Universal Newbie-itis

[Lorelai]

I am a Disney vet, but a Universal Newbie.

I know how important a Touring Plan can be while in the World (rope drops, slow loaders, FP, ADRs, EMHs, etc, etc, etc.) but I am a total Universal baby. I know nothing.

So I have a few fully loaded questions...

Are there sections of Universal that tend to draw larger crowds? If so, where are they?

Is it a place where you can accomplish a lot more if you are there at rope drop? (Is there a rope drop?)

Do you need reservations for the sit down restauants?

Do they have anything like the fast pass system?

Any info helpful...thanks!

 

[stellao]

Are there sections of Universal that tend to draw larger crowds? If so, where are they? yes, mostly the big thrill rides can be busier (hulk, spiderman, mummy, etc)

Is it a place where you can accomplish a lot more if you are there at rope drop? (Is there a rope drop?) dont know what this is, sorry.

Do you need reservations for the sit down restauants? some of the restaurants in citywalk do require reservations (emerils is the only one i know of for sure) but most of them you just walk in.

Do they have anything like the fast pass system? they do! i dont know how it works when you buy them in the park because we always stay at the on site hotels and you can skip all the lines all day long by showing your room key. its more expensive to stay on site than staying at a nearby hotel but we think it is totally worth it!

Any info helpful...thanks!

 

[calgarygary]

The hours of planning for a trip to WDW, deciding whether to use UG or TGM or whatever strategy to get the most of your stay, the commando style of touring, first to the park, last to leave, crisscrossing the park to use fast pass or avoid the lines, all of that can be replaced with a single phone call to make your onsite reservation. There is no better perk for an onsite hotel then staying onsite at Universal. Imagine not having to race out the door to be there at park opening, imagine touring the parks in a geographical manner, one attraction to the next without having to go from one side of the park to the other to avoid lines, imagine deciding to go back to your room and 10 to 15 minutes after your decision your back in the room, imagine a theme park vacation that is also restful, imagine a deluxe hotel that really is deluxe in more than just name. Welcome to Universal's concept of an onsite hotel.

Lorelai, if you really want to have a GREAT time at Universal, stay onsite!

 

[Metro West]

I am a Disney vet, but a Universal Newbie.

I know how important a Touring Plan can be while in the World (rope drops, slow loaders, FP, ADRs, EMHs, etc, etc, etc.) but I am a total Universal baby. I know nothing.

So I have a few fully loaded questions...

Are there sections of Universal that tend to draw larger crowds? If so, where are they?

Is it a place where you can accomplish a lot more if you are there at rope drop? (Is there a rope drop?)

Do you need reservations for the sit down restauants?

Do they have anything like the fast pass system?

Any info helpful...thanks!

The sections of the Studios that tend to draw larger crowds are: Shrek 4-D, Jimmy Neutron, ROTM and MIB. The crowds will depend upon the time of year you're going.

I would recommend getting there as early as possible especially if you're going during a busy time of year. There isn't really a "rope drop" though.

The only CityWalk restaurant that recommends reservations is Bubba Gump's but most of the restaurants can seat you anytime. Try going at an off-peak time.

The Express Pass Plus is available for purchase but it's not free. Depending upon when you're going, you might not even need it so I would wait until you arrive and if it gets too crowded, you can certainly purchase them.

 

[irky416]

There isn't really a rope drop. We got in at 8:30 instead of the posted 9 opening time. There was no one there until 11 and we walked on almost every major ride we wanted to before 12. If you don't stay on site,make sure you get there early!

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Busy areas:

Let's break it down:

IoA: Marvel SuperHero Island, Lost Continent around Dueling Dragons
USO: Shrek area, KidZone (little kids), Mummy, MIB
CityWalk: around major clubs/restaurants, also main stage

As the other DISers have said, it really depends on what time of year you go.

Rope Drop:

None that I know of, they just let you in. Sometimes, during off-peak times, they let you in earlier, maybe 10 minutes or so. I didn't go during this time, so I wouldn't know. There is no formal ceremony, however.

Restaurants:

Tchoup Chop at the RPR I think requires reservations, and Emril's in CityWalk definately does. Most all the other restuarants, at least the sit-down ones, no reservation is required. Wait times vary depending again on what time of year, and what time of day.

Express Pass:

If you stay onsite, you automatically get FOTL, where you show your room key for unlimited access to all the rides. Also, barely a wait, and unlike Fastpass, there is no "time frame"! Not onsite, then you can still purchase an Express Pass (EP) anywhere in the park, but can only ride one time per ride per day.

Anything else:

DO NOT MISS THE FOLLOWING ATTRACTIONS:

Spiderman (IoA), Hulk (IoA), Dueling Dragons (IoA), Dr. Doom's FearFall (IoA), Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges (IoA), Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls (IoA), Jurassic Park River Adventure (IoA), Men In Black (USO), Shrek 4-D (USO), Terminator 2:3-D (USO), Revenge of the Mummy (USO), Twister: Ride it Out (USO), Horror Make-Up Show (USO)

With these, you should be golden! Also, check the ride warnings about spinning, and the two major coasters (both at IoA) go upside-down several times, so if you don't like that, skip.

**BONUS: GO TO THE TOP OF ME SHIP, THE OLIVE AT IOA (NEXT TO POPEYE) FOR AMAZING VIEWS! BRING A CAMERA!**

 

[Lorelai]

Busy areas:

Let's break it down:

IoA: Marvel SuperHero Island, Lost Continent around Dueling Dragons
USO: Shrek area, KidZone (little kids), Mummy, MIB
CityWalk: around major clubs/restaurants, also main stage

As the other DISers have said, it really depends on what time of year you go.

Rope Drop:

None that I know of, they just let you in. Sometimes, during off-peak times, they let you in earlier, maybe 10 minutes or so. I didn't go during this time, so I wouldn't know. There is no formal ceremony, however.

Restaurants:

Tchoup Chop at the RPR I think requires reservations, and Emril's in CityWalk definately does. Most all the other restuarants, at least the sit-down ones, no reservation is required. Wait times vary depending again on what time of year, and what time of day.

Express Pass:

If you stay onsite, you automatically get FOTL, where you show your room key for unlimited access to all the rides. Also, barely a wait, and unlike Fastpass, there is no "time frame"! Not onsite, then you can still purchase an Express Pass (EP) anywhere in the park, but can only ride one time per ride per day.

Anything else:

DO NOT MISS THE FOLLOWING ATTRACTIONS:

Spiderman (IoA), Hulk (IoA), Dueling Dragons (IoA), Dr. Doom's FearFall (IoA), Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges (IoA), Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls (IoA), Jurassic Park River Adventure (IoA), Men In Black (USO), Shrek 4-D (USO), Terminator 2:3-D (USO), Revenge of the Mummy (USO), Twister: Ride it Out (USO), Horror Make-Up Show (USO)

With these, you should be golden! Also, check the ride warnings about spinning, and the two major coasters (both at IoA) go upside-down several times, so if you don't like that, skip.

**BONUS: GO TO THE TOP OF ME SHIP, THE OLIVE AT IOA (NEXT TO POPEYE) FOR AMAZING VIEWS! BRING A CAMERA!**

Oh my goodness....thank you so much!!

Can you explain the EP (Express Pass) a bit further? How much does it cost for each ticket (over the reg ticket price)?

If I understand this correctly...if each member of our party has this EP we are good to use it on each and every ride/show once. So if we want to just ride each ride one time, than we should be able to cut the wait time with this purchase. Do you find this worth it? It sounds really good to me.

 

[Metro West]

Can you explain the EP (Express Pass) a bit further? How much does it cost for each ticket (over the reg ticket price)?

If I understand this correctly...if each member of our party has this EP we are good to use it on each and every ride/show once. So if we want to just ride each ride one time, than we should be able to cut the wait time with this purchase. Do you find this worth it? It sounds really good to me.

The cost varies depending on the anticipated crowd for that day. If it's really busy it's worth it...otherwise...skip it. I would recommend waiting until you get there to see what the crowds are going to be like.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

Not sure about the price, as I stayed onsite at the Royal Pacific Resort from July 28-August 1. Every member in your party must have one. The TM will mark off when you went to that particular ride/attraction that takes EP (note: not all rides and shows do). With EP purchased, you can only visit each ride/attraction ONCE per day. (There are tricks to get more than one *wink*) DEFINATELY WORTH IT!! Wait times for popular attractions i.e. Hulk and Spiderman were around 75 minutes regular line, 5 minutes with FOTL! Mummy was walk-on a few times. You're most welcome for the help! I'm glad to help with any questions you may have about Universal, as are the other DISers. Check out my trip report (links in my signature) for more details on rides, park plans, resorts, food, and more!

 

[bubba's mom]

Can you explain the EP (Express Pass) a bit further? How much does it cost for each ticket (over the reg ticket price)?

If I understand this correctly...if each member of our party has this EP we are good to use it on each and every ride/show once. So if we want to just ride each ride one time, than we should be able to cut the wait time with this purchase. Do you find this worth it? It sounds really good to me.

If you opt to stay offsite and purchase the EP, each person must have one and it is good for 1x each ride. In slow seasons, it can be as cheap as $15-$20 each (cheap price = slow means you don't really need it ) In peak season (summer and such) it can be as much as almost $50pp. If you are a family/party of 4, think this way..... 4 people buying EP (4 x $50) = $200. For about that price, you can use AAA and get an onsite room with the unlimited EP (room key) for 2 days. (Room key is good entire day of check in and check out)...so, if you are going during a busy time, and are 3, 4 or more people, I'd consider staying onsite.... And you can walk to the parks and City Walk...so, you have plenty of choices for eating and entertainment

We will stress to you, to try to stay onsite if at all in your budget....it is totally worth it

 

[Lorelai]

This info has been so very helpful.

Just a few more questions (before I go check out the trip reports )...

Which Park seems to draw larger crowds, Universal IOA or the original Universal Studios?

Also, what is FOTL? Is that related to EP?

Thanks again!

 

[ChrisFL]

This info has been so very helpful.

Just a few more questions (before I go check out the trip reports )...

Which Park seems to draw larger crowds, Universal IOA or the original Universal Studios?

Also, what is FOTL? Is that related to EP?

Thanks again!

Universal in general has more attendance, FOTL= Front of the line access. It's better than the paid Express pass because it can be used on most any attraction all day. Express Pass is only good to ride each time once.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

I'd have to say that IoA has more "thrill rides", so that one will have a bigger attendance. It depends on what time of year you go.

FOTL is Front Of The Line. Same as EP, but it's ONLY avaliable to resort guests. You can also go on as many rides as you want as many times as you want! Example: we went on Mummy 2x in a row, walk-on, while the other people in the "regular" line had barely moved!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We went during spring break last year. We didn't stay on-site and didn't buy the express pass.

US has reasonable lines - nothing more than 30 minutes.
IOA was a zoo. We waited in line forever - we even gave up on a couple of rides so we'll just have to do them next time.

By the time we decided to buy an Express Pass at IOA, they were sold out for the day.

So - if it's a busy time of year, I recommend that you stay at one of the on-site hotels for FOTL.

If you don't and decide to wait and see if you need an Express Pass, watch the crowds closely. By the time you decide to get one, they may be all gone.

We still had fun but I'd sure have loved to have avoided all those lines!