US & IoA on Saturday, April 4th

[SqueakyMouse]

Yesterday was our first full day in Orlando, and we had not yet recovered from our long trip the day before. Thus, we did not get a very early start. We arrived at Universal around 9:00, with the park having an 8:00 opening. We were still able to park in Jurassic Park, the parking garage straight out from the entry. Walked right up to a Will-Call Kiosk to pick up our older son's ticket. All bag check lanes were open, so no wait there. After that, it was as crowded as I've ever seen it. Despite the number of people on the walkways, the wait times were not very long. We started at IoA, and the kids were able to walk right onto Dueling Dragons. Forbidden Journey was at 45 minutes, but we did not ride. Instead, we walked right onto a train and went over to US. At 11:00 Gringotts had only a 60 minute wait time posted, but we were on in under 30 minutes. This was a trend we saw all day -- actual waits always were less than the posted times. (Are they trying to sell more Express Passes??) We stopped for a bite to eat in the Simpson area around 12:00. Lots of tables available. Half an hour later...it was packed. When we left around 3, there were still more people entering the parks than leaving. Great day! We may return this morning, if everyone gets up early. I'll post pictures later in the week.

 

[bfrosty]

We were there April 2nd thru the 7th....and on your same day.

I did notice Forbidden Journey was marked as 60min...and we got on in 20min.

I wonder if they pad those wait times and try to get people to buy the Express pass? We found several rides that had long wait times during our stay, but were able to get on the ride in much less time. Rip Saw falls was 60min...but we rode in 30min or less. Popeye's Bildge Rat Barges was 20min....but it was a walk on for my kids.

Hummm....marketing at its best?

Glad you had fun.
Bfrosty

 

[bfrosty]

Also, Dueling Dragons or is it Dragon Challenge???

That had 5min to 20min....but it was nearly a walk-on ride for any row but the front. We ended up riding the front row multiple times via the Re-Ride gate entry. We had to wait for four dragons sometimes...but it loads quickly with both coasters running. We really enjoyed this ride...its one we thought wasn't that great...but it turned out to be in our Top 3 rides. Especially at night....all the rides were more fun at night...more mystic and mystery about it all.

We enjoyed our trip.
Bfrosty

 

[macraven]

Also, Dueling Dragons or is it Dragon Challenge???


Bfrosty

hahaha, it will always be dueling dragons to me..
the first refillabel mug i ever bought was the ice/ dd one.
still use it on return trips there.