Which park does everyone prefer-IOA or Universal Studios?

[captaindavidhook]

Both parks sound so great. Since I have never been to either one, which park would you choose if you would be spending only one day there? To me, just by reading up on it, IOA seems to sound much more exciting. Just curious to find out what other's seem to say. Thanks in advance.

 

[RMulieri]

When we went for our first trip last year, we really thought IOA would be our favorite...It turns out we loved the Studios more.Don't get me wrong, IOA is fantastic,we loved it, but for us there was something about the studios that we just enjoyed more.If you can only do ONE park, I would suggest IOA since everyone wants to experience Harry Potter

 

[damo]

I think once Transformers is open, the Studios will be my favourite I love Mummy and MIB. I do love Forbidden Journey too but I like the rest of the Studios better. Can't wait for Diagon Alley to open. The studios will be amazing then.

 

[captaindavidhook]

I think once Transformers is open, the Studios will be my favourite I love Mummy and MIB. I do love Forbidden Journey too but I like the rest of the Studios better. Can't wait for Diagon Alley to open. The studios will be amazing then.

What is Diagon Alley? What type of attraction is that?

 

[RMulieri]

What is Diagon Alley? What type of attraction is that?

It is going to be part of the Harry Potter expansion..Hogsmeade is in IOA , Diagon Alley along with a Gringotts bank vault ride will be in the studios..It hasn't even been officially announced yet, and wont be open till maybe late 2014

 

[Metro West]

Both parks sound so great. Since I have never been to either one, which park would you choose if you would be spending only one day there? To me, just by reading up on it, IOA seems to sound much more exciting. Just curious to find out what other's seem to say. Thanks in advance.

I like the Studios better. IoA is great but the Studios is more my style. I guess I've spent too much time there due to HHN.

 

[atomicgirl]

It depends. If it's just me & DH going, then IOA. I love WWoHP and the coasters.

But the original US also has some really cool rides (mummy & MIB) and shows, and my kids (who hate thrill rides) enjoy that park more.

 

[braddillman]

IoA: all my favourites: Spider-man, popeye's barges, Jurassic Park, HP, Dragons, Hulk, Mythos. Prefer the themeing there too.

 

[DOOM1001]

IOA is great but even with Potter it still needs another major ride,just think about it if you visit on a cold or rainy day with thunderstorms 3 of the attractions are wet rides that could be closed due to lightning,too cold to ride or you just don't want to get wet.The studios are not highly themed like IOA but they just have another feel that I love,when they open the new Potter and Simpsons areas along with Transformers I can't see myself saying it's not my favorite,I would suggest you try both.

 

[Planogirl]

I prefer the Studios. IOA is great but we love the Mummy, the Simpsons and Men in Black. I also personally love Despicable Me and the Starbucks.

That said, I think that IOA has better theming and better restaurants. It's fun to watch both parks steadily get nicer.

 

[anniedream]

I love IOA. Reasons:

1. Forbidden Journey is my favourite Orlando ride.
2. As a child I loved Jurassic Park, so JP land was amazing for me to discover.
3. Popeye & Bluto Barges are underrated. Such a good water ride.
4. I am a huge HP fan.
5. The Hulk; need I say more?

 

[Tekneek]

We prefer IOA, because of Seuss Landing, Hulk, and Dudley Do-right. I liked it a lot more when they had the Jay Ward characters (and a bunch of other characters) out to party with guests in the evening. Universal, overall, is not as much fun as it used to be, but the parks are still worth seeing if you have the time.

 

[Tekneek]

I love IOA. Reasons:

3. Popeye & Bluto Barges are underrated. Such a good water ride.

Best river rapid ride I have ever been on. I've only been on it once (we got to go around again - so twice technically) and it is the only one I've ever been on where everyone got drenched. I never see a lot said about this one, so it is probably the hidden gem. Just be sure you're ready to get really wet.

 

[macraven]

Studios has always been my favorite.
IOA is my second favorite...............

 

[schumigirl]

Love Love Love them both.

I thought I would be saying IOA as I adore everything in it. It has Confisco Grill and Thunder Falls and some of our favourite rides Dr Doom, Hulk, Duelling Dragons and JPRA. Harry Potter area is not too shabby either

But over our stay we tend to spend more time, in a day, in the Studios.

Love the atmosphere in both but find The Studios more relaxing. Love The Mummy, RRR, DM...gotta love a minion, Horror Make up Show is a classic and it has Louie`s and Ben and Jerry`s. There`s a fantastic atmosphere in the Studios that is only going to get better with all the new additions coming.

The Character interaction in both parks is fantastic also.

I would really struggle to only pick one to visit though.

 

[DOOM1001]

Another reason I would go with the studios is that it normally hosts Mardi Gras and HHN.

 

[MrsDuck]

IoA... WWoHP! <3

 

[bumbershoot]

I like both. For each example at one park I can come up with a matching one at the other. Even down to food. IOA has butterbeer and rock cake (the only combo better than that is 3 Broomsticks coffee (surprisingly decent) and rock cake for breakfast), but Studios has the delicious veggie burger at Richter's. (we get our favorites and stick with them!)

If I could only go to one during a trip I would have a real problem with it. I don't think I could do it, and would probably have to buy the park to park, if only to get the foods I want.

 

[glocon]

love to watch that Blues Brothers show at US too......

 

[klacey1]

That's soooo hard! I'd probably have to give the slight edge to the Studios. I love MiB, the Mummy, the Simpsons, the theming of the NY area, Shrek, and more.
Harry Potter is fantastic, and I do think each of the individual lands in IOA are themed better than almost area in US (except NY), but overall, I think I could spend a longer day in the Studios.