Need advice for first time at Universal

[obsession]

We are planning a trip to Orlando in late May (the 20th through the 26th) and have made four trips in the last two years to Disney, but never to Universal. We would like to try Universal now, but I know very little about it. We will be traveling with a big group (6 adults and 4 kids, ages 2-11). I have two boys, 8 and 11, and two dads, who are dying to ride the big rides, but the rest of the group aren't into coasters. So, I am looking for input from the experts as to how long we should plan to go. Would we need two days, or is it feasible to do it in one? What are your suggestions for further research and is there a lot to do for the non-coaster crowd (like my 55 year old Mom?) Thank you for your help, I know that this will be a great start for my planning!

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

Universal is great for a wide age range. Most of Universal is NOT coasters. Many are "attractions" such as ET. No wild ride, just very neat.
Islands of Adventure is you coaster/wild ride park. The dads and the older boys will love that park.

I would say, if you really want to see most everything, 2 days is a minimum. It's not Disney, but absolutely wonderful in it's own way. US/IOA seems to have a slower paced feel to it.

2 years ago, we took a large group (age 5 - 60) my Dfil(60) absolutely loved Universal. Didn't go to IOA, we only had one day. There is definitely things to do for all ages. If you get a multi day pass you can park hop. That way if the "boys" want to ride the wild ones in IOA everyone else doesn't need to stay.

 

[phamton]

There is no way you can do it in one day with a group your size. There is a lot for both the younger kids and for the older generation in both parks. I would plan for at least 2 days: One day for each park.

 

[wicket2005]

Definitely one day for each park and buy a ticket which allows you to access the other park, then you can always hop back to do any rides you didn't do.

 

[robvia]

Agree, with a group that size, you need at least 1 day for each park, then a 3rd to do favorites and things you missed.

Most will tell you to stay onsite, at the HRH, for at least 2 nights. That way you can walk to the parks and split up. For example, the people who like coasters could do their own thing. And your mother and people who don't care about coasters could visit, then walk back to the hotel on their own. The HRH has been selling out, and it's expensive, so try the RPR if you can't find the rate you want. If that fails, then stay offsite across from the parking garage. Click here for some ideas.
http://www.nogodforme.com/orlando2004.htm
But trust me on this, the more people you add, the more complicated things get. So plan on splitting up.

 

[cbdmhgp]

i wouldnt even try the Royal Pacific Resort because it is WAY too expensive compared to the luxury of RPR. But yall should definitely split up so that yall wont spoil the fun for each other by forcing the coaster-fans to ride a boring ride, or vise-versa (i think thats how you spell it.)

 

[cbdmhgp]

i meant to say dont even try the HRH. my bad.

 

[phamton]

i meant to say dont even try the HRH. my bad.

You can edit your own posts. Just click on the edit button at the bottom of your posts.

 

[t-and-a]

We are going to Universal for the first time this June. We bought our tickets online. There is a special: 5 days for the price of 2! And if you use your Mastercard, you can buy 4 and get the 5th one for free!

 

[the kabuki]

One day for each park would be my vote