Pointers for first IOA trip

[ShannonP]

We've been to Universal, but that was ages ago - never been to IOA.

This will be our first ever no Disney-only Universal/IOA trip. We'll arrive on 2/21 - a Saturday and leave on Wed. 2/25.

Any pointers as to which parks to do which days?

What are the "don't miss" rides/attractions?

Help!!

 

[robvia]

It's really not a problem in February, crowds are light, it's a great time to visit

Besides IOA and USF, the don't miss park is SWF (Sea World of Florida).

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You are going to have an awesome time. At IOA definitely don't miss Spiderman, Hulk, Dr. Doom, Bilge Rat Barges,....awww heck, the whole park is great!

Have fun!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

For Universal Studios? A "don't miss" attraction?

*whistles innocently*

 

[the Dark Marauder]

IOA:
Spider-Man
Hulk
Jurassic Park
Dueling Dragons

USF:
Shrek
BTTF
MIB
T2:3D
Ghostbusters Show
Jaws

 

[highlander447]

If u are staying onsite u will not need to worry about what to miss but as crowds are light u will probably get to see it all and still have time to do your favourites again

 

[ShannonP]

Thanks everyone for the responses. We're staying at the HRH, so that'll be a big plus for us - no lines. Yippee!!!

At least there are some new attractions at Universal since my last visit, which was probably about 8 years ago.

I can't wait to do IOA and am hoping that my stomach can handle the rides. I have 2 daughters, 17 and 13, so they'll have a ball.

Trying to get over my guilt of doing nothing Disney while in Orlando, but it's gonna be a real quick getaway for us. We're from New Orleans and are esacaping during Mardi Gras.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Shannon, what day will you be going to Universal Studios part? Your daughters will like the Extreme Ghostbusters Show! Oh, and you will too, I'm sure!!!

 

[damo]

Don't forget Cat in the Hat at IOA and the Horror Make-up show at Universal. You've got to do ET at least once, you can skip BTTF. See, we disagree already, so you must do everything!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

ShannonP

Do not feel guilty about not going to Disney. We never go to Disney. It started several years ago when DH said he wanted to honor the Christian boycott of WDW. Since my son had a break at an odd time and my DH could not get away, I decided to take our son to the newly opened IOA. We had a good time, though my son (7 at the time) did not want to ride the Hulk unless my husband was with him. It took us almost 2 years to get back, but we did and the Hulk is the family favorite ride.

While planning our last UO trip last summer, I asked my son, now 11, if he wanted us to plan to spend some time at Disney, he told me that after Universal/IOA he thought Disney would be too babyish! I was surprised, but no longer feel guilty about not taking him to WDW. In August we bought AP's for US/IOA and while we plan on using them as often as possible over the next two years, we do not have any plans to go to Disney. (Ok, we did go to AKL to meet my brother for dinner at BOMA and I admit, I would like to stay there sometime--I'm just not sure about the parks!)

I think you and your family will love UO. Have a great time.

 

[3for Me]

ShannonP -

We will be there the same days - also escaping Mardi Gras!!! Have a great time!

 

[ShannonP]

Flyfly, not sure yet which days we'll be at which parks. We'll get there Saturday around lunchtime and will probably head to IOA, since we've never been there. After that, who knows?

damo - We've done ET on our couple of trips to US - it remains a favorite (I know it's old, but...) BTTF makes me sick! Can't handle those VR rides.

3for Me - where are y'all staying? Flying or driving? We used to never leave for MG, but now I'm ready to run!!!