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.

 

[Kit Jackson]

The only queues what I would think are worth walking through are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Fast and the Furious is someone is a major fan of the franchise, and that's about it. You are free to walk through any queue you want and then tell the team members at the front of the line you do not want to ride and they will send you to a different exit.

For shows, I really liked Animal Actors, Blues Brothers, and the Horror Make-up Show. Beat Builders was okay. I haven't seen it but I've heard the Bourne show is next level amazing. If you are a fan, the Harry Potter shows (there are four of them) are enjoyable.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

If you are a fan, the Harry Potter shows (there are four of them) are enjoyable.

+1 I forgot about those. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is the best. Grab an ice cream from Florean Fortescue's and head over to watch. You generally don't need to arrive early for any of the minor street type shows.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

The Harry Potter theming and shows (outdoor, standing near a stage, short) are great.
Make sure you make reservations for dinner. When we went in Feb a few years ago we couldn't get into a restaurant without a 3 hour wait. (went back to the hotel and at there.)
Agree about the queues. Harry Potter queue is worth walking through, Minions can be nausea producing if that is a problem (screens)

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Personally if you're fine with spending the money I'd just go for a 1-day park-to-park ticket. Hogwarts Express is only able to be ridden with a Park-to-Park ticket. Right now Hogwarts Express is scheduled for a refurb February 9 - 23, 2026 I don't think they normally go over on their schedules but just mentioning that due to your early March being when you're going.

I'm like you guys and I don't ride nearly as many rides but I do have my husband that does. In any case because the parks are right next to each other they are very easy to go back and forth between. You can easily walk from one park to the other if you're towards the front of the park via the pathway in CityWalk you go past Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (would recommend to eat) and Hard Rock Cafe or if towards the back of the parks take Hogwarts Express though be aware that the line can get very long for that so I'd time that carefully if using that to go between the parks; I'd recommend doing it at least once though.

If you're still on the fence about doing both parks go look at all the streetsmosphere and shows to see if one park over the other tips the scales. I know you looked at the website but maybe go through it again more in-depth (if you didn't before) if you're on the fence about a park-to-park.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Make sure you make reservations for dinner. When we went in Feb a few years ago we couldn't get into a restaurant without a 3 hour wait. (went back to the hotel and at there.)

Which places did you go to where they all had a 3 hour wait. Toothsome often gets a decent wait