Universal Newbie

[MattUL]

I was a member here back in the early 2000s but then lost my email address when I changed jobs and then created another one but as you can tell, I've been mostly a lurker. After awhile, I became busier in the real world and I drifted away from Disney trips. Then last year, my 13 year old daughter collapsed while running an event at her school's Field Day. If not for the quick action of a teacher starting CPR and the school nurse using an AED on my daughter, she would have died that day. She was airlifted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta where doctor after doctor said the survival rate without brain damage is less that 10% "in the wild." Well my daughter beat those odds and is doing much better. She was diagnosed with a very rare heart condition CPVT but with medicine and physical activity limitations, she should live a normal life.

Sorry for the backstory but late in the summer a friend bought our family (6 total) a vacation to Universal, which would be our first trip ever. Our daughter loves Harry Potter so while we knew she couldn't ride the roller coasters, she loves HP so I knew she would have a great time. The entire family did. So much so, I bought us all APs for Christmas presents and we took a Christmas trip! We're going to get to go back the week of Valentine's Day and just celebrate life a bit more. I cut back on work and added several more vacations for the kids. Also recently, our daughter got a fully trained service dog who detects anxiety and can even sense if she's having another heart arrhythmia. Wonderful dog we named Sibley which my daughter named after the Sibley Heart Center, where here wonderful electrophysiologist and cardiologist works at.

So I've rambled long enough haha. I'd love to hear what YOUR favorite Universal thing to do that isn't just riding a roller coaster or attraction. What do you make sure you do every trip. It could be a snack, food, scavenger hunt, or just whatever. Thank you and I appreciate it.

 

[KT0191]

I think a lot of people skip over the mini golf that is in City Walk. It is so fun and very well themed. Our favorite is the ghost themed one. Its a must-do at night!

 

[MattUL]

I think a lot of people skip over the mini golf that is in City Walk. It is so fun and very well themed. Our favorite is the ghost themed one. Its a must-do at night!

Great idea! My son mentioned that to me last trip but it was raining our last day. We will certainly do that this trip!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Florean Fortescue's ice cream!
The Bourne Stuntacular is really good also.

We make sure to slowly wander through Borgin & Burke's in Knockturn Alley each trip. Such a cool dark little store, just as it should be.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Oh, and even if you stay offsite, consider hopping on the boat to Portofino Bay for a lovely round trip.

 

[sandam1]

I'd love to hear what YOUR favorite Universal thing to do that isn't just riding a roller coaster or attraction.

Definitely ask for some of the "production tours" of rides. They aren't guaranteed and depend on staff availability, but it would allow your daughter to "experience" some of the rides that she can't go on.

A partial list (I know that there is a thread somewhere with all of them but I can't find it right now):

Jimmy Fallon
Mummy (not open right now)
Gringotts
Men in Black
HP Forbidden Journey
Hulk
Velocicoaster

 

[MattUL]

Definitely ask for some of the "production tours" of rides. They aren't guaranteed and depend on staff availability, but it would allow your daughter to "experience" some of the rides that she can't go on.

A partial list (I know that there is a thread somewhere with all of them but I can't find it right now):

Jimmy Fallon
Mummy (not open right now)
Gringotts
Men in Black
HP Forbidden Journey
Hulk
Velocicoaster

Thank you! I didn't know about that.

 

[Jessica Rust]

Definitely ask for some of the "production tours" of rides. They aren't guaranteed and depend on staff availability, but it would allow your daughter to "experience" some of the rides that she can't go on.

A partial list (I know that there is a thread somewhere with all of them but I can't find it right now):

Jimmy Fallon
Mummy (not open right now)
Gringotts
Men in Black
HP Forbidden Journey
Hulk
Velocicoaster

What is a production tour?

 

[sandam1]

What is a production tour?

It is a short tour (usually 5-10 minutes) that takes you behind the scenes of a ride. The TM guide tells you a little about the ride's storyline and points out some hidden details. These tours aren't publicized and it is very hit and miss about whether a ride is offering them. What you see varies depending on the person giving the tour. I've done the Men in Black tour and the Velocicoaster one twice. The first time I did the Velocicoaster, we actually got to see the launch room where they keep track of all of the trains, etc. That was super cool!

 

[mamapenguin]

One of my favorite places to have breakfast is at a table near Kane and Kodos Twirl and Hurl - I enjoy listening to their commentary. Usually we just grab something from Starbucks, sometimes it’s a Big Pink doughnut. We really like the Simpson’s area. I also agree with the person who mentioned knockturn alley, and of course Hogwarts express both directions.

 

[MarcIsMe]

I just did the Velocicoaster tour and it was neat. I physically can't handle the ride and it was nice to see the items in the queue without waiting in line. We were even offered a chance to ride at the end of our brief tour, which we declined. The tours are free, just go up to a team member at the entrance to the ride and ask if they have any availability to do a production tour.

 

[MarcIsMe]

Also forgot to mention, if the little ones can stay up until park closing and the service pup can handle loud noises; on some nights Studios puts on a show in the lake at park closing. Best viewing is in Central Park and should arrive at least a half hour early. The show is a combination of water screens with projections, dancing fountains, water cannons, lasers, fireworks, and scenes displayed on the background buildings. They really don't advertise the show until park closing, but the app should state if it is available your night. There is also a nice kids playground by ET, and behind that a water play area for hot days.

 

[Kit Jackson]

This is the most complete list I have of "production tours." They only open at slow times when a team member has the time to do the tour instead of working the line/directing traffic. I did the King Kong one and it is fantastic.

USF
Men in Black Alien Attack Immigration Tour
Revenge of the Mummy Production Tour
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon VIP Studio Tour

IOA
Skull Island: Reign of Kong Temple Tour
The Incredible Hulk Coaster Gamma Tour
Jurassic Park Discovery Center Nursery Tour
Velocicoaster

City Walk
Hard Rock Cafe VIP Tour

To answer the question of favorites thing that aren't a ride/attraction: I really like the banana ICEE near the King Kong ride. I'm also a big fan of Floean Foretscue's ice cream, BumbleBee Man's Taco truck, and walking around the Harry Potter sections, especially browsing in the stores if they are not too crowded.

 

[Newbie500]

Stating the obvious here but use those wands to cast spells in HP land. We do that every chance we get.

You made the right decision to cut back on work and increase vacation time. Tomorrow is never guaranteed!

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

So sorry about your daughters experience. That must have been very scary.

We have one or two of the spells that we always do. I usually turn on the lights and see what zodiac sign I get. I love to eat at Leaky Cauldron for a late dinner one night. It’s much less crowded and you can relax and enjoy the details. If you haven’t seen them the HP shows are pretty good too.

 

[Skippyboo]

Mardi Gras starts Feb 5 on the Studio side. There’s a parade, food booths and concerts on select days. As AP you can sign up in advance to ride on a float and throw beads.

 

[MattUL]

Also forgot to mention, if the little ones can stay up until park closing and the service pup can handle loud noises; on some nights Studios puts on a show in the lake at park closing. Best viewing is in Central Park and should arrive at least a half hour early. The show is a combination of water screens with projections, dancing fountains, water cannons, lasers, fireworks, and scenes displayed on the background buildings. They really don't advertise the show until park closing, but the app should state if it is available your night. There is also a nice kids playground by ET, and behind that a water play area for hot days.

Thanks!

 

[MattUL]

So sorry about your daughters experience. That must have been very scary.

We have one or two of the spells that we always do. I usually turn on the lights and see what zodiac sign I get. I love to eat at Leaky Cauldron for a late dinner one night. It’s much less crowded and you can relax and enjoy the details. If you haven’t seen them the HP shows are pretty good too.

Thank you!

 

[Skywalker3]

So very sorry about your daughter's experience. Glad y'all are getting back to UO. Always so much fun!
I watch a lot of youtube, and love Molly from allears, and she's done a lot of videos of all the Easter eggs and details to look for in the Wizarding world. We made sure on our last Oct trip to look for those. I was going to make up our own scavenger hunt (based on the ones that Molly and the team have done,) but didn't make the time, but hope to for upcoming trips. They have some pre-made ones, I know for Disney, but not sure what all they have done for UO/IoA
Take lots, and lots of time to just wander around Diagon Alley. Just did the interactive wand for the first time, and that was fun. I LOVE the ice cream at Florian's. Florians is a must do. Maybe multiple times to try different, unique flavors. Plus just walk around Knockturn alley.

I love walking up the streets w the Hollywood stars, and just talking about who all has a star.

As previous posters mentioned, there are some behind the scenes tours that are supposed to be fun. we've not done any yet. Not nec guaranteed to be available, like depends on staffing.

The queues at a lot of rides are fun, even if not riding. like Spiderman, MiB, Mummy, so maybe just walk the queues, even if not riding.

Meet/greets are fun. THe X-Men characters/Green goblin are always good, and Scooby/Gang

I tried a few new HP themed drinks from Hogshead this past trip. That was fun.

The nighttime shows are really fun. (castle projections. ) And the daytime shows, like the drummers. Always nice to just stop and watch those.

Dr Seussland is always fun to just walk around in. I enjoyed the Who Hash last trip.

Dis and other vloggers have some great Mardi Gras videos, on the food, etc. If there during the mardi Gras celebrations, definitely do the parades, check out the tribute stores, try the food, etc.
Also, try some new food. I branched out a lot on the last trip, and glad I did.

 

[wdwrule]

So very sorry about your daughter's experience. Glad y'all are getting back to UO. Always so much fun!
I watch a lot of youtube, and love Molly from allears, and she's done a lot of videos of all the Easter eggs and details to look for in the Wizarding world. We made sure on our last Oct trip to look for those. I was going to make up our own scavenger hunt (based on the ones that Molly and the team have done,) but didn't make the time, but hope to for upcoming trips. They have some pre-made ones, I know for Disney, but not sure what all they have done for UO/IoA
Take lots, and lots of time to just wander around Diagon Alley. Just did the interactive wand for the first time, and that was fun. I LOVE the ice cream at Florian's. Florians is a must do. Maybe multiple times to try different, unique flavors. Plus just walk around Knockturn alley.

I love walking up the streets w the Hollywood stars, and just talking about who all has a star.

As previous posters mentioned, there are some behind the scenes tours that are supposed to be fun. we've not done any yet. Not nec guaranteed to be available, like depends on staffing.

The queues at a lot of rides are fun, even if not riding. like Spiderman, MiB, Mummy, so maybe just walk the queues, even if not riding.

Meet/greets are fun. THe X-Men characters/Green goblin are always good, and Scooby/Gang

I tried a few new HP themed drinks from Hogshead this past trip. That was fun.

The nighttime shows are really fun. (castle projections. ) And the daytime shows, like the drummers. Always nice to just stop and watch those.

Dr Seussland is always fun to just walk around in. I enjoyed the Who Hash last trip.

Dis and other vloggers have some great Mardi Gras videos, on the food, etc. If there during the mardi Gras celebrations, definitely do the parades, check out the tribute stores, try the food, etc.
Also, try some new food. I branched out a lot on the last trip, and glad I did.

Great advice! I also learned a ton from Molly’s videos which are very accurately informative and entertaining. Her info has helped us plan for both UO and Disney trips in the past and present.