Pre-trip planning! Any advice?

[Magpie]

So, it's just about 5 weeks until our very first trip to Universal Orlando!

We'll be arriving late on December the 11th and leaving early on the 18th - so basically we've got 6 full days, on-site at the Royal Pacific Resort.

So far the only thing I've booked is the Harry Potter breakfast on the 13th (it came with our package).

Are there any other fun activities/meals/events/concerts I should call ahead for?

FWIW, my husband is dead set against seeing the Blue Man group for some reason - he says he saw them on CSI: Las Vegas, and that was enough for one lifetime. Other than that, he's pretty open-minded.

I'd be very grateful for any advice you can give me!

 

[Planogirl]

You could check the Hard Rock concert venue to see if anything is playing while you're there. There are a few character meals if you have kids but I don't have the specifics. If you want to eat at one of Emeril's restaurants, you might want to call for that ahead of time.

Universal is a very relaxing place for the most part. You have the right number of days planned IMO to tour at a relaxed pace and just chill. Be sure to pool hop, the Hard Rock Hotel pool is particularly cool.

 

[cbsnyber1]

We went Dec 12 - 18 last year and the HIGHLIGHT of that trip was Blue Man Group. IMHO they are not to be missed.

I have never seen anything like them. The end of our show was giant reams of paper being pulled by the audience down to the front row, where we were sitting, and we were buried in it - so funny!

I can't recommend them more - see BMG!!

 

[Metro West]

You will definitely need to check out the Mannheim Steamroller concert at the Studios on 12/11 as part of the Christmas concert series...it's included in your park admission.

 

[Magpie]

We went Dec 12 - 18 last year and the HIGHLIGHT of that trip was Blue Man Group. IMHO they are not to be missed.

I have never seen anything like them. The end of our show was giant reams of paper being pulled by the audience down to the front row, where we were sitting, and we were buried in it - so funny!

I can't recommend them more - see BMG!!

Yeah... I tried telling my husband all that. It's a no go, and with him digging his heels in, the kids don't want to do it, either. When he gets his mind made up about something, there's no point trying to shift him.

You will definitely need to check out the Mannheim Steamroller concert at the Studios on 12/11 as part of the Christmas concert series...it's included in your park admission.

I wish!!!! We won't be getting in until 9 pm on the 11th after a full day of flying. And we'll be leaving early on the 18th, so we'll miss both concerts.

What about these character breakfasts? Which ones would you recommend? Do you know of any other concerts during the week we're there?

My husband *loves* concerts.

Any idea about pool-hopping? Are the temperatures usually okay in mid-December for swimming?

 

[Magpie]

You could check the Hard Rock concert venue to see if anything is playing while you're there. There are a few character meals if you have kids but I don't have the specifics. If you want to eat at one of Emeril's restaurants, you might want to call for that ahead of time.

Universal is a very relaxing place for the most part. You have the right number of days planned IMO to tour at a relaxed pace and just chill. Be sure to pool hop, the Hard Rock Hotel pool is particularly cool.

Where can I find the Hard Rock concert venue listed? I looked on the Universal site, but I didn't see it.

Are the pools good for swimming in mid-December?