We have one day at Universal...

[JesNJakesMom]

There are going to be 7 of us going to Universal for one day 4 adults and 3 kids ages 4, 6, & 8. Just wondered if anyone has any tips on what we should do and how we can do it efficiently. This is a first trip for all of us and we will be staying the night at the Holiday Inn across the street from the main entrance.

We also wanted to eat at the NASCAR Cafe, any suggestions there?

Thanks,

 

[threeboysmom]

Since you are only going for 1 day, I would suggest getting the 1-day, 2 park pass. That way you can see the best of both parks. I would do Islands first thing in the morning (get to the gate at 8:30 - it usually opens at 8:45) Plan ahead of time which rides/attractions you want to do. Do the adults & kids like the big thrill rides? If not, hit Spiderman first thing (bypassing Hulk & Dr. Doom). Head to Citywalk at lunchtime (you have to walk through to get to Universal Studios) Have lunch at Nascar, then hit Universal Studios for the rest of the afternoon/evening using express pass to your advantage. Again, review the different attractions there & make a list ahead of time of what you definately want to see & a general idea of what order to see them in. We can help with that once we know what things your party likes & what your goals are.

It can be done! The most important thing though is to do your research ahead of time. And let us know what kind of rides those in your party like and we can help you plan your day more thoroughly! Have fun!!!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

At Nascar cafe, you will have a blast....especially if anyone in your party loves race cars. My 3 year old loved it there. The BBQ pulled pork sandwich is awesome!

 

[JesNJakesMom]

Thanks for your input. My nephew (8) and myself are the only "thrill riders", maybe his dad too I'm not sure. My daughter (6) is afraid of anything faster than Dumbo. My son (4) would ride anything (I think) if he was tall enough. As for my DH and his sister all they want to do is look and walk around, maybe see a show (Shrek 4). My nephew really wanted to do Slime Time but I understand it has been discontinued so I guess I'll have to slime him myself?

Since our hotel is right across the street, we were going to go back to the hotel at lunch -- I understand the food at Universal is expensive and not so great? Go back to the park after lunch and do NASCAR Cafe for dinner after the Park closes at 7:00. My entire family is TOTALLY into NASCAR! Although, with all the changes going on now, probably not for much longer?!

Anyway, I can't wait to get there and appreciate any advice that anyone can give us. I want this to be a great trip so next year maybe we can stay longer at Universal (and my son will be able to ride the rides with me!).

Thanks,

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by JesNJakesMom
Since our hotel is right across the street, we were going to go back to the hotel at lunch -- I understand the food at Universal is expensive and not so great?

Not true. There are a lot of great places in both parks to have a great meal. Mythos in IOA is the preferred restaurant of the board regs, so I'd say go there for lunch.

 

[threeboysmom]

Just be aware - even though your hotel is "right across the street" from Universal, it is a LONG way from the park entrance just to the parking garage and then you need to navigate your way out back to the hotel! It will probably take you at least 20-30 minutes from the park just to get to your car! If you only have 1 day to spend at Universal, I strongly suggest eating at Nascar for lunch rather than dinner; then when the parks close at 7:00, head back to your hotel for a light supper. Just a thought!!

Have fun regardless! I'm jealous! Only 16 more days for you!! I'm still in the 3 digits!

 

[JesNJakesMom]

Thanks Threeboysmom, We've never even driven by Universal. So, when the hotel told me they were right across the street from the main entrance to Universal, I pictured it specifically that way. I can't believe I didn't think about parking lots! I am a Disney FANatic afterall -- and no one has bigger parking areas than Disney. The front desk also told us we could walk across the street and be at City Walk, that is probably not so true either?!

We are staying at the Holiday Inn Universal right on Kirkman. Any experiences out there with this hotel.

Thanks again for everyones input!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

You'll be there the week that we are. We're (I'm bringing my 4yo son) staying at Pop Century and driving to Universal for a couple of days so your hotel will be much closer than mine. The parks shouldn't be too busy so we'll be fine without the FOTL passes. Where are you staying when you are at WDW?

T&B

 

[JesNJakesMom]

We will be at the DoubleTree Guest Suites in Downtown Disney from 2/7 - 2/12 (just us 4) and moving to the Holiday Inn Universal when we meet up with my sister-in-law and her family 2/12 - 2/13. I hope it goes well, I really wanted to stay at Universal longer but they don't (they are FL residents). If I wow them maybe longer next year?

It would be fun to meet up with you Tigger&Belle, I've never even seen a lime green ribbon let alone met anyone in person from these boards!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I stayed in the HI on Kirkman about 5 years ago. The hotel was fine. Nothing really stands out in my mind about the experience as particularly good or particularly bad. I do remember that the free shuttle to the parks seemed to take forever to get across the street since we stopped at several other hotels along the way. We ended up taking a $3 cabride home one evening. At the time, I did not think walking to the parks was a good idea since it was across a very wide, rather busy street and I did not feel safe crossing with my young son. On my last trip down, I noticed that they now had pedestrian crossings with walk lights to make crossing safer.