Touring U/IoA w FOTL in July

[shendley]

My family and I are going to Universal/Islands of Adventure this July for 2 and a half days (more like 2.25, really, since we're getting there about 5 p.m. and then staying two full days after that). We're staying at the Portofino Bay Hotel and so have FOTL passes. But I've never toured the parks with this before (we visited both parks a few years ago - year IoA opened, but stayed off site). So I'm looking for any expert advice any of you might have as to touring strategies.

So far I've picked up this information from the Tour Guide Mike discussion boards: Get there at opening, do Pteradon (sp?) Flyers first because they don't use FOTL, then do the rides we want in pretty much any order and as many times as we like, planning on getting out for a break sometime in the early afternoon before the crowd density reaches its peak. Does anyone have any more advice (or any alternative advice, for that matter)? I've used Tour Guide Mike to tour Disney two times in the past (third coming up this July after we do U/IoA) and I've gotten used to having a maxed out amount of information about how to get the most out of the parks. So I'm just fishing for more information like that about U/IoA.

Any help is much appreciated!

 

[damo]

That is good info. Pteranadon Flyers should be done immediately upon entering the park at opening to minimize lines. It is a very, very low capacity ride and lines get long very quickly.

You have lots of time, so make sure you see EVERYTHING!!!

Eat at Mythos!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

That's pretty solid info. When you take your break, head for the hotel pool. You can check out the PBH pool, HRH pool, and even the RPR pool with your room key. I've heard much praise about all 3 and the HRH pool has underwater music.

Don't rush it, stop by the Mystic Fountain in IOA, and check out all the hidden nooks and crannies. There's a lot to see, so just take it slow.

 

[shendley]

Thanks for the info - especially the bit about having access to all the hotel pools. I hadn't heard about that. One question, though: what is the Mystic Fountain? I couldn't find anything about it at the IoA website.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for the info - especially the bit about having access to all the hotel pools. I hadn't heard about that. One question, though: what is the Mystic Fountain? I couldn't find anything about it at the IoA website.

He's a talking fountain in the Lost Continent section and is a riot! He sprays water on the people standing around and jokes with the kids. Don't miss it!

 

[bubba's mom]

You will be fine with your roomkey for FOTL. Do what you want when the mood strikes

Also, if you are a AAA member, take your card and show it everywhere....you'll get a discount at most restaurants and shopping stores.

 

[mslclark]

We've been twice in July and stayed onsite - we did everything we wanted over and over and over. We hit the parks early and are usually done by about 2 pm each day. Spent the rest of the day at the pool. You'll have a great time!

 

[malakoski]

Where is the Tour Guide Mike info on Universal? I have been looking everywhere- I have used him for Disney and loved his advise but have been assuming he didnt do Universal because I couldn't find anything. I am sooooo excited!
Thanks

 

[MoSoccerMom]

Does Tour Guide Mike actually do plans for Universal, or is there just info from members on his discussion boards? I have also used it for Disney and found it very helpful.

 

[mareed]

Does Tour Guide Mike actually do plans for Universal, or is there just info from members on his discussion boards? I have also used it for Disney and found it very helpful.

Yep, this is it. Info from members on the discussion boards.

 

[bubba's mom]

You don't really need a 'tour guide' per se when going to Universal.....ESPECIALLY if you're staying onsite.

Feel like going on the next ride you come upon? Go ahead...with hardly NO wait with your FOTL

 

[calgarygary]

Frankly, I don't think that Pteranodon Flyers is worth racing out of the hotel for. The beauty of fotl is that you can do the parks at a nice pace and don't have to be there at opening. Take it easy - you have fotl!

 

[bubba's mom]

Frankly, I don't think that Pteranodon Flyers is worth racing out of the hotel for.

i agree...it's not...however, if you've never been there, you want to see what you're missing

 

[La2kw]

The best thing about FOTL is you don't really have to plan. You can sleep late and jump on any ride whenever you feel like it. It is so opposite what a WDW vacation is like. We don't bother with Pterandon Flyers since it's basically a kiddie ride, but DD has ridden it in the past. You definitely have to get there early for that one, but not for anything else.

 

[calgarygary]

i agree...it's not...however, if you've never been there, you want to see what you're missing

Maybe we should do a poll on whether anyone thinks the Flyers is worth waking up early for.

 

[bubba's mom]

Maybe we should do a poll on whether anyone thinks the Flyers is worth waking up early for.

i haven't been to the boards yet...but....

okay.... I nominate you

 

[ky07]

i haven't been to the boards yet...but....

okay.... I nominate you

Second that nomination

 

[calgarygary]

Teaches me to speak up. The @#$% poll is up!

 

[ky07]

Teaches me to speak up. The @#$% poll is up!

 

[MrsMud]

I would say the only real touring strategy needed (besides PF), is if you want to ride the front row of the coasters without a long wait. Even with FOTL, once the line breaks for front row their can be a fairly long wait. So if this is important to you (and I HIGHLY recommend it for Dueling Dragons and the Mummy), then you may want to hit these rides fairly early, before the crowds get big. Oh, and also the (Popeye and Dudley Dooright) water rides can build up a long FOTL wait during the hotter months.