Universal 1st Timer

[jay]

first time ever to Universal.
Here's what I know about the parks etc.
They are in Florida.

While I intend to read as many of the existing posts as possible,
I have a few questions that come to mind right away.

1. We will be there 3/28 - 4/2. We're (wife, 2 daughters 19 & 16) staying on site. Portifino I think.
(wife makes all the arrangements) What should we expect as far as crowds.
Just a reminder it is Easter.

2. How does the front of the line thing work. Is it like fast pass at WDW.
Is it better in some way. Worse. The same.

3. We want to have a nice dinner on Easter Sunday.
Doesn't have to be dinner. Could be lunch.
We don't have to be in the fanciest restaurant, just don't want to get stuck with counter service.
What do you recommend.

4. What about reservations for meals in general.
Should I start making them now.
Is it to late. Right on time. Or don't have to make any at all.

5. I'm sure I'll have more questions, but let me end with this one.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to me going for the very first time.

thanks all.

 

[Metro West]

first time ever to Universal.
Here's what I know about the parks etc.
They are in Florida.

While I intend to read as many of the existing posts as possible,
I have a few questions that come to mind right away.

1. We will be there 3/28 - 4/2. We're (wife, 2 daughters 19 & 16) staying on site. Portifino I think.
(wife makes all the arrangements) What should we expect as far as crowds.
Just a reminder it is Easter.

2. How does the front of the line thing work. Is it like fast pass at WDW.
Is it better in some way. Worse. The same.

3. We want to have a nice dinner on Easter Sunday.
Doesn't have to be dinner. Could be lunch.
We don't have to be in the fanciest restaurant, just don't want to get stuck with counter service.
What do you recommend.

4. What about reservations for meals in general.
Should I start making them now.
Is it to late. Right on time. Or don't have to make any at all.

5. I'm sure I'll have more questions, but let me end with this one.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to me going for the very first time.

thanks all.

First off....lemme say


Now to your questions:

1.) The parks will be busy especially the first weekend you're here. Having FOTL will definately help you out.

2.) FOTL is your room key and is better than FastPass...IMHO. Onsite guests get unlimited access to the Express Pass lines on attractions during the entire stay.

3.) For a nice lunch, try Mythos at IOA...excellent restaurant. For dinner, you could eat at one of the places at CityWalk or the hotel.

4.) You normally don't have to make ADRs like at Disney. You could even make them the morning you want to eat.

5.) The best advice is...Go with an open mind and don't try to compare Universal to Disney...it's two different worlds. I think you'll find Universal much more laid back and you won't have to rush around to get everything done.

Have a great time and if you have any questions, the Universal homies are here to help!

 

[jay]

thanks for the info M.W.
So the FOTL is like fastpass in that you go past the long line to a much shorter one with other FOTL users. And you can keep going back in line as many times as you like? And It's good for all the rides?

OK now Universal homies, I'd love to hear from more of you.
thanks.

 

[RVGal]

Yes, FOTL is like FP in that there is an Express Line and you bypass the Standby Line. Since you are an onsite guest, your room key will get you unlimited access to the Express Line. If you want to keep riding the same thing over and over, your room key will get you into the Express Line as many times as you want.

 

[jay]

RVGal what do you think about the restaurants and the other questions.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Easter is March 23 so if you aren't going until the 28th, you won't be there for Easter.

I am not an expert but we were just there a few weeks ago.

We really liked Gubba Gump's in City Walk. You can only make reservations the morning of, as far as I could tell. We went in the afternoon and got a reservation for that night.

 

[bubba's mom]

first time ever to Universal.
Here's what I know about the parks etc.
They are in Florida.

While I intend to read as many of the existing posts as possible,
I have a few questions that come to mind right away.

1. We will be there 3/28 - 4/2. We're (wife, 2 daughters 19 & 16) staying on site. Portifino I think.
(wife makes all the arrangements) What should we expect as far as crowds.
Just a reminder it is Easter.

Metro is a 'local'...he said it best...will be busy....

2. How does the front of the line thing work. Is it like fast pass at WDW.
Is it better in some way. Worse. The same.

Better than FP. Flash your roomkey at any attraction entrance at any time to walk past the line....be forewarned: you'll be spoiled

3. We want to have a nice dinner on Easter Sunday.
Doesn't have to be dinner. Could be lunch.
We don't have to be in the fanciest restaurant, just don't want to get stuck with counter service.
What do you recommend.

Would have to agree with Mythos in IOA on this one...TS in Studios is Finnegan's (but can be loud as the bar is a happy place)... TS is mostly in CityWalk...there is Emerils there and RPR has Tchop Chop...little pricer, but depends how 'nice' you are looking for Easter dinner

4. What about reservations for meals in general.
Should I start making them now.
Is it to late. Right on time. Or don't have to make any at all.

Emeril's is the only advance res you need...eat off time/peak or make res that morning....at intended restaurant OR kiosks at CW.

5. I'm sure I'll have more questions, but let me end with this one.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to me going for the very first time.

thanks all.

Again...like Metro said....do NOT compare Universal and WDW....relax...it's WAY different! Also, if you have AAA, show your card at shops and restaurants for discount

 

[bettyann29]

Again...like Metro said....do NOT compare Universal and WDW....relax...it's WAY different! Also, if you have AAA, show your card at shops and restaurants for discount

We are going to Universal in May and I have AAA membership.. Can I flash at any shop or restaurant for a discount, or is it only certain ones??

and another question for anyone who would like to answer.. me and DH are going for basically 5 days in May.. Since Universal is relatively smaller than WDW, is that too much time to spend there or is it about right?? Just wondered as when we go to WDW its not nearly enough time..

Looking at the park hours they close somewhat early so we are planning one night to do the Blue Man Group show and another night go and see a movie and then some of the clubs the other nights.. since we are staying at HRH we will get the FOTL pass and Im figuring we will get soooo spoiled with this..

 

[jay]

BC,
you're right on the dates.
I goofed.
We'll be there 3/21 - 3/26.

 

[tlinus]

We are going to Universal in May and I have AAA membership.. Can I flash at any shop or restaurant for a discount, or is it only certain ones??

and another question for anyone who would like to answer.. me and DH are going for basically 5 days in May.. Since Universal is relatively smaller than WDW, is that too much time to spend there or is it about right?? Just wondered as when we go to WDW its not nearly enough time..

Looking at the park hours they close somewhat early so we are planning one night to do the Blue Man Group show and another night go and see a movie and then some of the clubs the other nights.. since we are staying at HRH we will get the FOTL pass and Im figuring we will get soooo spoiled with this..

5 days is just enough. Yes the parks are a bit smaller than WDW, but to do all of the rides (multiple for favorites ) do one day at the Pool - we always do a "down day" in the middle of our trip.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

thanks for the info M.W.
So the FOTL is like fastpass in that you go past the long line to a much shorter one with other FOTL users. And you can keep going back in line as many times as you like? And It's good for all the rides?

OK now Universal homies, I'd love to hear from more of you.
thanks.

Not all rides. Pteranadon Flyers does not have express. And if you want the front row of Hulk, you'll have to go through the regular line (best done at park opening.)

 

[tlinus]

also remember to show your room card at the restaurants - its serves as a priority seating (ie, less of a wait time)

 

[jay]

it's great to hear from you guys. Really appreciate it.
I guess the part I'm most concerned about is the restaurant ressies thing.
I know it's not WDW but I'm still thinking major theme park, Easter time,
big crowds. Yet everyone keeps saying things will be ok.
You can make ressies the morning of.
Oh well, still love to hear some more tips and info in general from you experts. thanks loads.

 

[bubba's mom]

We are going to Universal in May and I have AAA membership.. Can I flash at any shop or restaurant for a discount, or is it only certain ones??

most every restaurant and shop takes AAA card for discount.....ALWAYS ask

 

[mslclark]

Just had to chime in and add that FOTL for onsite guests in the best!!! You're right in that you enter a shorter line much like entering the Fastpass line at a Disney park. The great thing is that you don't have to bother with Fastpass machines and worry about when they go into effect and when they expire. Just show your room key at the attraction entrance and a Universal team member will direct you to the Express entrance.

For some reason we don't dine out at Universal like we do at Disney, so I don't have a lot of advice to offer there. We've eaten at Hard Rock Cafe and some of the restaurants at CityWalk, but never table service inside the parks.

The only other item I need to mention is beware - Men in Black can be easily addictive. Your room key is an enabler since it makes it so easy to ride it over and over and over!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

For some reason we don't dine out at Universal like we do at Disney, so I don't have a lot of advice to offer there. We've eaten at Hard Rock Cafe and some of the restaurants at CityWalk, but never table service inside the parks.

I think because TS IN the parks is rare.... Studios has Finnegans and.....and....(help...drawing a blank! ...are there any other TS in Studios?)

IOA has Mythos and .... hhmmmm.....

Most TS places are at CW, the parks are mostly CS.

The only other item I need to mention is beware - Men in Black can be easily addictive. Your room key is an enabler since it makes it so easy to ride it over and over and over!!!

 

[ldmilton]

.... I think you'll find Universal much more laid back and you won't have to rush around to get everything done.

I am finding this to be true and we haven't been yet...planning this vacation has been sooooo much easier and more laid back than any of the WDW vacations we've taken. I do love Disney, but I do not like having to arrange our schedule around dinner ADR's...that I have to make 6 months in advance!!!! Planning our May Universal trip has been a breeze!! Can't wait to go!

 

[Metro West]

I am finding this to be true and we haven't been yet...planning this vacation has been sooooo much easier and more laid back than any of the WDW vacations we've taken. I do love Disney, but I do not like having to arrange our schedule around dinner ADR's...that I have to make 6 months in advance!!!! Planning our May Universal trip has been a breeze!! Can't wait to go!

Well that's great and I know you'll have a fabulous time!