Touring questions

[princesskenziesmom]

We will be going to US/IOA on March 11 &12. It is my dh, myself, dd and ds (12) and ds (9). We will be staying onsite and will have EE and EP. We will not get into our hotel until about noon on the 11th and all day the 12th before our cruise. I have a few questions if some of you can help me:
1. We are planning on hitting Marvel Super Heroes and Jurassic Park on the 11th after we get in, but wondering how hard it is to get over to US without taking the Hogwarts Express. Is it decent walking distance? We are wanting to hit up some of the rides over there such as Transformers, Mummy, and RRR. Is this possible or is it too much? My youngest ds wants to ride all of those rides and isn't into HP which my oldest ds is.
2. We are planning on doing Hogwarts but after reading all of the posts, it looks like we should start at US and go to Gringotts/Diagon Alley/Ollivanders first then take the train over to IOA but concerned that Hogwarts and FJ are going to be packed by the time we make it over there,,,any thoughts? I am planning on letting my dh and ds go back to hotel and stay until night with my oldest ds and dd.
3. We have the dining plan reserved (have not made final payment yet) but after reading up about it, it doesn't look like a great idea. It seems the menus and places to eat are very limited. Does anyone recommend it or is it better just to wing it. My dh hates to be strapped down to every little detail and my oldest ds is Autistic and is a very picky eater.
4. Where is everyone finding the possible attendance for the parks on those days? I saw in several threads that people were looking it up to get the possible attendance on their days they visit but can't find it.

TIA

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

1) Gate to gate is a comfortable 4-5 minute walk, 2-3 if you want to push it. The parks are very close together. Marvel Island is very close to the front gate of IofA, Jurassic Park is further. I would start with Jurassic, then head back to Marvel, then head over to Universal. The three rides you mentioned at Universal are not very far from gate, so this plan is very doable. If you start crossing over to Simpsons or Men in Black, it could be a lot of walking in one day.
2)My wife teaches autistic children, so I know there is a large range of concerns on the autism spectrum, so #2 really depends. Unless you are an HP nut and have to follow the books in a certain order, there is no need to complete them in a certain order. There is something to seeing Diagon Alley first as Harry did, riding the train to the castle, then heading back to Gringott's, but it is by no means necessary. Just know the castle ride entails the first 3 movies or so and Gringott's is the last book. Again, I understand the with some children with autism that order is very important, but sans that specific need, a shorter wait time wins out!!! So, you might want to complete #1 in reverse order - head to universal and do Transformers, RRR, and Mummy with Express, head to IofA and do Marvel, Jurassic Park, then Hogsmeade in the evening, if not too tired.
3)There are situations when the meal plan works out, but no need to reserve it. You can buy on the spot - usually as you checkout at one of the more expensive counter service options, they will offer you the upgrade to the meal plan that will get you a snack for later in the day for the same/similar price. Go with the flow, eat where you want.
4)It will be busy, very busy - Do HP early and late, use EP during the day. You will be fine, you are staying onsite.