Universal FL questions

[AJKMOM]

We are long time Disney fans (son with autism) and have not been to Universal Studios in15 years. I can not ride the virtual rides like Star Tours, Mission:Space, Pandora. 15 years ago, there were a whole lot of virtual rides at Universal. Is that still the case? Trying to decide if it's worth it to try again. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Minnie1222]

Yes, most rides are screen-based, coasters, or a combination of both.

 

[lanejudy]

I can't answer about the rides... but I wanted to mention in case you hadn't heard that Universal has a new disability program that just started. You need to apply in advance, uploading documentation to IBCCES before you can talk to Universal about any accommodations request.

 

[NicoleLarson]

That is still the case. Islands of adventure would be a better option vs Universal studios, less screens. The only screen rides there are forbidden journey and Spiderman. So if you all are okay with coasters, you have 3 really great ones there, plus 3 water rides and Suessland

 

[Minnie1222]

There are cute rides like E.T and the ones in Seuss Landing. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a nice place to visit without going on a ride.

 

[HopperFan]

Tough one for sure to determine value for you as there isn't the entertainment and shows like you get at Disney. AND as lanejudy says if your DS gets the Disney DAS it will be a much bigger process at UO now.

I can do Star Tours and Pandora. At UO I can not do Harry Potter Forbidden Journey or the Simpsons ride. You will find there are still lots of screens on a small and large scale

SCREENS

IOA ~
Forbidden Journey
Spiderman
King Kong
And small scale Hogwart's Express

UO ~ most the park
Spiderman
MIB
Gringott's
Fast & Furious
BOTH Minions depending on your level of tolerance
Transformers
Jimmy Fallon

 

[CarolynFH]

You may already know this, but DISboards has a forum for the USR parks - https://www.disboards.com/forums/universal-studios-islands-of-adventure-forums.30/. You might find some help there, too.

 

[keishashadow]

I can not ride the virtual rides like Star Tours, Mission:Space, Pandora. 15 years ago, there were a whole lot of virtual rides at Universal. Is that still the case?

Yes

However, there are other non-VR rides too, especially if you enjoy coasters.

Bourne show is top notch, does employ degree of VR

Makeup show is a classic, enjoyed by many

studios is under construction In the kids’ area

FYI - not sure what time frame you are considering.

be aware that HHN runs early September to early November at night Studios closes early generally on Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sunday.

Personally, we love the event and visit multiple nights. Others have indicated they are sensitive to things of that horror inspired nature. U does their best to cover up the props in the Scarezones during the day.

 

[ClapYourHands]

SCREENS

IOA ~
Forbidden Journey
Spiderman
King Kong
And small scale Hogwart's Express

UO ~ most the park
Spiderman
MIB
Gringott's
Fast & Furious
BOTH Minions depending on your level of tolerance
Transformers
Jimmy Fallon

IOA

The screens on Hogwarts express are just the windows with scenes going by. I’ve never heard of anyone getting motion sickness from them.

US
Men in Black is all practical effects, not screen based at all.

Minion Mayhem has available stationary seats if you ask for them, which turns it from a ride into a movie. Obviously still a screen, but should be okay for most people.

Of the two, IoA would offer the most rides you can do, as Studios is very screen based. However, studios has the shows - Bourne Stuntacular, Horror Make Up Show (more funny than horrifying), Animal Actors, and the street shows: Tales of Beedle the Bard, Celestina Warbeck, and Beat Builders.

 

[Kit Jackson]

However, studios has the shows - Bourne Stuntacular, Horror Make Up Show (more funny than horrifying), Animal Actors, and the street shows: Tales of Beedle the Bard, Celestina Warbeck, and Beat Builders.

Aren't the acapella show and the Blue Brothers show also in Studios? The last time I went, I think the acapella show was in the same location as Beat Builders. I think people tend to forget about the shows at Universal. They are not amazing Broadway quality by any means, but they are fun and enjoyable. If you are a ride coward like me, they are something entertaining to watch while the thrill seekers in the group ride something more intense.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Aren't the acapella show and the Blue Brothers show also in Studios? The last time I went, I think the acapella show was in the same location as Beat Builders. I think people tend to forget about the shows at Universal. They are not amazing Broadway quality by any means, but they are fun and enjoyable. If you are a ride coward like me, they are something entertaining to watch while the thrill seekers in the group ride something more intense.

Yes - you're right! Also the Marilyn Monroe impersonator is in Studios, and a new dance one I haven't seen yet.

IOA has the Triwizard Spirit Rally, the Seuss show, and the Raptor Encounter. I keep waiting for them to put something in the old Sinbad theater because there's not much entertainment in IoA these days.