so excited but need some pointers

[Miss Stitch]

I will be visiting Universal parks next year, I have bought an unlimited 14 days pass each for there and disney. So probably have about 5/7 days to spend there and maybe some evenings too. Are there any must sees you can recommend. There will be me, DH, DS14, DS12, DS8. My sons do like thrill rides, but nothing too terrifying!!. My Dh and I dont. Are there lots of shows etc. and characters. We love Crash Bandicoot, scooby doo, cat in the hat and shrek. Also can you recommend good places to eat, we mainly eat counter service. Are there any character meals with the above characters.

Coming from the uk I would like to fit as much in a poss. in both parks, although spent two weeks in Orlando last year, didnt get to Universal as we dont drive and we were right down in Lake Beuna Vista. taxis too expensive. The time staying on I Drive and cant wait to do Universal as we were very disappointed we didnt go last time.

 

[Illuminations06]

Although Disney is my favorite place, I love Universal!
The MUST SEE Attractions at USF are: Hulk, Spiderman, Mummy, Ripsaw Falls, Jurrasic Park River Adventure, Dueling Dragons.
On our last trip, we would hit Mummy as soon as the park opened. Surprisingly, there was little wait.
As for good restaurants, I love Margaritaville located in cityWalk (great food, fun atmoshpere) and Mythos in IOA (excellent food, awesome setting)
As for characters, I have only seen Lucy, Woody Wood Pecker and Marvel Superheroes.
Have a Great Trip!!!

 

[disneyloveNY]

In Islands of Adventure-go to Seuss Landing. They have all the Seuss characters-Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and others.
In US-Shrek, Fiona and the Donkey come out right next to the Shrek ride
Scobby Doo, Shaggy, Curious George, the Man with the Yellow Hat
Woody Woodpecker all perform in an outdoor show every hour until 4
near the entrance to the ET ride.
Rides at US-Men In Black-outstanding, ET, Shrek,not terrifying rides at all, and plenty of shows-Animal Actors on Location, Fear Factor, Universal Horror Make-Up Show
You must try Cafe La Bamba at US in Hollywood-CS rotisserie chicken ribs burgers baked beans, corn-delicious!
There is a character breakfast at IOA Confisco Grill wih Cat in the Hat
and there's one coming end of Dec in US at Finnegan's with Scooby Doo, Dora the Explorer, Jimmy Neutron.
At City Walk there is a great family style restaurant that also has CS-Pastamore excellent
The whole experience is fantastic

 

[rpbert1]

the onsite hotels have a few character meals, on different days.
RPR has it on Mon Tue & Sat, have a look on the Universal site

 

[WDWUOFan1]

You should try to see pretty much all, if not most, of the attractions at USF and Islands.