Should we take a day trip to Universal?

[Asc341]

Hello all,

DH and I have never been to Universal, but are thinking about doing a day trip to both parks while we're in Orlando for a wedding in April. We're most interested in Harry Potter World, and are just curious about Universal in general, but I'm not 100% sold on going. Because of our schedule we'd have to go on a Saturday, and I'm nervous the crowds will be crazy (not so enjoyable for us.) Also, my husband gets motion sickness very easily from rides with screens (can't do Star Tours, Mission Space green, etc when we're at Disney), and I hear Universal is full of screen attractions that may make him sick.

If we don't do Universal, we'll probably just hang at the Epcot resorts at Disney for the day - drink a bit and relax. It'll be a short trip to Orlando - We're flying in Friday night, Sunday and Monday will be filled with wedding stuff, and then we're back home on Tuesday.

What's your two cents? Should we go to Universal and risk heavy crowds, with someone who can't handle screen attractions? Thanks in advance!

 

[lazer]

We loved our first Universal trip, but wouldn't want to rush it. If I only had a day, I'd skip it and just relax at the resort and hang out. Who knows what spring break crowds will be like during your trip, which could mean long waits.

There are a lot of rides with "screens", but there are attractions without them too Plus, there are the awesome HP lands to explore!

I'm sure others would say if it's your only chance for a while to go for it, but it just seems like a lot to fit in.

 

[lilclerk]

Pre-Harry Potter, we would do both parks in one day. Now we split it up over two days. If you only want to see the HP lands, you could do both in one day, then fill in the day with other random attractions and shows.

The two main HP attractions are amazing, but they are screen-based, the Hogwarts Express has screens too. I don't know how your husband would do on them.

 

[marauder]

It all depends on if it is worth it to you. There are rides that aren't screen based at Universal. You said he has issues with screen based but not whether he has issues with "normal" roller coasters. There are several normal roller coasters at both parks, of varying degrees of difficulty. Yes the Hogwarts express is technically a screen ride, but you shouldn't have a problem with it as long as you pay attention to which direction the train will be moving in, I know most people that have issues with motion sickness can't ride backwards. Pay attention when you get on the ride and note that the ride does not necessarily go in the same direction as to where the engine is on the train.

Rides like Jurassic Park, MiB (no screens but there is a little spinning), ET and other rides are different enough from Disney that they are good to experience. Yes you can do things in one day if the days you choose aren't "red" days. Study up on which rides you can do and see the park, however you want. My wife gets very motion sick (won't even ride Dumbo) and had no problems waiting for us, looking around when the rest of us went on the rides. She was able to ride Gringotts, ET, Jurassic Park, the Mummy, and MiB.

 

[KorbensMomma]

As much as I love going but I would probably skip it.

Your weekend is going to be pretty busy and trying to squeeze everything in during the busy spring break season in one day might be pretty stress full.

The screens in the rides bother me also, I cover my eyes on the few I can ride and skip the full ride screen ones (Simpsons & DM). There are still enough rides for me to be happy with. However I don't fit the big coasters and LOVE the water rides. I could spend my day riding Jurassic Park, Popeyes and emersed in the HP areas.

But squeezing it in with a wedding might be a little much.

 

[nanceliz]

I really love the Universal Parks. But, I would say Epcot world showcase would be a better option. While there are some things that do not involve motion or screen, that is what the majority of Universals attractions are. I believe all of the Harry Potter attractions are this way. (except selecting a wand)

I would suggest looking on their site at the descriptions of the various attractions and then decide.
Have a great trip!!

 

[schumigirl]

Give it a miss this time and relax at the resorts you mentioned.

Wait till you can come back and give Universal a proper chance to impress you.......it's too good a place to just rush around and try and cram everything in with one day

 

[nkereina]

When in April? If it's around Easter, it will definitely be busy. Express Pass wouldn't be worth it if you're focusing on the Potter stuff only.

While you could easily do both HP sections in both parks in one day, you'll end up waiting a while for at least one attraction. If you do Hogsmeade first thing in the morning, you can do FJ and the other ones in that area, and then hopefully hop on Hogwarts Express without much wait. Diagon Alley can be easily walked around in, even if it's busy, but you'll have a decent wait for Gringotts by that time. No way around it. It would be a busy day for you, and a pricey one at that.

Epcot sounds like a more relaxing day, if that's what you're going for.