US & IOA 1 Day 2 Park VIP Tour- Anyone? Anyone?

[Scott2tune]

Has anyone experienced the VIP tour for both parks in one day. We are planning this and wanted to hear your insights.

Thank-you

 

[dogg2727]

Hi,
I am sure you would enjoy the VIP tour but we are talking about $120 for each person, yikes. Plus do you really want to ruin the magic of how the rides are created. Yes you get to go right in front of the lines but if you plan your day perfectly, that will be no problem at all. If you will only be spending one day there for two parks, then that might be a different story. I can tell you for a fact that no matter what (express, regular, or single rider) they all are packed at Islands of adventure. If you were doing the parks on two seperate days, then the VIP tour is a waste. If you are only doing it one day, then it is a large price to pay, but you are going to get on all the rides. It is a toss up, it depends. If I were you being that I live here in Florida and go regularly, I would plan this wonderful vacation for 2 days. If you can do 2 days, then you can be ready for the parks dead in the morning, then you are guranteed all the rides and saving a lot of money. If you go with my 2 day plan, then I can help plan your days out. I honestly feel the VIP tour is for suckers unless there is no other way you can get here in a 2 day trip.

 

[JessicaR]

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=401324&highlight=+Universal++VIP++Tour

http://disboards.com/showthread.php...&highlight= Universal VIP Tour&pagenumber=1

Scott, I found these threads regarding the VIP tours. I hope they have some info that may interest you! In reading the posts from people that have taken the tours they have all been positive. I hope to take one on our next trip. Have Fun

 

[Scott2tune]

Love your response-we have (myself and my 12 year old daughter) squeezed in extra day into our WDW trip/Cruise to see BOTH US and IOA on one day. She doesn't even know yet!

I think this is one of the reasons my wife and 14 year old son are not going with us- because I am a big manic on schedules and would love to see as much as possible in the time we have.

Given that we have only 1 day for both parks- Universal just picked up 2 more suckers! We actually live in South. Calif and have sort of grown up with Universal Studios Hollywood (so I am actually interested in the behind the scenes).

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

 

[Julie Morrison]

If you go with my 2 day plan, then I can help plan your days out. I honestly feel the VIP tour is for suckers unless there is no other way you can get here in a 2 day trip. [/B][/QUOTE]

My family and I will be going for two days during a very busy time (April 3 - April 10 2004) so could use all the help planning that you could provide. I will have an 11 yr old and a 17 yr old with me.
Thanks so much!
Julie

 

[dogg2727]

Sure Julie no problem. Yes that is a busy time so I will plan your day out perfectly. Actually I am great at planning, in school I help my friends schedule out their night of homework.

You will be there 2 days and you have two kids. This means you are going to want to hit IOA (islands of adventure) first because they are going to go crazy for that. This is more teenage friendly. Universal studios is too, but the youth want action. The two parks open at different times depending on when you go so check on when it opens. TIP 1 always get your butt there half and hour before the park opens I can't stress that enough. Universal treats their customers well by opening the park half an hour early. If you get there at 9:00 you have blown your chances of going straight on rides and maybe even going on them again. This is the busiest of the two parks probably because kids love it and it isn't as spread out. When the park opens, go to spiderman first. This seats 6 to a car and the hulk sits approx. 30 something so in the morning, hulk takes longer to actually become busy. Get on spidy, then run to hulk. After you do that you can slow your pace a tad. Go to popeye then dudley. For some reason popeye is packed before dudley even though dudley fits less people in the cars. Then you can relax and head over to jurassic park. Go on the water ride (no wait) then do the teradactal thing and if you want go see sara the triceratops (trust me it isn't necessary it breaks down half of the time lol). Then head over to posiedon's fury and see that. Or you can let your kids go on the flying unicorn. DON'T WORRY ABOUT DUELING DRAGONS it never fills up, it only reaches like a ten minute wait, nothing bad. Then go on cat and the hat because that fills up fast too. Enjoy the sites for a little bit in the morning and worry about it more later. Trust me you will be happy you did. The rides crowd up so fast it's rediculous because they really never should. If you do strictly rides in the morning and site seeing and shopping in the aftenoon, you can expect a perfect day. Mythos is where you should reserve your dinner. Quiet, comfortable, beautiful, and yummy yummy food. Stay tuned for day two of your perfect trip.

 

[Julie Morrison]

. Stay tuned for day two of your perfect trip. [/B][/QUOTE]

Thank you so much, you don't know how much I appreciate this. I will print it out to take on our adventure! I'll be anxiously awaiting day 2.
Julie

 

[dogg2727]

Hi I am back. I am glad you got this message. I will give you day two.

When you enter Universal, the same rules apply, half an hour earlier than the correct time for opening. Then when you get in, run and I do mean run to shrek. Look around you, everyone will be doing the same. It isn't that far from the entrance, that is why it is packed. Here is what I do. I let my family get in line, I go across the street to get fast pass for shrek. We ride once, then come back and do it again when our fast passes are eligible. If you see people going straight into the doors, then that can't work, just get express once you get off the ride. Then if you want you can do Jimmy Neutron. I personally think it is dumb, lame, etc. I am 17 so you can relate. It isn't because I am "older" the ride just has no plot and you get bumped around a lot for no reason. if you skip Jimmy, then run to Back to the future because it fills up fast because it can only take so many at a time. Personally I think it is a so so ride because it has nothing to do with the actual movies and I don't really feel like I am riding it but the screen is big so that makes me want to see it once in a blue moon. If you have back problem's or don't like get swung back and forth, I highly recommend not riding this. If you are 6 feet or taller, DO NOT SIT IN THE BACK. You will come out hurting. Then, which is the beauty of Universal Studios, you can breathe had calmly head over to jaws. It isn't packed here because it is early and you are in the back of the park. Get on there and once you get off, go over to earthquake. I am not 100% sure if earthquake will be open then because the ride requires a pretty big crowd for the preshows but if it is go on it. If not go to MIB. Oh and for earthquake, ask for the middle of the whole train. I am talking middle of the train, middle car of the train. Jaws sit in the fourth row. MIB is my favorite ride, it never gets old, there is always something new to discover/learn, the scenery is amazing, it is a long ride, and great for the family. The ride moves pretty smoothily so lines only get bad around 12:00 and later. If you are going to have competition, then you can expect this ride to be even better. You will get hooked on the ride and want to go on again. I know a lot of people, including me, who keep going on it. Use the secret baby swap instead of exiting to go on again. JUST MAKE SURE THE OTHER PEOPLE PASSENGERS LEAVE BEFORE YOU GO FOR IT. Make sure you pick up a guide book and pamphlet for showtimes. You are going to want to see www stunt show located very close to MIB. It is a wonderful show with amazing performers (very talented). Just remember to clap for them. Oh yeah and when that little sign that says there is loud noises, they aren't lying. We are talking loud gun shots and very loud blasts. It is still very much worth seeing. Your kids will love it and so will you. HINT: when the guy throws the stick of dynamite, the man on the second story will start to fly down the cable. That is the loud bang from the dynamite with fire shooting out. You have the option now to cover your ears if you like. Then see the horror make up show. I heard it is hilarious more so than the www stunt show so it must be good because www stunt show is hilarious too. If you really want to you can see beetle juice but it is a cheesy musical but the performers are talented. I think it is boring and has absolutely nothing to do with beetlejuice. Eat at ricter burger for lunch, they have the best burgers for your buck. You will love it. Located across the street from earthquake (duh). After that check out twister. Idiots fall for getting fast pass for it, I have never found it crowded. If you want, do twister instead of Jimmy in the morning, guranteed no line. I have never done twister in the afternoon so I guess I wouldn't know. Enjoy the sites and go on MIB again. With my two day guides you should have an ample amount of time to do whatever you want in the park and still be able to do every single ride. If you have any questions just say it in your reply. Here is my wonderful handbook to MIB. If I were you, don't tell the kids and whip their butts when you go on it.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=415089

 

[Julie Morrison]

[With my two day guides you should have an ample amount of time to do whatever you want in the park and still be able to do every single ride. If you have any questions just say it in your reply. Here is my wonderful handbook to MIB. If I were you, don't tell the kids and whip their butts when you go on it.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=415089 [/B][/QUOTE]

Thank you so much for taking the time to type all this info out. I've printed off maps for each park and I have printed off all the info you have provided. I'm going to sit down and plot out the rides on the map.
The Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure maps that I printed out don't show exactly where the entrance is. Could you tell me where you enter at? On the IOA map, is it between Seuss Landing and Marvel Super Hero Island?
Thanks,
Julie :

 

[Notatourist]

Julie-

The entrance is actually inbetween Suess and Marvel in what is called "The Port of Entry".

There is a very nice story to go along with the port, but alas, that is something you get on the VIP tour.

It costs $100 a person ($120.00) during peak times.

The plan you were given does not work now due to the crowds. You say that you are coming at a very crowded time-when?

Scott-
You will have a great time and see the parks in plenty of time.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Hi Julie! Are your kids boys or girls? This makes all the difference with the rides. I mostly agree with what dogg said, but a couple things I disagree about at Universal Studios. Since I spend 98% of my trips over at Universal Studios, I know that after you do Shrek and Jimmy Neutron (which is actually a good ride despite the kiddy characters) run to Men in Black and ride a few times before doing Back to the Future. The longest I remember seeing Back to the Future get was a 20 - 25 minute wait. Men in Black can easily triple that. The reason why this is such a good time to do MIB is that everyone is still over at the entrance at the new rides.

Just keep that in mind Oh, and unless they are both boys, check out the Ghostbusters Show. And the Horror Makeup Show is a definite. You have to do that! One of the best shows at Universal

 

[Julie Morrison]

The plan you were given does not work now due to the crowds. You say that you are coming at a very crowded time-when?

We are going to be going April 3, 2004 - April 10, 2004. Terrible time, I know! I wish we could travel off times, but we have kids in school. Easter Sunday is April 11th.
Julie: rolleyes:

 

[Julie Morrison]

Originally posted by Flyfly_Eclipse
Hi Julie! Are your kids boys or girls?

At the time we travel to Disney, my son will by 12 and my daughter 17. What should we do differently? BTW, I hope you don't mind that I printed off some suggestions that you gave someone else on another thread for IOA and US itineraries.
Julie

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by Julie Morrison

Originally posted by Flyfly_Eclipse
Hi Julie! Are your kids boys or girls?

At the time we travel to Disney, my son will by 12 and my daughter 17. What should we do differently? BTW, I hope you don't mind that I printed off some suggestions that you gave someone else on another thread for IOA and US itineraries.
Julie

No, I definitely do not mind! I gave my advice for everyone it pertained to

Since your daughter is the older one of the two, I say take them to see the Ghostbusters Show. I'd be surprised if a teenage girl did NOT like it. Seriously. And since your son is still rather young, he might find it fun to watch. I'm not sure. I just say it's worth seeing (my mom and I see it every time we go to Universal. She loves it ALMOST as much as I do!). I recommend bringing something to sit on (you are sitting on black pavement! I usually bring a seat cushion. Some people bring as little as a piece of paper.). And yes, it's outside in the sun.

I'll warn you that I do not like Posiedon's Fury. I'm not sure if your daughter will or not. I say to do that ONLY if you have done all the other things you wanted to do first.

 

[Notatourist]

At that time of year, Sunday AM tends to be quiet.

When it comes to the studio and you are not doing the tour, I recommend hitting the back of the park first, then working your way forward.

Same for IOA, just remember 99% of tourists head left when entering the park-go RIGHT to cat then work your way around. It works for me.

 

[dogg2727]

Ok, I read everyone elses idea's and I still feel my guide surpasses them all. The idea of the ghostbuster's show is good, I agree. The horror make up show I just saw yesterday when I went up. Yes hitting the back of the parks is a good idea, however, my plan is better. Go on shrek and after the ride get an express pass. I know what will happen, you are going to want to go on it again, I see it all the time. Since the guide I gave you gives you plenty of time to spare, you should have no problem seeing it again. Then don't believe that mumbo jumbo about going on MIB first. I have been on MIB 132 times. Why do I count, I don't know but I do. People say I lie but I don't. I ride it the whole day each time I come because I love it and I don't care what anyone says. GO ON BTTF first. The ride is like 8 minutes or more so when they can only fit like 24 people each time, you are going to be waiting for it another 8 minutes. It adds up. What a waste when you can go right on it in the morning NO WAIT. Personally I got upset with the ride with how choppy the screen is and that it has nothing to do with the movies, so if you feel the same then you will be happy you got right on. I see the lines for it and it doesn't suprise me that they are long. BTTF isn't one of those continuous rides that they keep loading and unloading. MIB runs so smoothily all the way to 12:00. HINT: go single riders in the morning. Follow this line and you will end up merging into the express line. There will be two black ropes and then you will see the other line, the regular. Just go through the two ropes and then you can skip the preshow. No one minds if you do this because it is very early. If you want to see the preshow then go in the regular line. Either way I promise you will get on no problem. If you you have more questions or comments or concerns Julie, then feel free to reply. Later I will put up a better schedule once you reply.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by dogg2727
Then don't believe that mumbo jumbo about going on MIB first. I have been on MIB 132 times. Why do I count, I don't know but I do. People say I lie but I don't. I ride it the whole day each time I come because I love it and I don't care what anyone says. GO ON BTTF first. The ride is like 8 minutes or more so when they can only fit like 24 people each time, you are going to be waiting for it another 8 minutes. It adds up. What a waste when you can go right on it in the morning NO WAIT.

Ahhhhh! I still disagree! I've gone to Universal 15 times within the last 5 months alone (not to mention all of last year) and I'm basing everything off my personal experience. Back to the Future doesn't get long lines, usually. Men in Black backs up REALLY BAD. Fine, go on BTTF first and then run to Men in Black because once it is lunch time, prepare for the long wait. I do not agree with you at all dogg. I know what I am talking about It's best to go on MIB when there is no line because you'll want to get right back on...I've found that if I wait until 2 hours after the park opens, even then I can't get on right away and have to wait in a line. I usually go straight to MIB when the park opens. But for those who haven't seen Shrek (which I can always pass...it's not my favorite), you'll probably want to do that first.

But didn't I say that I've had VERY LITTLE WAIT when it comes to BTTF whenever I go on MIB first? I go and ride MIB about 3 to 5 times, then go on BTTF and then head back to MIB. When I do this, not only do I get to experience no line for MIB, but a short wait at BTTF. I had MAYBE a 10 minute wait at BTTF when I do this. If I miss MIB in the morning, I have to suffer with at least a 20 minute wait or longer (wait time increasing by the minute since park opens). Yuck!!

And wait a minute...132 times total? And how many do you average for visit? Express or regular or single riders line? Come on! Be honest! I've been in a single rider line for MIB that was easily 20 minutes worth! The other 2 lines were even worse. I have never had a problem going on BTTF like I have with MIB. Unless you happen to go on a busy day where all the crowds for some reason are obsessed with BTTF and not at all interested in MIB, I've found BTTF lines to always be between 5 -25 minutes. Maybe an occassional 45 minute. Maybe.

So maybe the ride is long on BTTF and they can't fit as many people...on the first floor. Hello...they have other floors with it. When I go, I see them using multiple floors and each floor can hold 24 people. If they stuck to only one floor, then yeah, it could get pretty backed up, but lately I've seen that even when the crowd wasn't that big they opened a couple floors.

 

[dogg2727]

Ok first all can we both be honest here, they haven't exactly hired the best in show here. It takes them a while to get enough sense in there brains to open up the next floor. Secondly, 20 minute wait in single rider, now don't you think that is a tad more reasonable considering you are telling us the line is a 2 hour wait which it is not. 70 minute wait maximum. Secondly if you haven't read my past posts, I said to do it before 12:00 because I know it gets a little more congested. BTTF won't take 3 hours to watch. When the park opens at 8:30, you do shrek till say even 9:00. Then go to BTTF and ride. That should make it 9:30 then MIB till 12:00 or later. Take your pick. This perfect. Plus you can go single and ask to go in 2 or 3 because they don't even care that time. I on an average stay at MIB (including yesterday that I went) from 9:00 to 4:00. Don't say anything about that because I love it so I want to go on it. I watch the day unfold there. The lines are empty till 12:00, a tad crowded at 1:00, 1:30 maximum crowd. Plus she will probably be done by 10:30 or 11:00 riding is several times. I agree, the ride is addictive and I love it so much. You have to ride it many times. Half of the aliens you don't even realize or don't even know what to shoot. Stick with my guide, it works. I do it every weekend.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by dogg2727
Secondly, 20 minute wait in single rider, now don't you think that is a tad more reasonable considering you are telling us the line is a 2 hour wait which it is not. 70 minute wait maximum.

I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear enough. I never said there was a two hour wait. I said BTTF can get to be a 25 minute wait and MIB can triple that wait time (during the most crowded time, yes, I know). That is then 75 minute wait. I see this is the wait time very often. Including last Saturday...it remained a consistant 75 minute wait during the afternoon and evening. I NEVER said 2 hour wait unless I made some typo somewhere that I don't remember.

A 20 minute single rider wait isn't all that reasonable when I can go on right away multiple times in the morning.

And all I'm saying is based from my experience at Universal. I just came back from a 2 day trip Saturday evening. I always go on MIB 4 or 5 times, then BTTf, then back to MIB. Since I'm addicted to MIB, I have to ride it as many times as I can before it backs up. Sometimes I just skip BTTF altogether.

But geez, don't get so testy. I was just giving Julie my personal opinion and advice. I still stand by my advice and always will because it works for me. Maybe your plan will work better for her. Who knows? At least now she has a few different opinions in which she can base her trip on and she can adjust it for her personal taste in attractions.

 

[dogg2727]

Ok that is true she has different opinions. Yeah I skip BTTF everytime. I just hate it. Choppy screen for universal and has nothing to do with the movies. It just makes more sense to get bttf over with since you have to pass it anyways. Then you can just stay at mib and ride, not go back and forth. I just think she doesn't go there as much as us and probably doesn't want to spend the day on MIB like we do. I am trying to give her a simple yet effective way to get the time out of your day. No hard feelings. I honestly feel my way would work better, that is why I questioned yours. I am just like that. Sorry.