Questions From A Universal Newbie

[Castillo Mom]

I've spent over a year now planning our WDW vacation and recently decided that it would be a good idea to spend a day or two at Universal. It will me, my hubby and three boys, ages 10,12 and 15 at the time of travel. We saw a behind the scenes show about Universal on the Travel Channel and I know my kids will have a blast! They know about our WDW trip but IOA is going to be a surprise.

Now for my questions:
1. We live in California and have been to Universal Studios. For those of you that have firsthand experience, is it worth it to visit the one in Orlando and is there a big difference between the two?

2. We'll be staying at RPR and have found out that Universal Resort guests get front of the line access on rides. We'll be going towards the end of August. Are the wait times really that short?

3. Last but not least, how long does it take to do IOA and/or Universal Studios?

 

[h20jag]

Definitely spend 2-3 days at UO.
Crowds won't be bad (you have key-express anyway). Think there's more shows & rides at UO.
Welcome Californians!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You are going to love the resort and the two parks!!! FOTL is so worth it!!!!

Have Fun!

 

[ChrisFL]

Definitely plan for at least 2 days!!

 

[DocBosch]

The Universal Orlando parks are totally different then the Hollywood park.

Alot more thought was put into the "theme" part of the parks at the Florida resort then the Hollywoord attraction. Universal Studios Hollywood was built as a compliment to the studio, expanding on it where ever land was available. Universal Studios Florida was built with theme park logic in mind. While it technically functions as a working movie and televison studio (or it would, if people actually wanted to shoot there) it's not to the same degree as Universal Hollywood.

USF is more or less a park themed to be a movie studio and other movie related realities. There was alot more space and money to make things prettier and more detailed and interesting then USH. Islands of Adventure is totally different experience. It's like Disney parks, without the nessesity to be at a child's level at all times. Even the parts made specifically for kids are alot smarter and sophisticated. It deals with alot of fantastical themes, but with a much different take on it.

While USH is cool because it's the4 orginal, UO is much different and ven superior to it's predessor.

-Kevin

 

[highlander447]

You will enjot FOTL access and at that time i believe the parks are still busy

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Just wanted to say that I think it is great to surprise your boys like that. They are great ages and will think US and IOA are cool!!