universal and IOA strategies

[galaxy]

Hi folks

It's great to see info other than disney!!

We will be visiting the parks in march/april and it would be great to hear how others tackle the parks.

What rides have to be done first, in order to avoid lengthy queues,
What is the best way to go round both parks


We pretty much go with the flow..don't want to be too commando like!..but want to make the best of our time....any tips much appriciated

thanks in advance

 

[The Sweetness]

I am also anticipating my fam's first trip to Uni/IOA. I got one of the guide books from Barnes and Noble that gives details on all of the rides, restaurants and area hotels. I wont bring it with me on our trip, as it would likely get wet, all bent out of shape or torn between the water rides etc... I have however read it a couple of times already. The information for pre trip planning is invaluable

 

[kellymonaghan]

Best strategy: stay at one of the on-site hotels. The express access your hotel room key gives you means no waits and plenty of time to see everything.

Otherwise... USF should be a breeze. Kong and Hirchcock are closed and their replacements won't be open when you're there. The new Jimmy Neutron ride (replacing Hanna Barbera) MIGHT be open. Still, it should be easy to see everything you want.

Most popular at USF is Back to the Future, so do that first. Use the single rider line at MiB.

At IOA, do the coasters first, then Spidey.

 

[robvia]

Yes, stay onsite if you can afford it.

The tip I give everyone for IOA is to be at the gate by 08:30am with ticket in hand. I go clockwise around the park, doing the rides in order. By noon the sun is up and it gets crowded. That's when I go over to USF for the movie show attractions, which are in air conditioned buildings.

For you The Sweatness, when you drive up, that means leaving Miami at 03:30am. I leave from Plantation FL at 04:00am. Go up US 27 to I-4. Yep, it's an early start, but works well driving thru the night.

 

[USO2003]

http://usf.i8.com/USF_Tips.htm & http://usf.i8.com/IOA_Tips.htm

Those are my tips.

 

[galaxy]

Hi guys

thanks for your replies. I wish we were staying on site, FOTL access certainly seems worth it, perhaps we will do it when we return next year.( I know, I know, we haven't got this holiday by with and I'm already planning the next!!!).

However we are gonna be in Orlando for 3 weeks so hopefully will be able to spend more than 2 days in the Universal parks. It seems that as per the disney parks our best plan would be to get to the parks for opening and do our 'must dos' first and then just enjoy the day as it comes. Surely over 2/3 days we should see most of the parks.

Your site is very informative , USO2003, thanks for the link.

Kelly are your books available in the Uk .or do they have to be shipped over?

Only 38 days to go..........cant' wait

 

[Mittman]

USF:
I usually do the rides in this order
1. Men In Black
2. Back to the Future
3. E.T.
4. Jaws
5. Earthquake
Lunch
6. Terminator 2: 3D
7. Horror Make Up Show (might have to move this around to fit with the schedule)
After that do anything else you want to do over again, or anything I left out you want to see.

IOA
1. Spider Man
2. Hulk
3. Dr. Doom
4. Dudley Do Right
5. Popeye
6. Jurassic Park
Lunch
7. Dueling Dragons
8. Posedion's Fury
9. Sinbad
10. Cat in the Hat
The most important thing is to get there 30 min before the park opens to beat the crowds.

 

[USO2003]

That's my #2 tip.

USF: The most popular attractions are in the back so hit Jaws, MIB & BTTF first and work your way back to the front.

IOA: Marvel Super Hero Island has the most popular rides so hit it and work your way around until you hit Suess Landing. If you have little kids you might want to hit Suess Landing and work your way to Marvel Super Hero Island.