Unofficial Guide and Visiting Strategies

[brettcassel]

All,

I will be visiting Universal Orlando the second week in April 2008, Wednesday through Friday. It will be my first visit to the park since 1991, when I was in fifth grade.

When my family and I visited, we had a book at our disposal published by a local season pass holder. The book listed each theme park, as well as, every ride and the EXACT times to go. The book was unbelievable. We got on every ride and participated in every show with absolutely no wait, and it was December, one of WDW's busiest seasons. For example, that year, Back To The Future: The Ride opened; we rode it, with no wait, two times in a row.

Does anyone know the name of this book? I realize it's been a long time and the book may no longer exist, so is there a similar resource? I'm looking for something precise like this resource was, nothing broad like most books seem to be (i.e. visit early morning or late at night.)

It was the Dalai Lama of all books, so I just want to track it down.

Thanks for your help.

 

[spartn1]

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orlando-2008-Ultimate-Adventure/dp/1887140743/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206461632&sr=8-1

The author is a frequent contributor to this site as well. I'm about halfway through it. It's a great book, full of information. I also enjoy this one...

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Disney-Unofficial-Universal-SeaWorld/dp/0470098430/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

It covers the Universal Parks, Seaworld, and a lot more.

 

[wwessing]

While the above referenced book is THE guide to Universal, it does not have specific times to go on each ride and see each show. I have a couple editions of this book and it does have a tremendous amount of detail, but again, do not expect the book to tell you to visit Spiderman at 9:02am or MIB at 8:57am. . . it's not like that at all. Having said that, the book is still THE guide to all Universal including the hotels, restaurants, etc. I don't know anything of the book you are referencing and have not ever heard of anything similar. Sorry. . .but I will strongly second the recommendation for Universal Orlando 2008 The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure by Kelly Monaghan.

Let me add that perhaps one of the early editions of this book contained this type of specific information. . . I dunno as I only have the 2007 and 2008 editions. Perhaps Kelly or someone with an early edition will come along and advise.

The second book referenced, The Other Orlando, also has excellent information with alot of detail and comes highly recommended by this poster, who has read the most recent edition cover to cover more than once. Think we may have missed a few things if I had never purchased the book.

 

[kellymonaghan]

I'm wondering if you may be thinking about Steve Barrett's Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation, which has very detailed touring plans for WDW, but not exact times.

No, on second thought, you said you were there in 1991!

Hmmm. There was a book called Universal Studios Florida: A Great Day at the Movies. It was written by a Universal employee. But I don't think that was published until 1995. It has long been out of print.

As to what time to hit which ride, it can't be done. There's simply too much variation in crowd size and other factors (like which rides are down for rehab or temporarily out of service due to a mechanical problem) to come anywhere close to predicting.

My personal opinion is that even the guidance you see in a lot of guidebooks about which days to visit is pretty much useless, for many of the same reasons.

 

[JSThatcher]

Is there any books or guides on stuff like "The best place to sit on the ride" or at shows. I guess secret tips and stuff like that?

 

[jdragr]

Is there any books or guides on stuff like "The best place to sit on the ride" or at shows. I guess secret tips and stuff like that?

Well, I will "third" Kelly's book. It is great! And, it does give you information on where to sit at the shows and rides. A great easily read book. I finished it in just a couple of days. I probably need to read it again before we leave.

 

[JSThatcher]

Great, thanks. Just ordered it from Amazon.com

 

[eventamy]

When do the updated versions usually come out? For example, the 2009 version.
I'm planning our February 2009 trip, 1-2 days of which will be at Universal, and just curious when I should get the book.

 

[ldmilton]

Is there any books or guides on stuff like "The best place to sit on the ride" or at shows. I guess secret tips and stuff like that?

Try this site: http://www.universalexcitement.com/ Great tips, facts and secrets for both parks...plus lots of pix and info.

 

[msr709]

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orlando-2008-Ultimate-Adventure/dp/1887140743/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206461632&sr=8-1

The author is a frequent contributor to this site as well. I'm about halfway through it. It's a great book, full of information. I also enjoy this one...

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Disney-Unofficial-Universal-SeaWorld/dp/0470098430/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

It covers the Universal Parks, Seaworld, and a lot more.

Do you know if they sell this book at Barnes & Noble? I work in NYC and B&N is right around the corner, I had Kelly's book from 2000 but haven't gotten an updated edition since then (sorry Kelly!). TIA!

 

[wwessing]

Do you know if they sell this book at Barnes & Noble? I work in NYC and B&N is right around the corner, I had Kelly's book from 2000 but haven't gotten an updated edition since then (sorry Kelly!). TIA!

They do sell it at B& N. . .at least at our location they do. I've seen it there before. You can also go to the author's website and order it. Here's the link:
http://www.intrepidtraveler.com/

Mine arrived within a few days after ordering.

I believe my 2008 edition was available in like December, 2007????

 

[Motherfletcher]

I just wanted to welcome the original poster to the Dis. Last weekend a long time friend, a rare Florida Native, went to Universal for the first time. Based on their party and desires I gave them specific touring plan. She returned with praise for both my plan and the parks. Avoiding lines makes the whole trip more enjoyable. To see the excitement in her eyes when she said every ride was a walk-on except Pteranadon Flyers, that she admitted they didn't follow my instructions, made it as much fun for me as it was for them. When Kelly updates his book he usually checks in here to see what touring plans are the most popular, especially when a new attraction opens. Some of us are students of the queuing theory and can beat the lines in most cases.
For better help with a plan it is necessary to understand the party and who can not ride what type of ride. It is very important going in that you have a commitment to arriving early and can be a little flexible.