Need help planning USO/IOA trip. I haven't been in over 10 years so much has changed!

[Moushe]

So we are planning our first family trip to USO/IOA in March 2020 (3/25-3/29) for my sons spring break. DH and I last visited over 10 years ago and we didn't plan at all, just showed up and had a great time but the parks are completely different now. I need help! for reference we are driving up from Miami, our kids will be 5 & 7.

These are the main questions I have:
1. Is the express pass a must? (it will be spring break for Miami/S.FL public schools if that makes a difference)
2. Do we need the park to park tickets or will we be ok with one park one day?
3. Ticket pricing info is very confusing, should we consider AP?
4. Should we plan to Rope Drop? we usually do at MK since there are so many rides
5. Any character meal/ table service restaurant recommendations?

ok, that's it for now, I think. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

 

[sandam1]

1. Is the express pass a must? (it will be spring break for Miami/S.FL public schools if that makes a difference)
2. Do we need the park to park tickets or will we be ok with one park one day?
3. Ticket pricing info is very confusing, should we consider AP?
4. Should we plan to Rope Drop? we usually do at MK since there are so many rides
5. Any character meal/ table service restaurant recommendations?

1. Some say that it is. I've traveled at various times of the year (although not super busy times), have never used it and have had a great time. Look at your family's budget, touring style, how many days you plan on being there, etc. and figure out what works best for you. Note that if you stay at one of the 3 Express Pass hotels, you get them included with your stay - including your check in and check out days. So a split-stay might work out well for you.

2. YES!!! The proximity of the parks to one another makes it simple to pop back and forth. This is helpful, particularly if you forego the Express Pass.

3. It depends on if an AP works for you. The AP discounts on hotels is a huge advantage. Plus if you get a preferred or above, you get discounts on food and merchandise. Just watch the black-out dates - particularly at the seasonal level - as you will be traveling during Mardi Gras season and seasonal passes are blacked out of the Studios side on concert dates (Fridays and Saturdays, I think).

4. Again, this depends on whether you are staying on-site and/or using Express Pass. I love early entry times as the park (particularly the Harry Potter areas) are quite empty and it is a perfect time to cast some spells, take photos, and explore the shops. But we've also been known to sleep in a bit at Universal too.

5. I enjoy Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and the Harry Potter restaurants. Also, a stop at VooDoo donuts is a must. The character dining at Universal is sparse, at best. There is a whole thread on Universal's restaurants with menus to explore.

You can totally still just show up at Universal and have a great time! Universal just doesn't require the type of planning that Disney does (although you can spend hours obsessing about it if that floats your boat). Book your hotel, buy your tickets and you are set!

 

[skylock]

So we are planning our first family trip to USO/IOA in March 2020 (3/25-3/29) for my sons spring break. DH and I last visited over 10 years ago and we didn't plan at all, just showed up and had a great time but the parks are completely different now. I need help! for reference we are driving up from Miami, our kids will be 5 & 7.

These are the main questions I have:
1. Is the express pass a must? (it will be spring break for Miami/S.FL public schools if that makes a difference)
2. Do we need the park to park tickets or will we be ok with one park one day?
3. Ticket pricing info is very confusing, should we consider AP?
4. Should we plan to Rope Drop? we usually do at MK since there are so many rides
5. Any character meal/ table service restaurant recommendations?

ok, that's it for now, I think. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

1. Express pass is never a must but it is oh so nice to have esp in busy periods which your travel will fall into. Imagine having an unlimited fast pass at the MK that you did not need to schedule months in advance. Where are you staying?

2. One park a day rickets are fine, but to ride the hogwarts train between the two parks, you would need park to park tickets. Park hopping is extremely easy.

3. Do the math and check blackout days on an AP. Also some levels of the AP will give you free parking and in park discounts. You can also get discounts at the hotels starting at 90 days out. Use code APH to check. Those rooms go fast. Everyone does not have to have the same level pass. 1 person can have the free parking pass and the rest can have the lowest priced pass. Be sure to check the blackout dates.

4. If you have the express pass, just go when you want. If no express pass, do rope drop. Also if staying at the onsite hotels, you would get a early morning extra hour mostly for the Harry Potter area. Great time to do spells and such if you are going to buy wands as the crowds are quite low.

I don't care about character meals and such so someone else will have to add that part, but there is a great stickie at the top of this forum that includes menus.

 

[RamblingMad]

You want to hop between the parks, especially to ride Hogwarts Express.