwarts train between the two parks.

Another thing to think about is if you have three day park to park tickets you may be able to exchange them at guest services for Seasonal Annual passes with no added cost. Then if you can get back within a year, that is a really big savings, if you don't get back in that year, no loss.

Also, if you will have an Annual pass, you can check for discounts on your room at your onsite hotel. You can just call and ask if they have the AP rate available. You do not have to have the AP in hand when you check in, you will only need to show it before checkout to keep the AP rate.

If you have any more specific questions you can just ask.

 

[zebsterama]

I would suggest the following not so obvious things to check out (great to hear you're staying at RP - can't beat the FOL benefit):

1. All things Harry Potter - if you're fan of the movies / books ... you'll be blown away. If you're not a big fan, you'll become one ... haha!

In all seriousness the themeing of the Harry Potter areas are on par (if not above par) to anything Disney has to offer (and I'm a BIG Disney fan). With your FOL access, you'll have a lot of time to do some solid exploring - please do. Diagon Alley is our favourite: things like Knocturn Alley; we particularly like the souvenir store to pick up some interesting momentous ... spend some time in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes ... consider trying out Shutterbutton's ... don't miss the Tale of the Three Brothers ... go inside Gringotts Money Exchange ... and lastly ... be sure to go at night (Diagon Alley is magical at night) - grab yourself an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and take it all in.

2. Some other things that are neat and off of the beaten path: Universal's Horror Make-Up Show .... I'm not a Horror fan ... but this is both interesting, fun, and educational (I'm a sucker for learning about stuff under the guise of entertainment). If you've never done it before - check it out.

3. The last time we went my kids we're 14 and 12 respectively -- but a ride that is still fun (even though it's geared towards little ones), entertaining, give's you a break (if you need one), and provides it's riders with a fantastic vantage point of the Islands of Adventure park, is The High in the Sky Sueuss Trolley Train Ride. If you've got time - check it out.

4. This is more of an obvious one, but the pre-activities (viewing of clips) on the Jimmy Fallon ride are incredibly hilarious. I was in tears when the Panda came up from behind me, and poked me on the shoulder.

5. Other obvious ones: The coasters at Universal are fantastic - The Hulk (even though we know what's coming .... you'll know what I mean after you ride it) always blows us away. Rip Ride Rocket and The Mummy are all musts.

6. A lunch at Mythos is an ABSOLUTE must. The food quality, not to mention the themeing, are spectacular for the cost. Real value for theme park fare. Don't miss this.

7. Again, not that it needs mentioning, but if funny is important to you (as who isn't into funny!!!! ) then The Simpsons ride is a must do.

 

[macraven]

Read the trip report forum and see how others spent their personal time at UO

I lend shortcuts and find hidden gems in many of them

Especially when the poster goes into detail

 

[macraven]

Simpson’s food court ??

I the food there

Hit that place at least 3 times each vacation


Waffle chicken sandwich
Clog burger

Are 2 of my favorites +

 

[Squirlz]

The Dr. Suess high in the Sky Trolley is super silly and very fun! Especially if you are on the track that goes through Circus McGurkus. And McGurkus has a great fried chicken platter and the spaghetti and meatballs looks good too. Men in Black is our favorite, and here is a tip; if you want to do it over and over with EP, go right at the exit platform instead of left through the gift shop. It takes you through the baby swap area and puts you right at the top of the stairs back down to the ride.

 

[DisneyyDaydream]

There are so many good ones. Everyone's taste will be different of course.

My top bunch: Escape from Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, Kong, Mummy, Simpsons, Jurassic Park River, Transformers, Spiderman, MiB. Hulk and RRR are good roller coasters, but they are straightforward roller coasters so nothing spectacular.

The gentler paced rides (Suess rides, ET, Minions, Shrek, etc) and other water rides (think soaking, not marginally wetted like Jurassic Park) are also worthwhile. If you are a Simpsons fan, Kang & Kodos is funny and has nice views at night especially.

One of the only things I remember from when I last went was doing the Shrek ride over and over and over, since the family member I went with was absolutely obsessed with it lol It felt like a bad dream after a while.

The only ride you listed that I'm really hesitant about is Kong- I hate getting scared on rides and for some reason I've convinced myself that it's a bit too scary for me. I'm a wuss!

Spiderman is probably my favorite ride in both parks. As for shows, I also love the makeup show, it is very funny. I enjoy all of the roller coasters, especially the Mummy. I have not tried Gringott, Kong or F&F as they were not open. I really like FJ, but it makes my husband sick. Just walking around the Harry Potter land is a lot of fun. Of course Jurassic Oark is a lot of fun too. As another poster commented, the Dudley Doright and other water ride soak you to the skin.

Everyone has been raving about the makeup show, I'm going to need to check it out to see what all this fuss is about lol!

Must do rides = everything.
Must do shows = all of them.

Food. Some places are better than others but I have never had a meal there and thought, I won't be eating there again and I would say over the years, we have probably eaten everywhere.

I do like 3 broomsticks a lot but I am a sucker for fish and chips and theirs are really good to me.

We never do a sit down in the parks. We sometimes do citywalk, but we have a car and really prefer to hit the orlando area for supper.

There is a counter service dining plan and the formula I use is if your entree will be $14 or more, you can save a few dollars by getting it. You do not have to buy it ahead of time, you can get it right there at the register when you order your food.

You will get an entree and drink, an additional snack (can be used for butter beer) and one additional drink.

We go 4 days and will get it at least once but the other days rather than actually having a meal, we snack our way thru the parks.

Ex: A big pink donut, lemon slush, cotton candy, pretzel with cheese, we usually have our refillable popcorn bucket, ice cream. You get the picture, so we do not need a hamburger or whatever on top of all that. We snack thru the parks and then have a nice supper. I eat everything I do not eat at home while on vacation.

With the express pass, you will get to go thru the short line, as many times as you would like. If you really like a certain ride, do it again. No having to wait. Get off, get back in the short line, go again. Just start at one place and move around the park. I recommend riding everything at least once.

Do not omit the "kiddy" rides thinking they will not appeal to adults. I am an adult and I love them. Even my full adult he man son likes them. He can go from Hulk to cat in the hat without blinking an eye.

If you plan to do the water rides, just know that you WILL get wet, and probably soaked. Staying onsite, you can plan them for just before you leave and go back to the hotel. The water rides are on the IOA side.

If you have Park to Park tickets you can ride the hogwarts train between the two parks.

Another thing to think about is if you have three day park to park tickets you may be able to exchange them at guest services for Seasonal Annual passes with no added cost. Then if you can get back within a year, that is a really big savings, if you don't get back in that year, no loss.

Also, if you will have an Annual pass, you can check for discounts on your room at your onsite hotel. You can just call and ask if they have the AP rate available. You do not have to have the AP in hand when you check in, you will only need to show it before checkout to keep the AP rate.

If you have any more specific questions you can just ask.

I'm a sucker for fish and chips too! I was torn between which of the Harry Potter restaurants to try since we have limited days and I want to try as much variety as possible. But since Harry Potter themeing + amazing fish and chips? I think I'm sold for 3 Broomsticks

The kiddie rides always tend to be my favorite! Water rides on the other hand, not so much lol Splash Mountain even takes some convincing for me to go on- so I'm not sure if I'm going to be swayed to go on rides where I'm guaranteed to get soaked lol

I would suggest the following not so obvious things to check out (great to hear you're staying at RP - can't beat the FOL benefit):

1. All things Harry Potter - if you're fan of the movies / books ... you'll be blown away. If you're not a big fan, you'll become one ... haha!

In all seriousness the themeing of the Harry Potter areas are on par (if not above par) to anything Disney has to offer (and I'm a BIG Disney fan). With your FOL access, you'll have a lot of time to do some solid exploring - please do. Diagon Alley is our favourite: things like Knocturn Alley; we particularly like the souvenir store to pick up some interesting momentous ... spend some time in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes ... consider trying out Shutterbutton's ... don't miss the Tale of the Three Brothers ... go inside Gringotts Money Exchange ... and lastly ... be sure to go at night (Diagon Alley is magical at night) - grab yourself an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and take it all in.

2. Some other things that are neat and off of the beaten path: Universal's Horror Make-Up Show .... I'm not a Horror fan ... but this is both interesting, fun, and educational (I'm a sucker for learning about stuff under the guise of entertainment). If you've never done it before - check it out.

3. The last time we went my kids we're 14 and 12 respectively -- but a ride that is still fun (even though it's geared towards little ones), entertaining, give's you a break (if you need one), and provides it's riders with a fantastic vantage point of the Islands of Adventure park, is The High in the Sky Sueuss Trolley Train Ride. If you've got time - check it out.

4. This is more of an obvious one, but the pre-activities (viewing of clips) on the Jimmy Fallon ride are incredibly hilarious. I was in tears when the Panda came up from behind me, and poked me on the shoulder.

5. Other obvious ones: The coasters at Universal are fantastic - The Hulk (even though we know what's coming .... you'll know what I mean after you ride it) always blows us away. Rip Ride Rocket and The Mummy are all musts.

6. A lunch at Mythos is an ABSOLUTE must. The food quality, not to mention the themeing, are spectacular for the cost. Real value for theme park fare. Don't miss this.

7. Again, not that it needs mentioning, but if funny is important to you (as who isn't into funny!!!! ) then The Simpsons ride is a must do.

I was wondering about Mythos! I'm definitely going to take a look at the menu right after this and check out a few reviews, might have to put it on the list of "must eat"!

Simpson’s food court ??

I the food there

Hit that place at least 3 times each vacation


Waffle chicken sandwich
Clog burger

Are 2 of my favorites +

I was sold on trying it the moment I saw Tim Tracker on youtube try it. I was like yup, gonna need to experience this for myself

The Dr. Suess high in the Sky Trolley is super silly and very fun! Especially if you are on the track that goes through Circus McGurkus. And McGurkus has a great fried chicken platter and the spaghetti and meatballs looks good too. Men in Black is our favorite, and here is a tip; if you want to do it over and over with EP, go right at the exit platform instead of left through the gift shop. It takes you through the baby swap area and puts you right at the top of the stairs back down to the ride.

Thanks for the MIB tip! That's really good to know, I'm gonna have to remember that!

 

[DisneyyDaydream]

Another thing to think about is if you have three day park to park tickets you may be able to exchange them at guest services for Seasonal Annual passes with no added cost. Then if you can get back within a year, that is a really big savings, if you don't get back in that year, no loss.

Also, if you will have an Annual pass, you can check for discounts on your room at your onsite hotel. You can just call and ask if they have the AP rate available. You do not have to have the AP in hand when you check in, you will only need to show it before checkout to keep the AP rate.

I completely forgot to add in my last reply that this is such a good tip!! As soon as I saw your reply I texted my friend about it to let her know this is something we're going to need to check into.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The line and vibe of Kong is scary (think haunted house) but the ride itself really isn't - it's along the lines of the Jurassic Park movies for scare factor on the actual ride.

 

[skylock]

Yo

I completely forgot to add in my last reply that this is such a good tip!! As soon as I saw your reply I texted my friend about it to let her know this is something we're going to need to check into.

You need to check into this fast. You are already into your 3 month window and the AP rates are limited availability.

 

[DisneyyDaydream]

The line and vibe of Kong is scary (think haunted house) but the ride itself really isn't - it's along the lines of the Jurassic Park movies for scare factor on the actual ride.

I want to do it so bad lol Hopefully when the time comes I can convince myself to toughen up and try it

Yo


You need to check into this fast. You are already into your 3 month window and the AP rates are limited availability.

We’re on it! Thanks again for that tip

 

[bobbie68]

Hi you have been getting great advice! Love the Disboards. I have to agree on all the HP advice. I love both worlds but Diagon is our favorite. It is awesome to see at night as well. I agree with Fleur's for ice cream. We like the Leaky Cauldron just a tad better but you can't go wrong with either. Even though you have express passes try to get to early entry for the park that has it. The HP worlds are so nice to stroll around when there is less people. If you decide on an interactive wand you will have more time and room to play around. Take the Hogwarts Express both ways it is different. Gringott's is one of our favorite rides.

The express pass queue for Kong is a little less scary then the regular line. It is just dark and creepy. I don't think the ride itself is that scary. I would try to find some videos and check it out.

If you like shrimp and haven't been to Bubba Gump in City walk it has good food. We try to eat their once a trip! If you want a quick service in the park Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic world is really good.

If you are going to get butter beer or pumpkin fizz go to Hogs Head Pub and order it there. There is never a line. I don't think people know they sell it there. The carts outside get crazy. The pumpkin fizz is not the same as pumpkin juice in the bottle. The fizz is so much better.

Hope you have a great trip! I can't wait to get back!

 

[DisneyyDaydream]

Take the Hogwarts Express both ways it is different.

Is it?? I had no idea it was different both ways, that’s the first I heard that! Take it both ways, adding it to the list

Hi you have been getting great advice! Love the Disboards.

I know! I wasn’t expecting such helpful responses. I’m very very new to posting on message boards, I’m so happy with how friendly and helpful everyone has been!