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Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Florida Destinations Beyond Walt Disney World > Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
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Old 03-30-2011, 08:46 AM   #1
tink305
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Enough Time at Universal?

Hi all! On my august trip, im interested in going to Universal.I havent been there in many years. I'll have my 13 and 15 year old kids with me.They have never been there.To be honest none of us are interested in the Harry Potter thing. I know there is the other section I cant remember the name? Thats where i would like to go. Ok, so how long do you think is enough time to spend there? Do you know of any discounts because it seems the prices on top of an almost 2 week stay at WDW is steep..I even looked into on site hotels.Wow,very pricey.But i dont think its to be missed.
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Old 03-30-2011, 12:18 PM   #2
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Universal Studios is actually 2 separate parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter is in Islands of Adventure. Each park requires a separate admission. Both parks have a lot of great rides - much more intense than any at WDW. Staying on site gives you front of the line priviliges. I'd give each park a day
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Old 03-30-2011, 02:09 PM   #3
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I'd go with a day for each as well as a minimum.
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Old 03-30-2011, 02:49 PM   #4
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Hi.Thanks for the input.It is the Universal theme Park that im interested in.Not the Harry Potter side.But if i do decide to go at all, i would upgrade from a one day to two i think.
By any chance, does anyone remember a ride with KingKong?Not sure if it was in Universal or the old MGM?Whichever the case its gone. That was a cool ride.Just curious.
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Old 03-30-2011, 05:57 PM   #5
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Kongfrontation is long gone. It was replaced by the Revenge of the Mummy coaster, which was a definite step up!!

Keep in mind that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just one section of Islands of Adventure. Don't mark Islands of Adventure (IOA) off your list just because you're not into Harry Potter!! It's a beautifully themed park with some top thrill rides. Each section of the park is a themed "island" with attractions and shows: Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Suess Landing, the Lost Continent, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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Old 03-30-2011, 06:07 PM   #6
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Oooh, is that what it was called?Thanks. I just remember the ride itself and i think taking place in NY.The Universal part is more appealing to me. I remember the characters roaming around.I noticed the have a lucy tribute. Oh i love her. I know this August marks her 100th bday. I wonder if they will be promoting her exhibit more.
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Old 03-31-2011, 03:57 PM   #7
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Tink,

Not to beat a dead horse, but I think you are missing what everyone is saying about the HP just being a section of the park, not the entire park. The Islands of Adventure is kind of like the MGM/Hollywood Studios or Epcot part of the Walt Disney World. Just because you don't like to ride Rockin Roller Coaster, you wouldn't skip the chance to ride Tower of Terror! Or if you decide you are not going to ride the Three Caballeros ride, you would definitely not skip Soarin', right? The US and IOA are 2 totally different parks. I would think the teen boys would love them both, even the HP part if they aren't fans, unless there are lines.

I have not been to either one yet (going in June), but from what I understand, the Mummy is better than the Kong ride was. They left in certain things from the Kong ride though as hidden "mickey's" from what I was able to squeeze from a guide book I bought over the weekend. Also, DH LOATHES HP, but was willing to take a shot due to the rides in HP. He isn't going to do any of the shops and whatnots, but the Duelling Dragons ride (was another dragon ride prior to their converting it to a HP themed coaster) and also the tour of the castle and the simulator ride that follows that is supposed to be one of the best in the IOA park. They are two separate parks just like Epcot and Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are so try not to pass them up just because you and the guys don't like HP! There are still other rides to be ridden in that IOA park and you must ride them! Mostly so you can come back and report to me how good they were or weren't.
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Old 03-31-2011, 10:34 PM   #8
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Keep in mind they also sell something similar to Disney's park Hopper. I think they call it a Park to Park Pass. And even if you don't want to go the the Harry Potter part there are lots of other areas that are awesome.
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Old 04-01-2011, 09:04 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by bwheat2004 View Post
Keep in mind they also sell something similar to Disney's park Hopper. I think they call it a Park to Park Pass. And even if you don't want to go the the Harry Potter part there are lots of other areas that are awesome.
Yep! Bwheat is right! that is what it is called! a Park-to-Park Pass! Depending on the number of days you go (I think you said one or two?) you pay as little as $15 extra per day, but that can add up when it is $15 x 4 peeps!
Good luck, Tink!
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Old 04-01-2011, 09:10 AM   #10
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Thanks everyone. I would love to get to go there. Im hoping i could figure it in my budget and schedule. Would anyone know off hand, i have mobility issues. I had gone to that area 2 years ago, just to Hard Rock Cafe. Anyway,i remember we had to park in a garage, then getting over to HRC seemed like such a long hike. Is it the same when you are going to the parks?I hope im explaining this right.
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Old 04-01-2011, 09:55 AM   #11
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I just came back from USO/IOA. I was there for a cheer comp & had an injured cheerleader with me who needed a wheelchair to get through the parks. We rented one right where you enter from the parking garages. We had my DH drop all of us off at the drop-off area, and just went up the escalator or elevator. Right there was wheelchair rental, and it wasn't too far to get to CityWalk & the park entrances. There is also valet parking, VIP parking & handicapped parking, all close to the entrances. I have to say, the park was very doable with the wheelchair, and many times, the girls were able to get on the front of the lines because of it. I found the team members to be very helpful, as well.
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