Universal Newbie needs expert advice

[jmkst58]

I have a feeling this is going to be long...sorry...I'll try to keep it short.

I'll be spending Feb. 28-March 4 at WDW. We will check out of the BW on Fri. March 5. I was able to secure a night at HRH for March 5 thru 6 (one night). I probably should leave Orlando at a pretty decent time (right after lunch) on Saturday the 6th.

So....I was hoping to check out of BW early on the 5th. Check into HRH early enough to get the room key for FOTL...& then get to the parks REALLY early because...I haven't been to Universal is FOREVER. I have SO MUCH to do.

I've never been to IOA. I was to USF back in around 1997 or so. To tell you the truth...I don't even know what is new at USF, & then of course I have yet to experience ANYTHING at IOA.

***Is the plan too crazy? Should I save the $$$$ & go another time when I can fully enjoy or will I be able to cover a lot?

***If you recommend going...does anyone know of a guidebook or site that would list every attraction or provide suggested itineraries.

Any help whatsoever would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[gschmerl]

You should be able to cover a lot.Staying on site will get you on all the attractions without much wait. Try www.usoinfo.com for a lot of information. Also go to Universal's website for descriptions of the attractions.

 

[kcarp]

If you think you can cover everything in 1 day forget it, US/IOA has alot to offer, 2 days you can see alot, I was their 4 days and feel like I seen all of it. Good luck!

 

[kellymonaghan]

I'd recommend waiting until you can spend at least three days in an onsite hotel. That way you can really enjoy what Universal has to offer. the hotels are a lot more than the FOTL privilege.

 

[jmkst58]

Thanks guys! Decisions...decisions.

 

[highlander447]

Remember 1 night onsite gets 2 days FOTL which gives a lot of time to enjoy the rides and will give u a taste for adventure as well

 

[jmkst58]

tempting.....

I really think that if I see Spiderman, Hulk, Dueling Dragons, Doom's Fall (oh gosh...help me!), Men in Black, & Shrek...then I will be happy.

I've been to ET, Back to the Future, Earthquake, Jaws, and Terminator.

I'm a bit interested in Ripshaw, Jurassic Park River, the Barges, & Seuss Landing.

I think I can do it....as long as I have any stamina whatsoever after a week at Disney

 

[jmkst58]

Originally posted by highlander447
Remember 1 night onsite gets 2 days FOTL which gives a lot of time to enjoy the rides and will give u a taste for adventure as well

wow....highlander447....I just saw your countdown for the hot air balloon vow renewal. How awesome! Congrats!

 

[highlander447]

Thanks we are so excited now although to be honest only way I could get DW in hot air balloon was to renew vows

 

[silverspark]

whatever you decide....have fun!!!

 

[robvia]

It can be done. You say "We" in your first post, then "I" most of the time. Who is with you? Kids?
Are you flying back to PA? You say you should leave early on Saturday the 6th. Makes it seem like you're driving down.

You get FOTL on Saturday the 6th. You would check out of your room, then you could go to the parks, then drive back to the airport and fly home, or drive if that's what you're doing.

I mean, if you wake up at 6am on the 5th, check out of BW, drive to HRH, get magic keys, tour IOA, USF, you'll see all the rides you mentioned. Then you check into HRH, explore, check out City Walk.

 

[jmkst58]

Originally posted by robvia
It can be done. You say "We" in your first post, then "I" most of the time. Who is with you? Kids?
Are you flying back to PA? You say you should leave early on Saturday the 6th. Makes it seem like you're driving down.

You get FOTL on Saturday the 6th. You would check out of your room, then you could go to the parks, then drive back to the airport and fly home, or drive if that's what you're doing.

I mean, if you wake up at 6am on the 5th, check out of BW, drive to HRH, get magic keys, tour IOA, USF, you'll see all the rides you mentioned. Then you check into HRH, explore, check out City Walk.

Actually we will have grandma to watch my toddler & infant, so I think just my DH & I will go to the parks. We're driving back. I was considering get an AP & then trying to get some park time in on Sat before we head back. If we like Universal...I'm sure we'd come back within a year. I can't decide about the AP, but I think I've decided to go ahead & keep my night there. Even if I only got to do Hulk, Spidy & Dueling Dragons....I'm thinking I'd be happy. I think...hmmmm

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!