Universal - NOT LIKELY TO RETURN

[robvia]

This is the classic TR of someone who arrived late and had a bad experience. Plus they didn't stay onsite. Whevever I see this thread title, there is a 99.9% chance the person arrived late and didn't stay onsite.

Of coarse it's 20 minutes to park when you arrive at 9-10am. I have web sites that show people the importance of arriving early.
Roller Coaster Videos

The best time to visit IOA/USF is February, or the last week of August and the entire month of September. The kids have just gone back to school and the place is a ghost town.

Universal closes earlier than Disney, but you can tour the entire park in a few hours if you arrive early. Most Disney rides have long pre-shows and take an hour to do. Disney likes it that way because they brainwash people into staying for an entire week.

Yes, read these boards, and plan a trip where you stay onsite for 2 nights. Things will be much different. You'll be able to walk back and forth to the parks and the pools are nice.

Disney is different from Universal, you can't compare the two.

 

[Luv'sTink]

I don't think it is totally unreasonable to think you could ride more than 3 rides in a 10 hour day.

I thought Disney people were passionate.

 

[friendnc]

Once again I have to ask why people try to compare Universal and Disney. They both can be very fun and at times they both can be frustrating. The main thing I think is important to keep in mind is that they are both very different resorts.

I couldn't agree more! To me, it's like comparing children. I love both sets of parks + Sea World. There are some things I like better about each, but they're all very enjoyable in their own right. We switch between DW and US/SW passes each year (US/SW this year). But I do think some of the original poster's observations were valid. None of the parks are as "perfect" as they seem to think they are sometimes. They do have their own sets of issues. But we still enjoy them overall. I just think one has to go to these, or any parks, with reasonable expectations, you know? That's why I think some say they will never go to park "X" again, because of a bad experience, crowds, ect. Their expectations aren't in line with reality. If you plan right, have the right mindset, and know your limits, the experience will be much better. I'm not nessisarily speaking to the original poster, just in general terms.

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

I love them both equally.

But My parents think im too old for disney but im still trying to get them to take me to disney again!

I have been so many times and I loveeee it!

=D.

 

[friendnc]

I love them both equally.

But My parents think im too old for disney but im still trying to get them to take me to disney again!

I have been so many times and I loveeee it!

=D.

I know what you mean. I'm 41, and I think I enjoy the parks more than they do

 

[louise1928]

I love them both equally.

But My parents think im too old for disney but im still trying to get them to take me to disney again!

I have been so many times and I loveeee it!

=D.

Too Old?? Hardly!! I am 44 and my husband is 48, and we plan to return again in December for Christmas. He loves amusement parks, and I think when he's 90, and if still in good health (GOD-willing) will continue to ride. I on the other hand will continue to shop and eat at the parks!!! He is probably worse than the kids! I love his enthusiasum and energy everytime we go!

 

[Magalex]

Once in awhile I will wondering over to these US/IOA threads just to read the posts. My DH and I would love to spend at least one day at US/IOA with our 6 yr old DS(will be closer to 7 for our next trip to FL in June). Reading some posts I always end up saying we will wait until after he turns 10-13 yrs old so he can enjoy all the attractions without being scared. I think this is one of those threads. Plus I want to make sure our trips to Orlando are different each time. I really look forward to experience the onsite resorts at US for a vacation.

 

[calena]

We were last at Universal two years ago. They had those machines that you could get tickets like Fast pass, no extra cost. Do they not have those anymore? We used them for several attractions. I also liked the single rider line. Do they still have that? We loved UO and IOA. A different feeling than Disney but great rides. We found it much less crowded as well. The rides and theming were really great. Deb

 

[damo]

No more free express pass machines but there still is a single rider line at some rides.

 

[louise1928]

Once again I have to ask why people try to compare Universal and Disney. They both can be very fun and at times they both can be frustrating. The main thing I think is important to keep in mind is that they are both very different resorts.

I totally agree with you!!! Universal and Disney just cannot be compared at all. We are planning to visit Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on our Vacation at Universal, and although I have been before, this will be my husbands first. I have already told him, that both parks are not to be compared. I do plenty of research when making vacation plans, I especially look for peoples comments about age groups, atmosphere, etc. With that being said, both parks represent something different for everyone. I love the atmosphere at both Universal and Disney, but in different ways. Someone here also said its like comparing children, I agree, different personalities, no two alike.

Hopefully you will return when your children are older.

 

[disneypookies]

damn those people that don't actually walk on a MOVING WALKWAY! *snaps fingers*

Your glass is clearly always half empty sir, your report is not surprising.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

damn those people that don't actually walk on a MOVING WALKWAY! *snaps fingers*

LOL! I never realized that those of us who use the walkway to move us were annoying to others. I mean, isn't that why they're there, to give our feet a break?

And we don't stand side by side and make a barrier. We lean on the railing and look at the HRH -- just another reason to take our time and enjoy the scenery, IMO. The times we have walked on the walkways versus not saved us a whole whopping couple of minutes

I wonder if the people who are annoyed by those of us who take our time a bit on the walkways and enjoy the views and anticipation are the same people on the roads who veer in and out of traffic, cutting people off so they can get to the next red light, gee, a whole car length ahead of everyone else?

 

[phamton]

Well it is called a walkway not a newfangled "ride." It has a picture of a person walking. I walk but certainly don't mind others standing as long as they leave room for those walking.

 

[Motherfletcher]

I didn't read what OP is fussing about and don't really care but have made the observation that people generally walk on the moving walkways when they are going to the parks and stand still on them when leaving.

 

[Yzerbear19]

With the moving sidewalks, I've seen them where they have a line down the center, the right side for those wishing to stand and the left side for those wishing to walk. I can't remember where this was, I want to say it was at DTW, but am not sure. I know in DC that is also the way it works on the escalators. If you want to stand, stand on the right, allowing those to pass you on the left. When we were at Universal we followed that rule. We always made sure that we weren't blocking the path of anyone walking by standing on the right.

 

[patster734]

With the moving sidewalks, I've seen them where they have a line down the center, the right side for those wishing to stand and the left side for those wishing to walk. I can't remember where this was, I want to say it was at DTW, but am not sure. I know in DC that is also the way it works on the escalators. If you want to stand, stand on the right, allowing those to pass you on the left. When we were at Universal we followed that rule. We always made sure that we weren't blocking the path of anyone walking by standing on the right.

I believe that the Minneapolis airport is like that.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

With the moving sidewalks, I've seen them where they have a line down the center, the right side for those wishing to stand and the left side for those wishing to walk. I can't remember where this was, I want to say it was at DTW, but am not sure. I know in DC that is also the way it works on the escalators. If you want to stand, stand on the right, allowing those to pass you on the left. When we were at Universal we followed that rule. We always made sure that we weren't blocking the path of anyone walking by standing on the right.

This was how I was always taught they were supposed to work. and the airports I've been to all have signs stating (walk to the left, ride to the right) yet we always seem to get stuck behind a couple side by side with luggage and an obviously longer holdover than I have

 

[Friendly Frog]

I love both parks, but I can understand not wanting to pay an additional 50.00 for front of the line access, and I can also see where a Disney park MIGHT be a better choice for younger children.

My best advice is wait till your children are older and go at a less busy time.

Off season at Universal can be very relaxing with short lines.

 

[Amity 3]

Well it is called a walkway not a newfangled "ride." It has a picture of a person walking. I walk but certainly don't mind others standing as long as they leave room for those walking.

exactly.

and don't put your strollers on them, the signs are right there clearly telling you not to.

 

[Love2TravelAnywhere]

Question, regarding the universal express pass. We are a family of 5 staying at an offsite location. We will be in town for a whole week and plan on doing a lot of parks. We are planning on visiting US/IOA for 2 days. Can someone explain to me the express pass/room key thing. If I have 5 people in my party and we all want to ride the same ride, does the one room key get all 5 of us through the express line or only one of us? Not quite understanding how it all works.

Also, work it maybe be worth getting a room onsite, just for the express pass perk?