Planning 2 parks in 1 day - can we manage these attractions in a day?

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Okay, I'm trimming my budget, and in doing so have eliminated two days from our vacation, leaving us just one day to to visit both US and IoA. These are the attractions I've deemed as worthy for a one day tour.

Universal:
Twister
Mummy Returns
Skrek
Men in Black
Back to the Future
Animal Planet Live (can skip if necessary)
E.T.
Terminator

Islands:
Spiderman
Hulk
Ripsaw Falls (can skip if necessary)
Jurassic Park Disc. Center & Trail
Jurassic Park River Adv. (can skip if necessary)
Dueling Dragons

Is it possible to do them all in one day? Have I covered all of the "must-see & do's"?

 

[Cindy B]

Honestly, I would skip Twister. Its sort of eh. No Jaws? Thats pretty fun if you haven't done it before.

Well, if you got at one park really early, and make judicious use of Express pass, it can be done.

What is your starting park? IOA or USF?

If you start with USF, I would do Shrek first (lines get horrific for that), Mummy then move your way down to Men in Black, Back to the Future and ET. Twister isn't that far from Shrek, but I personally would hold off on that one until the other ones are done.

Men in Black has a fast moving singles line. I am warning you, you won't want to go on that one just once.. its addicting! After ET, I would check times for Terminator. If you miss a show, go get an Express pass and squeeze in Twister. (Express doesnt get you in a special line at Terminator, but they do put a lot of people in.)

If you start with IOA, Hulk or Spidey first, your choice. Usually Spidey fills up faster, so maybe Spidey, get express after first ride, and then go on Hulk, and then 2nd spidey. Ripsaw is right near Spidey, so that is right there. Personally the Discovery Center is ok, but it doesnt take long. the River Adventure ride is good. I would get an express for River and do the discovery center while waiting or even squeeze in Ripsaw . Lastly you would have Dueling Dragons.
Once you are in line there, you can reride without exiting the castle.

The key is you have to get there prior to opening. Be in the parking lot by 8 am. The walk through the garage and citywalk isnt bad, but you need to be there by opening or all this is basically hard to do.

If you have onsite express, it is very easy, but not without.

 

[Blueberry]

I would skip Animal Planet Live, it is cute but I think you would enjoy Jimmy Neutron more and be sure and add in Jaws. Twister is good if you have time..

In IOA I would skip Jurrasic Center and Trail, be sure and do the River Adventure though. I would add in Poseidons Fury and CAt in the Hat if there is time...

 

[Disney Dee]

We always do both parks in a day, the crowds determine how much we get to do though, the less crowds, obviously the more you will get to do. I would not miss Jurrasic's river adventure, its one of my favorites!, and spidey is a must! Enjoy!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

My attraction list is far from set in stone. I need to get over to US's website again to get a feel for what is on the "gotta do" list. I haven't looked at my plans much in the past year (had to postpone the trip planned for last fall), but I'm pushing to make this trip happen in June. Thanks for the suggestions and tips.

 

[Sandyincanada]

I think I would get the express plus if you are offsite, probably worth the extra money if you want to see as much as you can.

I could never skip Jurassic River Ride, its one of my favs. And no trip could be complete without Jaws, lol. I agree with the others and would skip Animal Planet Live.

Try very hard to leave abit of time to see Suess Landing, the theming is wonderful. I could spend hours there alone even without the kids,

 

[Immelman]

when is your day? that's going to make a big difference. (time of year, which weekday)

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

when is your day? that's going to make a big difference. (time of year, which weekday)

If all goes according to plan, Mon. 6/13. The alternative would be 11/21 (note my countdown).

 

[robvia]

Skip BTTF, it will make you sick.

My 2 park 1 day attack plan starts at USF.
Shrek 4d,
Mummy, get an express pass for noon when you leave.

Then I high tail it over to IOA and do a thriill ride tour.
Hulk, Dr Doom, Spiderman, Deuling Dragons, JPRA, Rip Saw Falls.

Then I go back to USF and continue with Mummy (use express pass), MIB (single rider line), Jaws, ET, T2, Beatle Juice Show. Yes, some ping ponging involved, but it works. You'll hit the two major rides at USF, and a complete tour of IOA with short waits. Then you can come back to USF and slow down.

 

[Mystickal_1]

You can scratch the Discovery Trail off. I believe it is closed for good. Animal Planet was closed in December when we were there and it is time consuming. Unless you can get a front seat on BTTF, I would skip it. The backseat can get ugly with your head bouncing of the side of the car.