Will be there in a few weeks - Last minute tips & Info?

[MelanieC]

We will be leaving for Orlando in 24 days and will be at US/IOA on 8/12, 8/13 & 8/14. We are planning on 3 full days with 1 full at each and the 3rd day split between the two.

It's been a few years since we went.........anything new or exciting we should know or any hints or tips you can give us? There are 4 of us (me, DH, DD17 & DS11). We plan on eating at Mythos & Finnegans 2 of the days and maybe eat at Mythos again (best meal I ever had in all of Orlando there last time). I'm thinking about Bula Bar & Grille one night for dinner and we may leave early one night and head to T-Rex for DS11 (he is asking to go there).

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

We have found The Latin Quarter to be a hidden gem over at CW. Emeril's is our favorite though but it can be a bit pricey depending on your taste. Mythos is a must for us also at least once per stay and we always go to Cinnabon for breakfast at least once since calories dont exist while on vacation.

As for new attractions - There are not that many... The Simpsons is new and is GREAT (best motion ride to date imo) and the Rip Rocket Coaster looks great and should be open then as well.

 

[macraven]

We will be leaving for Orlando in 24 days and will be at US/IOA on 8/12, 8/13 & 8/14. We are planning on 3 full days with 1 full at each and the 3rd day split between the two.

It's been a few years since we went.........anything new or exciting we should know or any hints or tips you can give us? There are 4 of us (me, DH, DD17 & DS11). We plan on eating at Mythos & Finnegans 2 of the days and maybe eat at Mythos again (best meal I ever had in all of Orlando there last time). I'm thinking about Bula Bar & Grille one night for dinner and we may leave early one night and head to T-Rex for DS11 (he is asking to go there).

you can make a ressie at the kiosk booth in city walk for mythos the day you arrive.

you can be put on a list for finnegans for a ressie the day you want to eat there. or, just do stand by.

be at the turnstile around 8:30ish.
many times the guests are allowed in prior to the official opening time.
there are more rides open at ioa when that happens.


crowds start to begin around 11ish each day.


eat lunch and dinner at off times to avoid the crowds.


be sure to pick up the park guide maps for times of shows and events.


go to www.universalorlando.com and check out the interactive map.
familiarize yourself with the layout for rides, shops and eateries.

each food place is different. check out the menus on the above website.


go and have fun.
check back in with us when you return, we love to hear how vacations are for the homies!

 

[MelanieC]

Thanks -

I'll make sure to take a ton of pictures and I'll do a trip report!!! including a food review

 

[FireandIce]

They have also changed Earthquake to Disaster. It is similar in that you ride on the train, but the preshow and other elements have changed for the better. I think it's very much improved.

In Citywalk they have added the BK whopper bar, Panda Express, and Moe's grill.

Also, The Blue Man Group has their own venue with nightly shows.

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Not sure when you were last there....

On another thread...OP didn't even know about Mummy and Spiderman....My #2 Fav ride for US/ #1 Fav for IoA respectively...

MY #1 all time FAV ride - Simpsons....I would do it early in the day to avoid lines... (Similar strategy to TSM)....

LOVE Mythos - been there 4 times...Remember they only serve lunch...some previous menu items were not being offered during our last visit - May 09...But it was delicious as always...

I was the 'guide' of my last trip...which was a One Day Quick Trip...so I left Mythos and headed toward Dueling Dragons...as I always did....but you are Blocked from DD from Mythos....you'll take a detour to the left. Due to Construction from Harry Potter.....so look for that unless they've opened it back up ....which I would doubt since the ride not ready...

Have a wonderful visit!