Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure

[Stitches]

I've been to Disney many times, but never to Universal. Was thinking of making an introductory visit to Universal to see how I like it. Which park would be best for me and my 16 yr. old daughter. I know she likes Harry Potter, so I'm thinking U of A, but just wanted to be sure. Or should we try to see both parks in one day and just hit some highlights from each?

What are the best attractions we should be sure to see?

Thanks!

 

[nytimez]

I've been to Disney many times, but never to Universal. Was thinking of making an introductory visit to Universal to see how I like it. Which park would be best for me and my 16 yr. old daughter. I know she likes Harry Potter, so I'm thinking U of A, but just wanted to be sure. Or should we try to see both parks in one day and just hit some highlights from each?

What are the best attractions we should be sure to see?

Thanks!

You can hit most of the highlights of both parks in a single day. I'd suggest that. If that's too busy for you, then definitely Islands of Adventure if she's a big Potter fan.

 

[Stitches]

Thanks for the info and the quick reply!

 

[Metro West]

You can hit most of the highlights of both parks in a single day. I'd suggest that. If that's too busy for you, then definitely Islands of Adventure if she's a big Potter fan.

 

[Orlando Maniac]

Like NY said, you should be able to easily go to both parks. It just depends on wait times, which rides you go on, and when you go.

Things to do:
- Dueling Dragons (Fire & Ice)
- Hulk Coaster
- FJ
- RRR
- The Mummy
- Get Butterbeer

Places to Eat
- Mel's Diner in USF (near Terminator 2 ; Has burgers, chicken, shakes, fries, etc.)
- The Burger Digs in IOA (Near Jurassic Park River Adventure ; Serves the equal to Mel's)

 

[Badge]

Along with the list above, I would also suggest doing:

1) Men in Black
2) Jaws
3) Spiderman
4) Jurrasic Park
5) Mummy (I know it is on the list above, but DO NOT miss this ride! So amazing!)

It really depends on the type of rides you enjoy. If you do not like roller coasters, forget about Rip Ride Rockit (RRR), Hulk, and Dragon Challenge. Mummy is a more mild roller coaster (like Space Mountain with sharper turns and a lot smoother).

Also, depended on when you wanted to do your day at Universal, you might want to think about staying at one of the on-site hotels. Your room key will give you front of the line access to nearly every ride in the parks. You can do almost everything at both parks in one day with this perk. If you are going in the summer and can afford a night at Royal, you will really enjoy it. If you are going in the fall, it will not be needed as much, but becuase the parks do close early during the fall (around 6pm), you still might want this to save time. It really depends on your budget! Have fun!