we throughly enjoyed or time at USF this time. the crowds were unusually light, lighter then last year even. the atmosphere was slightly different as fright nights was moved over to IOA.

universal express pass is going like always, and unlike IOA they aren't scanning cards. the only change seems to be in the entrance to MIB. the new express entrance bypasses the elevator and the hallway with the worms and goes directly into MIB headquarters. I feel that this took away from the show, and is a loss to those who may be expierencing the ride this way for the first time.

one of our favorite shows has always been the gory gruesome and gross horror make-up show. and when we saw that the name had been changed to "the hollywood horror make-up show" we were afraid that the show would be changed into a less humorous more scary show. we were greatly relieved to see that the major change was an update of the sets, clips, and dialogue. the humour is still there, as is the basic show. what has changed is the ending. gone is the transporter from the fly. I won't give away the ending, but it is good. overall we highly recommend this show.

on the horizon for USF is Jimmy Neutron. it takes place of the old Hanna Babara ride. no other info is given, but I can see this could be a good improvement. where Kongfrontation used to be is by all appearences an empty building. no signs indicating a future show, and all references to the old one is gone.
also I would note that there version of the bone yard was curiously empty. while it was listed on the map there was nothing to see there except the Jurassic park jeep and dino photo spot. this may be just that they are in the process of bringing in new stuff.

overall it was a good time, although we have come to the realization that we can see all we wish to see there in about 3/4 of a day. coupled with IOA it still makes a destination worthy of your vacation dollers, for a few days.

efoxx, that sounds like lots of fun ! :cool:

You said:
...we can see all we wish to see there in about 3/4 of a day [but] coupled with IOA it still makes a destination worthy of your vacation dollars...
We have a 2 day, 2 park pass. Do you know if we can "park-hop" so if we get tired of USF we can hop over to IOA ?? (We will have already seen a lot of the the stuff at USHollywood)

Cheers,
Rob :D

Rob,

Most of Universal tickets are "park hoppable", but check on the ticket itself - or with Guest Relations at the park - to be sure. Wouldn't want any last minute surprises, eh? :)

Have a great time! (We leave in 2 days ourselves!)

your tickets are probably parkhoppers, but if they arn't you can upgrade real easy.
if this is your first trip to USF then I highly recommend you take it all in. Park hopping is even easier then at WDW as the two parks sit right next to each other, less then a five minute walk from one entrance to the other.
here is a quick run down of a day at USF.
upon opening head back to MIB. even in the off season this can have the longest line in the park (and for good reason). if you happen to have the express pass, don't use it for your first visit. rather wait in the regular line and expierence the whole show.
afterwards head back towards Back to the future (be advised this is VERY rough), ET, and T2. by now the back of the park will be open so head on back and catch what ever shows there peak your interest. personally we weren't impressed by either Earthquake or Twister, but we do like Jaws. for lunch we really love Mels Dinner, it's just basic fare, but a fun atmosphere. afterwards make sure to take in the Hollywood make-up show, and the animal planet show. if you have small kids then plan on spending time in Fival's play area.
other don't miss spots are a tribute to Lucy, and the Hitchcock exhibit. as you wonder look for the bone yard, and the ally by hitchcock both usually have interesting displays. if you have express pass, or if the crowds are light the time is probably only about 2-3. so take a few moments to go back to your favorite (like MIB) and have an ice cream at Schawbs Drug store.
Now head on over to IOA for the rest of the day. pesonally I would spend day one of two days at IOA leaving the rest of day two to redo what you really liked over there.

while we are on the sublject, just a few don't miss items for IOA.

8th voyage of Sinbad- an absolut must see, make sure to spend time in front of the fountain out front.

Dueling Dragons- when your done riding one side make a quick return while your still in the castle to ride the other side. this has the advantage of missing much of the line and getting two rides of one of the best coasters in the world.

Popeye's, and Dudly do-right's- very fun, but you will get VERY WET, so make sure it is warm.

Spiderman- arguably the best ride/show yet.

Incredible Hulk- even if you don't ride make sure you stop and watch.

Have fun:~D

efoxx,

Great advice! Our vacation officially starts in less than one hour, and we'll be at IOA next Wednesday and Friday (USF on Thursday). Can't wait!!!! :)

Thanks for the hints, guys !

Greg has said that if we don't get all that we want of IOA in those two days, he will spring for another days entry for both of us !! (Maybe we can scam some sort of "third day updrade discount" at the ticket booths if we talk "Australian" at them - hehehehe)

Can't wait for MIB & Spiderman....... and the Cat In The Hat !

We will make SURE to pack Plastic Ponchos to wear on the Bilgerat Barges - and Ripsaw Falls !~

Cheers, Island-eers !
Rob

:D