totally clueless

[crystalsmom1021]

Absolutely worth it. We use EP even when it's not busy......hate queueing.....

Even in so called quiet times, some rides just have long queues always.......Despicable Me is one of them.......queues last September averaged a 70-110 minute wait. We were on in no time with EP. Usually more or less walked straight on, sometimes had a 5 minute wait if we had just missed the EP line entering. Longest was just under 15 minutes when the regular queue was 2 hours.

So, for us we wouldn't be without it........others say they manage just fine without it.........

You said the Queues last September averaged 70-110 wait. When did you go last year. The crowd calendar is showing my days at a 3 and 4 with a max wait of 30 mins

 

[schumigirl]

Same time we go every year, mid September to first week in October.

I was talking about Despicable Me having queues in that time range as you can see in my post. Never saw it less than an hour our whole trip.

Other queues varied........

 

[macraven]

I have found that DM has lines most of the time no matter when I go in October starting from the 1 st

Ep lines that I use for this ride have been the longest wait for me

One time it topped 20 minutes when they had a section of seats blocked off on the ride

It's popular and entire families can do this ride as there are stationary seats in the front row where parents can hold their littles

 

[ThemeParkGuy]

You will love the Universal Hotel experience. I love the hard rock and its our go to hotel- but hitting the portofino this December.

 

[eeyoreiscute]

We have almost decided to go only universal. For the cost, and my families dislike of Hollywood Studios and Epcot, it is seeming more and more like a possibility. I am bummed but the rest of them are in.

 

[macraven]

We have almost decided to go only universal. For the cost, and my families dislike of Hollywood Studios and Epcot, it is seeming more and more like a possibility. I am bummed but the rest of them are in.

why be bummed out?
you'll have a marvelous time at the darkside.

hope you go into visiting the darkside with an open mind and try not to compare the two parks.

it is different and is a different type of entertainment

hopefully you will enjoy the time there with your family.

 

[eeyoreiscute]

I am a motion sick prone non thrill ride park person. And ive not read harry potter (gasp). I am not sure what i will do while my hubs and kids ride

 

[angryduck71]

I get motion sickness BADLY. I got a prescription for the patch you wear behind your ear and it worked MIRACLES. I can ride almost anything now.

Also, read the Harry Potter books. I read them as an adult. I loved them. Then, when I had a kid, I re-read them. Loved them again. You don't have to read them to love that area, but they really are a wonderful read and will help you enjoy. I promise!

 

[schumigirl]

I am a motion sick prone non thrill ride park person. And ive not read harry potter (gasp). I am not sure what i will do while my hubs and kids ride

Have a look at the website.........www.universalorlando.com

There are lots of things to do and see if you are not a keen rider.......there are shows......Horror Make up is an excellent one........it's very funny........it's not fun suffering from motion issues. Bonine works for me for the most part, except for Simpsons.......only thing I won't, well, can't go on.

The parks are very pretty and have areas to sit and relax in. As well as rides that are not for thrill seekers.

You'll be able to also your time easily..........

 

[crystalsmom1021]

Same time we go every year, mid September to first week in October.

I was talking about Despicable Me having queues in that time range as you can see in my post. Never saw it less than an hour our whole trip.

Other queues varied........

Thanks for the response. Got a little excited. I see now it was just the one queue you referenced

 

[WorldWacky]

This thread has been very helpful for me too! We're headed to "the Darkside" next week for two days with an overnight stay at Royal Pacific. We're camping at Fort Wilderness right now. We DID end up going into MK yesterday after all. I was plan less for the first time ever and worked quickly to get FP+s. I'm looking forward to being able to use the Express Pass and already having that sorted out. And with Hulk being opened again, I think my daredevils are never going to look at Disney the same way!

 

[angryduck71]

This thread has been very helpful for me too! We're headed to "the Darkside" next week for two days with an overnight stay at Royal Pacific. We're camping at Fort Wilderness right now. We DID end up going into MK yesterday after all. I was plan less for the first time ever and worked quickly to get FP+s. I'm looking forward to being able to use the Express Pass and already having that sorted out. And with Hulk being opened again, I think my daredevils are never going to look at Disney the same way!

If they're like my son, they'll end up liking Universal better…. next time we go to Disney (next year), we're just going two days: one day for the the Thrills VIP tour and spending the evening doing Star Wars stuff, then one day for me (EPCOT). Five or six days at Universal.

 

[Disney Ron]

We were booked for Disney 8/23-8/30 with Free Dining when I said to the wife and kids how does everyone feel about doing UO for the week instead? To my surprise everyone said lets do it so I cancelled all my FP+'s and ADR's and cancelled our FD reservation and it's on to UO. We bought 4 Premier AP's and are staying at RPR. How relaxing the decision already is. No FP's or ADR's to make. It's going to be so nice eating when we want to on each day and not having to guess when we'll be hungry 6 months in advance.

We all love the pools so now there will be plenty of pool time for everyone(and pool bar time for Daddy)!!!

We're excited about the great dining options at UO, and can't wait to see the WWoHP.

The real thing we are looking for the most is a relaxing and fun vacation.

Oh and how could I forget, Express Pass!!!

 

[macraven]

What a great story on how you planned your vacation to the darkside

Once you take it please come back and share your thoughts with us

If you have any questions before your trip, we are here to help

 

[Disney Ron]

What a great story on how you planned your vacation to the darkside

Once you take it please come back and share your thoughts with us

If you have any questions before your trip, we are here to help

mac, if you were talking to me I sure will let you all know how it went. You have all been really helpful. In the last 3 weeks you all have taught me plenty and I don't feel as dumbfounded as I was previously.

It's funny, but Disney really p*ssed me and my wife off this year so I said to her that I refuse to give them my money so how about UO. The kids were all into it even though they love WDW, but what surprised me was when my wife happily agreed. We have been watching Youtube videos of the entire resort, hotels, parks and CityWalk.

I can't tell you how excited we are.

 

[damo]

@Disney Ron , a few things that go overlooked at the parks but that are great fun are the Curious George Ball Factory at Universal.....sounds like it is just for little kids but if you go into the main building at the back it is a HUGE area where you shoot balls... those little plastic balls. It is great fun for all ages. There is also a water area there that is really refreshing in the extreme heat.

At IOA, the Jurassic Park Playground is also a ton of fun that goes overlooked. Lots of caves and climbing things. Well worth a visit.

When you need a heat break, also try the Jurassic Park Discovery Centre.

 

[macraven]

Oh yea I was asking disney Ron to share with us when he returns !

 

[kwdw]

I am a motion sick prone non thrill ride park person. And ive not read harry potter (gasp). I am not sure what i will do while my hubs and kids ride

Oh - I TOTALLY feel for you, then. US/IoA are not great parks for those of us who get motion sick and don't love thrill rides at all. Too many simulators and large coasters. I LOVE Harry Potter - and hanging out in those areas make the trip worth it to me. Now - do your homework on the rides, though! You can figure out which ones you might be able to tolerate - there are some. And a couple of them - you can ask for stationary sitting or standing which can help alot.

US/IoA does also have a few shows and character meet and greets. Citywalk is fun to browse through. And while I don't find the dining options as extensive as WDW - there are some fun QS places in the parks. And I find the staff/themed areas at US/IoA to be as nice as Disney - so that always makes for a pleasant experience.

If you like to read - I'd suggest trying to read at least the first Harry Potter book before you go. That will give you the references you need to really understand the HP areas. There are some spots in both of those sections when you can get a drink or ice cream, sit in the shade, and people watch. Also - you can WALK THROUGH the castle in Hogsmeade, you can skip the ride - but still see most of the queue.

So - I get it - but those of us who just either don't like thrill rides or can't handle the motion sickness - you can have fun. But really - READ up - YouTube videos, etc. The first time I went - I didn't do that and I just really felt like there wasn't much there for me - but the second time - I did more of that and knew more about what I could do. The info ON SITE about this is not very good, BTW.

 

[Disney Ron]

@Disney Ron , a few things that go overlooked at the parks but that are great fun are the Curious George Ball Factory at Universal.....sounds like it is just for little kids but if you go into the main building at the back it is a HUGE area where you shoot balls... those little plastic balls. It is great fun for all ages. There is also a water area there that is really refreshing in the extreme heat.

At IOA, the Jurassic Park Playground is also a ton of fun that goes overlooked. Lots of caves and climbing things. Well worth a visit.

When you need a heat break, also try the Jurassic Park Discovery Centre.

damo, those are definitely things my two kids will love. Thanks for the heads up.

I love the Universal boards!!!

 

[macraven]

The darkside forums and threads are full of really nice people

Many will help others as best as they can

And if anyone gets on someone 's nerves, everyone still plays nice

Everyone that posts are thoughtful of others
It is a rare day that we see snarky remarks
When we do, it is all forgotten quickly