Newbie needs help with decision???

[jessiesue]

My DH and my 3 Ds's, 3, 5, 7 are thinking about buying annuual passes to Universal, not sure if we should add IOA. We just finished our first annual Disney passes and were looking for something less expensive, but still fun. Does Universal have fireworks, shows, parades and characters like Disney? Ds's are not into the fast rides so that is why I am hesitant about doing IOA. Is that all they have there? Also, how can I get some good discounts on the tickets if I decide to purchase. TIA

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Universal Studios AP include IOA. I do not know of any single-park AP, so you pay for it either way.

However, IOA has many things to offer aside from the "fast rides." They have some great water rides and Spiderman is an awesome simulator. The scenery is an experience in its own.

Universal has seasonal fireworks and parades. I'm not sure exactly when they usually do these, so I might leave some things out, but I'm sure DM can help me. Universal does parades for Mardi Gras and has the Macy's Holiday Parade. Fireworks also occur around Christmas time and Summer time.

Each parks has its characters. Kids can meet Jimmy Neutron, Spongebob, Scooby and Shaggy, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Spiderman, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, Thing 2, etc, etc.

Also, Universal has shows. I'm not familiar with the shows at Disney, because I haven't been in a few years (with exception to NOJ...but I only saw concerts). Universal has quite a few shows: Horror Makeup Show (PG-13), Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue (PG-13), Extreme Ghostbusters, Blues Brothers, Street Breaks, Animal Planet Live, and a couple other kid-geared shows.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You will love your AP and it's benefits. You get discounts on rooms, souvenirs, food and the like. Definitely do it, but do the preferred pass.

 

[highlander447]

Remember u could get one prefered pass for the discounts and everyone else a power pass althoough u would need to look at black out dates for power pass to see if thats ok for u also for last 2 years universal has been renewing APs at $99 each which is a very good deal

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by Flyfly_Eclipse
Universal has seasonal fireworks and parades. I'm not sure exactly when they usually do these, so I might leave some things out, but I'm sure DM can help me. Universal does parades for Mardi Gras and has the Macy's Holiday Parade. Fireworks also occur around Christmas time and Summer time.

That's exactly right, flyfly. You didn't leave anything out. These used to be a HHN parade, but it's gone due to HHN being at IOA.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Did they have the parade this year or was it only at Universal Studios?

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

For HHN? No parade for HHN (or ANYTHING) because IOA is too small.

 

[Seahag]

don't forget Suess Landing in IOA ~ lots of great stuff for the kiddies !!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

IOA is too small and tight for a parade. Should HHN ever be brought back to USF, they may bring the parade back. Until then, it's gone.

 

[jessiesue]

Thanks for the info. My kids are into all those characters right now (except Fred and Wilma). They love the simulators too. We might try to go in February.
Thanks,
Susan

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

except Fred and Wilma? Wow...I feel old...and I'm only 16! I remember the good cartoons...Flintstones, the Jetsons, Yogi and BooBoo. etc. I guess that's one thing I miss about Hanna Barbara...I grew up with those characters, whereas the Jimmy Neutron ride features cartoons I only know from friends or kids I babysit.

Anyway, it's worth checking into...I'm sure you'll enjoy Spiderman, as it is a favorite among many.