Univ vs IOA, can I do both or which one to pick?

[samc]

I've never been to either Universal or IOA.......been to WDW a bunch. Just found out that I have to attend a business meeting at PBR. My plane will arrive at approx 10:30 am on July 7 and I have the rest of the day......no other days available for play.

So, is it feasable to see/do both Universal and IOA or which one should I choose? Since I'll be at PBR I'll be able to use the front-of-the-line thing....right?? I will be alone, love thrill rides but also shows
(ie: 3D films, beauty & beast etc). Since my family won't be with me I won't ride any of kiddie stuff but I'd like to atleast check it out if possible.......need to determine we should include these parks on our next family trip.

Thanks for any and all advice.

 

[JLTraveling]

Sure, it's perfectly do-able to have a "highlights tour" experience of both parks in the time you'll have. Just know ahead of time that you won't possibly be able to see/do everything, and plan plan plan. Yes, you will have FotL, which will help a lot, but as you well know it'll be the busy season, so lots of other people will have it too. Since you mentioned that you enjoy shows, get hold of a show schedule and plan your day around the showtimes. IMHO, the not-to-be-missed shows are Horror Makeup, Beetlejuice Graveyard Review, and Fear Factor Live, all located at USF. Also, since the parks will be on summer hours, make sure you ride Jaws at night. It's 100 times better in the dark. I and many others on this board will be happy to answer questions you have, hope you have a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[mouseRD]

We did both parks in one day (only because we spent one day by the pools at PBH - great fun!). We didn't ride everything/see everything but that just means there will be some new things for our next trip!

Highlights of what we did: IOA - SPIDERMAN! Can I just say my DH was enchanted with this ride! Also loved Dueling Dragons. We only did the Fire side; even with FOTL, the wait was ~ 30 minutes. You have to eat at Mythos in IOA if you'd like a cool (not just temperature) dining experience! We did not get to do Hulk, Dudley Do Rights, or Pluto's Barge (last 2 are water rides) as all the outdoor rides suddenly closed when there was a thunderstorm in the distance. I would lean toward doing this park first as at Universal Studios, most of the rides are indoor so you don't have to worry about afternoon storms. You will get wet on the water rides. We did Jurassic Park right before the rides shut down & got a little wet; I've heard the other two you'll get much more wet! Poseiden we found just ok (I'm glad we tried it, though).

Universal Studios - Back to the Future - we would not do this again - made us both feel ill! Otherwise, a cool ride. Our best choices: Mummy! Men in Black! Shreck! (great show). Did not like the Beetlejuice show (for us, it seemed vulgar, sorry!) - got up & left after the first 10 minutes (about 20 people did so before us!) Did not get to the Terminator or ET. Liked Earthquake, Twister.

I'd highly recommend Kelly Monaghan's book on Universal Orlando!

 

[cbdmhgp]

I would pick IOA, just because My children are 15 and 13 and they like the roller coaster and water rides better. They love US, but for one day they would pick IOA. It really just depends on how old your children are, and what kind of rides they like.

 

[JLTraveling]

Did not like the Beetlejuice show (for us, it seemed vulgar, sorry!) - got up & left after the first 10 minutes (about 20 people did so before us!)

Hey, to each their own! I've been a big fan of BJ since I was 13, used to always take my little cousin when she came down for the summer (think she was 7ish when we started), but what works for me might not work for you. But since the OP said he'd be solo this trip, it would be a great time to check out the show and determine its appropriateness for his family.
I def agree with you on almost everything else though. Spiderman, definitely not to be missed. Mythos...especially as a solo adult, this would be an AMAZING choice. Not that it's not family friendly, just that it's a perfect place to go solo and have some downtime. Excellent suggestions, all of them!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

You will have enough time to do the highlights of both parks in that time frame. I would do IOA first, and end with US since the fireworks show will end the evening at US. Or reverse crowd mentality and do IOA while the crowds are pouring into US for the show!

Here is what I am thinking. A one day, two park ticket is available at the gate for about $80. If you buy the two day ticket on line ($107 incl tax) you will actually get five days unlimited admission to both parks. Now, I know you say you only have time to play on 7/7, but, I am not sure you realize that at PBH you are within a 10 minute boat ride or 20 minute walk from the parks. With the FOTL access, you will be surprised how much you can do at the parks with only an hour here and there.

Have fun!

 

[samc]

Thanks everyone!!! I really appreciate your suggestions.....looks like I will get the 2 day park pass and do as much as possible. DS is 7 so he's getting near the age that US/IOA are more appealing and this will be a good chance for me to check it all out. Thanks again!!