Universal Basics 101--Planning About This Page:

[Beautiful Mother]

Our Feb/2011 trip will include a two+ day trip to Universal. Since I'm a Disney Darling, I know NOTHING about Universal. So friends, EDUCATE me and all the rest of us "Disney Darlings" that have agreed to break from Mickey just once and experience the "dark side".

I have questions on EVERYTHING, but want to keep this thread to the park itself. So here are my questions:
1. What can you see in two days?
2. What is the "atmosphere" of the park? Is it like Disney where you are immersed in the area or like Six Flags where the theming is just in the ride?
3. What help should I expect from "cast members"?

[Ashli]

1. What can you see in two days?
I personally think you can see pretty much everything at the two Universal parks in two days (depending on crowds, but I think you said you're going in Feb and that's probably not an overly crowded time.). However, I've obviously not been since the Harry Potter area opened (since it's not open yet..) so I'm not sure how long it will take to do that area, but it will probably be the most crowded area. I personally think you can do Universal Studios in less than one day. IOA might take a full day, because it has more rides.

2. What is the "atmosphere" of the park? Is it like Disney where you are immersed in the area or like Six Flags where the theming is just in the ride?
I think US and IOA are right in between these two. It is definitely not as themed as Disney (although the Dr. Seuss area in IOA is pretty neat, and the Harry Potter area will probably be equally cool), but there is definitely more of an effort with theming that Six Flags and other parks that have virtually no "area" theming.

3. What help should I expect from "cast members"?
I always feel like I have way less interaction with US castmembers, but they have always been nice and helpful if I seek them out. They just (to me) don't seem as outgoing as the CMs at WDW.

I hope this has helped at least a little. I am by no means an expert on US/IOA but I have been to each several times so I thought I'd offer my opinions. Have a fun trip!

[GoofyMom]

The first rule for Universal 101... don't refer to Universal as "the dark side".

Without knowing who your travel companions are, my answer to #1 is: "You will probably be able to do everything you want to in 2 days". The biggest tip I (and pretty much all the other Universal fans here) can give you is to be at the gates a minimum of 15 minutes before they are scheduled to open. I prefer to arrive a half hour early. They sometimes open early so you get a jump start that way - and they have had characters outside the gate who will pose for pics, sign autographs and just plain goof around with you. The majority of Universal's guests don't seem to arrive until late morning/noonish so if you are there as soon as the gates are open, you'll be able to accomplish a lot in the morning.

#2. My opinion is that Universal is equally as themed as Disney. My 2nd biggest tip is do not go in comparing it to WDW. It's different than Disney, but it is definitely well themed. Universal park is themed like a movie studio. It's not as bland as a real movie studio though and as you move through the park, you'll notice the changes in the "lands" just like you do in MK. Islands of Adventure is probably what most would consider better themed than Universal and IoA definitely rivals Disney's theming. Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon are really fun and I'm sure the WWoHP is going to be amazing.

#3. The people who work at Universal are catching up quickly with Disney for customer service. They generally are friendly and helpful, but don't go looking for somebody to make a 'magic moment' for you. The ones working the coasters seem perhaps a little more preoccupied with loading than with smiling. But if you crack a joke with them or just plain recognize that they are a person, they'll warm up. I think that they probably are pretty much overlooked by the majority of the guests who are just in a hurry to get strapped in and go, so just a smile and a "Hi, thanks" helps. Just like at Disney, you can find the occasional clunker, but for the most part I have enjoyed any interaction I've had with them.

[Beautiful Mother]

Donna/Ashli--Thanks for the starter! Anything NEW to me can be the "dark side" and US is definitely NEW to me, hence the questions.

So, when you get to the parks early, and "hit" the ropes, where do you go first? What are the "headliners" that you need to FIRST? How much running back and forth across the park do you do or can you "tour a land" and go to the next? Wait times for we NORMAL people (those who don't spring for US fastpasses)?

[jhoshowski]

My trip report from last December might help you a bit, especially when it comes to CM interactions (it's short - no huge thing to wade through)!
http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/universal-studios-florida-islands-adventure/210975-my-us-ioa-trip-report-wow.html

[janicelovesmickey]

I love Universal!!
If your a coaster fan- hit the Hollywood rip ride rockitt FIRST, and since your going in Feb crowds should be on the low side
not to miss on the Universal side- The Mummy
Disaster
Men In Black
Simpsons
ET

on the islands side-
The Hulk
Spiderman
Jurrasic Park river adventure(it may be chilly in feb though)
Cat in the Hat
I am sure HP land!

The eating there is fabulous too!

[Shell_of_the_South]

I could clone Donna's answer for my own! I feel exactly the same way about Universal.

You can probably see most everything in 2 days. I like to have at least 3 - a third day to revisit our favorites. Get there at least 30 minutes early - thats mean be at the gates 30 minutes early. To do that you need to arrive at Universal about 45 minutes before park opening to park, walk from the parking deck (no hot open walks through the parking lot!) through CityWalk to the parks. You can get a lot done in the morning hours - the crowds usually don't arrive until lunch time at Universal. The coasters have the longest lines, so hit them first.

Atmosphere - contrary to popular thinking, Universal has some of the best themed rides anywhere, including Disney. In IOA, Spiderman is top notch as to theming. ET is another favorite ride of ours that completely immerses you in the story. And to walk through the gates of Jurassic Park and hear the JP music makes you feel like you've actually stepped into the movie! Walk through Suess Landing and you'll feel like the books have come to life! Universal is not as themed, but it's still way above a Six Flags. When you're walking down Hollywood Blvd and you see Marilyn Monroe or Lucy & Ricky Ricardo driving by in a convertible, it feels like old Hollywood. When I get off Men In Black, I'm convinced I'm a top notch alien hunter! The Horror Make Up Show gives you some real behind the scenes on makeup special effects, and is laugh-out-loud funny!

You should expect the same help from Cast Members at Disney and Team Members at Universal. I've never experienced a significant difference in park employees at either park. I've had good ones and bad ones at both places. What a lot of people don't realize is that some people work at both parks, or have family working at the rival park. People on the internet love to go on about the "magical" experiences at Disney vs. the horrible, dirty, trashy parks at Universal, but that's never been the case for us. Universal knows who their competition is, and I don't think they are going to let their employees be blatantly un-hospitable. In fact, you may find that Universal likes to poke a little fun at Disney from time to time! Just go into it with an open mind that this is a new experience --don't go comparing every little detail as to how it might have been at Disney and you should have a great time!

My biggest beef with Universal is that you don't have the dining choices you have at Disney. But with 2 parks instead of 4 and 3 resorts instead of 22, there's no way they can.

If you stay onsite, there's one more thing you won't experience that you probably will at Disney - exhaustion! The resorts are in easy walking distance of the parks, making it easy to walk back to your room for a break.

Good luck & Happy Planning!

[Beautiful Mother]

Great information! This really helps get me into the "planning" mindset for Universal. Though I'm not a big thrill ride person for the ride (I'm always concerned about neck issues) I love rides with a good story line and a little tension.

So far--I've learned we can do the parks in two days, comfortably. Do you prefer to do one-park-a-day or do get the two park tickets so you can go back and forth between the parks?

[Ashli]

Originally Posted by Beautiful Mother

So far--I've learned we can do the parks in two days, comfortably. Do you prefer to do one-park-a-day or do get the two park tickets so you can go back and forth between the parks?

I think it's all personal preference, but we are the one-park-per-day people at Universal (which is kind of funny now that I think about it because I NEVER go to WDW without park hoppers! )

[GoofyMom]

Originally Posted by Beautiful Mother

So far--I've learned we can do the parks in two days, comfortably. Do you prefer to do one-park-a-day or do get the two park tickets so you can go back and forth between the parks?

Originally Posted by Ashli

I think it's all personal preference, but we are the one-park-per-day people at Universal (which is kind of funny now that I think about it because I NEVER go to WDW without park hoppers! )

I agree, it's completely personal preference. The parks are a 5 minute walk apart (if you walk slow). That means you don't lose any time with transportation between parks, and it's very convenient to just pop over to the other one. So you can pack a lot in with park-to-park tickets. Like Shell said, if you stay onsite you can go back for an afternoon break really easily. And if you do that, I think I might spring for the park-to-park tickets.

As far as criss-crossing the parks, you don't really do that. Both parks have lagoons in the centre so you are more inclined to pass from one land to the next. There are no boats on the lagoons to ferry you across the park. Truth be told, I don't know for certain how it works if you buy the Express Pass because I have always stayed onsite and used my room key, but if they work like your room key does, there's no window of time where you are supposed to report back like with Disney's Fast Passes. You just get a separate line to use once you get to the attraction. Wait times in the regular lines shouldn't be much of an issue in February.

I agree with Dana that there is definitely a different feel at Universal than at Disney. But I have never got "second best" vibes from it. I think if you go in expecting second best, that's what you'll find. If you go in with a totally open mind, excited for a new experience, you will find it pretty close to par with Disney. I'd compare it to the USA and Canada. I wouldn't say one is better than the other. But they're definitely "different". That's why my 2nd tip is to not go to Universal and expect it to be Disney. And I was only kidding about not calling Uni the Dark Side.... kind of...

[Huntermom]

I agree with Shell and Donna and wanted to add a few things.

I personally prefer Universal Studio to the Studios at Disney. I think there is a lot more to do, especially since I don't like RnRC and TOT. When I was a 100% ride wimp, it was the park where I felt I could enjoy the most attractions. I also like that Universal has stationary seating in their simulator rides. It's great if you get motion sickness or have back problems. I cannot ride Star Tours but can do Jimmy Neutron.

I also agree that many of Universal Attractions top or equal Disney-In addition to the ones above I love the Terminator and Shrek in Universal and the raft ride in IOA. I think Suess Land is amazing and could just sit all day and look around.

I would also urge you to stay on site if you can. Express access is great but the hotels are lovely and well themed and I hzve had exceptional customer service.

[Beautiful Mother]

This is GREAT stuff!! BYW--I caught DH on the computer last night looking over EVERYTHING! The cruise, Universal, EVERYTHING!!! DH does NOT do this! He gets excited when the suitcases come out and not before! I'm in SHOCK! Not complaining, mind you, just in shock!!! So, this trip is getting more exciting. I'm curious what my family comes up with!

[Shell_of_the_South]

I think I'd spring for park-to-park access if it fits in your budget. If for some reason you don't want to spend a full day at one park you can "hop" to the other for the rest of the day.

[Sue M.]

I agree with Donna and Shell, I think the UA parks are very nicely themed! I tour it the same way as WDW, get to park at or before opening, and hit the main attractions first. If you have WDW-The Unofficial Guide, they have a Universal section in it.
We get the 2 park 7 day ticket. It was an on-line special and the same price as the 2 day ticket! The Universal web site always has the best ticket offers.
So we'll go to a park a day then the 3rd day hop- and revisit our favs. We also go to Seaworld/Aquatica, and sometimes Busch Gardens on a Universal visit. So after the 3rd day we may do SeaWorld for 2 days. Then go back to Universal, andother day or 2 go to Aquatica. Or Busch Gardens if you have the Seaworld/Busch combo tix. They will bus you for free to Busch Gardens.

[RobDVC]

1. What can you see in two days?
You should be able to see everything at the two parks in two days. If you're coaster fans, make sure you hit them early, before the crowds get there. As others have mentioned, it is imperative to get there before the gates open - it's amazing to me how much you can get accomplished in the first hour or two before the crowds arrive.


2. What is the "atmosphere" of the park? Is it like Disney where you are immersed in the area or like Six Flags where the theming is just in the ride? There are areas in both parks where the theming is pretty good, and there are other parts where it's generically themed, like Epcot's Future World - just concrete and shrubbery.


3. What help should I expect from "cast members"?
Cast members at US/IoA aren't as interactive as most of the Disney cast members are, but don't expect looking-at-the-ground sourpusses, either.