Darcy03231
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2006
- Messages
- 11,257
We're back from our trip and we had a great time! We took everyone's advice and on most days got there early and were able to get a lot done in a few hours. Since we were there for two weeks we really didn't have to rush around and try to pack everying into a few days. In all we spent 3 days at Islands of Adventure and 3 days at Universal Studios (and two days at Seaworld, two at Busch Gardens and one at Magic Kingdom for Pirates and Princesses). The only place we skipped was Wet n' Wild. The kids really weren't interested in going as we have large water parks near and they decided they'd rather spend the extra days in either IA or US. We got there either early (in time for rope drop) and stayed until about 2:00 p.m. or later in the afternoon (around 3:00 p.m.) and stayed until close.
The later afternoon worked really well the 2nd week we were there as the Florida kids were back in school and it was much cooler at night. We found that the parks were at their hottest from about 2 pm- 4 pm. On the days we got there early we found that the kids were ready to go back to the vacation house and swim and relax by 2 and really weren't interested in going back at night. We found that there was something for everyone in every park. For those that have young children I will say that my youngest niece had a great time in both IOA and US (although her favorite was the Magic Kingdom). I thought that US/IOA did a great job in providing an area for the little ones in both parks and thought the theming in Seuss Landing was amazing!
There were nine of us, me (45), my mom (71), DD (16), DS (14), my sister (42), her husband (50), and my three nieces (12, 9 & 3) and we stayed in a 5 bdrm/3 bath vacation home with a pool. If you have a large group and are staying for more than a few days this is definitely the way to go. We had plenty of room to spread out and relax and we really enjoyed having our own pool and the full kitchen. For all the ride chickens (I'm one of them) the only rides I didn't do were Hulk, Storm Force Accelatron, Dr. Doom and Dueling Dragons in IOA (although I will admit to shutting my eyes on the down part of Spiderman). I did everything else in IOA and US at least once.
By taking the two weeks we were able to see and do everything and still have time to relax. We didn't bother with Express passes as we had so much time. The first week we were there the parks were crowded and by 11:00 a.m. the lines were really starting to form and by 2:00 p.m. the lines for the more popular rides were at least an hour to an hour and half. The second week the Florida kids were back to school and while it wasn't as crowded it was still pretty hot. That week by 11:00 a.m. the popular rides had wait times of about 30-35 minutes and by 2:00 p.m. they were about 45 minutes. When we went back at night they were down to about 30-35 minutes. When we got home I felt like I'd had a vacation and didn't need a vacation from my vacation. If you have the time I would highly recommend doing this way, especially in the summer months.
I'll be back in Orlando next summer and spending the first part of it in WDW (DD has a dance competition) and we do plan to go back to US/IOA for at least two -three days and stay on property since we won't have a much time. We all enjoyed the parks very much. Having been to WDW many times over the last ten years I will say that I thought the parks were just as clean (if not cleaner) than at WDW, the theming was just as good, and the staff as friendly and welcoming. We all thought the shows were great, especially the Hollywood Horror Make-Up Show (I think we saw that one four times)! If you're reading this and haven't been - GO! (and do it with an open mind if you've been to WDW) I think you'll find you really like it.
If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to try to answer them.
The later afternoon worked really well the 2nd week we were there as the Florida kids were back in school and it was much cooler at night. We found that the parks were at their hottest from about 2 pm- 4 pm. On the days we got there early we found that the kids were ready to go back to the vacation house and swim and relax by 2 and really weren't interested in going back at night. We found that there was something for everyone in every park. For those that have young children I will say that my youngest niece had a great time in both IOA and US (although her favorite was the Magic Kingdom). I thought that US/IOA did a great job in providing an area for the little ones in both parks and thought the theming in Seuss Landing was amazing!
There were nine of us, me (45), my mom (71), DD (16), DS (14), my sister (42), her husband (50), and my three nieces (12, 9 & 3) and we stayed in a 5 bdrm/3 bath vacation home with a pool. If you have a large group and are staying for more than a few days this is definitely the way to go. We had plenty of room to spread out and relax and we really enjoyed having our own pool and the full kitchen. For all the ride chickens (I'm one of them) the only rides I didn't do were Hulk, Storm Force Accelatron, Dr. Doom and Dueling Dragons in IOA (although I will admit to shutting my eyes on the down part of Spiderman). I did everything else in IOA and US at least once.
By taking the two weeks we were able to see and do everything and still have time to relax. We didn't bother with Express passes as we had so much time. The first week we were there the parks were crowded and by 11:00 a.m. the lines were really starting to form and by 2:00 p.m. the lines for the more popular rides were at least an hour to an hour and half. The second week the Florida kids were back to school and while it wasn't as crowded it was still pretty hot. That week by 11:00 a.m. the popular rides had wait times of about 30-35 minutes and by 2:00 p.m. they were about 45 minutes. When we went back at night they were down to about 30-35 minutes. When we got home I felt like I'd had a vacation and didn't need a vacation from my vacation. If you have the time I would highly recommend doing this way, especially in the summer months.
I'll be back in Orlando next summer and spending the first part of it in WDW (DD has a dance competition) and we do plan to go back to US/IOA for at least two -three days and stay on property since we won't have a much time. We all enjoyed the parks very much. Having been to WDW many times over the last ten years I will say that I thought the parks were just as clean (if not cleaner) than at WDW, the theming was just as good, and the staff as friendly and welcoming. We all thought the shows were great, especially the Hollywood Horror Make-Up Show (I think we saw that one four times)! If you're reading this and haven't been - GO! (and do it with an open mind if you've been to WDW) I think you'll find you really like it.
If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to try to answer them.
