Rants/Raves from 1st UO visit (mostly Raves)

[amy1115]

We visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for the first time Last Friday and Saturday. Here are just a few rants and raves.

Raves:
1. Royal Pacific Resort - We were so impressed with it. From the resort itself which is beautiful, to the friendly and efficient staff, we absolutely would recommend it.

2. Unlimited Express Pass - Worth every penny. We already had an offsite condo booked for our 9 night stay in Orlando, but at the last minute decided to book a one night stay at RPR so we could get the Unlimited Express Pass for much cheaper. Thank you to those here who said it was a good idea. We don't regret it one bit. We never waited more than 15 minutes in line, and usually it was less than 10.

3. The overall layout of Universal - It was so nice to be within walking distance to pretty much all the entertainment. We were only there one night, but I can see how it would be so convenient if you were there longer. It was so easy to get around and though it's a huge area, I never felt turned around or lost.

4. Harry Potter World - Just like I had read on here, the theming was amazing. It really felt like you were walking through Hogshead/Diagonal Alley. The kids (and my Harry Potter super fan husband) were in awe. Breakfast at Three Broomsticks was very good, and we all preferred our butter beer frozen.

5. The laid back feel - I had read on this site that it would be much more laid back and less chaotic than Disney. We found this to be true. Not having to make dining reservations way I advance, or pick your FP+ in advance, and even just that the characters would pop up without a moment's notice and you didn't necessarily have to get in line for an hour for them was great. One of the funniest things that happened, and I stumbled on it by accident, was Beetle Juice running across the road screaming, and two MIB security men not far behind him. It was so random and hilarious!

Rant:

There is really only one big one, and I was prepared for it but was still annoyed. I understand why the shops in the HP areas are so small, to keep in line with how they are portrayed in the books and movies, but the crowds were terrible in those areas. I knew that from reading on this site about it, but it was worse than I imagined. If you can get Early Entry, definitely do it. Those areas fill up fast and stay that way all day. I cannot imagine being there at Christmas or Spring Break with those heavy crowds.

So overall we were very happy with our UO experience and we will go back. We still love Disney, but from now on when we come to Orlando we will have two very different set of parks to see.

 

[macraven]

Glad you enjoyed the night at rpr
That place is my home away from home

I can't imagine going to Orlando and not doing both parks too

 

[Bluer101]

Glad you had a wonderful time.

 

[allybabba98]

My DH and I went May 10-13 and had a fantastic time too!! I understand what you mean about the stores, I had actually asked on here about where to find more stuff!! I found at the front of the parks, especially in IOA, there was a large store (not the Universal store) and it had everything! It wasn't busy and my DH and I just enjoyed taking our time in it and picking up items for the boys.
I wish I could remember the name of the store as it did look deceiving because it wasn't until you stepped inside the you realized how large it was.
Glad you had a good time.

 

[Bluer101]

Islands of Adventure Trading Company

 

[PHamrick]

I'm so glad to hear all of this! This will (sort of) be our first time because I haven't been since 2000 and didn't have kids then. Good to know about the stores in HP. Sounds like we should use our EE efficiently and go ahead and buy souvenirs during the early hours. Did you use the service to have your souvenirs sent to the front? Where did you eat? LOVE that story about Beetlejuice!

 

[damo]

The size of the stores in the Harry Potter areas is a very common complaint. Universal had to go along with Rowling's desires and this was one of them.

 

[Bluer101]

I have no issues with the Potter stores. The day we choose to do those stores we just don't shower or wear any deodorant.

 

[Kivara]

I have no issues with the Potter stores. The day we choose to do those stores we just don't shower or wear any deodorant.

Great plan clear those stores out! While I do love the Trading Co (and some of the other main stores), especially if I need to spend a minimum amount to get a discount (.ike AAA requires)...they do not have EVERYTHING from all the Potter stores, BUT they do have a nice selection, especially of the more popular items.

We always send our items to the front of the park (if it's our last day) or to our hotel room (RP for us, or any other onsite hotel for others) Never had an issue. Just takes a few extra moments to fill out the card that's attached to your purchases, and you don't have to tote them about all day! (Sent to room is guaranteed by the next day)

 

[princesserin1350]

Agree with all of your comments! We were also frustrated by the small size of the stores and just how crowded the HP areas got during the day, because it made it difficult to do spells or just enjoy the atmosphere because you could barely walk! My sister and I ended up using lots of early entry time just enjoying the HP areas: two days, we ate ice cream or cauldron cakes before 9 am, but it was so worth it to really browse the shops and explore the areas at our leisure.

 

[dixonsontour]

Sounds like a great visit.

We do use EE but also found late evening just before closing a good time to visit potter areas.

 

[amy1115]

I'm so glad to hear all of this! This will (sort of) be our first time because I haven't been since 2000 and didn't have kids then. Good to know about the stores in HP. Sounds like we should use our EE efficiently and go ahead and buy souvenirs during the early hours. Did you use the service to have your souvenirs sent to the front? Where did you eat? LOVE that story about Beetlejuice!

Using the most of EE is probably what I would stress the most. Our strategy worked well for us: EE was for IOA both days we were there. So day 1 we went there first (arrived at front of IOA around 6:40, started letting people in about 5 min later) we went straight to FJ, rode it once, and I think by that time it was about 7:30. We got a butter beer and went straight to HE and we're literally the first in line for the first trip over. We went straight to Gringotts, then straight to Ollivanders and then just explored DA until it got so crowded we couldn't take it lol. We then rode all the express pass rides with little to no wait in US. Then around 5:00 (park closed at 6:00) we went back to Hogsmead, looked around a bit and got in line for FJ and had about a 20 min wait. Then the next day we stayed in IOA, explored Hogsmead and did the rides there. We were soaked to the bone after the water rides, but left for a break right after and changed clothes. We ate at Three Broomsticks for breakfast and it was good, Margaritaville for an early dinner, that was good too. We ate at Mel's Diner for lunch one day and it was good too. We had the kids wands sent to the front of park once they had done some spells, the boxes are awkward to carry around and too big for a backpack. We had no issue. They wouldn't send just the box without the wand though. Sorry this was so long! Have a great trip!

 

[allybabba98]

We ate at the Three Broomsticks which I really enjoyed. I won't tell you the amount of butterbeer I consumed in our two days there
And thank you Bluer101 that is the store I was talking about!!! It was great and just being able to walk and take my time was lovely. The stores in Diagon Alley are great too, my DH was trying to get a video of the dragon breathing fire so while he stood there I just took my time and went into every store. It really is lovely.