Never been to US or IOA...could use some help from the experts.

[Little_Sister]

Hi,

We're going to WDW in mid-November this year (11.14--11.21) and plan to spend ONE day at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure...

We've never been to Universal...so I'm hoping you guys can give us some tips...We're going mainly to see the new Harry Potter land at IOA...but figured we'd just take the whole day to spend there since we've never been and check out some of the other stuff.

--What kind of park tickets should we buy? IOA-one day or US/IOA-one day?....

Since we're only going to be there one day...and spend quite a bit of time checking out HP...would you recommend we only buy a pass to IOA or do you think we'd be able to fit both US and IOA in? I know it's probably impossible to see everything in one day...but if we only bought IOA...would that fill up an entire day?

--How far is IOA from US?...

Is it in walking distance of one another or is it completely spread out need transportation like at the Disney parks?

--What restaurants would you recommend?

If we only go to IOA...what restaurants would you recommend? We're not picky eaters at all and like almost anything....sushi, fish/chips, seafood, greek...probably wouldn't want to eat just fast food...we like table services with good drinks.

Any help you guys can offer would be much appreciated--thanks!!!!

 

[MelanieC]

If you want to spend a lot of time in HP world, maybe just a one day to IOA, unless you just do the big items in each park. You really miss a lot in each park this way, but then again you see both parks. They are really close to each other, within walking distance. It isn't that far of a walk between the two - (about 10 min).

Mythos is great and so is Confiscos at IOA. Both are sit down, not badly priced and yummy.

 

[Metro West]

Hi,

We're going to WDW in mid-November this year (11.14--11.21) and plan to spend ONE day at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure...

We've never been to Universal...so I'm hoping you guys can give us some tips...We're going mainly to see the new Harry Potter land at IOA...but figured we'd just take the whole day to spend there since we've never been and check out some of the other stuff.

--What kind of park tickets should we buy? IOA-one day or US/IOA-one day?.... I would purchase the one day one park ticket and if you want to upgrade, it's a minimal fee. You can do that at either park.

Since we're only going to be there one day...and spend quite a bit of time checking out HP...would you recommend we only buy a pass to IOA or do you think we'd be able to fit both US and IOA in? I know it's probably impossible to see everything in one day...but if we only bought IOA...would that fill up an entire day? I think the crowds will prohibit you from doing both parks unless you skip A LOT of attractions.

--How far is IOA from US?... About a five minute walk from each other.

Is it in walking distance of one another or is it completely spread out need transportation like at the Disney parks? Walking distance.

--What restaurants would you recommend? At the Studios, I would recommend Louie's for counter service and Finnegan's for table service.

If we only go to IOA...what restaurants would you recommend? We're not picky eaters at all and like almost anything....sushi, fish/chips, seafood, greek...probably wouldn't want to eat just fast food...we like table services with good drinks. If you stick with IOA, I would recommend Mythos for table service and Thunder Falls Terrace for counter. I haven't been to any of the new restaurants in WWoHP of course, but my recommendation might change between now and when you go.

Any help you guys can offer would be much appreciated--thanks!!!!

My answers in blue.

 

[Little_Sister]

Thank you guys so much for the advice...EXCELLENT!!

 

[frequency]

Its really a difficult question to answer, since none of us would have been there after the Harry Potter effect. I think since you are going mainly to see that new part, you should probably stick to IOA.

Besides the rides in the new section, I think a lot of time will be spent just seeing everything.

For meals, I would certainly check out the Three Broomsticks. Though none of us can review it yet. Seems like it will probably have fish and chips though.

By all means keep checking back here and there will be much more information, hopefully soon.

 

[donaldduck352]

Besides the rides in the new section, I think a lot of time will be spent just seeing everything.

I think alot of the time is going to be spent in the loooong ques to get on the rides!!!

 

[Metro West]

I think alot of the time is going to be spent in the loooong ques to get on the rides!!!

No doubt about that!

 

[ky07]

I think alot of the time is going to be spent in the loooong ques to get on the rides!!!

I agree

 

[Little_Sister]

Speaking of long lines...

do you guys think it's worth it to purchase the express pass?

 

[universalfan]

That's a tough one. You're going in November, which is after HHN and before Thanksgiving so you might be hitting it just right. All children everywhere will be in school. Still none of us know what will happen when Harry Potter opens. I would watch the boards closer to your trip. You can always buy the pass when you get there if the parks are very crowded. I warn you though, once you've been to Universal you may never go back to Disney again (we never did). It's that awesome!

 

[Metro West]

Speaking of long lines...

do you guys think it's worth it to purchase the express pass?

You should never purchase an Express Plus pass before you arrive and see how the lines are. The passes are non-refundable so you'd be wasting money if you found you didn't need them. I think it would be a good idea since the WWoHP will be open and the lines will still be long. But...wait until you arrive.

 

[Little_Sister]

Thanks...that's good advice...I didn't realize we can purchase them when we get there.

I don't think there's anything that could keep me from Disney World...it'll have my heart forever...but Harry Potter sure is a good attempt to try and win me over!

 

[Princessmom2]

That's a tough one. You're going in November, which is after HHN and before Thanksgiving so you might be hitting it just right. All children everywhere will be in school. Still none of us know what will happen when Harry Potter opens. I would watch the boards closer to your trip. You can always buy the pass when you get there if the parks are very crowded. I warn you though, once you've been to Universal you may never go back to Disney again (we never did). It's that awesome!

We ate at Mythos and it was excellent. And my 11 year old disney addict became an 11 year old Universal addict after we went the first time last spring and can't wait until we go back!

 

[pixeegrl]

EP may not even be available for HP by then, no one really knows yet. You are going to have a wonderful time!

 

[Planogirl]

I'm actually thinking that the two park pass might be best.... I keep wondering if IOA won't be jammed with people and maybe the Studios won't be as bad? Also some of the best attractions are in the Studios. It's hard to predict!

As for food you could also eat someplace in Citywalk which is just a short stroll from IOA or even at one of the resorts. You could eat at one of Emeril's restaurants if you want to go all out!

 

[Little_Sister]

I don't doubt that US/IOA will become a favorite and a must do...I'm sure we'll just have to take longer trips in the future so we can fit it all in!!

Since we've never been before...I might do the two park pass just so I can get to see a little bit of both...

You guys are great with all the info...thank you all so much for weighing in!!