Traveling with a first-timer.

[sarahcathryn]

I have lived in Florida my whole life and have been to the parks many, many times. However, this time I will be heading to Universal Orlando for my 21st birthday with my boyfriend who has never been. We will be there 2/24-26/2012 and will be staying onsite at the Royal Pacific Resort. We have one full day, Saturday, devoted to both parks. I know only setting aside one day (especially a Saturday!) to do both parks is a tight squeeze but we both have to get back to work on Monday. I live about an hour away from the parks and would go frequently on the weekends, and always with people who have grown up going to the parks like myself. We would just ride what we wanted to ride, see what we would want to see and then head out for some other Orlando activities. Sad to say I don't remember the last time I actually even ate at the parks.

So, with all that in mind, what MUST he see and do? And even myself, I want to "re-discover" USF and IOA since it's been a long while since I've actually enjoyed my time. I haven't been since the opening of WWOHP so I know that is a must! We aren't fans of Harry Potter but I've been told by other non-fans that the island and rides are their favorites. Thanks everyone for your time!

 

[macraven]

I have lived in Florida my whole life and have been to the parks many, many times. However, this time I will be heading to Universal Orlando for my 21st birthday with my boyfriend who has never been. We will be there 2/24-26/2012 and will be staying onsite at the Royal Pacific Resort. We have one full day, Saturday, devoted to both parks. I know only setting aside one day (especially a Saturday!) to do both parks is a tight squeeze but we both have to get back to work on Monday. I live about an hour away from the parks and would go frequently on the weekends, and always with people who have grown up going to the parks like myself. We would just ride what we wanted to ride, see what we would want to see and then head out for some other Orlando activities. Sad to say I don't remember the last time I actually even ate at the parks.

So, with all that in mind, what MUST he see and do? And even myself, I want to "re-discover" USF and IOA since it's been a long while since I've actually enjoyed my time. I haven't been since the opening of WWOHP so I know that is a must! We aren't fans of Harry Potter but I've been told by other non-fans that the island and rides are their favorites. Thanks everyone for your time!

happy early 21st birthday!!
be sure to hit Finnegans for a drink..

everyone has favorite rides for some reason or other.
i always make sure i do some of the attractions a couple of times a day.
Horror Make Up Show is a big hit for me.
love the Mummy ride, MIB and the Simpsons.
and i love everything at Seuss section...

i'm not a parry hotter fan but really do enjoy the FJ ride.
Spiderman and Dr. Doom are two rides at IOA i never miss.

since you will be staying onsite, use the early entry for IOA.
hit potter, do the ride, walk around in that section and then go for the other featured rides there.
move over to the studios side for the rest of the day.

try lunch at Boulangerie at the studios.
don't forget to order cheesecake there.

if you can, end the evening back at IOA for some more Potter.
lines are shorter the hour or so before closing.

you'll be able to use the express lines so hopefully you can do the highlights of rides and attractions at both parks easily.

not sure but are there any concerts at the studios when you are going?

 

[sarahcathryn]

happy early 21st birthday!!
be sure to hit Finnegans for a drink..

everyone has favorite rides for some reason or other.
i always make sure i do some of the attractions a couple of times a day.
Horror Make Up Show is a big hit for me.
love the Mummy ride, MIB and the Simpsons.
and i love everything at Seuss section...

i'm not a parry hotter fan but really do enjoy the FJ ride.
Spiderman and Dr. Doom are two rides at IOA i never miss.

since you will be staying onsite, use the early entry for IOA.
hit potter, do the ride, walk around in that section and then go for the other featured rides there.
move over to the studios side for the rest of the day.

try lunch at Boulangerie at the studios.
don't forget to order cheesecake there.

if you can, end the evening back at IOA for some more Potter.
lines are shorter the hour or so before closing.

you'll be able to use the express lines so hopefully you can do the highlights of rides and attractions at both parks easily.

not sure but are there any concerts at the studios when you are going?

Thanks for the early birthday wish! I'm sure I'll be hitting a couple of places for drinks

Thank you for all your advice! I'm not sure if there is a concert on that date but there still be the Mardi Gras parade and festivities afterward at City Walk which is something exciting for him to witness!