Universal Newbie, HELP

[goodferry]

We are regulars to WDW, DVC owners, who are considering adding a day to our Feb. trip to visit Universal and I could use some advice.

Who: Me, DH, and our three kids DS (16) DD (13) and DD (8)

When: We would likely be arriving late on Friday, Feb. 3rd and spending Saturday in a park (the parks?)

What: DH and I are adrenaline junkies, but the kids not so much. The older two will try almost anything once but don't love coasters and the 8 year old is afraid of everything almost, lol. Her favorite ride is IASW.

Where: We will be staying at a Universal resort. We would be checking in to Bay Lake Towers that evening. We are thinking we will need a rental car this trip.

Why: Our DD (13) is the primary reason we would be going, she is a HP FREAK and has been asking to go.

My questions:
Should we just do IOA since we will only be there one day?
Do we need a rental car or would we save money getting a cab? (We have never rented a car, always used ME or had a towncar pick us up at the airport and bring us back)
What should we make sure and see/do?
Where should I begin to look for hotel room discounts? (we are AAA members)
Is it not worth attempting since we only have the one day, even with FOTL?

Thanks for any advice/help you could offer

 

[mesaboy2]

My questions:
1. Should we just do IOA since we will only be there one day?
2. Do we need a rental car or would we save money getting a cab? (We have never rented a car, always used ME or had a towncar pick us up at the airport and bring us back)
3. What should we make sure and see/do?
4. Where should I begin to look for hotel room discounts? (we are AAA members)
5. Is it not worth attempting since we only have the one day, even with FOTL?

Thanks for any advice/help you could offer

I'll give them a shot.

1. Not sure. Depends on how much time you can devote to the two Universal parks that day. Would you arrive at opening and be able to stay until close? If so, then with onsite resort privileges (early entry to WWoHP and Universal Express) you can get both parks done, though you'll still be rushed I think. Be aware the UE that comes with onsite privileges will spoil you because you can use it as many times as you like and whenever you like. UE is not accepted at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Ollivander's, Pteranadon Flyers, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

2. I'm a semi-local, so I always have my own car--therefore I'm not sure here either. Seems to me the cab would be much easier at the very least.

3. (a) For IoA, DD8 should like the four rides in SeussLand, Storm Force Acceletron, and maybe Spiderman. She may also enjoy the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Camp Jurassic. The adult thrill seekers would like Dragon Challenge, Hulk, Doctor Doom's Fearfall, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Your teenagers would probably go for JPRA and HP&FJ at least. Though both are fun, I can't recommend the two serious water rides (Bilge Rat Barges and Ripsaw Falls) in early February when it can be quite cold. JPRA may get you a little wet, but in my experience not as bad as those two.

(b) For the Studios--if you decide to do it also--DD8 should like ET, and perhaps Men in Black, Shrek 4-D, and the Simpsons. There are a couple of play areas that might interest her as well. The thrill seekers will want to do Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Revenge of the Mummy. The teenagers perhaps Simpsons, Shrek, MiB, Disaster, Twister, and the various shows such as Terminator or the Horror Make-Up show.

4. No idea. I've been spoiled with FL resident and AP discounts.

5. I would definitely do IoA for the HP freak in your family. She will almost certainly love it.