Universal & IOA Gameplan

[sleepytoo]

Hi all -
Hoping others check this thread out, as I do need some input. I know the Disney threads have a LOT more activity.

Anyway, here's the deal -I will be going to US/IOA just for one day at the parks - two nights at an on-site hotel (thanks for that input :) ).
Now I am not a rollercoaster junkie - at least not the crazy ones. For example at Disney...I can handle Big Thunder and Splash Mountain, but not the Rockin'Rollercoaster (I know...a wuss!!).

Having said that.. what would some not-miss rides and shows be?? Any advice on which park to hit first? I am looking at September and unfortunately the parks close at 6:00PM then, so I want to plan ahead as much as possible.

Thanks all!!!

[cstephens]

We were at the Universal parks in January, and I don't think one day will be that bad. We had planned for two days total - one for each day. By about 3pm on the first day (having arrived at park opening), we were pretty much done with Universal and headed over to IOA for a couple hours before park closing. We returned the next day for about another 3 or 4 hours because there wasn't that much left to do.

One note of caution: at Universal, some of the attractions don't open at park opening. I think the park opened at 9am when we were there, and some of the stuff didn't open until 10am, so we actually stopped and had a quick bite for breakfast somewhere in the park to wait for the attractions to open.

Maybe someone who's been to IOA at park opening can tell you how they operate in the morning.

Not knowing if you've been on any of the rides at either Orlando or Universal City, you can of course decide if you want to go again if you've already been on anything I mention.


Universal Orlando

E.T. ride - I like it, and I would have much preferred that kept that at Universal Hollywood than put in that awful version of The Mummy. It's a nice little ride with a terrific queue and worth the couple minutes.

Men in Black - I know you said you're not really a coaster person, but depending on what you exactly don't like about it will tell you whether or not to try this ride. It's a shoot-things ride kinda like Buzz Lightyear, but there was entirely too much spinning going on for my taste. It did make me very dizzy, and I was glad I'd taken my anti-nausea pill. I've gotten less dizzy on some real rollercoasters. I actually thought all the fun stuff in the queue was much more interesting than the ride itself. I probably wouldn't do the ride again.

Earthquake - Not really worth it unless you've got nothing left to do. It's basically the earthquake-in-the-underground-train-depot portion of the tram ride at Universal Hollywood.

Jaws - OK, but also not really worth it unless you've not nothing left to do. Warning - you can get REALLY wet on this little attraction. The shark is also a bit gruesome.

Revenge of the Mummy - Loved the ride, but not sure you'd like it given what you said earlier. It's more intense than Big Thunder. It doesn't have the upside-downs that Rock n Roller Coaster has, but it's a very fast ride.

Terminator 2/3D - My favorite attraction in the Universal Hollywood park, and probably tied for favorite at Universal Orlando. It's a 3D-type show that's a lot of fun and probably the only must-see in my book.


IOA

Dr. Seuss ride - I would have enjoyed it a lot more if they didn't feel the turn to turn you around quickly repeatedly. Also made me extremely dizzy. Probably wouldn't go on it again.

the Sneeches ride - Can't remember what it's called, but I enjoyed that.

Flying Unicorn - Fun little coaster, kinda like Gadgets Go Coaster at DL.

Poseidon's Fury - I'd say skip it and you don't miss anything. It's this story that that you walk though with some big water fight projection stuff. There's one or two cool things, but imo, not enough to make the attraction. I can't imagine doing it again.

Jurassic Park - My favorite part of the park to wander around. They have a building that's like the visitor's center in the film, and I loved wandering around in there and looking at the exhibits. You can even watch the hatching of a dinosaur! We didn't go on the water ride since it looked just like the one at Universal Hollywood.

Hulk - I really enjoyed this ride - best coaster there imo, but I don't think you'd like it.

Dueling Dragons - I thought it was too tame and didn't live up to its hype, but it might still be too intense for you. Unlike with Mummy (which is indoors), you can at least watch the coaster running so you can decide if you'd want to try it.

Spiderman - I really enjoyed this ride, although it was a bit dizzy-inducing for me. It's probably technically the best ride at the Universal parks. Parts of it are like Star Tours in that there are projects, but the vehicle also moves. It's not coaster-like, so I think you'd be ok in that sense.



Hope that helps.

[SuefromRI]

Spiderman at IOA is a MUST see. It is technically the best ride anywhere.
Hulk & Dueling Dragons are coasters. Make sure to pay attention as you enter the Jurrasic park section. Listen to the sounds in the bushes and admire the designs on the ground. The ride is awesome with a Splash M type ending. My son could spend all day on Men In Black in US--like being in a video game--Buzz on steriods. ET is cute, Earthquake shows special effects, as does Twister, without being "rides". Mummy is fast, most similar to Dinosaur (Indiana Jones more so) IMHO, but not as jerky. Terminator is well done, 3-D plus real people, robots, etc-hard to describe, but good. Shrek is good. My families favorites are the coasters and MIB, so sorry I'm not more help.

[sleepytoo]

You both have been such a HUGE help...thanks so much :fez:

Now at least I know what I am getting into - which seems like a lot of fun!!

[mommyof4]

I was wondering how far away the universal florida and the adventure park is away from disney world?? like can you take a shuttle etc or do you have to drive? also how much is shuttle etc.?
Thanks

[cstephens]

I was wondering how far away the universal florida and the adventure park is away from disney world?? like can you take a shuttle etc or do you have to drive? also how much is shuttle etc.?
Thanks

We drove, and it took maybe about 20 minutes to half an hour. I don't know if there's any shuttle.

[kassandrasmom]

I was wondering how far away the universal florida and the adventure park is away from disney world?? like can you take a shuttle etc or do you have to drive? also how much is shuttle etc.?
Thanks


Where are you staying? I know some of the hotels off-site (from Disney) offer shuttles to Universal and IOA.

[mommyof4]

Where are you staying? I know some of the hotels off-site (from Disney) offer shuttles to Universal and IOA.

We haven't made anyplans to go to disneyworld yet we would like to go with in 5 years as we are trying to go to disneland first . I just was wondering as i like to plan way in advance lol
Thanks

[wishiwasthere]

I got to IOA at park opening and didn't stay at a Universal hotel so I didn't have the front of the line access pass. We finished the entire park by 1pm. We started by the Hulk and worked our way around. We did it at the end of August. Especially that you won't have to wait on lines you will breeze through every ride at both parks in one day.

[Freakygeek]

We haven't made anyplans to go to disneyworld yet we would like to go with in 5 years as we are trying to go to disneland first . I just was wondering as i like to plan way in advance lol
Thanks

And you can take Mears or a taxi from the Disney World resorts. Mears is $16 pp return and taxi is about $30 incl. tip one way.

[mommyof4]

And you can take Mears or a taxi from the Disney World resorts. Mears is $16 pp return and taxi is about $30 incl. tip one way.

Thank you for the response

[sleepytoo]

I got to IOA at park opening and didn't stay at a Universal hotel so I didn't have the front of the line access pass. We finished the entire park by 1pm. We started by the Hulk and worked our way around. We did it at the end of August. Especially that you won't have to wait on lines you will breeze through every ride at both parks in one day.

Good to know! :)

I was thinking there would be no way to cover both parks with them closing at 6:00PM.

[Drince88]

On a Thurs or Fri in early December a couple years back, we started at USF, went around the circle and did most everything (but no 'shows') and then went to IOA and went around the circle there and did most everything. We got there shortly after opening, and were done before the 6:00 close. So I think it's do-able as long as it's a slower time of the year.

[cocoabeach]

I love CStevens response. I like more thrill though but good summaries.



Do you have kids? I have small kids and I'm amazed how much they love US/IOA. If you like shows, Sinbad is the best one I've seen anywhere. As much as I like Indiana Jones, Sinbad was so much better imo. And my kids adore it. The action goes all the way into the audience (safely of course), there are great stage special effects and it's pretty funny.




Here are my favorites:
Spiderman -- unbelievable must see and definitely not more motion than Splash Mountain. Needs to be experienced to understand.


Men in Black -- There is spinning (not full 360 or anything) but again not more motion than Splash by any means. BTW, I have a couple friends that love this ride just for the "dark ride" aspect and they don't even play the game. It's entertaining.


Hulk -- I know you said you don't like coasters much so this is out for you but I love it.


Cat in the Hat -- awesome dark ride. Cstevens is right that there is spinning (car turns rapidly from side to side to view the scenes from the book) but my 1 year old liked it and when they were 2 and 3 they begged for repeats. I know people will kill me for saying this but it's better than any of the dark rides in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. Pooh is great, but this is better.

ET -- good dark ride. Scared my little kids though when they were young. Cool indoors queue.


Mummy -- boy, I swear I'm not a coaster freak but the dark ride elements of this ride (and the "control room" for those that have been on it ;) make it a unique experience. It is definitely more thrilling than say Space Mtn but less than RnR.


Jurassic Park -- the dinosaurs look really great and mixed with the river adventure it is good. Don't sit in the first row if you don't want to get soaked though.


Bluto's Bilge Rafts -- I know, this is a water ride so not for everyone. But this is the best river rapids ride I've been on. I've been on several (Bush Gardens Africa, Williamsburg, Worlds of Fun, AK, Six Flags...) and this one was just packed with action and it was much longer than I expected.


Dueling Dragons -- this is out for you since it's a high thrill coaster. But I've heard it said many times by lots of people that this ride has the best looking queue. I agree. Too bad I rarely encounter a line there so I don't even see it.

Dudley's Ripsaw Falls -- another water ride (flume style) but it's funny and plenty long. You may get soaked or not. Once I walked off with 2 gallons of water in my pockets and other times I'm mostly dry. Keep your feet up a bit though ;)


Dr Doom -- not even in the same league as Tower of Terror by any means though it's a "drop" ride. It's a fun (very short) thrill but don't bother waiting in line for it.

[sleepytoo]

Well I was able to get a brochure for Universal Orlando and now I am REALLY excited!!

I had no idea they had so much to do - it looks like a lot of fun!! :fez:
And it's great now going through all of your feedback, along with the brochure. Now at least I know what you are all referring to.

Thanks again and I do hope to get there soon!!!!!

[kip099]

You might want to check out this site - he has a bunch of info, and pictures / videos...

Universal-Excitement (http://universal-excitement.com/index.htm)