Universal studios - is half day enough?

[flapo]

Hello all!

We are from Mexico and it is my DW, DD12 and DD8 first visit to SoCal

I am planning to buy a Citypass but we likely wont have enough time to do the 3 days at Disney plus 1 at Sea World and 1 at Universal Studios, since we want to do sightseeing and shopping in LA and/or SD.

Do you think we would be able to visit Universal in just half a day -say, like from opening to around 3 PM- and then go to Disney for the other half day? we would not be interested in most of the cinema-like attractions like the Simpsons or Shrek since I speak and understand english well but it's not the case of my family. What do you think? Is it possible? Moreover, is it a good idea?

 

[danaesacto]

Even with our season passes we always went at least 1 1/2 days at a time- but cutting out shows will save you a lot. If you go on a busy Saturday you will not have time to ride everything, but a quiet Tuesday before summer is out could be fine. It also depends on how much your kids like adventure rides- that is what Universal mostly has- a bit fast but there was nothing too scary for my 2 girls. I would just really look through their website and look at the videos of the rides- show the kids- decide together...

I don't think you would want to do Disneyland after- it is an hour or mores drive, and a lot of walking. It would leave you with little energy for Disneyland. You might be okay if you went shopping after- there are fun stores (but most are crazy expensive) in the outdoor mall they call CityWalk which is right next to Universal. It is like how Downtown Disney (DTD) is right next to Disneyland with specialty stores.

Best wishes with your planning!

 

[StageTek]

Arrive at opening and get the time for the Spanish studio tour. See what you can on the Lower Lot before the Tour. After the tour you may have a little time so see a few more attractions. Leaving USH around 3PM will get you to DLR close to 5PM - I’m talking all drive and parking and walking time; gate to gate.

You don’t say when you be there. As danaesacto said, timing will be very different depending on when you go.

 

[CaptainEIEIO]

Hello all!

We are from Mexico and it is my DW, DD12 and DD8 first visit to SoCal

I am planning to buy a Citypass but we likely wont have enough time to do the 3 days at Disney plus 1 at Sea World and 1 at Universal Studios, since we want to do sightseeing and shopping in LA and/or SD.

Do you think we would be able to visit Universal in just half a day -say, like from opening to around 3 PM- and then go to Disney for the other half day? we would not be interested in most of the cinema-like attractions like the Simpsons or Shrek since I speak and understand english well but it's not the case of my family. What do you think? Is it possible? Moreover, is it a good idea?

We personally love the City Pass and have used it 3 times now. Universal I would give a day to though, but that depends on the crowds. You can go opening till 3, and you might get away with it, but depending on when your going I dont think so. And personally I would go on the Backlot Tour first. The line for that only gets longer and longer as the day goes on.

Where I would count on a half day is Sea World. San Diego is only about an hour away via highway 5. If you get the schedule of the shows like we did you can see all of them in a matter of a few hours, they tend to run so that when one show ends in about 15 minutes another show will start somewhere else. Then look around a little bit at the other things ride the 2 or 3 rides they have, and your done. Dont bother going on the sky tram thing, there is nothing on the other side except a ride back.

 

[danaesacto]

And personally I would go on the Backlot Tour first. The line for that only gets longer and longer as the day goes on.

Actually StageTek remembered they have the tour is Spanish- much better option since OP says not everyone in family understand English very well.

Good catch StageTek!

 

[flapo]

Wow! Thank you for all those fast and helpful answers!

yes... I forgot to specify date of travel.

We will go in late April. This is my (planned) itinerary:

Monday 15th - Arrival to Tijuana then drive to Escondido w/family living there
Tuesday 16th - Time with family & shopping
Wednesday 17th - DCA
Thursday 18th - DL Magic Morning
Friday 19th - Universal & probably... Disney? (my original question)
Saturday 20th - Sea World

So... what do you think?

 

[danaesacto]

Wow! Thank you for all those fast and helpful answers!

yes... I forgot to specify date of travel.

We will go in late April. This is my (planned) itinerary:

Monday 15th - Arrival to Tijuana then drive to Escondido w/family living there
Tuesday 16th - Time with family & shopping
Wednesday 17th - DCA
Thursday 18th - DL Magic Morning
Friday 19th - Universal & probably... Disney? (my original question)
Saturday 20th - Sea World

So... what do you think?

If the kids can nap between Universal and DL it would help since DL will be open late and you will have to get up early to get to Universal at opening. Being that it is Friday night I would go back for the fireworks and Fantasmic. I still suggest looking through the Universal site together, make sure the kids would rather do that than spend all day at DL. Have fun!