Newbie with lots of questions!

[PHamrick]

Hello! So, the last time I went to USF, I was in college in 199.... So, it's been a while. Our party (4 adults, 2 kids and a 16 month old) are going to IOA and USF for one day before a Disney cruise. I've read a lot so far, but I still have some questions.

Quick background on the trip, we arrive in Orlando on Wednesday Aug. 17. We will go to USF/IOA on Thursday Aug. 18 and leave for Port Canaveral on Friday via private charter (doing the space center on Friday--long time dream of my husband's) Here's what we've decided so far: We will DEFINITELY stay on site. I'm leaning towards Royal Pacific Resort since it's closest to IOA. The early access to Harry Potter world is a HUGE draw for one of our party and the free express pass is a huge draw for me.

Here are my questions:
1. Are there any ways to get discounts on single day tickets? It appears we are going right at a moderate/lower crowd time and off-peak pricing. Has anyone had luck getting reduced single-day tickets?

2. Other than height restrictions, which rides would be scary/not good for a 7 year old boy and a 5 year old girl? My kids are somewhat adventurous, having ridden roller coasters in Busch Gardens, Hershey Park and Disney World. I know they could handle the Spider Man Ride, but what about the Transformers? Or other rides with things that roar or pop up, etc?

3. How easy is it to get pictures with characters? It seems harder to find them than at Disney, but I absolutely LOVE Captain America, my husband was in awe of the Transformers, Donkey seems hilarious, etc. In a similar vein, is the photo package worth it?

4. Since we only have one day to experience the parks, what would you say are the must-do experiences other than rides? Which foods, or souvenirs or photo opportunities or shows or whatever? I don't want to just rush from ride to ride; I'd like to experience it a little.

5. What else should I be reading? Thinking about? Researching? I've got several months, but it will all be here before you know it!!!

THANK YOU!!!

 

[schumigirl]

Hi........

Never see discounts on one day tickets.......like anywhere the longer you go the better value it is.

Have looked at the website for height restrictions for rides and such......you know what your kids will cope with better than anyone......have a look at YouTube for videos of rides. If they can handle Spider-Man they'll be fine with Transformers.....essentially the same ride.......www.universalorlando.com

Photo ops are excellent at both parks.........characters are everywhere........some roam around as well as set photo ops. Photo package may suit you.....check out the website for it.

Read the stickies and threads on here and ask any questions for specifics, there's a load of info on here from restaurants at parks, hotels and Citywalk too.......

You've already made an excellent choice staying onsite and particularly the RPR which is our favourite.......

 

[johde]

All of the characters you mentioned have set meet and greet locations. Shrek and Donkey meet just outside the exit to Shrek 3D, Transformers meet by their attractions. Capt. America meets at IOA after they ride in on quad bikes. As far as if the photo package is worth it. If you're going to buy any pictures, you may as well buy the package. You get unlimited digital prints, a free real print or 2 and discounts on all other real prints you print in the park. I would wait until you get there to decide though. If you're unsure about purchasing, you can get a card to use for the day (from the photographers at the entrance for example). Use it for the day then decide later on buying.

Also, what time are you getting to Orlando on Wednesday. A 2 day ticket purchased in advance is only at $40-$50 more than a 1 day ticket. If you get in early enough being able to get into one of the parks Wednesday could be worth while.