Suggestions for only one day at Universal.

[DawnCt1]

The last time we were at Universal, DS 12 (at the time) was in a wheelchair. We breezed to the front of the line and saw everthing that we wanted to see. The first time we were at Universal the lines were so long that we saw no more than 6 major attractions. We have no one injured in our party now, (which is actually a good thing) and we won't be staying on site; is there a "front of the line" pass that can be purchased for an additional cost? Also, what's a good strategy in terms of arrival, first attractions, etc. Thanks,

 

[spatenfloot]

Just show up as soon as the park opens and you can do the popular rides with no wait. Also get an express pass for later. Once things get crowded, you can do an early lunch or something and then go ride again when others at eating.

 

[Figment22]

You can purchase an express pass booklet which gives you one front of the line access pass for each park attraction but the prices for the booklet vary based on the season. Summertime, holidays the price for the booklet is higher.

There is also an express pass option just like FastPass at WDW, but for the top attractions these can sometimes be gone by mid-morning.

Just as at WDW the best advice is be at the gate when the parks open. At Universal Studios this is what we do: At opening, we catch the first showing of Shrek (although since USF opened a second theater at Shrek, it's even possible to see this in the afternoon now.) We then get express passes for the Mummy for later in the day as we like to ride more than once. Mummy express passes are distributed in front of the entrance to Twister. Then we take our first ride on The Mummy (and usually our second ). Head to the back of the park and ride Men In Black. At this point we usually will ride Jaws which is close to MIB and is a slow loader later in the day. If you want to be jostled to death by riding Back to the Future, now's the time to do it. ET would be next for us on the circuit. From this point on, you can pick and choose as the crowds will be heavier but the bottlenecks will be behind you. The main attractions remaining would be Terminator 2, Twister, Earthquake and Jimmy Neutron. Terminator is excellent but the pre-show is so boring we often skip it. Twister, Earthquake and Jimmy Neutron are "take it or leave it" as far as we're concerned. Don't miss the Horror Make-Up Show.

If you're considering Islands of Adventure, here's our game plan: At opening, head immediately for the Hulk coaster. You'll have to stow your gear in an adjacent locker. Then ride Spiderman. If Dr. Doom is on your list, ride it now. It's never on mine! If you're going to do the water rides in Toon Lagoon ride Ripsaw Falls first and then head for Bilge Rat Barges. Dry off by heading to Lost Continent for Dueling Dragons. You can ride both coasters one right after the other. Then double back to Jurassic Park for the JP River Adventure. Check the park schedule for times for the Sindbad show which is very enjoyable. Try to catch Poseidon's Fury as you head back toward the front of the park. Finish in Seuss Landing. The Cat in the Hat is fun even if your little ones are no longer little! (Like mine )

Hope this helps.