Universal and Islands of Adventure First Timer...NEED TIPS!

[DisneyFairy66]

So let me introduce myself by sayin I am a DISNEY FANATIC and I am going to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure soon...We are staying at Pacific Bay Hotel....I have been to Universal and IA before...I am just more a disney parks girl,...But i am thrilled to try something new...I just need some advice on Dining...there seem to be plenty of yummy restaurants to eat at...But can someone give me advice on where to make reservations to eat??? I would appreciate it, and any thing I must do while I am there...let me know..I will take all the tips, advice and comments I can get....THANK YOU

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Royal Pacific is a great hotel

Most restaurants in the parks are CS. The table service ones there and at CityWalk don't take reservations, with the exception of Emril's at CityWalk, the Emril's-owned one at Royal Pacific (can't spell it!), and Mytho's in IoA (which is, from what I've heard, amazing!).

Have fun!!

 

[patster734]

Pacific Bay Hotel? Do you mean the Portofino Bay Hotel or the Royal Pacific Resort?

As for dining, the only restaurants that require advanced reservations are Emeril's at Citywalk and Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort. The other Citywalk restuarants usually don't need a reservation.

Furthermore, if you are staying at one of the two hotels that I mentioned above, showing your room key to the restaurant attendant will usually get you express seating so you shouldn't wait as long as the other walk-up guests. The restaurants that don't accept express seating are the 2 Emeril restaurants that I previously mentioned, and Bubba Gump's.

 

[Not My Fault!]

From my experience (and of course depending on when you're going) you don't need reservations at too many of the places. Tchoup Chop will take reservations, and you'll want them at Mythos, but for the most part you'll be fine without them. Hard Rock Cafe doesn't even take them.

 

[Not My Fault!]

I do need to add a comment about Mythos: if you haven't been, be sure to have at least one meal there. It's the best restaurant in any of the Universal or Disney parks. Lunch is perfect there, you just don't want to do Dueling Dragons right after!

 

[DisneyFairy66]

I do need to add a comment about Mythos: if you haven't been, be sure to have at least one meal there. It's the best restaurant in any of the Universal or Disney parks. Lunch is perfect there, you just don't want to do Dueling Dragons right after!

Where is Mythos...you have me convinced to eat there lol.


Also its Pacific Royal Hotel...im sorry i gooofed up! lol

 

[DisneyFairy66]

Pacific Bay Hotel? Do you mean the Portofino Bay Hotel or the Royal Pacific Resort?

As for dining, the only restaurants that require advanced reservations are Emeril's at Citywalk and Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort. The other Citywalk restuarants usually don't need a reservation.

Furthermore, if you are staying at one of the two hotels that I mentioned above, showing your room key to the restaurant attendant will usually get you express seating so you shouldn't wait as long as the other walk-up guests. The restaurants that don't accept express seating are the 2 Emeril restaurants that I previously mentioned, and Bubba Gump's.

Royal Pacific Resort...why cant i get it right??? I am excited to stay there I have stayed at Disneys Polynesian but this one also looks beautiful!!!!!!!

 

[Not My Fault!]

Where is Mythos...you have me convinced to eat there lol.

Mythos is in IoA, directly across the lagoon from Hulk. When you enter, follow main entryway to the end. Hulk will be to your left; the fastest way to Mythos is to turn right which takes you thru the Suess-land. Mythos will be on your left just after you cross over to Lost Continent.

 

[patster734]

Royal Pacific Resort...why cant i get it right??? I am excited to stay there I have stayed at Disneys Polynesian but this one also looks beautiful!!!!!!!

We've stayed there a few times and will be staying there again this May. You'll love the hotel's Express perk when visiting the parks. Just show your room key to access the express line on rides and some shows.

The walk from the hotel to Citywalk is short. Guests can also take the boat between Citywalk and the hotel.

Be sure to sign up for Loewsfirst at Loewshotels.com. If your rate is a qualifying rate, you might receive a room upgrade if available, with a Loewfirst membership.

 

[Metro West]

Where is Mythos...you have me convinced to eat there

I'm sure you won't be dissappointed. Mythos is located across from Poseidon's Fury...the restaurant is located in this building:

 

[DisneyFairy66]

You all are getting me way tooo excited.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im soo excited!!

 

[DisneyFairy66]

We've stayed there a few times and will be staying there again this May. You'll love the hotel's Express perk when visiting the parks. Just show your room key to access the express line on rides and some shows.

The walk from the hotel to Citywalk is short. Guests can also take the boat between Citywalk and the hotel.

Be sure to sign up for Loewsfirst at Loewshotels.com. If your rate is a qualifying rate, you might receive a room upgrade if available, with a Loewfirst membership.

Thanks soo much for letting me know, I already signed up is there anything I should do before our trip???

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Not much to worry about before the trip.. and not too much to worry about when you're there except that you're having fun.

I seventh everyone who said you have to eat Mythos. We hype it up a lot and I feel like people might have overwhelming expectations but honestly, the food is really good and the prices are not bad AT ALL.

I've stayed at Royal Pacific a bunch of times and there are some GOOD EATS at the hotel. There's really good sushi in the Orchid Court Lounge in the Lobby, Emeril's asian-inspired Tchoup Chop restaurant, the Islands Dining Room has breakfast and dinner buffets and a regular menu as well. They're all really good. You're also a 5-10 minute walk or boat ride to CityWalk and all of their restaurants as well.

Have a blast. When are you going?

 

[DisneyFairy66]

Not much to worry about before the trip.. and not too much to worry about when you're there except that you're having fun.

I seventh everyone who said you have to eat Mythos. We hype it up a lot and I feel like people might have overwhelming expectations but honestly, the food is really good and the prices are not bad AT ALL.

I've stayed at Royal Pacific a bunch of times and there are some GOOD EATS at the hotel. There's really good sushi in the Orchid Court Lounge in the Lobby, Emeril's asian-inspired Tchoup Chop restaurant, the Islands Dining Room has breakfast and dinner buffets and a regular menu as well. They're all really good. You're also a 5-10 minute walk or boat ride to CityWalk and all of their restaurants as well.

Have a blast. When are you going?

Thanks for letting me know, I am going in June...Im glad you told me about the sushi...I love sushi and the buffets will be great for my boyfriend he loves buffets! Thank you,

(I am a nerd I am writing this all down lol, with disney i can go there with my eyes closed but universal I need to write it all down)

 

[patster734]

One other question, are you a member of AAA? If you are, bring your card. You get discounts on dining and souveniers with the AAA card.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

One other question, are you a member of AAA? If you are, bring your card. You get discounts on dining and souveniers with the AAA card.

I was just about to mention this.

 

[DisneyFairy66]

wow great deal, definitly bringing that card!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[minniejack]

We are planning a trip at Christmas and found these great coupons at this site orlandocoupons.com
Have Fun--you will love Universal

We have been to Disney several times, but have found that atmosphere to be not as frantic--so much more relaxing. Also, the prices for food actually seem cheaper at Universal. You definitely have to try the restaurants at Portofino Bay--the prices are not over priced as some posters seem to think. If you go at night, you will have strolling musicians while you are dining--so romantic. It feels as if you are truly in Italy.

 

[patster734]

We are planning a trip at Christmas and found these great coupons at this site orlandocoupons.com
Have Fun--you will love Universal

We have been to Disney several times, but have found that atmosphere to be not as frantic--so much more relaxing. Also, the prices for food actually seem cheaper at Universal. You definitely have to try the restaurants at Portofino Bay--the prices are not over priced as some posters seem to think. If you go at night, you will have strolling musicians while you are dining--so romantic. It feels as if you are truly in Italy.

Thanks for the website. i just printed off coupons for my upcoming trip!

 

[MOMMYMOUSEOF2]

How much of a discount do you get on meals with AAA?
Would it be worth it to get a AAA card before I go?
Also, what type of food does Mythos serve?

One more thing... are there any character breakfasts like at Disney?
How can I find out about them?