Quickie weekend at US/IOA first time visitor

[LilGMom]

We are considering doing a quick weekend to Orlando mid-October and want to check out US and/or IOA for our first time. We will probably be going with some friends that have been to US/IOA once before but I'm a little hesitant to be led by their train 'o thought.

We will not be staying at a Universal affiliated resort so no Fastpass/Express thing for us. It will be DH, Me, DS11, DS7 and our friends that consist of FM (Friend Mom), FD & FS13. We had thought about going to HHN but don't want the added expense of getting a babysitter this trip so we'll wait another year. We'll be spending a full day in the theme park and FM is saying that we should get the 'One Day-Two Parks' tickets. I'm leaning towards the 'One Day-One Park' ticket because we aren't big Potter fans (DS7 & I haven't even seen one HP movie & DS11 only saw the first one) and my youngest hates water rides soI'm not sure that there will be enough on that side to keep us going all day.

So I guess I'm coming to the DIS masses to ask a few things. If we get the 'One Day-One Park' FL Resident ticket and then decide to add on the second park for that one day does anyone know if we can do so or would we be required to get another full 'One Day-One Park' ticket for the second park? If we can upgrade would we be able to upgrade to the FL resident 'One Day-Two Parks' ticket? Would you US/IOA experts recommend just hitting one park and if so which one, I think I'm leaning more towards the US side. We like roller-coasters and shows, all of the kids are tall enough to ride everything although I'll have to double check the youngest to see if he is 51" - I know he is over 48", and Potter isn't a must see for us.

I feel like a Suess fish out of water even thinking about a US/IOA trip.

TIA!

 

[DorianDonP]

I'd definitely go for the 2 park ticket. IOA has some of the best ride experiences in the world, IMO.

Even if you aren't a fan of Potter (I'm personally not), the Forbidden Journey is a one of a kind experience. It's probably my favorite ride in Orlando. Dragon Challenge in the Harry Potter land is a lot of fun too, even though two coasters don't duel anymore.

Since water rides are a no go, you'd skip Jurassic Park and the Popeye area but both Hulk and Spiderman are also really good attractions. Spiderman just got the refurb, so it's even better.

Seuss Landing is a great spot for the younger ones.

I think a first time visit should absolutely include those attractions, if it's at all possible.

If you do decide to do both parks, make sure to check the park hours since HHN will be going on.

 

[Metro West]

So I guess I'm coming to the DIS masses to ask a few things. If we get the 'One Day-One Park' FL Resident ticket and then decide to add on the second park for that one day does anyone know if we can do so or would we be required to get another full 'One Day-One Park' ticket for the second park? If we can upgrade would we be able to upgrade to the FL resident 'One Day-Two Parks' ticket? Would you US/IOA experts recommend just hitting one park and if so which one, I think I'm leaning more towards the US side. We like roller-coasters and shows, all of the kids are tall enough to ride everything although I'll have to double check the youngest to see if he is 51" - I know he is over 48", and Potter isn't a must see for us.

I feel like a Suess fish out of water even thinking about a US/IOA trip.

TIA!

If you decide to do the one park ticket, you can upgrade to the two park ticket at Guest Services at either park but make sure you do it before you leave.

Since you mentioned you're visiting during mid-October, don't forget that's during Halloween Horror Nights and the Studios will close an hour early at 5pm on the weekend you're visiting. If you do one day, go to the Studios first so that hour won't affect you...then head over to IOA for the afternoon and evening. During HHN, IOA closes at 7pm so you should be OK.