Which park to start?

[MrDJL]

Hi everyone! I'm a long time lurker, first time poster on here. My family is taking our second trip to WDW, and is spending 1 day at Universal. We're getting the park to park admission, and plan to go on Thursday, April 16. We're excited to go, but I have no idea where to start with my touring plan! On Thursday, USF is open 9-6, and IOA is open 9-7. Going with my gut I'd probably say start at USF because IOA is open longer, but I've been told that USF will have early admission that day. It's 2 teens and an adult on this trip, so we'd love to hit Harry Potter and the main thrill rides and simulators including DM.
Which park do you think we should start with?

I really appreciate the help. Thank you in advance!

 

[RMulieri]

Is it certain the studios will have early entry? Other than Easter week and other selected times, EE has been back at IOA and not the studios since Mid-Jan. I double check first before you make any plans to avoid it

 

[johde]

With DM being on your "must do" list, I'd probably start at the studios and ride it first. From there, I'd power ride HRRR, Transformers, ROTM, Simpson, and MIB one right after the other before the lines start growing. Then head into Diagon Alley Ride the Hogwarts express over to IOA and make a loop of the park starting with Hogsmead, Jurassic Park, etc.

 

[anorman]

with two teens, you should really really consider more than just one day. There is so much to see and do and, so often, Universal is short changed on the amount of time people are willing to spend here. You can't do it all in one day. Two days would be better and three would be ideal. We are going in August for 4 (if not 5) days with our two DDs ages 12 and 14, staying onsite for 4 nights. I might even go back for another day since we will be staying in the Orlando area for another 10 nights. We love Universal! My two girls can't get enough of it (me either) !