Okay, so I have a few questions...

[Mickey Fliers]

We have only done UO and IOA once (two years ago) and have never stayed on-site. We are planning a long weekend in July to celebrate my son's birthday and I have a few questions.

1. Do we need park admission for children under 3?

2. Is there a list of rides/attractions that participate in the "Fast Express" for on-site guests? (I think that is what it is called)

3. Is there one specific guide book that UO and IOA fans suggest?

4. Do you need to make reservations at the most popular restaurants? If yes, which are they and when can you make the reservations?

Thanks all in advance. I am sure that I will have more questions but I thought I would just start with the basics. Any other suggestions would be great. By the way, it will be me, DH, DS7, DS6 (b-day boy) and DS2.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I am unsure about tickets for kids under 3.

It would be easier to note the attractions that do NOT have Front of the Line Access (FOTL) for hotel guests. Pterdon Flyers in Jurrasic Park and I think One Fish Two Fish over at Suess Landing. I am not aware of any others. You cannot use your FOTL for front row on Hulk. If you like Hulk, it is worth getting to IOA early to get in the front row. I would suggest that if you get to IOA early to do front row on Hulk, that you follow that with the character b'fast at Confisco. They are very close to one another and the b'fast is a lot of fun. Suess characters and Spiderman lately. A lot of personal attention from the chracters, very low key atmosphere. We did not have a reservation when we went and were told there would be a 30 minute wait. When DH showed the room key, we were seated immediately.

Regarding reservations, it depends on where you are planning to eat. Some places take reservations, and others will allow you priority seating when you show your room key. Since we do not like to be tied down to reservation, we usually do the latter, although DH and I usually try for one evening of fine dining and will usually have a reservation for that. The concierge at your hotel should be able to help you get a reservation.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Thanks for the info. One more thing. Can you use FOTL on the day you check out of your resort?

Thanks again.

 

[Snoopymom]

I'm a noobe, so I don't want to attempt the other questions but about a guide book, Motherfletcher enlightened me last week....

That is Kelly Monaghan's book and it is the best book available. Kelly posts here from time to time and occasionally he asks us for opinions on things like the optimum touring plan.
You can order it here:
http://www.theotherorlando.com/shop/useorder.html

My dh bought if for me for my birthday at Borders, but it's much cheaper if you order it directly.

It's awesome, just to give you an idea, there's 11 pages on Royal Pacific alone.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Sorry I forgot to answer your question about the book. I second the vote for Kelly's book.

FOTL is available all day on the day of check in, and all day on the day of check out. I have gone to HRH as early as about 7:30 am to check in. Got the magic room keys, even though the room was not ready until later in the day. You can also use the card all day after check out (you can use the pool that day too!) but you will no longer have charging privileges or package delivery after you check out.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Great news. We are considering Portofino now. How is the Portofino with kids? Also, does anyone have any opinions on thier club level?

Thanks

 

[gschmerl]

On site FOTL is good on One Fish Two Fish. The only ride that doesn't use it is Pteradon Flyers.

 

[JessicaR]

1. Do we need park admission for children under 3?

No, only for 3 and over.