Top 5 Suggestions

[Flickster]

Please list your Top 5 suggestions for visiting Universal Studios. (Items such as parking, ticketing, passes, dining, must-do's, reservations, etc.) Thank you.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

MUST DO:

Spiderman
Mummy
Horror Make-Up Show
Popeye
Hulk

 

[Illuminations06]

i would suggest spending the majority of the morning and afternoon in the parks, then make sure to have a late lunch or early dinner at some of the restaurants like:
* Margaritaville- really great food and fun atmoshpere
* Hard Rock Cafe- very entertaining, but the food is just average i think
* Mythos- this is located in the Lost Continent in IOA, the atmosphere is really amazing

i would go to the Studios in the morning, the crowds are usually not as bad here in the beginning of the day because most of the people go straight to IOA

i think the top 5 Must-Do's in both of the parks are:
* Revenge of the Mummy
* Hulk Rollercoaster
* The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
* Dueling Dragons
* Ripsaw Falls

 

[sha_lyn]

think the top 5 Must-Do's in both of the parks are:
* Revenge of the Mummy
* Hulk Rollercoaster
* The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
* Dueling Dragons
* Ripsaw Falls

Stick MIB in the place fo Ripsaw and you have my top 5

 

[Lisa P.]

We recently came back from our first IOA/USO trip - LOVED it, btw!

Parking: Once per day in the garage, don't repay if you leave and return w/receipt.

Passes: 7-day/2-park is best value if you'll go for more than one day. It's under $100, upgradable to Annual Pass inside the parks. Look for 3-month pass at the same price at Costco, which seems to have them for a few weeks, a couple times per year.

Dining: *** Do not forget to ask for a AAA 10% discount with your AAA card, every time you purchase any food, beverages or souvies at the parks and resorts. We usually forgot!

If 2 or more people in your group want to get a cheeseburger, buy the double cheeseburger ($1 more than a single) and add an "extra bun" (another $1). Then switch the second burger to the bun and share the large side of fries. Instead of ~$13 for 2 quarter pound single cheeseburgers and 2 large sides of fries, you'll pay ~$8 for 2 quarter pound single cheeseburgers and 2 small sides of fries. Add condiments (nice fresh stuff at Richters).

Two if us shared a beef filet meal and a (dinner plate-sized) side salad for lunch at Mythos. It was PLENTY of food, deliciously prepared, in a great atmosphere for an excellent price for that kind of food. They are only open for lunch during quieter seasons. Priority seating recommended in busier seasons.

Starbucks coffee is available at several locations but it's Starbucks-priced. Unlike Disney, the regular/decaf coffee sold at the counter service places at Universal is actual, brewed coffee and it's good and it's reasonably priced.

Saving on ice cream: Get the largest helping, ask for a courtesy water cup and split the ice cream.

Must-do's: Covered by others... As a long time Disney fan, I was absolutely delighted at how immersive some areas are, particularly the Lost Continent, Suess Island and Jurassic Park at IOA and Amity in USO. Our teens asked if they brought in the seagulls to Amity and how they kept them there for the atmosphere. LOL! Apparently, the many outdoor eating areas there are the trick but I'm not so sure that was actually planned. It did add to the appeal, though.

Have fun!!! We look forward to returning very soon!

 

[keishashadow]

#1 & #2 of 5 (or the only ones i can think of right now lol)

1) if staying onsite, do not rely on your room key working @ Citywalk restaurants ...bring another form of payment with you...we ran into problems last 2 visits @ NBA & NASCAR ; glad DH had some $ on him

2) buy the refillable mugs in the parks, we even drug them along for 2nd trip in Dec...huge money saver

 

[Flickster]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I like your style Lisa P.

 

[bubba's mom]

I suggest you study the DIS, ask questions and buy Kelly Monaghan's book Universal Orlando It's the Universal "bible" like UOG is to WDW.....

 

[kirbsam]

1. get to the parks early.
2. ride front seat of hulk and dueling dragons
3. go to mythos
4. get green eggs and ham
5. see #1.

 

[keishashadow]

I suggest you study the DIS, ask questions and buy Kelly Monaghan's book Universal Orlando It's the Universal "bible" like UOG is to WDW.....

and it's alot easier to tote around with you ...

in your fanny pack

 

[cbdmhgp]

It's always hard for me to decide 5 must do's out of all the great things at USO. But, if I had to it would be

1.Mummy
2. MIB
3. Hulk
4.Spiderman
5.To top it all off you have to eat at Margaritaville, and of course get a Margarita there.

 

[Planogirl]

Just about everything has already been covered but I suggest maybe eating lunch in Citywalk at least one day. Getting a break from the parks is nice and it's super that all of this is within walking distance.

Another thing, do see the Marvel Super Hero characters come out even if you're just an adult group. There's something cool about seeing them and they all look good, well except for Wolverine.