Please help! Expert touring advice needed...

[cheshirekitty]

I will be going to WDW with my DH from 8/19-8/27 and we will definitely also be doing Universal. We are in our late 20s and don't need to do all of the kid stuff and most of the shows.

During that time of the year, can we get both parks done in one day or should we split it up into 2 days? Our plan if we do it in 1 day is to go to IOA first and then Universal. However my fear is that we get to Universal around 12 or 1pm and it is soooooooo crowded. As far a fotl, do you think by that time we will be able to determine if we should purchase the day pass for fotl access?

If we can manage 1 day, which day of the week do you suggest?
How do you suggest we tour Universal if we get there mid afternoon?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[phamton]

The crowds aren't too bad by the end of August. But even then, it won't be easy to finish IOA by noon even geting there at opening. I'd suggest anyday Monday-Thursday. Avoid Saturday, if at all possible, as it will be almost impossible to do both parks on a Saturday.

When you arrive at Universal, I'd try to get an express pass for Mummy first thing (if there are any left.) Then I'd do Terminator and Horror Makeup Show first since, even at the busiest time of day, they aren't hard to get in. I know you said you weren't interested in shows but Horror makeup is one show you should see. Both Terminator and Horror Makeup are airconditioned and you can sit down for a while and cool off from your busy morning at IOA. Then I'd do Twister or Earthquake as the lines aren't long. Then on to Jaws and then Back to the Future. Then do MIB using the single rider line. If you weren't able to get express for the Mummy then do it as single rider line (but it is much more fun to ride with someone else than alone on this ride, especially if this is your first time.) Even though you may think of Shrek as a kiddie show, it is really great for adults. The line gets short for Shrek as it gets closer to park closing so save it for last. If you have some extra time, I'd ride ET. It is a Peter Pan like ride but more fun. The queue is great and nice and cool.

If you arrive at Universal Studios and find the lines are terrible, then you can always buy an express pass plus after you get there. I'd just wait and see.