US/IOA Not-to-be-missed List

[swwake]

We are headed to US/IOA for 2 days in 2 weeks! Looking for ideas for a must-do list. So if you have any tips, please share!

A little background:
We haven't been to US since 1997 and have never been to IOA.
WWOHP will obviously be a must-do.
We arrive by plane around 11am and expect to check into HRH and be in one of the parks by 1pm the first day.
We have 2-day, 2-park passes.
Parks close at 6pm both days.
Two adults (39 and 43). We like the thrill rides.

We are thinking we'll grab a quick snack on the go and try to get to FJ first to test the line. If it's not bad, we'll ride. If it is, we'll explore the rest of WW and do some of the other IOA attractions. Maybe switch to US if there is time.

2nd morning, we plan to get up early to take advantage of early entry and go straight to FJ.

Since we're staying onsite, we will have Express Pass for most of the big attractions.

Looking for ideas of attractions, big and small, that we must do and shouldn't miss. Also, tips on good food, unique snacks, etc., including CityWalk, where we plan to eat the first night.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[sturgeon132]

With the express pass, you can get on everything. My Must Dos are:
Universal:
-Mummy, Men In Black, Horror Makeup show, Rip Ride & Rockit, Simpsons, Terminator

IOA:
-Potter, Hulk, Spiderman, Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park, Popeye River rapids, Doctor Doom

Food:
Citywalk:
1. Emerils- Food is fantastic here. It is very expensive but the best meal you can get on property.
2. Margaritaville= Food is okay, but drinks and appetizers are excellent. The porch of Indecision is a lot of fun.

Hard Rock Hotel:
1. Palm Steakhouse- If you are looking for steak, you won't find a better one than this on property.

The breakfast buffets in the hotels are all very good as well.

IOA
1. Mythos= Best full-service restaurant in Universal parks. The place has a cool look and the food is unique/very good and also affordable.

Have fun!

 

[swwake]

Thanks so much! I think we have Margaritaville and Mythos on our list. We try to hit Margaritaville in every city we visit that has one, so this is a must - at least for a drink.

 

[Planogirl]

Our must-do list is probably similar:

Universal: Mummy, Terminator, MIB, Simpsons, Shrek (I love these characters), Makeup Show, Starbucks (my treat when I'm on vacation ), Jaws (cheesy but fun if you get the right captain)

IOA: Spiderman, all of Harry Potter, Bluto Bilge Rat Barges (you will get drenched), Cat in the Hat, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Seuss Landing in general (we spend a lot of time just exploring)

We LOVE Margaritaville and go there each time. The Nascar Cafe was pretty good too.