Hello All

My family and I are planing a trip this August which we are hoping to include a Universal visit. Has anyone got some pointers that would be helpful for some young teens. Good dining spots, rides not to miss etc.

Thanks

If your teens fit the stereotypical mold, then they'll love Islands of Adventure. It's a park full of thrill rides that appeal to that demographic over any other. Spiderman, Hulk, and Dueling Dragons come to mind as especially popular rides.

They might also enjoy eating at one of the theme restaurants at Universal CityWalk, although I would propose that you're better off returning to Disney for dinner after your day at Universal.

and that my friends is about as much of an endorsement from Iceman that you will ever see;) .

but seriously. Universal is a great trip with teens. Islands of adventure would be my strong recomendation if you are only there for a day. the themeing is good to great, and the rides are a blast. be there at opening time so you can start right away. spend so time at www.ioacentral.com and get the lay out of the park. take full advantage of the universal express (just like fastpass).
rides and shows not to miss in clockwise direction will be.
1. incredible hulk- a must for all coaster lovers.
2. dr. doom- not as good as Tower of Terror, but well worth it.
3. Spider-man- the best themed high tech ride yet. a must for everyone.
4. popeye's bilgerat barges- the ultimate in raft rides you will get WET.
5. Jurassic park- fun but wet.
6. dueling dragons- the best suspended coaster IMHO. ride both sides.
7. 8th voyage of sinbad show- lots of fun, a must see.
8. the talking fountain- ok not a ride or show, but a must IMO.
9. cat in the hat- not a teen ride, but a must ride at least once.

lots more to do, I just mentioned a few musts. as for food, we found old oak tavern has good BBQ, and over in toon lagoon there is a food court that had a pretty good selection, and some of the best fast food Italian I have tasted.

if you have time for the studios, then here is some must do's.
1. T2-3d - simply a must for everybody
2. ET - ok I like it what can I say
3. back to the future - fun once, but a bit rough
4. Men in Black - think Buzz light year for teens. great fun to do over and over.
5. Jaws - lots of fun, but can be wet.
6. the Gory, grusome, and gross make-up show. I saved this one for last, as it is a favorite of mine. they may have changed the name, but the show is basically the same. a must see laugh a minute show.

as for food, the only recommendation I can make is Mel's. it's nothing more the a fast food place, but I like it.
as you can see universal takes a little less time, and can be done in about 6-8 hours. there are lots of things I didn't mention that are really a matter of what you like. but it is well worth the trip over from WDW.
again I say though if you only can devote one day to USF then by all means go IOA
have fun

Bubba, you didn't specify USH or USF.