Qs for 1st Trip (Early March)

[TrinaLC]

Planning our first trip, spending Sat March 6 at Universal. We'll get there as soon as the park opens (staying offsite). Kids are 10 & 12.

I would appreciate help with the following questions:

1) What time should we get to the gate to make sure we are "ready to go" at the published opening time of 9:00 a.m.? We'll probably need to buy tix, and may be the express plus.

On a related note, do they open earlier than the published time?

2) What are the crowds likely to be Sat March 6? Should we "invest" in the express plus?

3) Can you double up free express pass along with the express plus?

4) Fast but good lunch ideas? Probably counterservice - and should we get PS?

THANKS

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Parks tend to open a bit earlier than published time...though it depends. I'd say get there for about 30 minutes before opening time, to be able to get your tickets and get in line. You may do a little bit of waiting, but your anticipation will greatly increase.

Louie's Italian Bar and Grill is a quick counter service restaurant over in Universal Studios (New York area). Decent food from sandwiches to pasta and salads, to a good slice of pizza (including BBQ Chicken, and the classic Pepperoni and Cheese).

Of course a hot dog at the concession stands is nice too...sometimes my parents nd I rather do that. Hotdogs are huge and you can often times share one. Meal comes with a bag of chips and regular soda, which is great.

My parents just tried Richter's Burgers on Sunday. They loved it. They shared a burger (I believe they got extra meat on it...?).

I don't think I'd bother with Express Plus, but I can't think how busy it would be aound that time. If you've never been before, however, I guess that's always something to consider.

Yes, you can get free Express passes with your park ticket still.

 

[threeboysmom]

When you say Universal, which park are you intending to visit? Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure? They both are very different. Every time we've visited either of the parks, they started letting people in at 8:45 a.m. So I would definately arrive at 8:30 at the latest since you still need to buy tickets. I guess I would gauge the amount of people there that morning to decide whether or not to buy the express plus. Of course, you could always change your offsite reservation to onsite and then not have to worry about buying express plus for the 3 of you!

For lunch options for that age group, I would recommend Enchanted Oak Tavern at IOA, or Monsters Cafe at US.