Universal - queues and shows

[TEK224]

I haven's been to Universal in about ten years. Will be going to FLA in early March. My BF wants to go to Universal (not sure which park yet). We are older and really won't be doing many, if any rides. Health issues prevent it. We're going more for the atmosphere and any shows that may be there. I've looked at the website to see what is at each park. We're only going to have 1-day for the park. So here are my questions:

1. Can we walk thru the queue lines to see the theme-ing and then leave before getting on the ride?

2. What would be the "don't miss" shows?

3. Would it be practical/do-able to get the 1-day park hopper (for Universal and IOA). Since we won't be trying to get on many rides, would we have enough time to see other things in both parks? My BF has never been to these parks before.

4. If we wanted to go to City Walk on a different day, how expensive is the parking. Someone told me it was $60, but that seems really pricey just to park.

Any info would be appreciated.
Terri

 

[CAPSLOCK]

1. Can we walk thru the queue lines to see the theme-ing and then leave before getting on the ride?

Yes. Most rides aren't worth this but there are a few.

2. What would be the "don't miss" shows?

Bourne Stuntacular for sure! That is the best show on property. Horror Makeup show and the Animal Actors show are also worthwhile. There are some street shows/entertainment too, like Blues Brothers, a Latin dance show, and Beat Builders. I would only consider the Bourne show to be a total need-to-see.

3. Would it be practical/do-able to get the 1-day park hopper (for Universal and IOA).

You could, it would open up more options plus you would be able to ride the Hogwarts Express between parks (it is a very themed literal train ride, shouldn't be any medical exclusions). You might think about buying 1 park tickets, starting at Studios, and then depending on how the day is progressing you could upgrade to park-to-park if desired. You can even upgrade right at the Hogwarts Express station.

Other rides you might consider are Minion Mayhem (there is stationary seating which rarely has a wait, ask the team members so you can bypass the line), the Seuss Trolley (a raised train ride), ET, Kong (if you can handle a bumpy Jeep ride), Jimmy Fallon (theater seats that move a bit).

After 6pm there is no charge to park at CityWalk. I enjoy the dueling pianos at Pat O'Briens. The mini golf is also fun.