Uni Newbie w/some questions

[rantnnravin]

OK, so instead of doing WDW after our cruise at the end of August, we've decided to check out US/IOA. (We originally had a deal at YC Club Level for $756 R/O)

We only have 2 nights (2-1/2 days total) on Labor Day weekend (8/30-9/1).

At first, I reserved a package through AAA (I can't remember the number, but i recall I figured it out to be a 10% discount off the room), but then I started reading these boards and saw that it's best to reserve separately. So, I jumped on the cheaptickets deal and got 20% off the seasonal rate. So we have RPH Club Level for $651 (tax incl).

1) Is this a good deal, or should I keep watching for APH rates?

2) Are there any nighttime shows/fireworks to see?

3) Is the AAA reservation worth keeping for the perks (2 refillable souvenir cups, reserved seating at shows - not sure what this means exactly, 3 Broomsticks Breakfast, City Walk Party Pass, and something else that escapes my memory)?

4) We primarily want to see Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and the other headliners, is 2 days enough?

Any helpful hints and handy tips are appreciated.

 

[rwdavis2]

1) Is this a good deal, or should I keep watching for APH rates?
Always keep watching. We were able to lower our rates by keeping an eye on them at the Hard Rock.

2) Are there any nighttime shows/fireworks to see?
Universal Studio has a night time show. At least they did when we were there in January 2013.

3) Is the AAA reservation worth keeping for the perks (2 refillable souvenir cups, reserved seating at shows - not sure what this means exactly, 3 Broomsticks Breakfast, City Walk Party Pass, and something else that escapes my memory)?
The mugs, depends on how much soda you drink. Except for a rare occasion I can't imagine ever needing reserved seating for the shows. have you priced out these perks if you paid out of pocket? And will you actually use them?

4) We primarily want to see Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and the other headliners, is 2 days enough?
2 Days should be plenty to see both parks. Especially since you are getting a free Express Pass with the RPH rooms. That's a great perk.


---------------
If you are going to Hogsmeade in IoA then you will get into the park 1 hour early. Even then get to the gate before it opens. We went last year and the wait at Forbidden Journey was still 1 hour long even with early entry.

You may want to skip if pressed for time: Dr. Doom - it's a lousy version of Tower of Terror. The Sinbad show is pretty corny but a nice way to sit for an hour. You will get soaked on both water rides in IoA unless you wear a large poncho.

Do the Hollywood Horror show in Universal. It's great. DO NOT miss either Spiderman or Transformers. They are 3-D rides that pretty much blows away any ride at Disney World.

Despicable me is hilarious. I knew nothing about the characters the first time I saw it and still loved it.

If Terminator is still there then it too is a great show.

After writing this I can't wait to go back.

 

[Seeker615]

Universal has a nighttime show in the center of the park on the water. It was pretty good but don't get too close. I got soaked! We did really enjoy it though.

I am sure with the expansion the Harry Potter sections will be crowded so go as early as you can!

Staying onsite you get the express passes. They are a huge perk. If lines are not too long you might want to check out some of the queues if you like that sort of thing. The Mummy Queue is really cool and so is the Spiderman and Men in Black queue. My husband was not really into looking at the queues so for the most part we expressed passed everything even if lines were not long.

My don't miss things are: all of Harry Potter, Spiderman, Transformers, Men in Black, Jurassic Park ride, Horror Make up Show, Hulk and Rip Ride Rocket.

Be sure to look for characters at Universal. They seem to be in the Hollywood area. We had a great time meeting them. My favorite was Woody Woodpecker. He danced me around and made my husband take a bunch of pictures of us in different poses.

In IOA the Marvel characters come out on ATV's. It's fun to watch and they are fun to take pics with as well.

Be sure to soak up all the themeing in both parks. It's really amazing. And don't be afraid to try everything!

 

[rantnnravin]

1) Is this a good deal, or should I keep watching for APH rates?
Always keep watching. We were able to lower our rates by keeping an eye on them at the Hard Rock.

2) Are there any nighttime shows/fireworks to see?
Universal Studio has a night time show. At least they did when we were there in January 2013.

3) Is the AAA reservation worth keeping for the perks (2 refillable souvenir cups, reserved seating at shows - not sure what this means exactly, 3 Broomsticks Breakfast, City Walk Party Pass, and something else that escapes my memory)?
The mugs, depends on how much soda you drink. Except for a rare occasion I can't imagine ever needing reserved seating for the shows. have you priced out these perks if you paid out of pocket? And will you actually use them?

4) We primarily want to see Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and the other headliners, is 2 days enough?
2 Days should be plenty to see both parks. Especially since you are getting a free Express Pass with the RPH rooms. That's a great perk.


---------------
If you are going to Hogsmeade in IoA then you will get into the park 1 hour early. Even then get to the gate before it opens. We went last year and the wait at Forbidden Journey was still 1 hour long even with early entry.

You may want to skip if pressed for time: Dr. Doom - it's a lousy version of Tower of Terror. The Sinbad show is pretty corny but a nice way to sit for an hour. You will get soaked on both water rides in IoA unless you wear a large poncho.

Do the Hollywood Horror show in Universal. It's great. DO NOT miss either Spiderman or Transformers. They are 3-D rides that pretty much blows away any ride at Disney World.

Despicable me is hilarious. I knew nothing about the characters the first time I saw it and still loved it.

If Terminator is still there then it too is a great show.

After writing this I can't wait to go back.

Thanks so much for the tips.
I actually haven't even cancelled the AAA res either, just not sure. I tried to price the pieces out, but it didn't seem to add much *value* - good to know that seating for the shows isn't really necessary. Just not sure how the parks are on Labor Day weekend as opposed to WDW - and especially with DA opening - throwing a monkey wrench into everything.

My favorite ride is ToT (which I have to ride alone because no one else in my family will ride it), so thanks for the heads up about Dr. Doom - I'll steer clear

Universal has a nighttime show in the center of the park on the water. It was pretty good but don't get too close. I got soaked! We did really enjoy it though.

I am sure with the expansion the Harry Potter sections will be crowded so go as early as you can!

Staying onsite you get the express passes. They are a huge perk. If lines are not too long you might want to check out some of the queues if you like that sort of thing. The Mummy Queue is really cool and so is the Spiderman and Men in Black queue. My husband was not really into looking at the queues so for the most part we expressed passed everything even if lines were not long.

My don't miss things are: all of Harry Potter, Spiderman, Transformers, Men in Black, Jurassic Park ride, Horror Make up Show, Hulk and Rip Ride Rocket.

Be sure to look for characters at Universal. They seem to be in the Hollywood area. We had a great time meeting them. My favorite was Woody Woodpecker. He danced me around and made my husband take a bunch of pictures of us in different poses.

In IOA the Marvel characters come out on ATV's. It's fun to watch and they are fun to take pics with as well.

Be sure to soak up all the themeing in both parks. It's really amazing. And don't be afraid to try everything!

Thank you for the "must sees".

I am hoping to keep us to a "slower" pace, (since we leave Labor Day and I start school the next day ) so i'm going to try to absorb the theming as much as possible.

We usually do rope-drops at WDW and head back to the hotel for a pool break. Does the same strategy apply with US/IOA or should I rethink that?

You guys are really great, thank you so much.

 

[Lynne G]

We generally take a pool break, as we also go at the end of summer, and so it's usually hot. You will be spoiled with the express pass from the hotel. Even with the new potter area open, you get early entry, so mobs but not entire mobs to see the new stuff, and shorter lines with the express pass.

We will be there the week before you, so you will find us lounging at the Portofino hotel pool most afternoons. We love the Portofino, but when we check in, we usually hop to the HRH's pool. Kids like the music there, and I can relax and have a drink. It's a fun start to our USO vacation. We like all the pools at the USO onsite resorts.

We are USO fans. I too have an AP, but those AP hotel rates don't usually come out until closer to the date you want. I keep checking though. Just use APH in the code box in the hotel's website, if there is an AP rate, it will show it, if you don't see it, it's not available. With the opening of the new potter this summer, I am still hoping for AP rates, but I have a TA group sales rate right now, that is better than the Stay More Save More rate, as we stay 4 nights. I always just book the room, as it's a one night charge to reserve, and usually cancel with refund 5 days out or so. I've changed my days and rates by calling the hotel directly, and was never charged a change fee. If you do any kind of package, usually the cancellation time is longer, and changes are an additional fee. I buy my kids tickets through a discount dealer, and I find the AP a good buy, as to renew it costs alot less. I use my AP to get discounts on food and merchandise in the parks and in some places in citywalk.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[hermionesnape]

A pervious poster said to skip Dr Doom but I really like it. I don't think it's really like tower of terror. It just a thrill ride. The blast off feels amazing. There is no reason to skip it since the line is never more then 10min (usually less) if you use your unlimited express pass that is included with your on site room.

I might skip a show when pressed for time because they take 30mins to 1hour depending on the show and line to get in. Most rides that people suggest skipping only take 10mins or less with express pass. No real time loss.

Water rides at universal or great! I love all three of them.

 

[rantnnravin]

We generally take a pool break, as we also go at the end of summer, and so it's usually hot. You will be spoiled with the express pass from the hotel. Even with the new potter area open, you get early entry, so mobs but not entire mobs to see the new stuff, and shorter lines with the express pass.

We will be there the week before you, so you will find us lounging at the Portofino hotel pool most afternoons. We love the Portofino, but when we check in, we usually hop to the HRH's pool. Kids like the music there, and I can relax and have a drink. It's a fun start to our USO vacation. We like all the pools at the USO onsite resorts.

We are USO fans. I too have an AP, but those AP hotel rates don't usually come out until closer to the date you want. I keep checking though. Just use APH in the code box in the hotel's website, if there is an AP rate, it will show it, if you don't see it, it's not available. With the opening of the new potter this summer, I am still hoping for AP rates, but I have a TA group sales rate right now, that is better than the Stay More Save More rate, as we stay 4 nights. I always just book the room, as it's a one night charge to reserve, and usually cancel with refund 5 days out or so. I've changed my days and rates by calling the hotel directly, and was never charged a change fee. If you do any kind of package, usually the cancellation time is longer, and changes are an additional fee. I buy my kids tickets through a discount dealer, and I find the AP a good buy, as to renew it costs alot less. I use my AP to get discounts on food and merchandise in the parks and in some places in citywalk.

I hope you have a great time!

Thanks! We're really looking forward to this trip. I have been reading the resorts threads and trying to figure out a plan of attack. I don't know what to expect for US/IoA hotels, so i wasn't sure if i can get lower than $279 base rate for club level. I wish we had the days to do SMSM.
I'm still on the fence whether we get a 2-day or 3-day P2P (who knows, maybe we'll want to come back and will change them to APs anyway!) I want to gather as much info as possible so i don't feel like "aww man i can't believe i missed that!" when we have no more time left
The RPH pool looks nice and i'm really looking forward to having everything within walking distance.

A pervious poster said to skip Dr Doom but I really like it. I don't think it's really like tower of terror. It just a thrill ride. The blast off feels amazing. There is no reason to skip it since the line is never more then 10min (usually less) if you use your unlimited express pass that is included with your on site room.

I might skip a show when pressed for time because they take 30mins to 1hour depending on the show and line to get in. Most rides that people suggest skipping only take 10mins or less with express pass. No real time loss.

Water rides at universal or great! I love all three of them.

If it's a droppy ride, I'm going to have to ride alone - i'll keep an open mind and go with the flow when we get there. Thanks for chiming in!

 

[bumbershoot]

A pervious poster said to skip Dr Doom but I really like it. I don't think it's really like tower of terror. It just a thrill ride. The blast off feels amazing. There is no reason to skip it since the line is never more then 10min (usually less) if you use your unlimited express pass that is included with your on site room.

I like TOT. I despise Doom. It's so terrifying to me. And adding insult to future injury, our wait with onsite EP was WAY longer than 10 minutes, probably closer to half an hour. Most of it was spent outside, waiting for a TM to notice that the EP line was building. Someone finally ducked under the chains and went and opened the door to the inside, to point us out to the TMs so we could actually be let in.

3) Is the AAA reservation worth keeping for the perks (2 refillable souvenir cups, reserved seating at shows - not sure what this means exactly, 3 Broomsticks Breakfast, City Walk Party Pass, and something else that escapes my memory)?

Staying onsite, as far as I know, gets you the party pass, which just means you can go to the club-type venues later at night. Many family stays just don't include later night clubs.

Does it INCLUDE the breakfast, or is it just a reservation? Either way, a reservation for breakfast there hasn't been needed since a few months after Wizarding World opened.

Since you'll have EP from the onsite stay you don't need reserved seating for shows.

Basically everything but the souvenir cups is something that's included anyway with your onsite stay.


So I would compare your room-only cost plus a ticket, to your AAA package. Allow for the breakfast if that was included in the package. And compare the prices.

 

[rantnnravin]

I like TOT. I despise Doom. It's so terrifying to me. And adding insult to future injury, our wait with onsite EP was WAY longer than 10 minutes, probably closer to half an hour. Most of it was spent outside, waiting for a TM to notice that the EP line was building. Someone finally ducked under the chains and went and opened the door to the inside, to point us out to the TMs so we could actually be let in.





Staying onsite, as far as I know, gets you the party pass, which just means you can go to the club-type venues later at night. Many family stays just don't include later night clubs.

Does it INCLUDE the breakfast, or is it just a reservation? Either way, a reservation for breakfast there hasn't been needed since a few months after Wizarding World opened.

Since you'll have EP from the onsite stay you don't need reserved seating for shows.

Basically everything but the souvenir cups is something that's included anyway with your onsite stay.


So I would compare your room-only cost plus a ticket, to your AAA package. Allow for the breakfast if that was included in the package. And compare the prices.

Thanks for that breakdown - yeah - it includes the breakfast. From where things stand right now, it seems like it would be a wash price-wise for the hotel room, but there's no ticket discount through AAA. Might be better off doing lunch or dinner there anyway?

Guess i'll really have to weigh out Dr. Doom vs ToT over the next few months. Good thing i can wing it when i get there

 

[chabs]

OK, so instead of doing WDW after our cruise at the end of August, we've decided to check out US/IOA. (We originally had a deal at YC Club Level for $756 R/O)

We only have 2 nights (2-1/2 days total) on Labor Day weekend (8/30-9/1).

At first, I reserved a package through AAA (I can't remember the number, but i recall I figured it out to be a 10% discount off the room), but then I started reading these boards and saw that it's best to reserve separately. So, I jumped on the cheaptickets deal and got 20% off the seasonal rate. So we have RPH Club Level for $651 (tax incl).

1) Is this a good deal, or should I keep watching for APH rates?

2) Are there any nighttime shows/fireworks to see?

3) Is the AAA reservation worth keeping for the perks (2 refillable souvenir cups, reserved seating at shows - not sure what this means exactly, 3 Broomsticks Breakfast, City Walk Party Pass, and something else that escapes my memory)?

4) We primarily want to see Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and the other headliners, is 2 days enough?

Any helpful hints and handy tips are appreciated.

Can you tell me how you booked the AAA package (online or in the actual AAA office)? I booked my room through Loews with the AAA rate for the same time period and was not offered any of those perks, but I just booked room only. The 3 Broomsticks breakfast is worth it-that's about $15 per person and we always manage to stop there for breakfast after we are done with the early entry to HP. I guess it depends on what the numbers are.

I'm keeping my AAA rates for now, but check every day on the Loews website for AP rates. I figure they have to be coming out for Labor Day sometime soon.

2 days is plenty, but if you are going to carry over a 1/2 day-why not get the 3 day park hopper passes? I would definitely get the park hopper if you want to ride the HP train. You are going to be amazed at how much time having the express passes will save you in line and how quick it is to get back and forth to your hotel and from park to park.

 

[RMulieri]

Staying onsite and having the express pass really makes for a leisurely ,relaxing, no-plan kind of trip.We are usually rope drop to close people at WDW..At universal we are there for rope drop and done by lunch to go back to the resort and swim/relax...

 

[rantnnravin]

Can you tell me how you booked the AAA package (online or in the actual AAA office)? I booked my room through Loews with the AAA rate for the same time period and was not offered any of those perks, but I just booked room only. The 3 Broomsticks breakfast is worth it-that's about $15 per person and we always manage to stop there for breakfast after we are done with the early entry to HP. I guess it depends on what the numbers are.

I'm keeping my AAA rates for now, but check every day on the Loews website for AP rates. I figure they have to be coming out for Labor Day sometime soon.

2 days is plenty, but if you are going to carry over a 1/2 day-why not get the 3 day park hopper passes? I would definitely get the park hopper if you want to ride the HP train. You are going to be amazed at how much time having the express passes will save you in line and how quick it is to get back and forth to your hotel and from park to park.

Thanks for your help!
There are only 3 of us, so it's the difference of one night's stay, but i don't think the cups are $20 each (are they?)
I went through the AAA website to book it.

I'm counting it as 2-days but will likely get 3-day passes so we can:
disembark and drive to Universal, check in, then go to parks - doing rides we can use Express Pass on;
be able to do rope drop the next day and have the whole day to explore/rest/swim, etc.;
the last day (labor day) we only have the morning - we have a 2:15pm flight back - so i'm thinking rope drop on the park we didn't rope drop the day before, early lunch and off to the airport.
Does that sound like a good plan?

Am really hoping they extend the buy 2 get 3 offer.

Staying onsite and having the express pass really makes for a leisurely ,relaxing, no-plan kind of trip.We are usually rope drop to close people at WDW..At universal we are there for rope drop and done by lunch to go back to the resort and swim/relax...

Thanks!
We really excited for this aspect.
We usually leave WDW parks around/after lunch and head back for dinner/nighttime shows and a ride or two.
Your plan sounds similar.

Does anyone know: Is the WWOHP slower after dinner/evenings? Was thinking it might be a better time to explore the shops and such?

 

[macraven]

My favorite ride is ToT (which I have to ride alone because no one else in my family will ride it), so thanks for the heads up about Dr. Doom - I'll steer clear

What......
Dr Doom is my all time favorite ride.
i find it thrilling and a rush everytime i go on it.

nothing like the TOT.

you are shot up quickly in the ride then slowly descend back to the platform where you started.

the view of the park coming down is so kewl.

if you listen to the story line while waiting for the ride start, you will know when you will be shot upwards.


this is one of the rides that you either love it or hate it.
for me, i love it when others hate it so the line waits are shorter

 

[rantnnravin]

What......
Dr Doom is my all time favorite ride.
i find it thrilling and a rush everytime i go on it.

nothing like the TOT.

you are shot up quickly in the ride then slowly descend back to the platform where you started.

the view of the park coming down is so kewl.

if you listen to the story line while waiting for the ride start, you will know when you will be shot upwards.


this is one of the rides that you either love it or hate it.
for me, i love it when others hate it so the line waits are shorter

so it's an "uppy" ride instead of a "droppy" ride? hmmmm...interesting....

 

[rowan555]

so it's an "uppy" ride instead of a "droppy" ride? hmmmm...interesting....

Now I'm REALLY confused. When we rode it, it was a "droppy ride" - both times. It rose slowly, stopped, then BOOM, dropped us. There were two towers and only one was being used - is it possible that, like in some other parks, one shoots you up, and one drops you down quickly?

 

[schumigirl]

so it's an "uppy" ride instead of a "droppy" ride? hmmmm...interesting....

Yep...............the best bit is sitting waiting to get shot up in the air......then whoosh........you're up! The first drop is good too but the taking off is the best!

It's a short blast of a ride but it's a must do ride

 

[rantnnravin]

Now I'm REALLY confused. When we rode it, it was a "droppy ride" - both times. It rose slowly, stopped, then BOOM, dropped us. There were two towers and only one was being used - is it possible that, like in some other parks, one shoots you up, and one drops you down quickly?

Yep...............the best bit is sitting waiting to get shot up in the air......then whoosh........you're up! The first drop is good too but the taking off is the best!

It's a short blast of a ride but it's a must do ride

oh dear... guess i have to check it out on youtube

 

[macraven]

Now I'm REALLY confused. When we rode it, it was a "droppy ride" - both times. It rose slowly, stopped, then BOOM, dropped us. There were two towers and only one was being used - is it possible that, like in some other parks, one shoots you up, and one drops you down quickly?

Dr Doom shoots you to the top quickly.
you slowly are lowered down to the bottom then.

both towers are the quick shoot to the top then slow descending down.

 

[schumigirl]

Dr Doom shoots you to the top quickly.
you slowly are lowered down to the bottom then.

both towers are the quick shoot to the top then slow descending down.

 

[rantnnravin]

Dr Doom shoots you to the top quickly.
you slowly are lowered down to the bottom then.

both towers are the quick shoot to the top then slow descending down.

well, that does sound kinda cool, then...
is it kind of like Rockin' Roller Coaster, but pointed up?
i wonder if i can *convince* the other 2 to join me...