Newbie needs feedback

[joshua4]

Hi all
I am a disney veteran but have not been to Universal in over 15 years. Here is our plan -- arrive this Sunday morning around 930 am. Transportation with Tiffany TC. We are staying at PBH, club level. There are five of us -- my sister and I plus three boys 16, 13, and 11. I purchased an AP online and will pick that up when we get there. For the other four, I ordered four 4 day park to park tickets from Undercover Tourist.

We are staying three nights with the plan to do US and IOA over four days. (Our pick up for the airport is on Wed at 545 so I figure we can squeeze in some park time earlier in the day).

I have a copy of Seth's book and have read a lot of the threads on the Dis, but I still have some lingering concerns:

1. It seems like everyone says that if you have FOTL, you don't need much of a plan. Our only "plan" is to take advantage of early entry when we go to IOA to see harry potter. Other than that, I am basically flying by the seat of our pants. Does that sound reasonable? Do I need more of a touring plan than that?

2 I read on another thread about PhotoConnect -- for $60 that seems worth it given we will be in the parks for four days and that my sister and I will split the cost. Has anyone had a good/bad experience with this?

3. Any need for us to make dinner reservations? I was hesitant to do so especially because we have a club level room and I thought the boys might munch a bunch there and either want a later dinner or no dinner at all.

Any other words of wisdom????

Thanks.

Lauren

 

[Maytrix]

1. That's true, no plan needed, aside from rides that don't accept Express - if you want to do the queue and not single rider. Although the one single ride that express doesn't help on and I feel you miss out on if you don't do it this way is Dragon Challenge. Go there first, ride front row - do it at least twice each dragon. More if there's little to no wait. Best way to do this ride - I've been doing the parks this way for 7 years.

2. Look at the Annual Pass photo option as well and just determine which is better. I think the AP option is more expensive ($80) and I'm not sure the difference between the two. All I recall is that the AP option got you every picture on any ride that had them for a whole year.

3. It depends on where you want to eat. Some places its not needed - other places (Emeril's for example) it is if you want to eat at a reasonable time.

 

[bstarprincess37]

I have been to universal twice this year, each time for 3+ days. I think it may be helpful to plan out what you want to see each day so that you know you aren't missing anything but also can pace yourself and not get too worn out too early. My husband and I planned generally according to areas we wanted to see each day and where we would have meals, but it wasn't a full out touring plan.

I am not sure about the photo connect but I have read that it ends up being a great deal if you are there for a few days or more.

As for the reservations, since you are staying on site you will get priority seating for most restaurants (just remember to mention you are an onsite guest when you check in). However I would say that if you want to eat somewhere really popular like Mythos and you like to eat at busy times (e.g. noon, 6pm, etc) then you should make reservations. You can make them online for most Universal restaurants at opentable.com. This is also nice because you can make seating requests (e.g. by window, theme park view, booth, etc).

Have fun!

 

[bstarprincess37]

Sorry, I meant to add that scheduling in breaks to rest/nap or swim is helpful too

 

[JessicaR]

Hi all
I am a disney veteran but have not been to Universal in over 15 years. Here is our plan -- arrive this Sunday morning around 930 am. Transportation with Tiffany TC. We are staying at PBH, club level. There are five of us -- my sister and I plus three boys 16, 13, and 11. I purchased an AP online and will pick that up when we get there. For the other four, I ordered four 4 day park to park tickets from Undercover Tourist.

We are staying three nights with the plan to do US and IOA over four days. (Our pick up for the airport is on Wed at 545 so I figure we can squeeze in some park time earlier in the day).

I have a copy of Seth's book and have read a lot of the threads on the Dis, but I still have some lingering concerns:

1. It seems like everyone says that if you have FOTL, you don't need much of a plan. Our only "plan" is to take advantage of early entry when we go to IOA to see harry potter. Other than that, I am basically flying by the seat of our pants. Does that sound reasonable? Do I need more of a touring plan than that?

2 I read on another thread about PhotoConnect -- for $60 that seems worth it given we will be in the parks for four days and that my sister and I will split the cost. Has anyone had a good/bad experience with this?

3. Any need for us to make dinner reservations? I was hesitant to do so especially because we have a club level room and I thought the boys might munch a bunch there and either want a later dinner or no dinner at all.

Any other words of wisdom????

Thanks.

Lauren

Sounds like you have done your homework! The only thing I would do is schedule any restaurants on opentable that you really want if you want a certain time.

Touring - you're good and it is OK to wing it. You have express!

I'm also really interested in the Photo Connect but have no info on it - so maybe you can come back and let us know how you liked it.

Enjoy the hotel and maybe take a mid-day break over at HRH - the teens will love that atmosphere and pool.

Mama Della's at your hotel is my favorite place for a great meal and warm friendly staff.

At dusk grab a coffee or a drink and sit on the Piazza and take in the sights.

Have a wonderful vacation and please come back and tell us all about it.

 

[joshua4]

Thanks everyone - will report back in a week.

 

[Akwafunk]

Your plan sounds rather like ours generally is. We would always hit IOA/WWOHP for the first onsite early entry hour an then go over to US and do some rides over that end. It was always deserted there as the non-onsite folks rushed into WWOHP. Things may be a little different since Despicable Me opened up in US. That park is actually loaded with a bunch of great rides but as a whole the park is fairly (and incorrectly) underrated.

I don't know about the photopass, it seems to be fairly complicated. *************** dot com explains it - seems that a few of the ride photos aren't included.

I think you'll be fine without any reservations for dinner.

Not much else really - have fun. The express pass will really make it possible for you to do whatever you like. The shows can be fun - the Hollywood Horror make-up show is considered a bit of a hidden gem, but it's a little off-color perhaps for the 11-year-old? Maybe, maybe not. They're a good way to take a break in the heat of the day.