Universal 1-day staying at ASM

dawgs_do_disney

Earning My Ears
Joined
Jul 11, 2023
Messages
59
My daughter and I (age 9) had to reschedule our trip for 2 weeks due to Milton, so now we may not be able to get to do MNSSHP, since it is sold out (our party would have been 10/11), I've called at least 10x to check for tickets. So instead, we are planning on doing 1 day at Universal, she is a thrill seeker, so we want to do IOA. We are staying at All Star Movies, we have a rental car. Any tips for going while staying at a WDW resort and doing a 1-day at Universal? Should we start or end our trip at WDW or Universal? We have 2 day park hopper tix for WDW as well.
 
Without Early Entry, do not go to Hagrids first. Morning but not at the start of EE is the longest the line gets. The line will be better mid-afternoon.

You CAN enter the park early, even without early entry, you just won't be able to get past Seuss Landing or onto rides until near official park opening (often 10min early). That means you can get past the gates and enjoy the theming/music, maybe grab quick breakfast (Cinnabon or Croissant Moon Bakery), while the EE people are off to Hogsmeade.

You might want to start with Hulk /Spiderman/Marvel area and circle clockwise. Spiderman closes for refurbishment 10/21-11/6. That might impact if your day needs to be before or after Disney.

Popeye barges and Dudley Dooright log flume are lots of fun but you will be soaked. Wring out the panties soaked. Plan accordingly. Jurassic Park River Adventure will splash you but it's a reasonable level of wetness, generally only the top half of the body, and that ride is worth it any time without specific planning.
 
My daughter and I (age 9) had to reschedule our trip for 2 weeks due to Milton, so now we may not be able to get to do MNSSHP, since it is sold out (our party would have been 10/11), I've called at least 10x to check for tickets. So instead, we are planning on doing 1 day at Universal, she is a thrill seeker, so we want to do IOA. We are staying at All Star Movies, we have a rental car. Any tips for going while staying at a WDW resort and doing a 1-day at Universal? Should we start or end our trip at WDW or Universal? We have 2 day park hopper tix for WDW as well.
I'd definitely do Universal in the beginning and end on a high note.
 
What date have you rescheduled your trip ?

Another question … I’m surprised your tickets aren’t still offered eligible to include your new dates . I would call back and explain the date changes were result of Milton travel planning . Good luck .
And I would try again when you arrive on property.

Plan on arriving very early to park in the Universal Garages…a long line forms to buy a one day entry parking plus going thru security … personally I would plan to Uber and drop off at the Hard Rock for great start to the day to walk into Universal from resort or take their boat . You go thru security before getting on their water taxi boat…
Starbucks is inside Islands of Adventure for early access…
Also Universal does not offer map guides anymore so be sure to have the APP on your phone .
I go regularly and always seem to get lost ! It can be confusing …
I love Universal and hope you have great fun trip!
 
Last edited:












Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE









DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top