First Trip to US and IOA Advice? About This Page:

[Wanetta Wilde]

Hello! I think I have been a member of this site and have MAYBE posted on here once in the last 4 years or so! I read it all the time though. PItiful. Anyway, DH and I are planning a quick 3 day trip to US/IOA the second week of June while the DS (12) is at a summer camp (he isn't a rider) and needed some advice. I don't even know where to start asking questions! I get my tickets for WDW from Undercover Tourist so I think they are cheapest, but will there be any drawbacks (like there are no meal plans at WDW on the UT tickets) if I get them from Undercover Tourist just to save a few bucks? Is there a website dedicated to US/IOA freaks (are there any of those??) like this one is dedicated to us WDW freaks? I would like to know how to plan a day since we will only be there 2 or maybe 3 days. I want to do the WWoHP, too. DH doesn't care for him, but I do. We would like to get it all done, but I am noticing that these parks seem to close at 7? What is up with that? And they open fairly late, too. Any advice you can offer or websites that give good information on how to plan the day would be helpful.
Thanks everyone in advance! LOVE this site's boards...LOVE WDW more, but LOVE this board!

[chezp]

Hi and welcome to the boards!

I think doing three days will be the right amount of time for a first timers' visit. I can't help with tickets, as we have different ones over this side of the pond, but I know someone here will be able to help you out.

[Shell_of_the_South]

Congrats on your upcoming trip!! My first tip is this: do not try to compare Universal to Disney. They are two separate experiences, I think a lot of people spend their whole trip measuring every aspect of Universal to Disney, and they end up disapointed and completely missing what Universal has to offer. I'll tell you what they have in common: they are both fun!!

Universal is much smaller than Disney and really doesn't require the same amount of planning. There are two parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a section inside of Islands of Adventure. Islands of Adventures (IOA) is divided up into "islands". Each island has its own unique theme with rides, shops, restaurants, etc. that fit the island's theme. Universal Studios is designed to replicate a working Hollywood studio.

There are 3 onsite resorts: Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay Resort. I've stayed at Royal Pacific and Hard Rock, and we loved both of them. The Hard Rock is the closest resort to the parks; Universal Studios (US) is literally in the Hard Rock's back yard.

Centered inbetween the theme parks and resorts is CityWalk, a shopping district with various shops, restaurants, and clubs. Travel between the parks, resorts, and CityWalk is through water taxis or walking. The walking paths are nicely landscaped and make it a relaxing trip.

I've bought tickets online at the Universal site, through AAA, and at the resort. I haven't checked the current prices, so I don't know how much you can save through Undercover Tourist. I know a lot of people use them for Disney tickets so I would think they are a reputable company.

Have you decided if you are staying onsite? Universal onsite resort guests get some great perks. The top perk is your room key: show your key to the ride attendant at an attraction entrance and you can enter the Express Pass line. Express pass is similar to Disney's FastPass, except it is not free to offsite guests. When you purchase an Express pass you can use it once per attraction. But with your room key you can enter as many times as you like. It's commonly referred to as "front of the line access", and nothing beats it!! Another perk is that Universal resort guests can pool hop at all three resort pools. And of course the convenience of being able to walk to the parks from your hotel is super convenient. You can actually get 2 days worth of "front of the line" with one night's hotel stay: You can check in early that morning at the hotel, obtain your room keys, store your luggage, and head to the parks. The hotel will contact you when your room is ready. The morning you check out you can use your room key all day in the parks.

Universal has something for everyone, but their thrill rides are a step above Disney's and are less tame. Some of my favorites are the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dragon's Challenge, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Jurassic Park River Adventure in IOA, and the Revenge of the Mummy coaster, Men in Black, and Terminator 2:3D in US. There are plenty of attractions for the younger visitors too.

I always check MouseSavers.com - Discounts at Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure Orlando - tickets, hotels, meals for any available discounts for Universal tickets or resorts.

A few sites for Universal info:

www.ioacentral.com
http://www.orlandounited.com/ (they have info on all Orlando parks)
Orlando Theme Park News: Universal Orlando

Happy planning!

[niccole]

I'm going to piggyback with questions too. tho I have over a year to plan.

1. food- where and what? CS or TS (we like a mix)
2. The meal deals don't look like they save much if anything unless you go up more then twice but it says no sharing. (my little two never eat a full happy meal)
3. We were looking at Nickelodeon (3 family suites) because then we don't need a water park, any ideas?
4. With kids aged 3,3,6,11,12,15,17 how many days in the parks, should we plan a day just for WWoHP? I know IOA can take a day and a half.
5. Is city walk fun for kids too? Mine love DTD because we stroll and play, I know don't compare but is it the same idea?
6. We would like to do sea world and bush gardens too is that too much for a week?
7. Any thing I missed?

[Wanetta Wilde]

Chezp and SOS, THANK you for the welcome and the information, especially SOS! Gee, I kind of know what you are saying, "Don't compare the two parks", but it will be impossible to do, I think. I know that I have heard from the boards that US/IOA are packed most of the time because they are smaller parks and was concerned I wouldn't be able to ride much. DH and I aren't much for lines. We did WDW this Christmas (in the cold!) and had a great time, but we were staying at the Dolphin and were able to come back to the room/hotel when crowds (and cold!) got to be too much. I think you have really helped me quite a bit though with the links and the info. I was wondering if I needed to "plan out" my day like at WDW and its looking like you pretty much stroll around and get it all done regardless, is that right?

Niccole, I don't mind your piggybacking at all! You asked a great question for me that I didn't even know about...meal plans??? Wow...NOW I have to look into that for DH and myself. Wow..I wasn't realizing that this mini-vacation for a couple was going to require more planning. WDW is a habit now and we just show up with luggage in tow ready to have fun.

Thanks for the advice about staying on property. We were debating because we have SPG points that would allow us to stay off property for FREE, but will probably stay on property so we can use the EXPRESS passes for rides. I think June is going to be a pretty heavy traffic (and HOT!) month to go, so I am going to prep myself for lots of lines mentally.

Thanks again, everyone!

[niccole]

Originally Posted by Wanetta Wilde

Niccole, I don't mind your piggybacking at all! You asked a great question for me that I didn't even know about...meal plans??? Wow...NOW I have to look into that for DH and myself. Wow..I wasn't realizing that this mini-vacation for a couple was going to require more planning. WDW is a habit now and we just show up with luggage in tow ready to have fun.

I'm an obsessive planner,( Why I'm starting so far ahead) I don't plan to the min but I plan for multiple situations. From what I have found - The meal plan is only for certain location and are all CS. I know you get a bracelet and can go up the the counter as many times in a day as you want but it's only for lunch and dinner, at an avg of $10 (adult) thats $20a day The plan is 19.99, So by my math unless you plan to make 3 food stops it only breaks even (fine for the peace of mind) but I still need to plan for the other days not in US or IOA. Plus I might want a TS dinner (better desserts, it's vacation). I think for us OOP would be better but other might know tricks/tips

[toddjodybrent]

Show your AAA card and save 10% on meals at Universal and Islands of Adventure.

Here are some of our stories: Williams Family: Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure

Williams Family: Dinosaurs Are Alive at Jurassic Park

Williams Family: Characters at Universal Studios

Williams Family: Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure

Williams Family: Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure

Williams Family: Have We Ever Not Done Disney?

Have a great trip!

[Wanetta Wilde]

Niccole,
I am an obsessive planner, too! We are going to Kauai in May and I have been planning it since we left Oahu, LAST MAY! I am the worst. I thought the entire family hated it until this past weekend when my DS (12) said, "I really like how you plan stuff because then we aren't just looking for stuff to do like we do when DAD plans the trip." That was nice to hear! I have a tendency to schedule us from sun up to sun down and then we get whatever we can get done in that day and move on.

That meal plan looked odd to me, too when I went this afternoon and glanced over it. I think I agree with you on that one, Niccole. I mean, can you possibly SPEND $10 per person/per meal in a day that ends at 7pm and doesn't get started until 10 a.m.? Who would need more than 2 meals in that short of a day? If Breakfast isn't included, I think the suggestion that toddjodybrent offered of using our AAA membership and getting 10% off would work. I just have to go to AAA now and see which restaurants give the discount at US and IOA! ha!

Is it just me, or am I the only one who feels TERRIBLY guilty discussing US/IOA on a WDW board??? I feel like such a traitor. I have been going to WDW since I was 17 and I am now nearing, er, um, my mid -forties.... I just know that US/IOA will be a letdown if I don't get over my WDW is better attitude.

Thanks again, everyone for the welcomes and the information on US/IOA! I am soaking this up like a sponge!

[Shell_of_the_South]

Originally Posted by Wanetta Wilde

Is it just me, or am I the only one who feels TERRIBLY guilty discussing US/IOA on a WDW board??? I feel like such a traitor. I have been going to WDW since I was 17 and I am now nearing, er, um, my mid -forties.... I just know that US/IOA will be a letdown if I don't get over my WDW is better attitude.

No guilt at all!! There is no reason you can't love both destinations!! That is why Jennifer and Dave created this forum - a place dedicated to Universal Orlando discussions.

And I agree, your trip won't be the best if you go in thinking Universal can't top Disney. You wouldn't compare a trip to the beach with a trip to the mountains because they are two different destinations. I'm a definite Disney geek, but I love love love Universal. It's cooler and more extreme than Disney and it feeds my thrill ride obsession. I've heard so many negative stories about Universal--the parks are dirty, the team members are rude, there is no theming. I have to say that the parks are just as clean as Disney. The majority of the team members are friendly and helpful. I've encountered one team member at the Mummy who was much less than magical, but the most hateful park employee I've ever met was at Expedition Everest at AK. There are quite a few people who work at both resorts, so I don't understand it when people say Universal's employees are rude and Disney's are magical. Universal clearly knows that Disney is their main competitor, so they are not going to allow their parks to be an unfriendly place to visit. And Islands of Adventure has some of the most detailed theming I've ever seen.

As far as the parks being packed, I don't think that is a concern. The Universal crowd levels will be pretty similar to Disney's. Of course the Harry Potter section has attracted more people in the last year.

I think any restaurant inside the parks will honor the AAA discount. The only places that don't are the food carts that don't have a scanner. The discount is also good for merchandise inside the parks.

food- where and what? CS or TS (we like a mix)

This is the one area that I feel Universal could improve on. The counter service is the typical fare. We always go to the Midway Grill in Universal Studios (US) because we love the Nathan's hot dogs. Their fries are outta this world too - my fave. It's a nice place to dine outside next to Jaws and watch the boats go by. Mel's Drive In is a fun place to dine. Mythos in Islands of Adventure (IOA) is very highly recommended and consistently ranked as the best theme park restaurant.

The meal deals don't look like they save much if anything unless you go up more then twice but it says no sharing. (my little two never eat a full happy meal)

We've never done the meal deal, so I can't help you there.

We were looking at Nickelodeon (3 family suites) because then we don't need a water park, any ideas?

Never stayed there. I think if you posted this question in a separate thread you would get some opinions from people who have stayed there. Staying onsite is always my pick. My DH says it is like the Mastcard commercial "priceless".

With kids aged 3,3,6,11,12,15,17 how many days in the parks, should we plan a day just for WWoHP? I know IOA can take a day and a half.

I've not been since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWoHP) was added, but based upon other people's trip report I don't think it will require a full day. Keep in min that WWoHP is not a separate park but just one of the lands inside IOA. I think a day and a half would include WWoHP. I always tell people that the best schedule for Universal is three days: one at each park, and the third day to re-visit your favorite or catch any attractions you might have missed.

Is city walk fun for kids too? Mine love DTD because we stroll and play, I know don't compare but is it the same idea?

It's more of a shopping area. There is a small body of water in the center where the water taxis travel from the resorts, and there are some play sprinklers and a few little exhibits along the way. You could do some strolling there, but I wouldn't consider it a must do thing.

We would like to do sea world and bush gardens too is that too much for a week?

I don't think so, if your group loves theme parks!

[GoofyMom]

Originally Posted by niccole

I'm going to piggyback with questions too. tho I have over a year to plan.

1. food- where and what? CS or TS (we like a mix)

1. TS - Mythos and Finnegans Pub are favourites of mine
   CS - The 3 Broomsticks, Circus McGurkus and the Burger Digs at Jurassic Park have ok food. Nothing to write home about but not bad enough to just throw in the trash.
   I like to eat lunch at Mythos or Finnegans and dinner at one of the CityWalk restaurants
   

   Originally Posted by niccole

   The meal deals don't look like they save much if anything unless you go up more then twice but it says no sharing. (my little two never eat a full happy meal)

   agreed. We don't eat enough to justify the meal deals
   

   Originally Posted by niccole

   We were looking at Nickelodeon (3 family suites) because then we don't need a water park, any ideas?

   Royal Pacific has a water play area that your younger kiddos would probably love, but I'm sure Nickelodeon would be a great choice because of the family themed suites.
   

   Originally Posted by niccole

   With kids aged 3,3,6,11,12,15,17 how many days in the parks, should we plan a day just for WWoHP? I know IOA can take a day and a half.

   I wouldn't plan on a whole day for WWoHP. The younger kids won't find much to do there. There are some great kid "lands" in both IOA and US and I'd spend any "leftover" WWoHP time there while the older ones could possibly head to the thrill rides.
   

   Originally Posted by niccole

   Is city walk fun for kids too? Mine love DTD because we stroll and play, I know don't compare but is it the same idea?

   In my opinion, nope. It's mostly stores and restaurants, but the stores are not "fun" like Lego or building a Mr Potato Head.
   

   Originally Posted by niccole

   We would like to do sea world and bush gardens too is that too much for a week?

   I haven't been to Busch Gardens, but SeaWorld can be a 1 day park if you want. It can also be a 2 day park because there's a lot going on there! They give you a guide at the entrance with the show times so bring a pen or highlighter with you and take 5 minutes at the beginning of the day to plan your schedule so you don't miss a show.
   

   Originally Posted by niccole

   Any thing I missed?

   Re: WWoHP -- Butter beer is awesome and the littles can drink it because there's no alcohol in it.
   Check out the bathrooms in WWoHP and you may hear somebody hanging out there.
   Don't bother with the wand show if the line goes around the building.
   Re: General -- Remember no bags are allowed in the thrill rides and lockers are provided free for a reasonable time while you are riding them, but they will cost you after that time is up.
   Don't compare WDW and US. Really, the only thing they have in common is that they are both awesome theme parks.

Originally Posted by Wanetta Wilde

Is it just me, or am I the only one who feels TERRIBLY guilty discussing US/IOA on a WDW board??? I feel like such a traitor. I have been going to WDW since I was 17 and I am now nearing, er, um, my mid -forties.... I just know that US/IOA will be a letdown if I don't get over my WDW is better attitude.

Thanks again, everyone for the welcomes and the information on US/IOA! I am soaking this up like a sponge!

This isn't just a WDW board. It's the "PassPorter Community - Boards & Forums on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel" board. So you're good.

[thumper8524]

I love your questions. We too are looking for information on US/IOA. We are going to WDW in December and want to see US/IOA too. We are thinking since we have not seen WDW yet, we will start at US/IOA so it can just keep getting better throughout the vacation

[niccole]

Thanks Shell of the south. I knew WWOHP was just a land but was thinking might take that long with the crowds and see all the little details. I was planning 3 days for those 2 parks (3rd being mostly IOA).

Our food Idea (well mine since everyone else say "You know what to do") Is the character breakfast at IOA (spiderman) and 3 broom sticks @ US. shared CS for lunch, late snacks to tide us over till park close and TS at citywalk. Since the parks close early.

If we end up getting the flex plus ticket we will stay at a different hotel since the ticket includes 2 water parks. but if we do just US/IOA we want some where with a cool pool for the kids.

[Wanetta Wilde]

Donna and SOS,
Thanks again for the information. Whew. I am glad to know that I don't need to feel guilty about wanting to go to "another" Park. I had to laugh. Yesterday, after reading these boards, I went to the US website and it asked me to do a survey after I was done. The first 4 questions were in tune with, "When you arrived at this site, were you looking for WDW? Are you aware that WDW is NOT affiliated with US? Will you be staying at WDW? Will you be going to WDW, too??" I had to laugh. Here I am, trying to NOT compare the two and their own website starts me off on that. Cute!
I will have to see if I can find that book that someone recommended on another US thread on here, I think. That will satiate my urge to obsessively plan my 3 days. DH and I are tossing back and forth whether or not to stay at the SPG free hotel (using points) and pay the $6 per day for a taxi (each way) and then Ultra Express Pass or just bite the bullet and stay on property. I know staying on property can't be beat with WDW for sure, but I can't seem to wrap my mind around the fact that I am paying $260/night for a room and still have to buy tickets to the park, etc. on top of that! YIKES! Is that the usual price for the rooms on property or am I missing something? I saw someone else on another thread post that US really needs to get a grip on costs and find a "value" resort to call an "on property" site! We rarely pay over $125 /night for a room and that is a "splurge" for us, generally! Even in Hawaii!

[Shell_of_the_South]

Wanetta - we've never paid rack rate for a Universal hotel. There are discounts out there if you look. The mousesavers.com link is the best place to start. AAA usually has discounts. The hotels at Universal are pretty much equal to a Disney deluxe resort. I agree that they could use a "value" resort, but then this may clog up the onsite Express lines which would make it not as great a value.

And you would be surprised how many people think Universal and IOA are Disney parks. Just a few months ago I watched a piece on our local news of a child going to Disney through the Make a Wish program. When they asked him what he was most looking forward to, he said "Harry Potter". That made me said, because I knew he'd never find it at Disney World. I wish his family had done a little research before their trip because they were leaving that day or pretty close to the day it aired.

[Coop]

Just want to share with you our experience from IOA last Nov. 1st of all we went on the same day that Deathly Hallows came out - mistake 1. We also went AFTER spending a week at WDW - mistake 2. We went on a Saturday - mistake 3. And I know you should never compare the two (WDW and Universal/IOA) but that doesn't excuse the rude treatment we received.
1st - Buying tickets. One day, one park. I ordered online with express delivery - they never came. I called (with my confirmation # in hand) and the employee gave me the run around saying it was the computers fault and he would have to call me back because the computers were down. Then he never called back so I did. He then said he was working on it and would call me back. He did and when I answered he said "Hey Trace, . . . " NOT "I'm sorry for the delay Mrs. Bollman, . . . " Totally unprofessional. Then he said that he was just going to cancel my order and re-do it but finally he couldn't because of their billing computers were wonky. So I just said forget it. I went through AAA for tickets and they ordered them and I got a confirmation ticket but no tickets. IOA said that all I had to do was present this at the ticket booth and my ticket would be issued. (hmmm, I thought this was why I was ordering them early - to avoid said ticket booth?) Finally my TA did some calls and magic - the tickets arrived the next day. Thank God for my TA who really went out of her way looking into it. She said their story didn't sound right.
Anyway- at the park - once we get there we walked a mile back to IOA and when we tried to go through the turnstile - DH ticket wasn't working! It was actually his fingerprint wasn't taking because he just washed his hands. (you actually need a little bit of oil on your finger to make the print show up) But the employee kept asking "Are you sure you haven't tried to use this ticket before?" Mind you - MINE WORKED and we were together! I finally told DH to wipe his finger on his forehead and try again. Viola! It worked. Sarcastic little smirk toward rude employee who thought we were trying to scam them.

So we made our way back to WWoHP - because that's THE ONLY THING WE CAME TO SEE. The lines were terrible. To get into the shops was 1.5 hours long. And you couldn't bypass a shop because they are all connected! We finally get some butterbeers - we only wanted 2 but with 2 extra souvenier glasses that we were willing to pay for. They said "You may as well get 4 because we have to charge full price for the mugs" So we did - 2 butterbeers each but there was NO PLACE to sit and enjoy them. They have no benches or anything. We had to go over to Jurassic Park area to sit on a wall. Then when we came back to WWoHP, we did manage to get into HoneyDukes. As I was in line buying my chocolate frogs, the cashier asked "Are you having a good time in Hogsmeade?" I said yes but we couldn't get in to the shop to buy our wands. She did tell me of a cart infront of the castle so we decided to go there. Then she said "I'm glad you are enjoying yourself but I can't really say I like your tee shirt" (I was wearing Mickey) She didn't mean it jokingly either - she was rude!
After that I told DH - we were getting our wands and the leaving! I was very angry from the whole experience. I will NEVER go back. DH says I should give it one more chance. On a weekday, not on the opening of the final movie, etc. I still say NO WAY!

Even though we shouldn't compare to Disney, everyone can learn from them. Customer service is customer service doesn't matter where you are.