New to Universal/IOA

[lorenae]

I went to Universal Studios in 2003, and haven't even really thought about it since. But now I'm wondering, with 8 year old and 11 year old grandsons if this would be something for us to do together. I'm a Florida resident part-year, and wondered about combining a WDW and Universal trip for them this winter.

Since I know NOTHING about US or IOA, can you give me some tips on if both or just one of them is more appropriate for them? I also know nothing about Harry Potter, but I"m sure they do!

 

[Swidner]

Our kids were 9 and 12 when we went for the first time and they loved it! We knew just the basics for HP and they still enjoyed all the details and theming as well as the rides. There were a few rides they wouldn't go on (this was their first experience with real coasters) but other than that they had the best time. We are going back in Jan 2022 and they are already talking about riding all the rides they sat out of last time. Wear good walking shoes, get express passes if going at a busy time (you get them with stays at a premier hotel, totally worth it) drink lots of water and just enjoy the experience. I think to much planning takes the fun out of it

 

[lorenae]

Our kids were 9 and 12 when we went for the first time and they loved it! We knew just the basics for HP and they still enjoyed all the details and theming as well as the rides. There were a few rides they wouldn't go on (this was their first experience with real coasters) but other than that they had the best time. We are going back in Jan 2022 and they are already talking about riding all the rides they sat out of last time. Wear good walking shoes, get express passes if going at a busy time (you get them with stays at a premier hotel, totally worth it) drink lots of water and just enjoy the experience. I think to much planning takes the fun out of it

Thanks so much! We're planning Jan 2022 also, the week of 1/23-1/29 or so. I'm so new to Universal that it's intimidating- planning for Disney is a huge undertaking. I'm thinking 4 days at WDW and then maybe 2(?) at US/IOA. Should we do just one of the parks at Universal?

 

[Kit Jackson]

Thanks so much! We're planning Jan 2022 also, the week of 1/23-1/29 or so. I'm so new to Universal that it's intimidating- planning for Disney is a huge undertaking. I'm thinking 4 days at WDW and then maybe 2(?) at US/IOA. Should we do just one of the parks at Universal?

It's tricky, because WDW is huge and there is always more to see and do. I would recommend a minimum of one day in each park (one day for US one day for IOA). If you want to have more time at Universal and be able to go on more rides and not be as rushed, three days are better, but then you risk not getting to do all of the Disney things you want to do.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks so much! We're planning Jan 2022 also, the week of 1/23-1/29 or so. I'm so new to Universal that it's intimidating- planning for Disney is a huge undertaking. I'm thinking 4 days at WDW and then maybe 2(?) at US/IOA. Should we do just one of the parks at Universal?

I would plan on two days at UOR, but I’d get park to park tickets for both days - can’t ride the Hogwarts Express, an important Harry Potter ride, without them. And you should definitely do the math comparing the cost of staying at a UOR deluxe hotel (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, Portofino Bay), which gets Unlimited Express Passes from checkin day through checkout day for everyone on the hotel reservation, with the cost of buying those EPs (it’s an add-on to the park tickets). Twice now we’ve booked a night at a UOR deluxe even though we were sleeping elsewhere because the hotel for 4 or 5 adults was less than the cost of Unlimited EPs for that many people.

 

[Nabas]

Universal is more of a roller coaster and "action" attraction theme park. If your grandkids like coasters and are 54 inches tall and like roller coasters, it's a great place to visit.

There are a number of attractions with 40 to 48 inch height requirements. Even if they are only 48 inches tall, there still is a lot to do there.

 

[Skippyboo]

The 2 parks are right next to each other. Much closer than any WDW park. IoA has more thrill rides, Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle, new Jurassic Park coaster. Studio side has Minions, MiB ride, Harry Potter area is Diagon Alley. It’s the secret wizard area in London. You can take the Hogwarts Express and go between the two HP areas. Need park to park ticket.

The rides at Universal have a lot of screens and are a bit more intense than most of the rides at WDW.

Not a lot of planning is needed. No park reservations. You could make dining reservations if you want to eat at a specific restaurant in the parks or City Walk. Probably need 2-3 days to do everything. Can purchase interactive wands to do spells in HP areas.

would recommend downloading the Universal Orlando app.

 

[lorenae]

Thank you so much for the information! I wonder if buying an AP would be beneficial if there would be a discount on hotels? It would pay for itself that way.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you so much for the information! I wonder if buying an AP would be beneficial if there would be a discount on hotels? It would pay for itself that way.

Yes, it would be. Look at the thread re AP hotel rates - https://www.disboards.com/threads/o...for-universal-loews-hotel-properties.3771155/.

 

[Nabas]

Thank you so much for the information! I wonder if buying an AP would be beneficial if there would be a discount on hotels? It would pay for itself that way.

We have gotten hotel discounts between 30 to 50% with our annual pass. Depending on your particulars, an annual pass can quickly pay for itself.

Just be aware that discounts typically are for Sunday to Thursday nights. The hotels tend to be full on the weekends, so discounts for Friday and Saturday nights are harder to come by.