Universal must sees

[WIll C]

My wife and I will be going to the park for a day (perhaps two if we really like it) mainly to see Harry Potter. We're spending a day of our WDW week at US as it is her birthday and wants to experience all the HP attractions. We are getting a 2 park pass for the day.

Is there something else we should see/do while we are there? Neither of us like thrill rides and her medical issues rule out anything roller-coaster like rides in any case. While I suspect our day will be filled with HP, if there is something else we should do I'd like to hear so we don't miss out. We've never been to the park before (or WDW).

 

[mjhtvchick]

My wife and I will be going to the park for a day (perhaps two if we really like it) mainly to see Harry Potter. We're spending a day of our WDW week at US as it is her birthday and wants to experience all the HP attractions. We are getting a 2 park pass for the day.

Is there something else we should see/do while we are there? Neither of us like thrill rides and her medical issues rule out anything roller-coaster like rides in any case. While I suspect our day will be filled with HP, if there is something else we should do I'd like to hear so we don't miss out. We've never been to the park before (or WDW).

In Islands of Adventure, I like walking down/back to all of the viewing areas that look out over the lagoon - there is one in each "island" - I have gotten some nice pictures from those spots.

In Universal Studios, If you are into The Simpsons at all, that area of the park is FULL of really fun easter eggs and jokes.

 

[GoldmanTrust]

I would do ET, it is in Universal. For me that is a must do.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The Kong ride is really cool and well done. Also Jurassic Park river ride if you are up for getting wet.

 

[macraven]

Check out www.universalorlando.com and look at the park maps.

Look at what rides, shows, street entertainment, etc are in the parks.

You can make a basic plan of what you will need to avoid in advance


You can see the show times for each day on the main page of the site.


Animal Actors on Parade is a simple outdoor show which will run about 15 minutes.
Horror Make Up show is indoors and a lot of fun.

The Marilyn Monroe and Blues Brothers Show in the street is lively and entertaining.

Seuss Land has simple but fun rides for any age.
ET was already mentioned and it's simple but done nicely.

 

[Wild4Walt]

At Universal - the Men in Black ride is run and similar to Buzz ( since you're a Disney fan like me ). The Shrek 4D is also cute if you are into Shrek.

IOA is very visually stimulating and even with as big of a Disney fan that I am, this is by far my favorite park. If you have time, it's fun just to walk through, shop and get some great pics at.

And of course, if you are Harry Potter fans, you'll love the Hogwarts Express ( so take that from one park to the other ).

 

[nighttowll]

Excluding thrill rides, the non HP attractions we like best would be:

Universal Studios

• MIB
• Animal Actors show
• ET
• Despicable Me (stationary seating)

Island of Adventure

• Exploring Dr. Seuss Land - very whimsical, great photo ops
• Dr. Seus Trolley Train Ride - good picture ops of park from up high
• Poseidon - This gets lots of hate, but we really love it. You just have to embrace the corniness of it all.
• Mythos - themed restaurant, worth doing at least once for atmosphere, but if you are there for HP, I’d eat at the Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron first, before eating at Mythos. You can still take some cool pics from outside. Go down the troll bridge and behind the restaurant.
• It can be fun to look up your family’s coat of arms in the Lost Continent.
• Definitely take time to check out the talking fountain.
• Check out the dino nursery in the Discovery Center and the Raptors for some not be missed animatronic dinosaur encounters
• There are a number of fun photo ops in Toon Lagoon.

 

[WIll C]

All great tips! I appreciate it. HP will fill most of our day but I will try to hit up a few of these as well. We both love MIB and Dinosaurs so we'll certainly look at those.