Planning Resources for a Universal Newbie

[KSL]

Hi all!
I'm planning a trip to Universal in July (I know, I know, the heat!), to visit Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Orlando, and Epic Universe.
I am just starting to plan, and am of course looking at Universal's website, but wondering what other online planning resources people find helpful (I'm assuming it's ok to list them here but if there's a rule about not sharing other websites then I retract my question).
One thing I'm specifically looking for is a comprehensive list of rides and attractions in each park, ideally with a brief phrase of description, so that we can plan and prioritize. If anyone knows where I could find this, I would love to know about it.
Any general advice/tips&tricks would also be amazing. I'll watch here for threads.
Thanks!

 

[Skippyboo]

Download the universal Orlando app. It will show you everything in the parks, Citywalk. You can filter it by what you want to see.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Agree w/ @Skippyboo
If you look at the App in the morning, it'll tell you what time each show is running that day so you can extrapolate for your day. Unfortunately they don't post a show schedule per se, each day they just list the upcoming times.

Also just as an FYI, the water rides Popeyes barges & Dudley Dooright flume will get you fully drenched, to the panties. Fair warning. They're a lot of fun, just know what you're getting into.

 

[reddog21]

Also just as an FYI, the water rides Popeyes barges & Dudley Dooright flume will get you fully drenched, to the panties. Fair warning. They're a lot of fun, just know what you're getting into.

If you're looking for some extra fun, the water cannons on the bridge above Dudley's are fantastic. There not free, but they're totally worth it in my opinion. People never see them coming as they round the corner.....good times!

 

[Kit Jackson]

If you're willing to spend money on a book The Unofficial Guide to Universal Studios is fantastic and exactly what you're looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-G...de+to+universal+orlando+,stripbooks,63&sr=1-4

 

[Keyser]

One comment I will have: in the past, I've used touringplans.com for Disney trips, and found it very helpful. But, we tried it for Universal this last trip and it was honestly horrible. Wait estimates were way off (ridiculously so) in many cases, and the "plans' that it had were nowhere close to achievable. I found the Universal app better on day-of for ride status. That said, it did offer some of what you were looking for in terms of a full list of rides with explanations, so if you use it only for that (and not for planning a schedule or for wait times), it may be OK. (Or, maybe they will have fixed their app for Universal by next summer...)

 

[Indio]

There's a lot of Youtube videos out there too with good information. Check those out for ride info.

 

[DL1WDW2]

This is important to realize…
Universal discontinued the paper Park Map Guides in their Parks .
You will only be able to use their APP online …
I understand and expect Disney will someday have to make that decision .
I wish they had made one for the Grand Open EPIC for a souvenir handout keepsake.
I do not enjoy planning with the Disney APP.
And I do not want to watch bloggers .
Maybe I should go to the Book Store and search for updated version that has EPIC guide .

 

[Kit Jackson]

This is important to realize…
Universal discontinued the paper Park Map Guides in their Parks .
You will only be able to use their APP online …
I understand and expect Disney will someday have to make that decision .
I wish they had made one for the Grand Open EPIC for a souvenir handout keepsake.
I do not enjoy planning with the Disney APP.
And I do not want to watch bloggers .
Maybe I should go to the Book Store and search for updated version that has EPIC guide .

If you can wait (this totally depends on when your trip is), the new edition of the Unofficial Universal Orlando Guide comes out December 2nd.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Thank You .
It would make me so happy to discover a pull out map guide Haha
But I definitely will make the investment .
Is this also the date for the new WDW and DL Guides ?

Also , I just remembered the Universal website has an Official Parks Blog but it seems like the search for it was in the upper right hand corner.
They usually play these over and over again when you check into a Loews Universal Resort … Kinda fun to watch and always makes me miss watching

Disney Stacy Top Ten Must Dos on their Disney TVs .
I will interrupt to remind people that WDW Channel offers 3 nightly showings of the Happily Ever After fireworks with great surprise Tinkerbell flying !
So fun to be in pj’s to watch .

 

[Kit Jackson]

Thank You .
It would make me so happy to discover a pull out map guide Haha
But I definitely will make the investment .
Is this also the date for the new WDW and DL Guides ?

I have no idea if the book has a pull out map. The 2026 Unofficial Guides for Disneyland and WDW are out already. My guess is that Universal Orlando had a later publication date so they could include Epic Universe.

If anyone knows a website that has printable maps of the Universal Orlando parks, could you post a link and tag DL1WDW2?

 

[DL1WDW2]

Thanks I actually went to an Office Depot and printed the entire front and back of the old Universal & Islands of Adventure Map Guides and then laminated them for keepsakes. I keep thinking they would be great for my placemats on my breakfast counter …
Would you buy these in the gift shop ? I know I would!

On the Official Grand Opening date for the new DCA , they gave everybody a big keepsake map with the date on it !
I still have that map and think about all the rejection from locals that caused Disney to re- build DCA . But I always loved DCA .
I think EPIC is discovering the same problem DCA had …no landscaping to keep the extreme power of sun reflecting off concrete making it impossible to want to be there in the afternoons . And attendance was so low DCA would close early so no relief from the sun into the night .
It’s funny that all the other theme parks resorts around the world have architectural design offering buildings that protect from sun with some kind of covered walkways.
Heck even the parking lots for grocery stores in PHoenix had cover for cars .
The sun in PHx caused my rooftop window to warp.
I notice the new Jeeps have Corning quality Gorilla glass emblem
. I hope they offer protection from all extremes of future climate.

Universal Resorts have never stayed Open very late . And offer minimal fireworks nightly… And a huge covered parking garage entrance for all guests not staying in resorts. You park, then walk thru security to be in CityWalk as you enter and leave
. USO and Islands of Adventure to the right or left decision.. And when it is really crowded , they will Open an entry walkway shortcut if you can park hop to both parks . Or wait in really long lines to take the Harry Potter train .

The one comparison for Universal and Islands of Adventure to visit almost as easy as walking from DL to DCA with Downtown Disney in middle.

Sorry, I can never stay on topic !