Universal--haven't been since the 90's. Need advice

[Micka Mouse]

Hi all!
I haven't been to Universal since the early 90s. We will be in Orlando for 3 days in early July, staying at Margaritaville Orlando. My dd17 just informed me that we HAVE to go to Universal. So I need help. I started to look at IOA and Universal Studios, but I am overwhelmed. Traveling will be me, dh, dd17 and dd14. Planning on visiting Gatorland, and now I guess Universal The girls love roller coasters. Can you help me with the following:

Are both parks must do's? If not, which one is the must do park?
Can we feasibly do both parks in 1 day? We aren't rush rush people...pretty laid back.
Do you recommend 2 days over 1?

If there is any advice you can give me, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!!
Shannon

 

[DisneyMom93]

How exciting. I recommend both parks, and a day at each.

Our first trip we did one day at each and then park hopped the last day for three days total. But a day at each park was enough time to relax and enjoy them both. If you don't have Express Pass, I say you need two days for sure.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I concur - a day in each park. They're both great, and too much to cover comfortably crammed into the same day.

If not doing Express Passes, download the Universal App for ride wait times. Also remember that the single rider lines are your friends.

 

[Kit Jackson]

If you are the type of person who likes to plan ahead and use guidebooks, this one (Unofficial Guide Book) is fantastic. https://smile.amazon.com/Unofficial...eway&sprefix=Universal+Orlando,aps,121&sr=8-3

 

[schumigirl]

Oh please don't try and do both parks in one day.....especially in July without EP!!!

Absolutely two days, with one in each.....I know the EP is expensive, but if you can swing it, it would make a massive difference with lines.....

You don't need a touring plan......familiarise yourself with the parks and look at the things you want to do with your family and work your way round the parks that way...…the link to all the parks, Citywalk and Volcano Bay

You`ll see massive changes since you were last there......it`ll be so much fun for you and your daughters...


https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/resort-maps/index.html

 

[jerseygal]

IF you can afford to do 1 night at one of the three on sites, Express Pass is so worth it as it is included in the price of the lodging for one night, especially in July,very busy! If you check in early one day, by staying 1 night, you will get the advantage of having Express Pass for two whole days, day of check in, day of check out. You will love Express Pass! Additionally, perhaps your daughters may like Volcano Bay, the waterpark. Get there very early, opening, will be crowded in July, but would be lots of fun, enjoy.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Definitely 2 days with park-to-park. There is way too much to do for only one day, and there are HP elements in both parks. I wouldn't be able to choose which HP I wanted to do!