Universal 1st-timer ?'s

[FrannyK]

Taking our 2 teens to Universal MLK weekend. Have been to SeaWorld and WDW, never U. Staying 3 nites (Sat-Tues) at HRH (for FOTL) -- is that enough time to see both US and IOA? What would be your plan of attack for the parks? My first thought is to do US first since IOA is more exciting for teens. What restaurants recommended for teens? Thanks!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Welcome to the DIs, FrannyK. We're going to be at the HRH on the same weekend. You get FOTL on the day you check in and can get the keys as early as 8 before the parks open and they are good at the park until closing the day you check out. You have plenty of time to see both parks. I think the US strategy is a good one for the teenagers. Mummy and MIB will be very popular at US.
I would try to get them up early for the opening of IOA so they can do the front seat on the Hulk first thing as an eye opener. I would take them straight to Pteranadon Flyers next since FOTL doesn't work there and the first half hour after opening is about the only time they let teens on. You can hit Dueling Dragons and probably get front seats on both sides if you go there next. The rest of the day you can chill and go whereever you want with the FOTL priviledges.
Restaurants for teens would be Hard Rock Cafe and NBA City.

 

[FrannyK]

I'm relieved and glad to hear we have enough time to see both US and IOA Thank you for the plan of attack for the rides, I will have to read up on them. I thought FOTL was for ALL rides, not so? And why are teens not allowed on the Flyers after a certain time? All new to me. NBA City sounds great for the kids. We've been to other Hard Rock restaurants so know what to expect there. Would it be safe for our teens (13,16) to go into the parks w/out us for a short period once they are more familiar and comfortable with the parks (they would have to stay together of course)? Hoping to catch a bit of private time if we can

 

[Motherfletcher]

My kids (16&11) go to both parks by themselves. They love the independence. Last trip though, DD11 got in an arguement and embarassed DS16. They returned to PBH and DS16 was as upset as I've ever seen him that his little sister was so defiant (welcome to my world, son!). At that age I think they are OK in the park especially when you are staying on site. I usually go with them at park opening and when the crowds build at 11 or 12 I tell them I'm going back to the hotel and take a nap. They usually want to stay but return to the hotel before I have to go looking for them or we set a time/place to meet.
Pteranadon Flyers is similar to a ski lift that circles Jurassic Park overhead. You get a good view of the park but its not real thrilling. It is so slow loading that IOA puts a (height or age?) limit requirement for one of the 2 passengers that the "bird" holds. In the morning they let adults ride unattended by little ones. When the queue builds they start enforcing the requirement. It is a good ride to experience since it will most likely be the next to be discontinued. Both WDW and Busch have stopped their sky trams (It has to do with how they could be evacuated if necessary).
CityWalk's HRC is the largest in the World and I recommend going at 11 when they open. They encourage you to walk around and check the place out while they cook. Its easier or less embarassing for teens at opening when the restaurant is empty. I have found their cheeseburgers (with sauteed onions and mushrooms) to be the best at any of the full serve restaurants on site followed closely by Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise at Margaritaville. My kids also like the pizzas at Mythos which is best restaurant in the parks (IOA).
You'll have to read up or ask questions about the rides. There are some that teens might want to skip like Barney or Nickelodeon Studios.
That time of year the weather is unpredictable. It could be 40 or 80. You might plan a "water ride" day where you pool hop the resorts and hit Ripsaw Falls and the Bilge Rat Barges. This is usually best done in the warmth of the early afternoon. The pool at HRH should be warm and close enough to do most anytime you are there.