Universal/IOA in One Day??

[momma22]

Since we have learned that the Harry Potter attraction will not be open when we visit Orlando (May31-June8), we are now rethinking our itinerary. We have never visited Universal before and are wondering if we could do both parks in one day. Our kids are 18 and 15 so wearing out isn't an issue - except for the parents!! We, frankly, are a little disgusted with Universal for upping their park prices so much even for those of us that won't get the benefit of the new attraction!! Any thoughts?? Is it possible - - or just foolish??!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I think it is possible. You won't do absolutely everything but, you can do all the major stuff in one day as long as it isn't too busy or you have the 'front' of the line card you can buy. I would bet it is going to be pretty slow until HP opens.

 

[Detailor]

I'd suggest going to the Universal website to look at the attractions in each of the parks and studying the park maps to determine where everything is located. This should help you plan your limited time at Universal/Islands. And you should go when the parks open for the day.

You should know that a lot of guests will stop at the first few attractions - Terminator, Shrek, Jimmy Neutron or the new Rip Ride Rocket coaster in the Studios and Hulk, Dr. Doom in Islands - so it may be wise to see what your group may be interested in deeper into the parks - Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, the Simpsons, ET in Studios or Jurassic Park, Dueling Dragons or the two big water rides (Ripsaw Falls or the Popeye raft ride) or even Spiderman in Islands. My youngest daughter and I have been on the Jurassic Park ride several times right after opening when we've been the only ones on the ride - no lines, no waiting - nearly the same thing for Ripsaw Falls and Spiderman! So I think it depends on which attractions are most important to you and how you want to spend your time.

One day is doable if you stay all day and evening to do almost everything, but I don't think I'd have the energy for it.

Oh, and check out the Universal/Islands board that's way down on the forum list for more advise about these parks.

Dick Taylor

 

[everylastbreath]

Are you staying on-site at Universal? because if you had FOTL it is doable, without it, your going to be spending lots of time in lines. My suggestion would be to book a night at universal onsite hotel and spend 2 days there with FOTL.

 

[damo]

You can do the highlights in one day but you can't do everything. You will know well before you go if there have been soft openings and you can adjust your planning accordingly.

Universal prices are still much lower than Disney's. They did get rid of their 7 day steal of a deal promo that had been around for about 5 years.

Disney 1 day hopper --131
Universal 1 day hopper -- 109

Disney 2 day hopper --208
Universal 2 day hopper -- 135

Disney 3 day hopper --271
Universal 3 day hopper --140

Disney 4 day hopper --277
Universal 4 day hopper --145

Disney 7 day hopper --286
Universal 7 day hopper --170

Disney Annual Pass 489 Renewal Rate 449
Universal Annual Pass 229 Renewal Rate 159