What has changed since 2014

[mevelandry]

Hi guys,

We visited Universal for the last time in the beginning of 2014.

For our October 2019 trip where we'll have a short stay at Universal, we are thinking of going to the theme park(s) but just for one day.

We have a hard time making a choice as the last time, we found that there was much more for us to do (that we like) in the Universal Studios vs Island of Adventure (except for Harry Potter). So we don't know if we are going to do two parks or one park.

I heard they added many things to The Simpsons Land (which is our primary interest in the parks) and a new section for Harry Potter? Did they add anything to IOA since?

In your opinion, since the beginning of 2014, which park has evolved the most?

Also, in your opinion, should we buy the Express Pass? We are most likely going to go to the park on wednesday or thursday on the week prior to Columbus Day.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mjhtvchick]

Great question!

In trying to remember when various things were opened/closed since 2014, I found some of this info on wikipedia...

Universal Studios Florida
July 2014 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley opened
September 2015 - Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! closed
November 2015 - Twister...Ride it Out closed
January 2016 Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue closed
April 2017 - Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon opened
October 2017 - T2 3-D: Battle Across Time closed
September 2017 - Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ended
April 2018 - The Fast and the Furious Supercharged opened

Islands of Adventure
July 2014 - The Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade station opened
May 2015 - The Raptor Encounter meet & greet attraction opened
September 2015 - The Incredible Hulk roller coaster closed for refurbishment
April 2016 - The Incredible Hulk's refurbishment is completed
July 2016 - Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened
September 2017 - Dragon Challenge closed, with a new Harry Potter roller coaster experience to take its place in 2019.

So I would definitely say that USF has seen the most change in that period of time and if you haven't seen Diagon Alley, it really is worth seeing, even if you aren't a big Potter fan. I don't think anything has been added to Springfield since it opened - Fast Food Blvd, Duff Gardens, Kang & Kodos' Twirl & Hurl were all opened throughout 2013.

I am not sure whether or not you would "need" Express Pass at that time of year but I would lean towards "no". Keep in mind that if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express you need a park-to-park ticket!

 

[mevelandry]

Great question!

In trying to remember when various things were opened/closed since 2014, I found some of this info on wikipedia...

Universal Studios Florida
July 2014 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley opened
September 2015 - Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You! closed
November 2015 - Twister...Ride it Out closed
January 2016 Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue closed
April 2017 - Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon opened
October 2017 - T2 3-D: Battle Across Time closed
September 2017 - Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ended
April 2018 - The Fast and the Furious Supercharged opened

Islands of Adventure
July 2014 - The Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade station opened
May 2015 - The Raptor Encounter meet & greet attraction opened
September 2015 - The Incredible Hulk roller coaster closed for refurbishment
April 2016 - The Incredible Hulk's refurbishment is completed
July 2016 - Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened
September 2017 - Dragon Challenge closed, with a new Harry Potter roller coaster experience to take its place in 2019.

So I would definitely say that USF has seen the most change in that period of time and if you haven't seen Diagon Alley, it really is worth seeing, even if you aren't a big Potter fan. I don't think anything has been added to Springfield since it opened - Fast Food Blvd, Duff Gardens, Kang & Kodos' Twirl & Hurl were all opened throughout 2013.

I am not sure whether or not you would "need" Express Pass at that time of year but I would lean towards "no". Keep in mind that if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express you need a park-to-park ticket!

Thanks for your very detailed answer!

Based on videos I have seen they added a thing or two in the Simpsons since we went (they added it a few weeks after we went the last time).

Ah... The Hogwarts Train, Skull Island and Hulk might play a role in us taking a park-to-park tickets...

 

[mjhtvchick]

Based on videos I have seen they added a thing or two in the Simpsons since we went (they added it a few weeks after we went the last time).

It is definitely possible! There are a lot of little details throughout that section, for sure! My brother is a huge Simpsons fan and he loved it when we went there in 2015!

 

[mevelandry]

It is definitely possible! There are a lot of little details throughout that section, for sure! My brother is a huge Simpsons fan and he loved it when we went there in 2015!

So is my husband. And they are slowly starting to get me too!

 

[macraven]

That Wednesday and Thursday will have hhn
The studios will close at 5
IOA will have regular park hours

Since you may stay on site, take advantage of the early entry which is for all onsite hotels allowed to enter a park one hour before it officially opens

 

[mevelandry]

That Wednesday and Thursday will have hhn
The studios will close at 5
IOA will have regular park hours

Since you may stay on site, take advantage of the early entry which is for all onsite hotels allowed to enter a park one hour before it officially opens

I think we'll book HHN for our first day (wednesday) and then a park day for the next day!

 

[macraven]

I think we'll book HHN for our first day (wednesday) and then a park day for the next day!

Sounds like a plan

Parks will probably have less crowds on Wednesday
I have gone the week before and after Columbus Day period and have found Wednesday a good day for parks and hhn

It’s during the work week so usually not heavy on crowds