One day at Universal, where to start?

[nuge67]

We have the one-day two park ticket and will be there about 30 minutes before the gates open. Any recommendations on what to hit first with two boys, 6 and 3?

 

[girli565]

Buy an express pass if you only have one day.

 

[DrDeb]

we had one day in Jan for Univ. so i opted for a VIP tour [5 hour] it's a bit pricey but worth it as you have a guide who takes you behind the scenes and right on the attractions with NO waiting-- saw everything... even had lunch--our guide, MIKE, was a hoot and told us the inside info on many things-- would not do Univ again tho- glad we did it once..but it does not rival Disney

 

[calgarygary]

I suggest you ask this question in the Universal forums so that you will receive the benefit of some great advice. Personally, if your budget allows try to stay onsite for one night so that you will have unlimited front of the line and can get the most out of your limited time.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

You could always stay 1 nt. onsite. Your room key gives you unlimited Express Line privileges, like a fast pass for everything. It's much cheaper than a VIP tour and you won't have to wait in lines. Hotels are within walking distance to the parks or you can take a relaxing water taxi. We love it. (Yes, it's not Disney but it's not trying to be Disney!) Your room key is good from early am of your check in day until park closing of your check out day.
To answer your original question: I'd start at Islands of Adventure's Seuss's Landing. Also when you 1st enter Universal Studios, Shrek and Jimmy Neutron are right near the entrance.
I think it would be hard to see everything in both parks in 1 day but maybe just hit the highlights. You can use kid swap for rides that your 6 yo can do but 3 yo can't.

 

[Cadillac_Dreamgirl]

you should head to the Universal boards.

but, that said i think,

the simpsons, followed by the mummy

in Islands its hulk fullowed by spiderman

 

[MinnieForMe]

The Simpsons ride! It was great. They did not have express pass available for it two weeks ago but it wasn't officially open yet either!

 

[donaldduck352]

The Universal boards have a plethoria of info.Make sure you read the stickys.And donn't be afraid to ask quest.Small or big they have a answer for Ya

 

[lakoda]

I would suggest Spiderman if your youngest is tall enough. The height restrictions seem fairly high for most rides so make sure before hand:

Revenge of the MummySM - Must be at least 48"

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast™ - Must be at least 40" (persons under 40" can experience this attraction from an adjacent stationary location.)

MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ - Must be at least 42"

Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster® - Must be at least 36"

The Simpsons Ride™ – Must be at least 40"

Jurassic Park River Adventure® - Must be at least 42"

Pteranodon Flyers® - Must be at least 36" (36" to 56" must be accompanied by an adult)

Dueling Dragons® - Must be at least 54"

Flying Unicorn® - Must be at least 36"

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls® - Must be at least 44"

Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges® - Must be at least 42"

Incredible Hulk Coaster® - Must be at least 54"

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® - Must be at least 40"

Doctor Doom's Fearfall® - Must be at least 52"

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ - Must be 34". (Children 34"to 48"must be accompanied by an adult.)

Hulk and the Mummy are most likely too high for your 6 year old, unless he is really tall. They do have child swap for both of these and for other rides, if the adults are interested. They are both great coasters! Also, don't miss the 8th Voyage of Sinbad show - it was really funny with lots of action. My nephews really enjoyed it, and we stayed after the show and they took photos with the characters.

If they are really into superheroes may sure to get the schedule of times and locations. Nephews also got really cool pics with Spiderman and Cyclops.

Smart move to be there before opening. As someone else suggested, the best way to tour is to stay onsite - front of the line access is totally awesome. But it is quite expensive!

Have a great time!

 

[spiceycat]

IOA
Spiderman
Cat in the Hat - but beware this looks like a Disney ride it is not - fast, very, very fast - so hold on to stuff

how tall are your kids?

here is what IOA recommends for young children.

http://www.universalorlando.com/ioa_attr_children.html


us
simpsons
jimmy neutron's
men in black
Shrek - show
et adventure
woody woodpecker kids zone
animal actors on location - this is fun - animals are not predictable.

if you live in the south
twister - nothing like a real one - more like a bad wind day. but others (who hadn't been through one) think it really like one.




won't recommend
revenge of the mummy

 

[KayR]

If you are at IOA and your kids want to do the Pteranadon Flyers (sp?) I would go there first. It is the slowest loading ride and very quickly develops a long line. (Like Dumbo!!!) If they also want to do the flying Unicorn roller coaster - I would head there next. Then down to the Dr Seuss area.

Seriously consider the express pass if you only have one day and the park is going to be busy. It saves a lot of waiting around (and use it wisely - if the wait is only 5 minutes, save your express pass visit until later).

Enjoy,

-Kay

 

[spiceycat]

don't agree with buying an express pass.

although definitely love their hotels.

here is the prices for the express pass
https://secure.universalstudios.com...alID=UOMain&CategoryExternalID=UO2ParkUEPLive

here are the hotels
http://www.universalorlando.com/hotels.html