Two days at US/IOA

[Procrastinate]

We were there 7/19-7/20. We were staying in a house in Davenport, so it was a bit of a drive to Universal. However, we really liked the area since it was newer and far less congested than other areas around Universal/Disney.

We arrived at the RPR around 10 to check-in. We got our keycards, found a parking spot close to the hotel, and headed to IOA. With FOTL access, we had no problem doing everything at IOA by 7 including a nice lunch at Confisco Grille. RPR had called during the day to say that our room was ready, but we didn't check in until after we were done at the park. We went to the room to change out of our wet clothes and relax for a while. We did not stay at the RPR. We only used the room to relax and change, and then went back to our rented house for the night.

The second day we returned to the RPR around 10 to check out. Again we were able to get a good parking spot close to the hotel. We then spent the day at USO. We again finished the park before closing and did not stay to see the evening show/fireworks. Lunch was at Lombards. We enjoyed our first time on the Simpson's ride. Nothing else was new to us. We were disappointed that RRR wasn't working yet.

We like Universal restaurants better than Disney because the menu had a lot more choices, they were far cheaper than Disney, and you could walk in with little to no wait. The service was good, but not great. We had a minor problem at each restaurant.

The room at RPR was definitely worth it because we were easily able to do both parks in two days. We were in tower 3, closest to the boat to the parks. The view was awful, a road and a mucky pond, but I wasn't paying for a view.

 

[phamton]

That was smart getting the onsite hotel for FOTL even if you weren't staying there. How many were in your group?

We like Universal restaurants better than Disney because the menu had a lot more choices, they were far cheaper than Disney

I've always thought that also and am surprised when people post about how much higher the food is at Universal.

 

[Procrastinate]

There were 5 of us - 3 adults and 2 teens. We would not be able to comfortably share two queens and one bathroom. If we were staying, we would have gotten two rooms or split up so some went back to the house and some stayed at RPR. Fortunately, one of the adults is a FL resident, so we got a good discount on the room and tickets. The room was $200 plus tax. I would do one room if it was 2 adults and 3 children.

 

[Metro West]

Please continue with the report!

 

[Procrastinate]

Let's see ...

Did MIB a couple of times. Lost the first time, but won the second. Found out multiple people in a car can get the red button bonus.

The water effect was not working in Poseidon's Fury. The kids noticed right away even though it's been quite a few years since they've been there.

Everything in the Mummy worked as far as I can tell.

Saw the animal actors and stunt show. Both were fine. Didn't see any other shows.

While the lockers are a great idea, it can be a pain trying to get your stuff out. Seems they didn't want to recognize finger prints and the line backed up.

I'm glad we didn't get the Meal Deal due to the lines. I'd rather have a decent sit-down meal anyway.

The lines did get pretty long for the rides (75 minute range), so I'm glad we had FOTL.

Did some shopping at the Element store in Citywalk. The salesman gave me the employee discount since I bought so much.

Saw RRR testing the first day, they were working on the lift hill the second day. Asked a lot of people when it would open, but they had no clue.

Simpson's beats BTTF.

The middle of the back row at Twister gets all wet. Glad somebody warned me so I could move my camera and cell phone.

Harry Potter starting to look cool. I look forward to that. I think the Unicorn rollercoaster was closed due to that. I didn't see it listed anywhere.

Don't ride the Suess trolley if you are afraid of heights.

There were a couple of breakdowns while we were there. We had to sit in the Jurassic Park River Adventure for a while. Disaster broke down while we were doing the special effects filming so we had to do the whole thing over again. I guess this must happen a lot because there is a reference in the show to people being sent by Mr. Kinkade which is the secret password you are supposed to use for Express access if it breaks down while you ride. We also had to delay Mummy due to a breakdown.

They were begging people to go to some wrestling show. No thanks.

I hope that doesn't sound too much like complaints, because we had a really great time. I would have liked to see the new fireworks show, but didn't want to push my luck with everyone getting tired. That is probably my only regret.

 

[purpletiger]

I was also at Universal/IOA on July 20. We didn't have any problems like you listed and had a great time. We stayed near disney so we did not have the fast passes and only had to wait maybe at the most 30 minutes per ride. We did both parks in 1 day and got do do and see everything. Some rides even twice. The day started out rainy but cleared up to be quite a nice day. I'm from Texas so that was a nice day for me due to the fact that I am used to 100+ degree weather. Glad you had a great time.

 

[psac]

The lines did get pretty long for the rides (75 minute range), so I'm glad we had FOTL.

How long were the lines with the FOTL? 5 mins? Less?

 

[macraven]

you missed Horror Make Up Show.............


if you ever go back, try to take that show in.

it varies each time due to the park guest that participates in it.



good to hear you had a fab time.
you covered a lot of park each day.

sweet!