Universal Newbie question

[OurLaughingPlace]

Traveling for the first time to Universal - we've gone to Disney every August for the last 18 or so years (with the exception of the last two summers due to covid). My father is turning 80 this year and loves everything Disney. He can't wait to go back. My DD's have asked to go to Universal for a few days before Disney this year. My concern is, what rides do people suggest for my dad to ride? I am trying to learn about rides, researching Universal, but a lot of them seem like he won't be able to do them (motion sickeness). We are staying at Royal Pacific with the express passes and plan to go early morning / take a break /go back in during the evening. At Disney my dad can ride Tower of Terror (his favourite), Soarin' and Flights of Passage. He does not ride Star Tours, Mission Space or Expedition Everest any more due to motion sickness. He rides Dinosaur every trip, but does find it rather bumpy. He does take a gravol for motion sickness before Flights of Passage and he is just fine. He really wants to experience the Harry Potter rides with my DD's especially, and doesn't really like to sit anything out lol. However, he doesn't want to feel ill all day long either. If it's going to cause motion sickness, he will find some air conditioning and enjoy a cold drink while we ride. Can you suggest some thrill rides at Universal (both parks, not volcano bay) that he might enjoy with my DD's (especially the Harry Potter ones as my DD's have educated him all about Harry Potter)? He is in great shape and doesn't want to miss out on any of the action. I'm probably more concerned about this than him, but just want to have a bit of background information so I appreciate your advice!

 

[macraven]

If he has no problem doing the Disney rides you wrote, he should be fine with UO that are similar

I backed off and don’t do coasters anymore except for a few

 

[barb969]

Forbidden Journey is a problem for some including me. Minnions has stationary seats up front. The Simpmsons and Transformers are also screen rides. I don’t know if they have special seats. He should be okay on Gringots. It’s a roller coaster-like ride. There is a small drop at the beginning, then it stops at each screen. Hagrids is just fast - No loops or drops. The Mummy is a little like Everest - goes backwards in the dark. Men in Black and ET should be ok.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Is the motion sickness related to screens? Biggest culprits at Univeral are Forbidden Journey & Simpsons.
If the motion sickness is also related to spinning, beware Men in Black...

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Forbidden Journey is a problem for some including me. Minnions has stationary seats up front. The Simpmsons and Transformers are also screen rides. I don’t know if they have special seats. He should be okay on Gringots. It’s a roller coaster-like ride. There is a small drop at the beginning, then it stops at each screen. Hagrids is just fast - No loops or drops. The Mummy is a little like Everest - goes backwards in the dark. Men in Black and ET should be ok.

Is the motion sickness related to screens? Biggest culprits at Univeral are Forbidden Journey & Simpsons.
If the motion sickness is also related to spinning, beware Men in Black...

Thank you for the examples. This is exactly what I need. Backwards (like Everest) and spinning (like teacups) are what we need to avoid, along with the screens. Glad to hear Gringots is likely ok. Thank you for taking the time to reply

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Has he considered the trans-derm scop anti-nausea patch? It is a game changer for my friend - the difference between even Spiderman doing her in vs able to ride everything she wants (she refuses to do the big coasters). With the patch, the only thing she can't do is ride MiB back to back due to the spinning, but once is ok. Much more fun to be able to ride stuff and not worry or feel iffy the whole time. Lasts 3 days and is even fine with booze.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Has he considered the trans-derm scop anti-nausea patch? It is a game changer for my friend - the difference between even Spiderman doing her in vs able to ride everything she wants (she refuses to do the big coasters). With the patch, the only thing she can't do is ride MiB back to back due to the spinning, but once is ok. Much more fun to be able to ride stuff and not worry or feel iffy the whole time. Lasts 3 days and is even fine with booze.

I've never heard of this, but I am making note of it. He has an appointment with his doctor in June so he can ask about this. We're in Canada and it looks like it's only available by prescription. Thank you!

 

[Pooh's World]

Traveling for the first time to Universal - we've gone to Disney every August for the last 18 or so years (with the exception of the last two summers due to covid). My father is turning 80 this year and loves everything Disney. He can't wait to go back. My DD's have asked to go to Universal for a few days before Disney this year. My concern is, what rides do people suggest for my dad to ride? I am trying to learn about rides, researching Universal, but a lot of them seem like he won't be able to do them (motion sickeness). We are staying at Royal Pacific with the express passes and plan to go early morning / take a break /go back in during the evening. At Disney my dad can ride Tower of Terror (his favourite), Soarin' and Flights of Passage. He does not ride Star Tours, Mission Space or Expedition Everest any more due to motion sickness. He rides Dinosaur every trip, but does find it rather bumpy. He does take a gravol for motion sickness before Flights of Passage and he is just fine. He really wants to experience the Harry Potter rides with my DD's especially, and doesn't really like to sit anything out lol. However, he doesn't want to feel ill all day long either. If it's going to cause motion sickness, he will find some air conditioning and enjoy a cold drink while we ride. Can you suggest some thrill rides at Universal (both parks, not volcano bay) that he might enjoy with my DD's (especially the Harry Potter ones as my DD's have educated him all about Harry Potter)? He is in great shape and doesn't want to miss out on any of the action. I'm probably more concerned about this than him, but just want to have a bit of background information so I appreciate your advice!

Can he do Goofy's Barnstormer?

Hagrid's is worth it but it does have a drop in the cave.
And a slight incline at one point.

 

[Pooh's World]

Spiderman is smooth, Tranformers is a very rocky ride and you get physically thrown around and beaten up

 

[TwoMisfits]

In Harry Potter land, I would 100% skip Forbidden Journey. Even on motion sickness meds, I can't do it.

If he can't handle backwards, you might also want to look at Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure before doing it - it might be too much. If he goes on, have him sit in the sidecar and not on the motor bike, b/c it does feel a little less intense there.

As for what they should do in the land, ride the Hogwart's Express both directions (it is different), ride Gringott's, ride Flight of the Hippogriff, do the Ollivander's show, stop by the Knight Bus and Gringott's Money exchange, and if they buy a wand, do some spells - they are a lot of fun. And then get a Butterbeer and see some of the shows if you have extra time.

 

[Pooh's World]

For Hagrids I recommend the side car rather than the bike as the side car is more secure.

 

[Pooh's World]

With Gringots and Journey he can do the physical queue even if he can't do the ride and the normal queue is worth it with all the stuff in it.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I've never heard of this, but I am making note of it. He has an appointment with his doctor in June so he can ask about this. We're in Canada and it looks like it's only available by prescription. Thank you!

Interesting, it used to be over-the-counter in Canada but not in the US (it is still prescription only in the US).

 

[Skywalker3]

I also cannot do Star Tours (I sure try, but I forget how much I hate space travel...) , but have no trouble at all w Soarin or Flights/Passage or MFSR. I do however, have quite a bit of trouble with screen rides at Universal. I'll still do them , but often have my eyes closed a lot. Simpsons is the worst, but it's SO funny. I LOOOOOOVE Forbidden Journey, but the last 2 times on it have convinced me that I'll be ok just doing the queue, and getting out of line at the end before the ride. everyone is so different on what they can tolerate. For FJ, the whole seat is on an arm that moves you around while watching a screen. If he can do dinosaur, might be ok w Spider Man, maybe Transformers, but I find Transformers worse. Maybe try Minions, stationary seats, for a test run? I bought some OTC bonine, but forgot it the last 2 trips. I'll try it in June.
Have fun!!! He'll love all the Harry Potter areas, food, fun, exploring. Gringotts should be great. Even if not riding, walking the queues will be fun experiences

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Interesting, it used to be over-the-counter in Canada but not in the US (it is still prescription only in the US).

I could be wrong on this point, but when I started to look at it, that's what I found. I will still have him ask his doctor first anyways. We usually just use gravol but a patch would be convenient.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Can he do Goofy's Barnstormer?

Hagrid's is worth it but it does have a drop in the cave.
And a slight incline at one point.

In Harry Potter land, I would 100% skip Forbidden Journey. Even on motion sickness meds, I can't do it.

If he can't handle backwards, you might also want to look at Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure before doing it - it might be too much. If he goes on, have him sit in the sidecar and not on the motor bike, b/c it does feel a little less intense there.

As for what they should do in the land, ride the Hogwart's Express both directions (it is different), ride Gringott's, ride Flight of the Hippogriff, do the Ollivander's show, stop by the Knight Bus and Gringott's Money exchange, and if they buy a wand, do some spells - they are a lot of fun. And then get a Butterbeer and see some of the shows if you have extra time.

With Gringots and Journey he can do the physical queue even if he can't do the ride and the normal queue is worth it with all the stuff in it.

I also cannot do Star Tours (I sure try, but I forget how much I hate space travel...) , but have no trouble at all w Soarin or Flights/Passage or MFSR. I do however, have quite a bit of trouble with screen rides at Universal. I'll still do them , but often have my eyes closed a lot. Simpsons is the worst, but it's SO funny. I LOOOOOOVE Forbidden Journey, but the last 2 times on it have convinced me that I'll be ok just doing the queue, and getting out of line at the end before the ride. everyone is so different on what they can tolerate. For FJ, the whole seat is on an arm that moves you around while watching a screen. If he can do dinosaur, might be ok w Spider Man, maybe Transformers, but I find Transformers worse. Maybe try Minions, stationary seats, for a test run? I bought some OTC bonine, but forgot it the last 2 trips. I'll try it in June.
Have fun!!! He'll love all the Harry Potter areas, food, fun, exploring. Gringotts should be great. Even if not riding, walking the queues will be fun experiences

This advice is fantastic and very much appreciated. I'm so glad to hear that he can enjoy the queues and that there are shows, even if he doesn't ride. Just being a part of it is all he really wants. The tips on where to sit on rides is great. He definitely won't do backwards, so Hagrids is out. Spiderman sounds ok. Not sure about Forbidden Journey - maybe if he closes his eyes? I'll research that ride more. Hogwarts Express sounds like he'll really enjoy it.
Thanks so much to all of you!

 

[Pooh's World]

This advice is fantastic and very much appreciated. I'm so glad to hear that he can enjoy the queues and that there are shows, even if he doesn't ride. Just being a part of it is all he really wants. The tips on where to sit on rides is great. He definitely won't do backwards, so Hagrids is out. Spiderman sounds ok. Not sure about Forbidden Journey - maybe if he closes his eyes? I'll research that ride more. Hogwarts Express sounds like he'll really enjoy it.
Thanks so much to all of you!

The Hagrid's queue is worth doing too. And you can just get out before getting onto the motorcycle.

 

[nurseberta]

Forbidden Journey is a omni-mover (continuous moving track/ quick hop on ride that is four seats across elevated on a free standing motor. The ride moves you left-right, forward-back (so much you almost feel like you could fall out the top) and up-down, swinging in all directions continuously past virtual screens with 3D glasses. This is the worst ride for those with motion sickness. but walk through the castle line its amazing with talking paintings and Dumbledore.

My family is prone to motion sickness, they will not do Simpson's or forbidden journey again solely for that reason.

Simpsons is old technology, less smooth, sit in car 2 rows of 3 each. it rises up into a room with a solitary screen, car stays in one position but shakes all around, def one to skip

Gringotts, need to climb winding metal staircase to access ride. themed elements of riding an elevator down to the mine, ride is fashioned after a mine cart. stadium type seats 3 rows of 4 persons each. slightly similar to Forbidden journey as it moves through rooms but with far less intense movements and stops intermittently to view the virtual screen content. my family tolerated this with ginger chews (for motion sickness)

Men in Black, shooting style ride (toy story/buzz) race to get the highest score. stadium seating in cars 2 rows of 3 across. moves left to right through rooms to give access of shooting all the monsters, and at 3 separate intervals the car spins 360 degrees each time a little longer, could possibly do this since the spinning is intermittent. few seconds at most the last one being the longest, personal choice. my fam did this but no interest in repeat.

if he can do soarin and flight of passage he could easily Jimmy Fallon Race to NY, this is a very smooth VR experience in a large tram/ think 10 rows with 15 seats across and the entire cart moves in tandem with the huge screen. prob ok for fast and furious too/ very smooth like you are in a movie with a large bus with 6-8 rows, 4 people across, virtual screens on both sides and in front of bus King Kong is similar but alternates screens side to side.

good idea to view pov videos on you tube.

good luck!!

 

[barb969]

Grigott’s has a way to get in without the stairs. Ask.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Forbidden Journey is a omni-mover (continuous moving track/ quick hop on ride that is four seats across elevated on a free standing motor. The ride moves you left-right, forward-back (so much you almost feel like you could fall out the top) and up-down, swinging in all directions continuously past virtual screens with 3D glasses. This is the worst ride for those with motion sickness. but walk through the castle line its amazing with talking paintings and Dumbledore.

My family is prone to motion sickness, they will not do Simpson's or forbidden journey again solely for that reason.

Simpsons is old technology, less smooth, sit in car 2 rows of 3 each. it rises up into a room with a solitary screen, car stays in one position but shakes all around, def one to skip

Gringotts, need to climb winding metal staircase to access ride. themed elements of riding an elevator down to the mine, ride is fashioned after a mine cart. stadium type seats 3 rows of 4 persons each. slightly similar to Forbidden journey as it moves through rooms but with far less intense movements and stops intermittently to view the virtual screen content. my family tolerated this with ginger chews (for motion sickness)

Men in Black, shooting style ride (toy story/buzz) race to get the highest score. stadium seating in cars 2 rows of 3 across. moves left to right through rooms to give access of shooting all the monsters, and at 3 separate intervals the car spins 360 degrees each time a little longer, could possibly do this since the spinning is intermittent. few seconds at most the last one being the longest, personal choice. my fam did this but no interest in repeat.

if he can do soarin and flight of passage he could easily Jimmy Fallon Race to NY, this is a very smooth VR experience in a large tram/ think 10 rows with 15 seats across and the entire cart moves in tandem with the huge screen. prob ok for fast and furious too/ very smooth like you are in a movie with a large bus with 6-8 rows, 4 people across, virtual screens on both sides and in front of bus King Kong is similar but alternates screens side to side.

good idea to view pov videos on you tube.

good luck!!

Great details! I have made notes for our trip with your tips - thank you!