US newbie here...is there a guidebook?

[Soupermom]

I am thinking of planning a short trip next March to US; it would be over the weekend BEFORE (not of) Easter. I've always found the Unofficial Guides to WDW very helpful and was wondering if there is something similar for US. We have never been to US, but are big Harry Potter fans so that is our reasoning to go. I am hoping we will enjoy the rest of the park as well. Any suggestions on where/how to start planning? Where to stay, etc? Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

This is the best Universal guidebook out there:

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1339598371&sr=1-1

 

[macraven]

spring break period and the week before Easter is a busy time in the parks.
crowds you will see.

look into staying onsite so you can use the free, unlimited express lines and early entry allowed for the hotel guests.

 

[kittyninja]

I am thinking of planning a short trip next March to US; it would be over the weekend BEFORE (not of) Easter. I've always found the Unofficial Guides to WDW very helpful and was wondering if there is something similar for US. We have never been to US, but are big Harry Potter fans so that is our reasoning to go. I am hoping we will enjoy the rest of the park as well. Any suggestions on where/how to start planning? Where to stay, etc? Thanks!

The guidebook that Metro West linked to is amazing!! I just got it even though I am pretty familiar with US/IOA. It gave me a lot of tips, so it will definitely help you out a lot!

 

[RMulieri]

This is the best Universal guidebook out there:

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1339598371&sr=1-1

2nd this..This book andthese boards helped make my trip a huge success

 

[Soupermom]

Thanks everyone. We've done WDW during spring break before and had a great time (thanks to lots of planning). We have to go during this time because DH and I are both teachers. Next spring will be my DD's first year of college in Florida, but her break isn't the same as ours, so we'll be going for a long weekend (weekend before Easter). I am hoping I'll be able to plan the trip to be as successful as those to WDW. Any other suggestions are welcome!

 

[JessicaR]

This is the best Universal guidebook out there:

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1339598371&sr=1-1

Just curious - what happened to Kelly?

 

[macraven]

kelly is still around but seth's book is very good and selling well.

 

[DCTooTall]

Thanks everyone. We've done WDW during spring break before and had a great time (thanks to lots of planning). We have to go during this time because DH and I are both teachers. Next spring will be my DD's first year of college in Florida, but her break isn't the same as ours, so we'll be going for a long weekend (weekend before Easter). I am hoping I'll be able to plan the trip to be as successful as those to WDW. Any other suggestions are welcome!

Biggest suggestion would be... RELAX!

Even during the busier times, Universal won't be nearly as stressful as Disney during the busier times. Don't be afraid to relax during your trip and just enjoy yourself. Especially if you are staying onsite and can use the free Express perk, You'll find yourself not needing to run around the parks the same way you would at Disney to do everything you want too.

 

[JessicaR]

kelly is still around but seth's book is very good and selling well.

thanks - does Seth post here?

 

[sksjasams]

Thanks for the link and the recommendation! I was hoping to find a good book. Our trip will likely be Jan 2013. I see they are releasing the next version Nov 2012. Do you think I should wait for the new version, or will they be similar enough to go ahead and get the 2012 now?

Thank you!

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for the link and the recommendation! I was hoping to find a good book. Our trip will likely be Jan 2013. I see they are releasing the next version Nov 2012. Do you think I should wait for the new version, or will they be similar enough to go ahead and get the 2012 now?

Thank you!

There are some new attractions at Universal this year (SuperStar Parade and the Cinematic Spectacular) that should be covered in the new edition but Despicable Me might not be considering it's opening this summer. I don't know what the printing deadlines are but it may or may not make into the 2012 edition. That said...I don't think it's all that important really. The 2012 edition will be just as helpful as the 2013 edition.

 

[sksjasams]

There are some new attractions at Universal this year (SuperStar Parade and the Cinematic Spectacular) that should be covered in the new edition but Despicable Me might not be considering it's opening this summer. I don't know what the printing deadlines are but it may or may not make into the 2012 edition. That said...I don't think it's all that important really. The 2012 edition will be just as helpful as the 2013 edition.

Thank you! I went ahead and ordered it. I will be here Saturday