Universal and IOA in one day possible?

[Alexsandra]

Hi everyone,
I am going to WDW mid-September for my wedding anniversary with my husband (no kids). We wanted to go visit Universal Studios and IOA (for Harry Potter World) but only have one day to do so. At first we were considering staying at a Universal resort for 2 nights to take advantage of their front of the line benefit but, in the end, we chose to stay at Disney's Polynesian the whole time as we just want to unpack/relax and not have waste time changing resorts.

I got park hopper tickets available on my points so price is not an issue. I am just wondering if I should do both parks in on day or just pick one. I know September has very low crowds but will I have enough time to see both parks in one day?

I should note that we are not big on roller coasters or extreme rides so I think we'll skip most of those unless they are highly interactive like the Forbidden Journey. Any outdoor roller coster will be out.

Plus, I am using Disney transportation and was not planning on renting a car. However I was considering renting a car for a day or two to get to Universal or should I just take a taxi cab there and back?

Any input would help greatly.

Thanks

 

[Herbie]

With express pass you can definately hit the highlites in a day..

start at IOA, do harry, spider, and a few others, then switch to U.S

 

[agavegirl1]

Since you do not want to ride the roller coasters, you should be able to do it. Take a taxi and arrive at IOA before opening. Do HP, Spiderman, Mummy if you're up to it, maybe Poseidon's Fury (a walk through special effects show) and get a feel for the place. Head over to US in the afternoon and taxi back. You would still have time for a meal or two in Citywalk.

 

[Kogo Shuko]

If you know which rides you want to do, and don't mind missing out on those that aren't as good (or in your case, removing all roller coasters), and have yourself a map, you can definitely do both parks in one day during September.

Last year, my friend and I did a park hopper and we power walked our way through both parks doing our favourites:

US:
Terminator 3D
The Simpsons
Shrek 4D
The Mummy
E.T.

IOA:
The Cat in the Hat
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Rain Ride
Forbidden Journey (Harry Potter)
Jurassic Park River Adventure


We started in IOA and finished at US, and it took up the whole day. We were pooped at the end, but I think it was well worth, as we were pressed for time.

 

[Minniesgal]

We did it in February using Express Pass unlimited. I wouldn't attempt it without express pass. We were exhausted by the end of the day

 

[Alexsandra]

Thanks for your input. I was not going to get the express pass but it sounds like I will need it. I am just worried to be rushed through it and not enjoy the experience. I don't really like going commando style but I really don't want to have to choose between the two parks.

 

[macraven]

go during the week and not the weekend for lesser crowds.

don't buy the express pass until you are in the park to determine if it is a necessity.
they are date and park related.
no refunds.

 

[DavidNYC]

Mid-week during a low season - you can pretty much do both parks. You won't have time for absolutely everything but you can get most things in. (I've done it in early December without any sort of express pass and have had no problems (and that's with multiple rides of Harry Potter and the outdoor roller coasters).

 

[birthygirl]

DH and I did both parks in one day last year the last week of August. It wasn't terribly crowded and I think it will be even less during your visit. We had Express passes (which you'll def want for this!). We didn't do everything, but we got to IOA before opening, did the major rides there (with the exception of HPFJ); had lunch in City Walk then went to UF. We hit the major rides then had dinner at Hard Rock and went back to IOA for HPFJ. It was getting late and the wait for that was minimal. We even had time to ride Spider-Man again.

Mostly in order we did-
Spider-Man
Hulk
Jurassic Park
Dragon Challenge (both coasters)

(UF)
Despicable Me
Twister
Mummy
Disaster
Men in Black
Simpsons
ET
Hollywood horror make up show
Mummy again
Rip Ride Rockit

Then back to IOA for HPFJ and Spider-Man a second time.

You could probably squeeze in another ride or two, I was a couple months post-op and was running low on energy and had to rest more frequently.

Have fun!!

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

You absolutely can do both parks in one day especially if you plan to skip the big coasters.

I also agree that I would not buy an express pass at all until you get there and see how crowded it is.

We have been 5 times and never needed an express pass.

In IOA I would make sure to do Forbidden Journey and Spiderman for sure. See the Poseidon's Fury show/attraction and possibly the Sinbad show. I always have to make sure I ride Cat In The Hat in Seuss Land too. Great cute little ride.

In US I would make sure you ride The Mummy and The Simpsons and be sure you see their shows. They have some great shows. The Horror Make Up show (not scary), the Terminator 3D show, the Beetlejuice Rock and Roll graveyard Revue (my fav) and there is also an outdoor street show The Blues Brothers show. I mainly go to US for the shows, not the rides. US is a smaller park than IOA. I would devote most of the day to IOA and just make sure you give yourself 3 or 4 hours for US.

I would eat lunch at Mythos in IOA and have dinner on the way out on City Walk at Bubba Gumps.