What's really cool at Universal?

[all5ofus]

Ok,

I'm leaving DW and DD at home and planning a guys trip to Universal to check out Harry Potter in July with the boys (12 & 10). Flying in for three nights just to check it out. We do WDW twice a year since forever but never have spent much time at Universal.

What are the really cool things at US/IOA that are out of the ordinary. I'm not looking for everyone's favorite ride, theres enough info on that and we will hit them all. Looking for special events, special tours, that kind of thing. (What is the US/IOA equivalent of breakfast at CRT or a Wishes cruise)

Any tips?

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've never come across anything like a Wishes cruise or breakfast at CRT at US/IOA.

In the summer, US used to do a nightime fireworks thing but I haven't come across any info on that yet for this summer.

There is a character meal or 2 but we've never done those. One is at Confisco Grille in IOA but it's seasonal.

Another Character meal is at Portofino Bay. Again, it's not every day and it is not always the same characters so I don't know who would be there.

There might be one more but I don't remember it anymore. The Simpsons Character breakfast ended awhile ago.

One cool thing is you don't have to book meals months in advance. Just the day before for breakfast Priority seating or the morning of for lunch/dinner seating. I love that!

They do have characters out - Simpsons, Scooby Doo and team (if they are still around), plus Spiderman and lots of other Marvel Characters over in the Marvel area of IOA. The evil characters really get into it!

If you can, borrow a book from your library called Universal Orlando 2010 by Kelly Monaghan. It has everything you ever wanted to know about Universal and I highly recommend it.

 

[albino_pygmy]

VIP tours. 'Nuff said.

Some premier features of the VIP Tour include:
•Complimentary valet parking
•Complimentary refreshments (coffee, bottled water) upon check-in
•VIP Tour credential and lanyard
•Opportunity for private character meet and greets
•Complimentary VIP gift
•Exclusive information and select backstage access (when available)
•Select discounts on Food and Merchandise
•Universal Express access to attractions at conclusion of tour

http://www.universalorlando.com/Tickets/viptours.aspx#

Universal 360 is the seasonal night time show at USF which should be running for the summer. IOA might have something going on. I know they had some little stunt show with sea doos at one point, but we'll see if they'll do anything this year.

Also, if you haven't seen Blue Man Group, check them out!

http://www.universalorlando.com/Shows/blue_man_group_tickets_2.aspx#