Tips for Universal virgins with only 1 day?

[Hobbes]

I did 1 day at Universal in 1991, DH has never been at all. We are both wusses over big coasters so aren't interested in Hulk, Dragons or RRR. We have finally decided to do a 1 day visit this time and then if Mickey doesn't change his greedy nickel and diming, we can plan in more days on our next visit. We have found a 1 day 2 park touring plan in UG, which seems to cover most of what we want to see, but what tips do you all have? Wheres good for eating-QS only, we don't want to commit time to TS meal. We'll be visiting first week in November so probably won't run into humongous crowds, but also probably don't want to drown on Bilge Rats or Dudley Do-right.

 

[angryduck71]

Are you Potter fans? That's a big question. Orlandorindormer.com gives some great tips as well.

 

[schumigirl]

damo has created a fantastic food thread in the stickies above that has all the restaurants listed with menus. You'll be able to chose what type of food you enjoy from that.

Check out the park layout on the website www.universalorlando.com ...........it is full of all info on the parks you need.

You don't really need a touring plan with going at a relatively quiet time anyway. Familiarise the park layout and decide what your targets are. The fact you know what rides you don't want be going on helps too.

 

[Mrsjvb]

best option, if you can afford it it, is to stay on site, get in to HP land an hour early, do that, then take the Hogwarts express over to the other park.

we did mostly sit down so cannot offer any advice on QS

 

[perditax]

I did 1 day at Universal in 1991, DH has never been at all. We are both wusses over big coasters so aren't interested in Hulk, Dragons or RRR. We have finally decided to do a 1 day visit this time and then if Mickey doesn't change his greedy nickel and diming, we can plan in more days on our next visit. We have found a 1 day 2 park touring plan in UG, which seems to cover most of what we want to see, but what tips do you all have? Wheres good for eating-QS only, we don't want to commit time to TS meal. We'll be visiting first week in November so probably won't run into humongous crowds, but also probably don't want to drown on Bilge Rats or Dudley Do-right.

I've come away from lots of reading with the following impressions: thunder falls terrace, either of the HP dining venues, and the Fast Food/Simpsons areas are all good for QS. Thunder Falls occasionally gets actual raves.

 

[Hobbes]

Are you Potter fans? That's a big question. Orlandorindormer.com gives some great tips as well.

Yes, that's DH's main reason for finally saying "OK lets try it" Before he's always been of the opinion that if we are having a day off from Disney, why go to another theme park! OK, we'll take a look at that site.

damo has created a fantastic food thread in the stickies above that has all the restaurants listed with menus. You'll be able to chose what type of food you enjoy from that.
Check out the park layout on the website www.universalorlando.com ...........it is full of all info on the parks you need.
You don't really need a touring plan with going at a relatively quiet time anyway. Familiarise the park layout and decide what your targets are. The fact you know what rides you don't want be going on helps too.

Thanks for that too-I naively assumed there would be the same info around for Universal Dining as there is for Disney-we can quote Disney menus off by heart. Thanks for telling me where to look!

It just feels really weird going to a theme park that we don't know like the back of our hand (the temptation to tell you all about a little freckle near my thumb, like Gonzo on Muppet Christmas Carol is great...must resist) but at the same time very exciting. I was already a WDW veteran by the time I introduced DH to the parks, so it will be really nice to experience something new (or nearly new for me) together.
Thanks everyone

 

[angryduck71]

Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron are fun QS restaurants in Harry Potter areas.

 

[imprint]

If you only have one day, recognize you probably can't do everything you would normally do with more time. Although Universal has many great attractions, the undisputed crown jewel is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Even if you aren't a fan of the books/movies, the Harry Potter areas cannot be missed. The issue, though is the HP areas are split between the two parks. So, park hopper tickets are necessary. An extra benefit to having hoppers though is you have access to the Hogwarts Express that runs between the HP areas (both HP areas are in the back of their respective parks, so that saves a lot of walking and time).

Like you said, it will probably be too cold for the water rides, so that (plus not being interested in Hulk and Dueling Dragons) will make it easier to get through Islands of Adventure quicker. One tour option would be to start in IoA (stop to ride Spider-Man or check out the Dr. Seuss area) and visit Hogsmead. Browse the shops, get a butter beer, eat at 3 Broomsticks, Ride Forbidden Journey, and then take the Hogwarts Express over to Diagon Alley in the Studios park. Ride Gringotts, get some ice cream, watch the wizards using their wands, (if you skipped 3 Broomsticks) eat at Leaky Cauldron, throughly explore the area (so many details to be seen), then head out of Diagon Alley into London. Then make a loop around the park and ride/watch what interests you.

If you want help figuring out a plan, just let us know which rides, shows, and restaurants you want to visit. A descriptor (must see, would like to see, only if there is time, etc.) would be great too. We can try our best to make sure you get the most out of your day at Universal.

Edited to add: I heard Halloween Horror Nights will extend a few days further into November this year, so if you are into haunted houses, I strongly recommend you consider going. Also, that just reminded me, your tour plan will need to take into consideration that the Studios park closes at 5:00 on HHN days (IOA stays open a couple of hours later). So, that might affect where you start and stop your tour.