October Pre-Trip

[361DP]

We will be making our first trip as a family to US/IOA in the first week of October and am looking for any helpful hints or suggestions. We have traveled to WDW and stayed on-site for the last 8 years. But am now looking to try US/IOA since the girls are getting older. 5 in the party, 7 and 12 girls, mom and dad (both big kids) and the grandmother.
Arrive Sunday, 9-30 around 2 and will go to MK for the Halloween Party
Monday, 10-1 at IOA
Tuesday, 10-2 at US
Wednesday, 10-3 at IOA
Thursday, 10-4 at SW
Friday, 10-5 get whatever we missed or really enjoyed

Would like to have at least one character meal (what is best for kids at those ages?) Have tickets to wet and wild (is it worth going to?)

I am an old pro with WDW but completely new to US/IOA.
Staying at RPH with the 4-park flex ticket and Mears shuttle from airport to room and back. Excited about going and just want to get it right.

What did I miss?

 

[tlinus]

dont forget time for the pools.....you CAN pool hop at the Universal Resorts and the HRH pool is pretty cool with a slide!

 

[kenzismom]

let me know if you find something good. Last time we went to Universal, there was no Islands of Adventure.

 

[Metro West]

Sounds like a good plan...just time your time at IOA and the Studios so you don't miss anything. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

You should try to work out something so the adults can go to Halloween Horror Nights...it's a blast!

 

[361DP]

Thanks for the help.
If we can get a character meal on Tuesday or Wednesday, what would be the best place to eat with the best characters for a 12 and 7 yr old?
Can we or do we need to spend two days at Sea World? Have never been and looking for help.

 

[robvia]

Of coarse it's worth going to Wet N' Wild, just show up early at 09:30am (they open at 10am when you are going) because the lines for the slides are short.

Most people plan 1 park per day, but you can actually do a park in the morning, and another in the afternoon.

For example, on 10/03/07 you could visit SWF in the morning, then come back to IOA in the afternoon. Then on 10/04/07, you could visit IOA in the morning, then go back to SWF for the afternoon. SWF is really a 1.5 day park.

On Friday the 5th, HHN will happen. You could let the grandmother watch the kids while you go.

Park hours are here.
http://www.universalorlando.com/cal..._park_hours.html&year=2007&month=10&year=2007
When USF closes at 6pm, they have HHN at that time.

 

[stich626]

We will be there at the same time!!! We are doing MNSSHP on 10/4. It's gonna be my first time ot Universal. Yey!!

 

[Sabre2th]

We will be there at the same time!!! We are doing MNSSHP on 10/4. It's gonna be my first time ot Universal. Yey!!

Ditto for us! I'd just like to take this time to complain that there is no cheap, convienant transportation provided from WDW to US/IOA. I understand its a compatition thing between the two parks, but its such a hassle having to take one of our vacation days just to relocate from the on-site hotel at WDW, to a hotel there on International Drive.

 

[361DP]

Thanks for your help. It does sound like we have the right idea but could still use help selecting the right character meal. Any suggestions on the best place to take 12 and 7 yr old girls? We want to make sure that they get at least one. What would be the best breakfast and dinner for girls these ages?
Thank again, this board has been a huge help. Keep it coming!

 

[Sabre2th]

Thanks for your help. It does sound like we have the right idea but could still use help selecting the right character meal. Any suggestions on the best place to take 12 and 7 yr old girls? We want to make sure that they get at least one. What would be the best breakfast and dinner for girls these ages?
Thank again, this board has been a huge help. Keep it coming!

Well I think a lot of that depends on your girls tastes. With your seven year old just about ANY of the meals would sure to please, but your twelve year old could be another matter entirely!
12 is such an awkward age for most girls. Either they're clinging to their vanishing childhood, or they want NO part of anything that once made them giggle and coo.
I think your best bet would be to ask your daughters what they would like; otherwise it could spell disaster!

 

[361DP]

I have read that there is a character breakfast at Confisco Grille at IOA but what are some other options for a character breakfast? Would like to set one up and then look at a character dinner also. Thanks for the help. First time with the kids and just want to do it right.

 

[macraven]

check the UO calendar for times of closure.

hhn will be held on thursday oct 4th also this season.

IOA will close at 6 and the studios will close at 5


the hotels have character dinners besides the breakfast at confisco grill having spidey, cat, etc.

 

[Mickeefan]

We're planning a trip to HRH in early Oct. I am wondering about airport transportation. Does anyone have information on companies that will pick us up and let us stop at a grocery store?

Can't wait!

 

[macraven]

We're planning a trip to HRH in early Oct. I am wondering about airport transportation. Does anyone have information on companies that will pick us up and let us stop at a grocery store?

Can't wait!

i use Sunray transportation.

they are the cheapest around and great service.

in fact, that is who i am using again this year