Universal: 2 days or FOTL?

[kuhltiffany]

Ok, we've done Universal Florida 3 times (we do 3 days, 1 in each park, last day whatever kids want to do again), and stay onsite so we have FOTL passes.

Now we're heading to California for the first time and it's totally different, I'm not sure how to approach it. We'll be 3 hours ahead (time zone change) so will be at the park when it opens.

Right now we have 1 day tickets. We plan on being there February 11 and/or 12. I'm trying to decide whether to add on another day so we don't feel rushed, or get FOTL and plow through the day with a list of must-do's…

Any advice?

 

[finchy3]

Its definitely a one day park so FOTL will certainly do.

 

[Darkbeer1]

I disagree with it being a 1 day park, to see and do most things, you need, to get everything done, it is 3 days. (That is every ride, every show, large and small, and then time to shop, check out the themeing, and eating at the main eateries on a GA ticket.

Now, the biggest issue are shows, and trying to schedule them into your plan, since they are on set times, and with a GA you need to be in line 30 minutes to an hour for most on the list to get a half-way decent seat.

Now, if you have been to Florida, you might want to skip some attractions, as they are copies of Florida for the majority of the ride.

Shrek 4-D and Minion Mayhem are the same, the Simpson is close enough and the film is the same. On the lower lot, Revenge of the Mummy is a lot different, Jurassic Park less so, but still both worth riding again. So now you are down to a two day park.

My recommendation for a first time visitor, go two days, the ticket media will make it about the same price and use a FOTL one day (Upgrade inside the park), unless you have a large budget, then it would be a VIP experience on the first day, and upgrade to a low cost AP for the second day, since you get credit for a GA ticket purchase in regards to upgrade a VIP.

One day one, focus on the FOTL, and do all the main rides and shows that you can work in.

Then on day 2, take it easy, ride things you want to re-ride, and finish up the show schedule, do your shopping and eat at Three Broomsticks, and do the Wand Shop Experience.

As a local, I would do a VIP Experience every other year, and then upgrade to a VIP at the end of the day. Let the AP expire, and then decide if you want to do the VIP again, or just get a new AP..

Of course, everyone travels differently.

As for the other parks, I would say that if you want to ride all the major Roller Coasters, SF Magic Mountain is a 2 day with a GA, sometimes 3 during a busy summer. With a Higher level Flash Pass, it goes down to 2.

Knott's for most is a full 1 day, if you want to spend a lot of time doing things like Ghost Toen Live, noww you are at 2 days.

LEGOLAND can get to be 3 days with all three parks, sometimes 2 (One Day focus on the Main park, the second day split between the Aquarium and Water Park.

SeaWorld is a Full Day.

Disneyland Resort is 3 to 5 days, depending on how many other Disney Parks you have visited already.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Thanks! We actually don't do any roller coasters (kids are 11 and 12 and not that thrill-seeking yet). The one thing I'm worried about is lines. It seems like such a waste to go so far and end up waiting an hour for one thing. After the FOTL in Florida which are unlimited (kids are used to going on favourites like Minions over and over) this is going to require some planning...

 

[Darkbeer1]

there are only two roller coasters at USH, the family Flight of the Hippogriff in Wizardly World, and Revenge of the Mummy.

So drop Mummy, but still consider the Hippogriff, but since it is all outside, let your kids look at it and then decide. The line tends to not get too long.

Also, when you plan, it takes about 15 minutes in each direction to go between the Upper and Lower level, so combine Transformers and Jurassic Park to make only one visit to the lower lot per day.

 

[bumbershoot]

Its definitely a one day park so FOTL will certainly do.

Only if you schedule yourself VERY carefully to catch all the shows etc!

I disagree with it being a 1 day park, to see and do most things, you need, to get everything done, it is 3 days. (That is every ride, every show, large and small, and then time to shop, check out the themeing, and eating at the main eateries on a GA ticket.

Totally agree.

As a local, I would do a VIP Experience every other year, and then upgrade to a VIP at the end of the day. Let the AP expire, and then decide if you want to do the VIP again, or just get a new AP..

I think you mean "upgrade to an AP"?

That's a great idea, by the way.

 

[VictoriaAndMatt]

We are actually going the same weekend you are. Last time we went we did a 1 day FOTL ticket. We got to ride nearly everything. This time we did an AP (from Costco) and we will be doing 2 days. The FOTL was nice, but it just felt like a blur. This time we want to be able to actually stop and enjoy things. Even if it means more lines. I was actually disappointed because we barely got to see anything in the Forbidden Journey queue. Just rushed right through it. Didn't do a lot of shopping and zero character photos. Just my 2 cents.