Touring Strategy for US/IOA?

[SheriB]

Does anyone have or know of any touring plans for US/IOA? We use TourGuide Mike for Disney (have never waited in any line more than 15 minutes). Obviously, getting there early helps, but we are only planning on spending one day at both parks, and we would like to optimize our time there. We have been there before, so we know what rides we want to do, and we are not staying on property, so FOTL is not an option. Would it really be worth it to purchase the extra express pass option (there are 6 of us)? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Sheri

 

[macraven]

are all 6 in your party adults?
what date are you considering going to universal?

that info would help in answering your question.


check out the other threads that have the touring question also. but do come back and let us know the above info so we can better guide you.

 

[SheriB]

We have two 16yr olds, a 20 & 22yr old, and my husband and I.
We're planning on going July 11th(it's a Wednesday). TIA for any info. I'll check out other touring questions, too!

Sheri

 

[macraven]

my suggestion would be this:

be at the parking garage before 8
it opens then and if you are in line early, you park earlier and get a better spot.
be at the turnstile by 8:15
guests are usually let in at 8:30 if lines are growing.

not everything will be open at 8:30 as the park officially opens at 9. you will be going on a weekday which is great but still in the middle of summer which brings crowds.

go to IOA first for the coasters.
do hulk, doom, spidey in the beginning. you could do them twice as no crowds will be in the park at that time.
then head towards the back for river adventure if you want a water ride.
go then to dueling dragons, another coaster.
IOA circles around. follow thru until you end in seuss land. its not just for kids. its a colorful area with rides from cat in the hat stories.

hit any other rides or attractions while over there.


you can email guest services and ask them to mail you park guide maps so you can look at what the parks have to offer.

that would help you decide what rides you would really be interested in. jmo


you could be done with IOA by doing the highlights of the coasters by 11.

this is when the crowds start to form.

go over to the studios side.
hit the rides in the back and then move forward if the front is crowded.

aim for mummy, MIB for starters. include T2 show, shrek and any more that you think would be fun for the group. most young adults enjoy the coasters.

there is a lot in the studio side that is appealing to all ages. ET is cute, twister is interesting for one time, horror make up show is my fave, jimmy neutron is fun......get the park maps so you can see what is there and where they are located.


my tips might not be the best for you but it has worked when i have taken my boys to universal.
we stay on site and don't have to rush as we stay for days and use the fotl lanes or single lanes.

that is one thing your group could utilize is the single rider lane. you can't do much talking on some of the rides so you wouldn't miss out if you were separated on a few of them such as MIB.

eat at off times. 11 and 4 for cs should not be crowded. if you eat when others are riding, you will avoid the lunch and dinner crowds.

i think it is tough to try to do both parks in one day but if that is all you can swing for universal, give it your best shot.

get the guide maps as they are free and plan ahead.

wednesday should be good. weekends tend to get very crowded.

more questions, just post here.

 

[macraven]

i did notice you have been at universal before but not sure how long ago.

don't buy the express passes unless you can not do the rides without long waits of an hour.

if you hit IOA first thing in the morning, you would only have waits when you head over to the studios.

you can buy the express pass while you are in the park. you do not have to buy it prior. also, the ex passes are only good for one ride and one attraction for that day. they are only valid for the park you buy them in.

 

[SheriB]

Wow, your plan sounds great. We do plan on going early. I don't mind standing in line, it's just that I know there is usually a way to "beat the crowds" and accomplish more, even though we are going during peak times. We have been to US/IOA 3 or 4 times in the past, so we are familiar with the parks layout. I will get updated maps before we go and have everyone pick their "must do" rides. We go to Orlando just about every year, so we don't need to do the "tourist" things. We just want to be able to enjoy the important stuff (the rides!), and get as many in as possible. We also try to eat during off peak times as well (and if you get there early, you're hungry for lunch by 11 a.m. anyway, right?) Thanks for your help, macraven, I really appreciate it.

Sheri

 

[macraven]

the parks will close at 10 pm when you are there.
crowds can think out some in the late afternoon and people will return to the parks early evening. this happens some for the guests that stay on site.
it might help with lesser crowds then.

it will be hot in july and some families will take afternoon breaks.
if this is the only day your family will be at universal to do both parks, i doubt you will be able to leave the park for a break and still be able to do it all.

if you can hang in there from open to closing, you might be able to hit all the highlights.

take advantage of the single line rides. my boys and i did that and ended up in the same cars for MIB more than one time. we stay on site and can use the express line but still use the single line for mib as we love repeating that ride.

robvia is a regular poster on the uo forums. he also has a very good touring plan.
if you see his name, there should be a link in his siggie you could check out.

once you are done with the parks, you could explore city walk then if you still have the energy

if you need more help, post here or pm me.