Very broad question

[jezebella]

I came to Orlando at least twice a year most of my life and have now lived here for 5 years. I have never been to US or IOA. My husband has been once (over 10 years ago) and was not impressed. We are total theme park people (we go to Disney every other weekend), but I could never convince hubby to pay for Universal or IOA. The other day, we got a "meet your new neighbors the simpsons" free 2 day pass for both parks. We've finally decided to go -- it will be me, DH and DD7 (over 54 inches tall - can ride it all). However, I know nothing about these parks, where to eat, the whole express pass thing (worth it or not? how much extra). What would be your number one tip or hint to a newbie?

 

[Jonny_Duck]

I havent used Express yet but I am sure its worth it. Would also depend if you are going during the week or on a weekend and if it will be summer when you go. 2 days imo is a good amount of time to see most everything even w/o pass but it will depend if you want to wait in line or not. You can stay onsite which is pricey for unlimited express or buy passes those prices vary by which day you are going.

For food there is stuff in parks that serve like pizza and spaghetti etc stuff or you can go to City Walk for a nice assortment of food places. I am partial to Margaritaville personally.

http://www.universalorlando.com/tic_express.html

-That is the link for the express passes so you can see the price of when you are going.

http://allears.net/uni/menu/menus.htm

-That has the Menus for all your food needs.

My best tip would be to take your time and enjoy the theme...esp at IOA. My first time to IOA was recently and I was blown away with what an amazing job they did. Also tip wise, Spiderman, The hulk, The Simpsons, and the mummy are very popular and if you opt not to do the express you should try for one of those early morning before crowds fill in.

Hope it helps,
Jonny

 

[jezebella]

Thanks Johnny---We will be going on a weekend for sure...gotta work to pay for passes, ya know. Also, we have to use the free pass by June 28th. We won't be staying on property either as it's a whopping 20 minute drive from my house to the parks.

 

[ChrisFL]

Universal was a LOT different 10 years ago...there's IOA, and at least 8 new attractions at Universal since then!!!

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Sometimes it is nice to get out of the house to make it even more like a vacation even if its a short drive but I am incredibly jealous you live that close. Cost wise it may be more effective to book the hotel for a night and you get 2 days of express as much as you want. There might be some discounts for the hotel also if your a member of AAA I am not sure. Most Sat I have seen tickets are 42$ a person and you have 3 going which is 126$ or so for one day. If express is important I would atleast check out the hotel and see the price perhaps it would be close to same price and if you go on a ride you just have to ride twice you wont have to hop into an hour long line.

Just something to consider,
Jonny

 

[Metro West]

We won't be staying on property either as it's a whopping 20 minute drive from my house to the parks.

That's why it's nice to have an AP...drive over for a few hours and then leave once the crowds arrive.

 

[donaldduck352]

That's why it's nice to have an AP...drive over for a few hours and then leave once the crowds arrive.

Got ours.Beeing a ressie is fun.As far as passes now got Silver Springs-Sw-BG-US(couldnn't spring for DW this year,wish we could of)All I'm missing thats afford isCypress Gardens..
We donnt have boring weekends,when we get them off of work!!

 

[Foladar]

I'd say go inside and check crowds before buying express, the crowds may not be too bad however they could also be really bad since summer is coming. Inside Universal has the wait board, you could check that then decide if its worth it to you, but definitely get there at opening and you won't need it right away atleast.

 

[Metro West]

I'd say go inside and check crowds before buying express, the crowds may not be too bad however they could also be really bad since summer is coming. Inside Universal has the wait board, you could check that then decide if its worth it to you, but definitely get there at opening and you won't need it right away atleast.

 

[ckay87]

I'm thinking that if they're handing out free passes to everyone in Orlando, suddenly that Express Pass might be REALLY worth it.

In fact, I'm a little scared now. Who got these passes? Everybody?

 

[Timmy Boy]

Well, since you asked for a tip for a new person, don't compare it to Disney. If the last time your husband went was 10 years ago, that was 1998. That was before IOA, before CityWalk, before the resorts. It's going to be a lot different now.

When you park, you will be in a parking garage. Don't immidiately think it's dirty or trashy. It's because they are short on land and they don't have the room to build huge parking lots. You will then have to walk through CityWalk to get to either of the parks. Go right to hit Universal Studios. Go straight forward to hit Islands of Adventure.

It depends on which park you guys want to do. New at Universal Studios will be Jimmy Nuetron, Shrek, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, Terminator, The Simpsons, Disaster, and maybe Twister? Not sure on that one.

Islands of Adventure will all be new. It's a fantastic park. The theming is amazing, and some of the attractions are the best Orlando has to offer. Spiderman is up there and continually ranks among the best attractions in the world. Incredible Hulk and Dueling Dragons are good too, if you're into coasters. Suess Landing is great to see as well. Toon Lagoon has some great water rides, and Jurassic Park is well themed.

It's up to you. Look around online to see pictures and stuff.

 

[jezebella]

I'm thinking that if they're handing out free passes to everyone in Orlando, suddenly that Express Pass might be REALLY worth it.

In fact, I'm a little scared now. Who got these passes? Everybody?

Not everyone---it was very random. Neither my parents or co-workers got the passes. Plus, it's only one free pass---I'll have to pay for one adult and one child ticket. Apparently I fit their demographic this time.

 

[ChrisFL]

I'm thinking that if they're handing out free passes to everyone in Orlando, suddenly that Express Pass might be REALLY worth it.

In fact, I'm a little scared now. Who got these passes? Everybody?

No, they do this once every year or so...it does make financial sense but I don't think it affects overall crowds that much

 

[leanne11]

I had forgot until i read this post..it was attached to a blue cardboard mailing with the simpsons on the front..i do believe i threw it away..

 

[Metro West]

I had forgot until i read this post..it was attached to a blue cardboard mailing with the simpsons on the front..i do believe i threw it away..

I got one last year but nothing this year. Seems kinda silly since I have an AP.