Which park first on first day - IOA or US?

[tamaraten]

Thank you, first of all, to all the wonderful people on these threads who have helped me in deciding to stay on-site at RPR (for 3 nights, Dec. 5-8), get an AP and with it discounted tickets.

My next dilemma is this: we have four days in total. I originally drove myself crazy trying to decide whether to do two days at Universal, and then one day each at SW and KSC. While I think my kids would love KSC and I've heard great things about it, I think we'll opt for 3 days Universal and 1 day SW. (...or maybe 2 days Universal, 1 day SW, and then 1 day either Universal or KSC...).

The point is, I'm trying to figure out what to do my first day, IOA or U? it will be a Sunday, after we'll have slept on Saturday night at an off-site hotel, and having to check in at PRP, and get to parks for early morning. I'm worried we won't get to IOA early enough to take advantage of the early-morning benefit.

Here's the question (I'm so sorry this is taking forever, I'm just totally confused): my kids for sure will be so psyched to see WWoHP (it's our first time to Universal) that I'm sure they'll want to go there first, but considering the above (about not getting there too early on that first day - also, we'll be arriving Saturday night super late, around midnight, and I'm worried about waking kids up too early on the Sunday and them being exhausted), should we maybe do US on the first day? (phew, that was long...) I don't know if I'd be able to swing that considering kids' excitement. Also, on that Sunday, IOA is open late (until 8 p.m) - the only time that is happening during our 4 days.

Also, what type of tickets would you buy? Base or park-to-park?

thanks, thanks and thanks. I'm tremendously grateful for all of the fabulous advice I've been given.

 

[tamaraten]

Just reposting this for possible help!

thanks!!

 

[christophfam]

We had this same type of scenario last October. We chose to do US that first morning. After I explained things to the kids, they understood that later the lines would be much more manageable at WWOHP. We were at US until 4ish then headed over to IOA taking our time to get to WWOHP. The later in the day, the better the crowds will be. Worked out perfect and took a lot of the stress of rushing over to WWOHP first thing in the morning. We just took our time to get to US. We did do early entry the next morning and that was great, but I knew it would over tax us to do it that first morning.

With this type of plan, you'll of course need park to park tickets.

 

[momblanch]

We had this same type of scenario last October. We chose to do US that first morning. After I explained things to the kids, they understood that later the lines would be much more manageable at WWOHP. We were at US until 4ish then headed over to IOA taking our time to get to WWOHP. The later in the day, the better the crowds will be. Worked out perfect and took a lot of the stress of rushing over to WWOHP first thing in the morning. We just took our time to get to US. We did do early entry the next morning and that was great, but I knew it would over tax us to do it that first morning.

With this type of plan, you'll of course need park to park tickets.

I totally agree with this!! You can maximize your time and not feel like you have wasted a day. I think park to park tickets are essential for flexibility, especially given you are visiting with a larger family, and not that much more $$. I also vote for 3days as opposed to 2.

Now...have you purchased tickets yet? Using your AP to purchase discounted tickets for the rest of your party will most likely afford you the best deal, but check out the "2park bonus ticket" offered by Viator.com. It is an unlimited park to park pass, valid for 14 days, for non-US/Canadian residents for $136US. If you purchase via Fabuloussavings website (http://www.fabuloussavings.com/online/us/viator/) you can save an additional 7% and I believe this price included tax. You will print vouchers at home to exchange for tickets at Guest Services, so you will not save any time that first morning, but it may save you a few$$. Now, I know you only have 3-4 days, but you are not required to use all the days and in case you decide to do all 4 days, you will not be limited. We used these for our trip in early November, and loved the flexibility!! You will have to run the numbers and compare the costs, but it may be worth a look at the Viator website.

Whatever you decide, I wish you a fabulous trip!! We just returned a little over a week ago and had the time of our lives! Dont stress the small stuff, enjoy your family and relish the priceless smiles on their faces!

 

[ducky_love]

How old are your kids? Can they handle pulling an "all nighter"? I don't have kids but I know if this was us growing up we would be at IOA for opening on the first day no matter what! I'm betting the day before Harry Potter they aren't going to sleep much anyway.

Then they will be very tired and sleep well before day 2. Just a thought.. it is only 4 days. Why make the kids wait?

 

[momblanch]

How old are your kids? Can they handle pulling an "all nighter"? I don't have kids but I know if this was us growing up we would be at IOA for opening on the first day no matter what! I'm betting the day before Harry Potter they aren't going to sleep much anyway.

Then they will be very tired and sleep well before day 2. Just a thought.. it is only 4 days. Why make the kids wait?

If your main focus is WWoHP, and the kids are too excited to wait, by all means head there first. (my kids are 18 and 12 and we had to go there first!!lol!) If you find the area already too crowded to fully experience it, you can check it out for a while and then move on. You can always return later in the afternoon and/or for early entry the next day. I suggested HP later in the day because we had a such great experience arriving around 4 on a Sunday (IOA open til 7 that night). We found the lines and shops to be quite manageable by then. We were able to ride FJ 3x in a row, Ollivanders(30 min wait) and eat at the Three Broomsticks with no wait. (Oh...and did I mention I loved the castle at night!! LOL! )

Go informed, but be flexible. In our house, tired + crowds= stress, not fun. Only you know your children and what they can handle. Do what makes the most sense for you.

 

[tamaraten]

We had this same type of scenario last October. We chose to do US that first morning. After I explained things to the kids, they understood that later the lines would be much more manageable at WWOHP. We were at US until 4ish then headed over to IOA taking our time to get to WWOHP. The later in the day, the better the crowds will be. Worked out perfect and took a lot of the stress of rushing over to WWOHP first thing in the morning. We just took our time to get to US. We did do early entry the next morning and that was great, but I knew it would over tax us to do it that first morning.

With this type of plan, you'll of course need park to park tickets.

Christophfam, thank you so much for your reply - it's nice to be given permission not to rush over to WWoHP first thing that first morning! On the other hand, there's the kids' excitement factor - I'll have to discuss it with them! thank you.

 

[tamaraten]

I totally agree with this!! You can maximize your time and not feel like you have wasted a day. I think park to park tickets are essential for flexibility, especially given you are visiting with a larger family, and not that much more $$. I also vote for 3days as opposed to 2.

Now...have you purchased tickets yet? Using your AP to purchase discounted tickets for the rest of your party will most likely afford you the best deal, but check out the "2park bonus ticket" offered by Viator.com. It is an unlimited park to park pass, valid for 14 days, for non-US/Canadian residents for $136US. If you purchase via Fabuloussavings website (http://www.fabuloussavings.com/online/us/viator/) you can save an additional 7% and I believe this price included tax. You will print vouchers at home to exchange for tickets at Guest Services, so you will not save any time that first morning, but it may save you a few$$. Now, I know you only have 3-4 days, but you are not required to use all the days and in case you decide to do all 4 days, you will not be limited. We used these for our trip in early November, and loved the flexibility!! You will have to run the numbers and compare the costs, but it may be worth a look at the Viator website.

Whatever you decide, I wish you a fabulous trip!! We just returned a little over a week ago and had the time of our lives! Dont stress the small stuff, enjoy your family and relish the priceless smiles on their faces!

Wow, that is unbelievable. I will definitely check out these sites and see how the numbers go. I didn't yet purchase tickets, because I understand that in order to get the 15% AP discount for the tickets for my family, I have to purchase the AP first and activate it, which I can only do at the park. So I'm waiting until I get to the park to do that. But maybe it's worth it to buy from these sites and get an even better discount; I'll definitely check and thank you so much for the fabulous tip.

I'm now really considering not rushing to the WWoHP on that first morning, although, again, I have to consider how the kids' will take that given their excitement for HP.

I so appreciate all the help on these threads from people who are so generous with their time.

 

[tamaraten]

If your main focus is WWoHP, and the kids are too excited to wait, by all means head there first. (my kids are 18 and 12 and we had to go there first!!lol!) If you find the area already too crowded to fully experience it, you can check it out for a while and then move on. You can always return later in the afternoon and/or for early entry the next day. I suggested HP later in the day because we had a such great experience arriving around 4 on a Sunday (IOA open til 7 that night). We found the lines and shops to be quite manageable by then. We were able to ride FJ 3x in a row, Ollivanders(30 min wait) and eat at the Three Broomsticks with no wait. (Oh...and did I mention I loved the castle at night!! LOL! )

Go informed, but be flexible. In our house, tired + crowds= stress, not fun. Only you know your children and what they can handle. Do what makes the most sense for you.

On the other hand, that's probably what we'll need to do - head to HP first. I guess I need to hear from people (is that not insane) that it's OKAY to go to IOA not first thing in the morning, so I can have kids (and parents) who have had a little sleep!

 

[tamaraten]

How old are your kids? Can they handle pulling an "all nighter"? I don't have kids but I know if this was us growing up we would be at IOA for opening on the first day no matter what! I'm betting the day before Harry Potter they aren't going to sleep much anyway.

Then they will be very tired and sleep well before day 2. Just a thought.. it is only 4 days. Why make the kids wait?

Well, this is it, exactly - my kids will be tremendously excited. However, since we are arriving late the night before after a long drive, there is a possibility that they will crash when we finally get to the (off-site) hotel and then have a hard time being woken up. And then it gets difficult - waking up exhausted children when they're finally in the midst of a deep sleep!

 

[damo]

Just head over to WWoHP. You are going to want to spend lots of time inline inside Hogwarts anyways, so it isn't going to matter if the line is an hour or so. Leave Ollivander's for the next morning.

 

[tamaraten]

I totally agree with this!! You can maximize your time and not feel like you have wasted a day. I think park to park tickets are essential for flexibility, especially given you are visiting with a larger family, and not that much more $$. I also vote for 3days as opposed to 2.

Now...have you purchased tickets yet? Using your AP to purchase discounted tickets for the rest of your party will most likely afford you the best deal, but check out the "2park bonus ticket" offered by Viator.com. It is an unlimited park to park pass, valid for 14 days, for non-US/Canadian residents for $136US. If you purchase via Fabuloussavings website (http://www.fabuloussavings.com/online/us/viator/) you can save an additional 7% and I believe this price included tax. You will print vouchers at home to exchange for tickets at Guest Services, so you will not save any time that first morning, but it may save you a few$$. Now, I know you only have 3-4 days, but you are not required to use all the days and in case you decide to do all 4 days, you will not be limited. We used these for our trip in early November, and loved the flexibility!! You will have to run the numbers and compare the costs, but it may be worth a look at the Viator website.

Whatever you decide, I wish you a fabulous trip!! We just returned a little over a week ago and had the time of our lives! Dont stress the small stuff, enjoy your family and relish the priceless smiles on their faces!

Momblanch, I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

You have solved my (way-overdone) dilemma of how to proceed on this trip, whether to do 2 day hoppers, 3 day hoppers, base tickets, which park first, and on and on. I have been so caught up in this stuff for days, driving myself nuts (DH is just laughing....he knows he'll benefit from all the research!). The deal you mentioned above is just too good to be true. For the amount that a 2day park to park would cost me with my AP discount (and that is the BEST discount I had found so far up to yours) I can get the 14 day park to park. That's unbelievable. Of course, as you mentioned, I won't be able to use the 14 days....but what can you do. (Is there a way that I can give those tickets away to someone else, anyone I meet for instance, as a present when we leave? Or is there something I can do with them? Otherwise, what a shame of a waste!)

This solution lets us be flexible, and allows us to just go with the flow and see what happens without all the stress - BRILLIANT!!!

It's too good to be true - I read the details over and over to make sure there wasn't some kind of fine print telling me otherwise. I'm so worried that we'll get there and they'll say, 'sorry, it's really a base ticket or something like that". Is this really for real? Any danger in doing this over the internet? - I've never bought anything over the internet.

Thank you, thank you and thank you. You might have just saved my sanity!

 

[damo]

You can go directly to Viator. http://www.viator.com/search/universal orlando

I think this is a UK travel agency as well as US. There are a lot of European destinations on it. It is legit. Since they use your fingerprint as ID, tickets are non transferable. Park would go broke if people were swapping around 14 day tickets for $134!

 

[momblanch]

Hi Tamaraten:

Glad to have been a help in any way. I have received so much invaluable info and tips from these boards, I was more than happy to give back!!

I have no reason to believe you will encounter any problems purchasing/using these passes. Remember that you will need to exchange vouchers for actual tickets, but we had no trouble doing so. You can do this at either the ticket booths at the entrances to either park or Guest Services, which ever line is shortest.

Also, it seems the only way to save the additional 7% is to go through the FabSav link. If you go directly to the Viator.com website, it seems the coupon is invalid. Good luck to you!

Damo beat me to it, but no they are not transferrable.

 

[mollybeasley]

I would get the park to park tickets for the added flexibility. That way you could go see HP both days if you want: Sunday afternoon, and super early on Monday.

Since you won't be able to get there early enough to matter, let them sleep on Sunday. If they're patient, start out with US on Sunday. They might be happy to stay there all day, or head over to WWOHP late in the day. Even if the lines for FJ are still long, you can try the other rides, and look around and soak it all in. Then get up early the next morning for FJ.

 

[tamaraten]

Hi Tamaraten:

Glad to have been a help in any way. I have received so much invaluable info and tips from these boards, I was more than happy to give back!!

I have no reason to believe you will encounter any problems purchasing/using these passes. Remember that you will need to exchange vouchers for actual tickets, but we had no trouble doing so. You can do this at either the ticket booths at the entrances to either park or Guest Services, which ever line is shortest.

Also, it seems the only way to save the additional 7% is to go through the FabSav link. If you go directly to the Viator.com website, it seems the coupon is invalid. Good luck to you!

Damo beat me to it, but no they are not transferrable.

Fabulous - I will definitely try your plan. I am so excited and relieved at the same time, I'm bursting!! I am totally not a HP person, haven't read one book or seen one movie, but my kids have seen them all and the two older ones have read all the books, and I am just so excited to watch them enjoy themselves! Thanks a million again for all the help. I'll post back when the trip is over to tell you all how the tickets, etc. worked out!

(just too bad about the 14 day issue.....I hate to see good tickets go to waste!!)

thanks again!

 

[tamaraten]

I would get the park to park tickets for the added flexibility. That way you could go see HP both days if you want: Sunday afternoon, and super early on Monday.

Since you won't be able to get there early enough to matter, let them sleep on Sunday. If they're patient, start out with US on Sunday. They might be happy to stay there all day, or head over to WWOHP late in the day. Even if the lines for FJ are still long, you can try the other rides, and look around and soak it all in. Then get up early the next morning for FJ.

Hi mollybeasley, thanks for reply. I love being given assurance that US to start off with is okay! Thank you for that. I do think that's the way to go, and letting them sleep on Sunday is really probably the most brilliant idea - your putting it in writing just solidified it for me! And with the park to park, you're right, I'll have flexibility and not be totally stressed out.

thanks again!