Planning out 3 days

[afx]

Hello all! First time poster, long time lurker

So, girlfriend and I will be arriving for the first time in Orlando for a short 3-day stay at around noon on Monday, Feb 20, staying at the Doubletree near Universal. We will have no car, so we'll be utilizing taxis, buses and lots of walking! We're looking for advice from you experts on how to maximize our stay there

Day 1: We'll be looking to go shopping. Is one outlet better than the other, Vineland or International Drive? Is it worth the trip out to Malls at Millenia?

Day 2: Islands of Adventure - Exploring everything at WWoHP is an absolute MUST! I'm the biggest HP fan, so we'll be there before the park opens for sure. Are there any touring plans you recommend?

Day 3: Universal Studios Florida - Must leave the park by 5pm to catch our flight out, so we need a good plan to see the entire park!

Just read the news of the renovations and I am really disappointed that Spiderman will be closed while we're there.. and we never got to see JAWS before it closed down for good Regardless, this trip is going to be amazing! I can feel it

 

[damo]

Hello all! First time poster, long time lurker

So, girlfriend and I will be arriving for the first time in Orlando for a short 3-day stay at around noon on Monday, Feb 20, staying at the Doubletree near Universal. We will have no car, so we'll be utilizing taxis, buses and lots of walking! We're looking for advice from you experts on how to maximize our stay there

Day 1: We'll be looking to go shopping. Is one outlet better than the other, Vineland or International Drive? Is it worth the trip out to Malls at Millenia?

Day 2: Islands of Adventure - Exploring everything at WWoHP is an absolute MUST! I'm the biggest HP fan, so we'll be there before the park opens for sure. Are there any touring plans you recommend?

Day 3: Universal Studios Florida - Must leave the park by 5pm to catch our flight out, so we need a good plan to see the entire park!

Just read the news of the renovations and I am really disappointed that Spiderman will be closed while we're there.. and we never got to see JAWS before it closed down for good Regardless, this trip is going to be amazing! I can feel it

Mall at Millenia is beautiful. I guess it all depends on whether you are looking for bargains or not.

Your dates shouldn't be very busy, so you can probably do as you please. However, I suggest doing Ollivander's earlier rather than later.

Hit RRR first at USF. Do Mummy and Men in Black many times. Make sure you see the Horror Make-up show. The crowds should be quite low here.

 

[afx]

Thank you! Will definitely follow those plans at USF.

Also, just found out that our trip coincides with an American holiday - President's Week. Should we worry about crowd levels??

 

[macraven]

in my part of the states, all the schools here have president day off.

for those that have a 3 day weekend many do head to orlando. parks in orlando probably will have an increase of some crowds if families take advantage of a 3 day wkend.

not all sections in the states have that day off so it is a hit or miss on what to expect when in the parks.

IOA has more crowds due to parry hotter land than the studios.
like you said, be there early and head to the back since you like ph..

you can try to repeat that section in the last hour or so before park closes.
many have posted that the crowds lighten up during that time period.

some rides at the studio side have a later opening time, by 10:00 in the past.

check the park guide map when you enter for show time for Horror Make Up Show.
you don't want to miss it.
be in that area 20 minutes before it starts. check out the lobby there as it is interesting.
take pics with your phone of it if you don't have a camera with you.

beetle juice is a lively musical show that you might enjoy.
it usually has 3 shows a day.

Mummy, MIB and Simpsons are musts for me every trip.

you can walk from DT in about 15 brisk minutes.

eat at off times at both parks.
you don't want to waste time standing in lines.

Boulangerie at the studios has great food.
fresh sandwiches made when ordered.

Louies has great pizza/salad combo and meatball sandwiches.
recommend both places equally.

now go and have fun at the darkside....!!

 

[afx]

Thank you for that! How much should I look to budget for food over the course of 3 days given we will be eating in moderation and mostly at the theme parks?

 

[macraven]

check out the menu sticky, it will help you decide where you want to eat.
also check out www.universalorlando.com and get details of the foods that are offered in both parks.


i rarely do burgers at UO.
some of my favoritesat:
IOA
Blondies: hand made sandwiches to order. sides available
Thunder Terrace: roasted chicken, ribs, burgers, topping fixing bar, etc.
Fire Eaters Grill: gyos, dogs, etc.
Mythos: all good
Confrisco Grille at port of entry
some other places are decent

Studios:
Boulangerie: hand made sandwiches on crossiants and rolls.
cheesecake factory products, other deserts, sides

Louie's: great salad pizza combo, very good meatball sandwiches
IFFF: great fried chicken entree
Richters: sometimes good chicken/burger sandwiches
Finnegans: hands down the best of everything there....
Scwabbs: for ice cream creations, floats, etc.

i think i have forgotten a couple of places but i'm sure others will chime in and say what they prefer in the parks.

 

[macraven]

if you have the AAA card, show it (when you order) at all places you eat and shop in the parks.
you will receive a 10% discount off the purchases.