Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

[JB0281]

Hi folks,

Well it's been YEARS.....and I mean over 16 years since I've been to Universal Studios and/or Islands of Adventure. I know about the Wizardly World of Harry Potter.....but what else should I look for?

There's probably too many new things to list but what do you recommend definitely seeing or doing? Anything my fiance and I should check out? Not miss? Try?

 

[Metro West]

Your best place to start is to check out the website to get an idea what's in each park and the layouts. Then read through trip reports and ask specific questions if you want more information.

www.universalorlando.com

 

[mguilford1]

We also went 14 years ago and loved it. I would also like to read other peoples suggestions. Staying on site is expensive is it worth it?

 

[Metro West]

Staying on site is expensive is it worth it?

Depending on the time of year you're going to visit...yes. Unlimited Express is a huge benefit but it you're going during a slow period, you really won't need it.

 

[wookiebeck]

In terms of not missing anything, you will be able to see everything if A) you have Express pass and/or B) you visit for three or four days.

My kids did everything more than once in four days. It is a lot more easily accomplished (and with no tour plan) than WDW.

 

[RMulieri]

Staying onsite is SOOOO worth it.The resorts are gorgeous and within a short walking distance or dedicated boat ride away.The express pass for resort guests and early entry is awesome.We were so spoiled we will NEVER EVER stay offsite.we leave in a few weeks for our next trip to Portofino Bay ...SO EXCITED

 

[TheAviator]

You can also go to YOutube and just enter Universal and Islands of Adventure, there are several POV videos with everything from someone walking through the whole park, POV ride videos etc., although the ride videos rarely give you a good feel for the ride, its just so impossible to really capture what a ride is really like with a video, but it will give you a general idea of what's there, what's new etc.

 

[mguilford1]

We will be going the last week of October 2014 with a 4 day pass. Will the waits be very long? We have a chance at a free house rental for the week but if the express pass will make that much difference I will stay onsite!

 

[Metro West]

We will be going the last week of October 2014 with a 4 day pass. Will the waits be very long? We have a chance at a free house rental for the week but if the express pass will make that much difference I will stay onsite!

Lines at the Studios will probably be very long considering HP2 will be open then.

 

[RMulieri]

We will be going the last week of October 2014 with a 4 day pass. Will the waits be very long? We have a chance at a free house rental for the week but if the express pass will make that much difference I will stay onsite!

Since the Harry Potter expansion opens next summer, the crowds will probably be quite large for a long time after.I would stay onsite.

 

[torinsmom]

We will be going the last week of October 2014 with a 4 day pass. Will the waits be very long? We have a chance at a free house rental for the week but if the express pass will make that much difference I will stay onsite!

Stay onsite for one night and you'll get the perks for 2 days. I wouldn't waste money staying onsite for the whole week.

 

[OhStuffandFluff]

This will be our first trip to universal in June of 2014. Will it be possible to see anything at islands of adventure or will it be too packed? We will also will be visiting disney world and am trying to decide how many days to do US and to stay on site or not. Thanks for all your help and advice!

 

[RMulieri]

This will be our first trip to universal in June of 2014. Will it be possible to see anything at islands of adventure or will it be too packed? We will also will be visiting disney world and am trying to decide how many days to do US and to stay on site or not. Thanks for all your help and advice!

Depends when the Harry Potter expansion opens over at the studios..That is going to change park crowds and crowd flow for a LONG time in both parks..No way to know for sure until we get closer to a date for opening.

 

[OhStuffandFluff]

Depends when the Harry Potter expansion opens over at the studios..That is going to change park crowds and crowd flow for a LONG time in both parks..No way to know for sure until we get closer to a date for opening.

I am debating if we should do both parks or not. We have a 7 and 9 yr old. We will be staying for 7 days and will also be visiting disney. Thanks for any input you can give!

 

[RMulieri]

I am debating if we should do both parks or not. We have a 7 and 9 yr old. We will be staying for 7 days and will also be visiting disney. Thanks for any input you can give!

My 9 yr old likes the studios just as much. I would definitely do both parks...ESPECIALLY if the Harry potter expansion is open.You are going to want to see the new stuff

 

[OhStuffandFluff]

My 9 yr old likes the studios just as much. I would definitely do both parks...ESPECIALLY if the Harry potter expansion is open.You are going to want to see the new stuff

Thanks for your response!

 

[Metro West]

Depends when the Harry Potter expansion opens over at the studios..That is going to change park crowds and crowd flow for a LONG time in both parks..No way to know for sure until we get closer to a date for opening.

And of course the whole unknown right now is how will Hogwarts Express change crowd patterns by people riding in between the parks.

 

[OhStuffandFluff]

Do you think it is possible to do IOA in a half day? Will be visiting early June. Thanks!

 

[TheAviator]

Do you think it is possible to do IOA in a half day? Will be visiting early June. Thanks!

Its possible, but its kind of like saying do you think I can eat the most delicious Ice Cream Sundae in 8 seconds? You may be able to, but wouldn't it be more enjoyable to take your time? There is a lot to do and see in both parks especially IOA. I always recommend at least 1 day per park, minimum. I personally take a full week to really enjoy it all.

 

[Metro West]

Do you think it is possible to do IOA in a half day? Will be visiting early June. Thanks!

Early June isn't terribly busy so you will be able to do a handful of attractions but don't count on getting to see everything.