Universal for the First time! What to do??

[brandip22]

Hello! DH and I are going to Universal from October 8-12 for the first time. We are normally WDW folks and are DVC members. However, we have the chance to go down for a brief visit without our DS (5) and decided to try it out. Now, we are the biggest "riders" as we do not like to go upside down!! We don't do ToT and I don't do RnRc, but DH does. We don't even know where to eat! We are trying to stick to a pretty tight budget, but would like to do one nice meal. We plan to do Margaritaville I'm sure, if only for drinks and snacks as we are Buffet fans and frequent the one down here in New Orleans. Any suggestions on what to not miss and what to not worry about seeing or doing? We'll arrive sometime on Monday, October 8 and leave Friday the 12. We are probably going to do the MNSSHP the night of the 11th and have no interest in the US Halloween Horror stuff. Oh, and we will be staying at OKW, but will have our car. Thanks in advance!

 

[Spidey7]

First off since you are going in October I would recommend you reconsider the HHorror Nights, its the best most high tech haunted houses on the planet, really great stuff.

But for regular park stuff I'll give you a short list of Must-Dos:

Islands of Adventure

Spiderman 3-D Ride, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Mythos Restaurant for lunch.

Main Universal Park

The Mummy (It gets fast but does not go upside down) Men In Black, Terminator 3-D Show, ET, Twister, Jaws.

Jimmy Buffets is also great for lunch or dinner in City Walk.

This is a very short list. There is much much more to do and see, plus just soaking up the terrific themeing of both parks especially the Islands of Adventure. Have fun, you'll be hooked after this and will have to do Universal on every Orlando trip now I guarantee you.

 

[Darcy03231]

We just got back and had a blast. Whatever you do, don't miss the Hollywood Horror Make-up Show in US. It's one of the best shows we've ever seen! Other family favorites were: Revenge of the Mummy (US), Men in Black (US) - this ride has a single rider line that moves really fast, Shrek (US), Jimmy Neutron (US), Spiderman (IOA), Popeye (IOA), Dudley Do-Right (IOA), and Jurassic River Adventure (IOA). My kids are coaster lovers and they did the Hulk and Dueling Dragons and loved them, but they do go upside down.

 

[brandip22]

Thanks for the tips, folks! We want to take DS to US and IOA on our next trip in May, so we will be looking at all the kiddie stuff too! Can't beleive it's so close!

 

[mslclark]

My DH will tell you that the best place to eat at US is the Midway Grill next to Jaws. They have Nathan's hot dogs and we eat there every trip! It's not a bad meal for the price, and the hot dogs are so big that 2 people could probably split them.

Our not to miss lists:

US: Terminator 2, Shrek, MIB, Jaws, Mummy, Horror Makeup Show, ET

IOA (without going upside down): Spiderman, Dudley Do Right, Jurassic Park, Cat in the Hat

 

[Starry]

My DH will tell you that the best place to eat at US is the Midway Grill next to Jaws. They have Nathan's hot dogs and we eat there every trip! It's not a bad meal for the price, and the hot dogs are so big that 2 people could probably split them.

Our not to miss lists:

US: Terminator 2, Shrek, MIB, Jaws, Mummy, Horror Makeup Show, ET

IOA (without going upside down): Spiderman, Dudley Do Right, Jurassic Park, Cat in the Hat

MMMMM. Nathans are the best!!

 

[brandip22]

Thanks again! Now, we are starting to feel guilty for not taking DS and are considering taking him. He's five- any things he will not like? I'm thinking Mummy for sure, but what else? I know all the coasters, but we wouldn't do that either. What to do, what to do? Take him or leave him? I just feel it's wrong to go to Orlando without him. The beach or Vegas, no problem- but Orlando??

 

[Christysuelouise]

If you have a 5 year old, he would LOVE both parks. So you should feel guilty. LOL. I'm just teasing. Yes, he would like them, there is a lot of kid stuff in both parks, but it would definitely change the experience for you guys. I would say that if you have a chance to do it yourselves, TAKE IT. Do everything you want and enjoy yourselves. Go back first chance you get with him and let him do the Barney show, and the ball factory over in KidZone, Feivel's Playland, and all the other cool stuff for kids. That way, you can let him do all the kiddie stuff without feeling like you've missed out on the rest of the parks since you'll have already done it.

 

[brandip22]

Well, we have decided to take him- oh that Mom guilt!! He will have so much fun, though!!! Now, I have to go see what all is there for him! And, I need to buy another ticket. What will be fun though is that we are going to surprise him. I will start a new thread with the details. That will be so much for to plan!

 

[brandip22]

Here's the link to my pre-trip and planning report!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=20884871&posted=1#post20884871

 

[bubba's mom]

Finnegan's at the Studios is a good sit down place that's reasonable. Also at the Studios, Louie's is good for pizza ...and reasonable. Most don't like Mels there. Food and Film Festival is so-so....

At IOA, Enchanted Oak (CS) is good, as is Confisco's. (TS) --Confisco's also has Spiderman and Cat in the Hat character breakfasts. Mythos is excellent TS at IOA, but more on the $$$$ side....but, for many here, a don't miss .

 

[ChrisFL]

Finnegan's at the Studios is a good sit down place that's reasonable. Also at the Studios, Louie's is good for pizza ...and reasonable. Most don't like Mels there. Food and Film Festival is so-so....

At IOA, Enchanted Oak (CS) is good, as is Confisco's. (TS) --Confisco's also has Spiderman and Cat in the Hat character breakfasts. Mythos is excellent TS at IOA, but more on the $$$$ side....but, for many here, a don't miss .

Mythos meals are usually between $8-$14, but HIGHLY worth it, I've never had a bad meal there

 

[brandip22]

Thanks! I do have a Mythos ressie for lunch on the day we are at IOA. I have a spidey b-fast scheduled, too. But, i may cancel it b/c it's for a day we aren't going to the parks. Not sure it's worth a special trip? We'll see how we feel that day. Thanks

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks! I do have a Mythos ressie for lunch on the day we are at IOA. I have a spidey b-fast scheduled, too. But, i may cancel it b/c it's for a day we aren't going to the parks. Not sure it's worth a special trip? We'll see how we feel that day. Thanks

If your Spiderman breakfast is a day you are not doing the parks, I'm not sure you can get in to it. I believe you need to have park admission...the restaurant is IN IOA and you'll need to show your park ticket to get INTO IOA...... Someone correct me if I'm wrong (unless you have the 7 day ticket and are just not staying for the park that day?)

 

[bookworm0312]

So, Darcy, can you answer a question about the Hollywood Horror Makeup Show? I have a 8 (will be 9 for trip) year old that tends to be a little jumpy at "scary" things and one of the books I picked up lists this as "PG13" rated. I was hesitant to take here to it. How old are your kids and can you give an opinion?

Thanks!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

So, Darcy, can you answer a question about the Hollywood Horror Makeup Show? I have a 8 (will be 9 for trip) year old that tends to be a little jumpy at "scary" things and one of the books I picked up lists this as "PG13" rated. I was hesitant to take here to it. How old are your kids and can you give an opinion?

Thanks!!!

My son was 8.5 this summer when we went. It wasn't 'scary' like that, more PG13 cuz of language and "adult" jokes that went over his head mostly. He will be okay if you sit toward the back

 

[brandip22]

If your Spiderman breakfast is a day you are not doing the parks, I'm not sure you can get in to it. I believe you need to have park admission...the restaurant is IN IOA and you'll need to show your park ticket to get INTO IOA...... Someone correct me if I'm wrong (unless you have the 7 day ticket and are just not staying for the park that day?)

Yes, we have the 7 day tickets, just are doing the MNSSHP that night, so were not planning on trekking all the way out there. But we can if it's worth it, you know?

Also, anyone know about strollers at US/IOA? I know Ds is 5, but we usually get one at WDW so he can rest some. I haven't seen any info on here though.

 

[bubba's mom]

Uh...they have single AND double strollers there

 

[Metro West]

Also, anyone know about strollers at US/IOA? I know Ds is 5, but we usually get one at WDW so he can rest some. I haven't seen any info on here though.

Here ya go:

 

[bubba's mom]

Leave it to YOU to have a pic of strollers....

......and you don't even HAVE kids