Just one day/one park tickets, which one?

[littlej]

Hi all, haven't been on in a while, and it's nice to be back.

My husband and I are visiting by ourselves in September, and we must pick just one of the Universal Orlando parks to spend one day in. We've never been. Any recommendations as to which one, overall? We enjoy good theming and thrill rides. We're curious about Harry Potter, but aren't superfans. We will be staying onsite so have Express benefits, and we are fit and don't mind plenty of walking.

Thanks!

PS: for any of you who remember that I asked about which rides to take my 5-yr-old on back in January, thank you so much for your answers. Unfortunately, we had to cancel that trip, and none of us have made it to Universal yet. We decided to wait until he's older to take him.

[currence]

We enjoy good theming and thrill rides. We're curious about Harry Potter, but aren't superfans. We will be staying onsite so have Express benefits, and we are fit and don't mind plenty of walking.

Thanks!

Islands of Adventure - no contest! But if you are staying on site and have the stamina, you may be able to do a substantial portion of both parks in September. I don't know how much the price difference is for a one-park ticket versus a two-park ticket so that may or may not be economically feasible. They are close enough to each other that you can just walk.

[littlej]

Thanks currence! We definitely have the stamina for both parks, but...we happen to find ourselves with a pair of free one-day/one-park tickets. The rest of the long weekend will be enjoyed by the pool, possibly also doing some little Florida attractions, like Gatorland or maybe finally trying an airboat ride.

[currence]

Free! Free is good!

I would do Islands of Adventure.

[Drince88]

I think I'd do IOA, too.
I'm not 100% sure I've recovered from my ride on Hulk, from almost 7 years ago. But I'm not a super-extreme coaster fan. I decided the mission statement for the engineers working on that attraction was: We will fit as many inversions/loops into a rollercoaster limited to X square feet of land area. It was just a bit much for me, but I might do it again this November when we go (probably go). I was super fine with everything else there.

You should ask how much it would be to upgrade to two park tickets, though, if it's even possible with the tickets you received. If it's cheap enough, it might be worth it to go try MIB (which I thought was fun) after you get back from other adventures.

[littlej]

Hi Cathy! It's nice to hear from you again. I was thinking that myself, but I think my DH has to ask, and he's shy about these things. He received the tickets from his company after they acquired Universal. It's a one-time deal and I don't know if they'll let us make any changes. Keep your fingers crossed, though. I can always just ask when we get there. In the meantime, I'm reading all I can find online about what not to miss, attractions, shows and restaurants. Any advice is welcome! Thanks guys.

[Drince88]

I doubt his company reps would make/be able to any changes - and if they're that kind of ticket, I'm doubting they have any value towards upgrading when you're there. BUT, I think I'd still ask (if you were interested) once you get there.

To me at IOA - the biggest 'not to miss' (outside of Harry Potter) is Spiderman.

[scoobydooby]

Islands of Adventure. Everyone should see the Harry Potter part once if they've seen the films/read the books. Get there early though. The spaces are way too small - seemingly that makes it authentic.

[mousecanuck]

Agreed with the above - Islands of Adventure - there are lots of good thrill rides there and the theming's pretty cool (Jurassic, Toonland and Marvel, and of course Harry Potter). Forbidden Journey (Harry Potter) is an excellent ride even if you're not a fan, but the theming is amazing and if you're able, read the first couple of books and watch the first couple of movies, at least if you're a detail person - really, it's amazing. And the ride is fabulous, for any one into thrill rides (couldn't wipe the smile off my face...)

[3Princesses1Prince]

Okay I had 4 kids with me, but I thought the Dr. Seuss area was really well done.

[scoobydooby]

Okay I had 4 kids with me, but I thought the Dr. Seuss area was really well done.

Me too. But if I had had to queue (had express tickets) I would not have been that amused.

[MsPeggySue911]

Hi. I am new over here but saw your question and had to chime in. We have AP's to US/IOA so we go to both parks. My favorite is by far IOA simply because of the Harry Potter area, the Harry Potter rides, especially Forbidden Journey, and the Butterbeer. However, if you love shows, Universal has some very cool shows. My 2 favorite ones are the Beetlejuice Rock N Roll show and the Horror Make Up Show. They have a Terminator show I didn't much care for and a really good Blues Brothers street show. I have my favorite things at each park. I love the Mummy ride at US but the Spiderman ride at IOS is more awesome than that. But if you love thrill rides I would say IOA has them. Universal has one of the most extreme (in my opinion) the Rip Ride Rock It. Look it up on the internet and you will see. It takes you STRAIGHT UP laying on your back. It's like nothing I have ever seen and I have yet to be brave enough to ride it. Maybe next time!