Need help with Universal tickets and dining

[jmsvss]

I've been lurking around trying to find answers to these questions so I apologize if its there and I missed it. Some of the info - esp on the dining thread is quite old.

We are visiting US/IoA on Feb 20 and 21 (Mon and Tues of Pres week). We are staying off site at the Contemporary (first four days are at WDW). I am planned the WDW portion of our trip ad naseum - best day for each park, which tickets, ADRs etc.

However - I'm a little confused on the US/IoA portion of our trip. I've only been once - in 2002 and I do not remember IoA at all. It seemed like it was all "Universal Studios" but maybe I just didn't realize at the time.

First question concerning tickets. I've looked at the Universal website and seen the info about the 2day-2 park tickets (there is me, DH, DS15, and DD12). Since we can only stay the two days are we able to get a "no expiration" on the 3 additional days? I know that is a cheesy question given its a "buy two days, get three free" but it would be nice to know - especially if the weather is bad.

At Disney you might as well give up eating at a table service restaurant if you do not have ADRs (during crowded times - like Pres week). Does this hold true with Universal. I've posed this question before and the person who replied was staying onsite and was able to show a room key and get seated fairly quickly. We are not staying onsite so I was just curious as to whether I can expect the onsite restarants to be as crowded as those at WDW. The great thing about ADRs is you don't have to wait so long for seating but they do not allow for much spontaneity - IMHO.

Any other tidbits of info about the park will be greatly appreciated.

 

[geffric]

I am subscribing to this as I have similar questions..jmsvss we are going to be off site too and just leaving as you get there...

 

[phamton]

First question concerning tickets. I've looked at the Universal website and seen the info about the 2day-2 park tickets (there is me, DH, DS15, and DD12). Since we can only stay the two days are we able to get a "no expiration" on the 3 additional days?

If you buy the tickets that include the extra free days, they will expire 4 days after using them the first day. All tickets that offer free days have an expiration after first use. You can buy the non-expiring two day tickets though and upgrade them at Guest Services to a 3rd day for $15 and that day will never expire. They also offer a free 3rd day for free upgrade at Guest Services but that day will also make your tickets expire in 6 days after first use. You will have to pay for any non-expiring days.

At Disney you might as well give up eating at a table service restaurant if you do not have ADRs (during crowded times - like Pres week). Does this hold true with Universal.

You will not need reservations except at Emerils although I've eaten there as a walk-in. It is not difficult to get in to the other restaurants. They also have a dining cart set up in Citywalk so, the day that you go, just stop there in the morning and make reservations wherever you wish to eat just to be safe. I would do that for Mythos as it is rather popular but for the others, I wouldn't bother. Most of the restaurants do not take reservations after 5:00 as it is walk up only after 5:00 PM.

Inside the parks there are only 4 fullservice restaurants:
Lombards, Finnegans, Mythos, and Confisco's.

There are several in Citywalk:
Emeril's, Margaritaville, Pastamore, Hard Rock, NBA, Nascar, and some others. Also the hotels have some nice restaurants.

 

[jmsvss]

Thanks phamton. I've read many of your other posts and learned a great deal from you. You are a treasure chest of information!

More questions - I had forgotten about the Daytona 500. How does that along with the holiday weekend affect crowds at Universal?

Am I understanding the posts concerning Universal express passes - Does Universal not have a system similiar to Disney's Fastpass system?

TIA!