FAQs - Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure
About This Page:

homeschoolmom · 01-27-2004, 01:27 AM

You know, we were thinking of US during our next summer trip, but this front of the line thing has me bugged. The Fast Pass sort of thing I understand because all patrons have equal access to it. But to stand in the hot sun hours while others rush to the front when we all pay for the tickets into the joint just doesn't seem right to me. They can give perks for staying on grounds other than making paying customers who don't or can't stay at their resorts bake in the sun for the price of a full cost ticket. Don't mean to sound unreasobable, but really, this is enough to make me say lets just spend an extra day at Disney.

AKLRULZ · 01-27-2004, 08:00 AM

Post deleted by Dad2jbj

homeschoolmom · 01-29-2004, 01:07 AM

Thanks for the encouragement, Steve.

Shell_of_the_South · 01-29-2004, 01:52 PM

Don't give up on Universal homeschoolmom! Like Steve said, they do have ExpressPass (their version of Fast Pass) for all park patrons. If you're not staying onsite, I would try to do the major attractions first, get ExpressPass for what you didn't do that morning, and then work towards the less busy attractions during the day. When we went in July we stayed the first night off-site, but went to the Universal parks with our AP's. We went in the afternoon and were still able to ride several attractions in the evening hours with no front of the line passes or Express Passes.

If your family really enjoys theme parks, then you must give Universal a try! I love it as much as I do the Disney parks.

Crackers · 02-04-2004, 07:47 AM

Although I have been over the menus for the Disney Property several times at allearsnet, I have not been able to find a site that has sample menus for the universal parks or sea world. Anybody know of any?

Shell_of_the_South · 02-04-2004, 10:30 PM

Crackers, maybe these will help:

http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/Universal/menu.htm

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/menus.html

http://www.undercovertourist.com/orl...al_orlando.htm

Crackers · 02-05-2004, 07:14 AM

Thanks Michelle.

GoofyMom · 02-19-2004, 02:12 PM

Question: What characters are in US/IOA? DS (16) is into the Simpsons, Futurama, Family Guy, and a few of the more "mature audience" cartoons and I'm certain we won't find characters from those shows. But he needs a new hoody for next winter and I told him maybe we could find one with a character that's "cool" enough for him. He's too macho (or too weinie - depending on your point of view

) to wear Mickey Mouse or even The Hulk - since he says that's a lame cartoon and movie. So what characters are at US/IOA that a 16 year old boy will wear to school without fear of ridicule from his peers?

DouglasE · 02-19-2004, 02:40 PM

GoofyMom,

My suggestion is let your son do his own souvenir shopping. Whatever you would decide to get would be wrong. It's just the fate of mothers of 16 year old boys. Don't worry it doesn't last that long. To be honest, I wouldn't go with a character driven t-shirt. Maybe something that features an attraction or the parks as a whole. Would a coaster like the Dueling Dragons be cool enough?

Samnalsdad · 02-26-2004, 05:29 AM

"I would personally go for the 4 day flex ticket. Also, check for the 5 day pass at Universal Parks which is often the same price as a 2 day pass.

Just wanted to mention that with the Entertainment discount, you could probably stay at a Universal resort for $125/night, which is about 1/2 the rack rate. Maybe even less, I haven't checked lately. I know that is still expensive, but if you figure how much more you can experience at the parks with the front of the line access, it is worth it."

Thank you Michelle 2! We're planning a family Disney Vacation in the fall. Are kids are a little older now (8 and 10) and I think ready for UA and IOA rides now. I think we'll take 2 days and stay on property. It sounds very reasonable and we already have the entertainment card!

Thanks again!

KimandMark · 02-26-2004, 12:14 PM

What is the best and cheapest way to get to Universal from Disney. We don't want to stay there because we rented points to stay at BWV for much less(I know about front of the line and all). We'll get at least a two day pass so we can park hop while there and it will be a less busy time of year as well.

**chezp** · 02-28-2004, 02:23 AM

I've got a question - we're planning on going to Universal this May and it'll be my first ever trip there (although I went to the one in California in 1987) and DH's first trip there since 1997.

Now neither of us are great thrill rides / coaster fans, so we are not planning on Islands of Adventure, as I don't think it's worth the money - there is no way you'd get either of us on most of the attractions. We're just planning one day at Universal - will that be enough?

Also, what will be OK for us to do? My limit is BTMRR and Splash Mountain and I'm trying to pluck up courage to do ToT and M:S this time around - can you give me any idea of which attractions would be suitable and not suitable for us?

Many thanks!

Smiley · 03-01-2004, 07:09 PM

Cheryl,

If it isn't crowded, one day should be enough. If the lines are long, you may need a 2nd day... If you do chose to go for the 2 days, I believe that they have a 2 day ticket at a reasonable price.

We went to Universal the first week in February and did almost everything, in one day.

If you haven't visited the site yet, try this link for a list of things to do.

http://themeparks.universalstudios.c...on_landing.TOP

I do not believe that there is anything there that comes close to Splash Mountain as far as a thrill ride goes, so you should be all set.

If you are looking for a great place to dine Emeril has two restaurants in Universal. Emerils in Downtown Universal is spectacular, I reviewed it in a recent trip report if you are interested. There is also Tchoup Tchoup in one of the Universal hotels that has a Polynesian theme that I also have heard is wonderful.

Have a great time!

Shell_of_the_South · 03-01-2004, 08:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Question: What characters are in US/IOA? DS (16) is into the Simpsons, Futurama, Family Guy, and a few of the more "mature audience" cartoons and I'm certain we won't find characters from those shows. But he needs a new hoody for next winter and I told him maybe we could find one with a character that's "cool" enough for him. He's too macho (or too weinie - depending on your point of view

) to wear Mickey Mouse or even The Hulk - since he says that's a lame cartoon and movie. So what characters are at US/IOA that a 16 year old boy will wear to school without fear of ridicule from his peers?

[/ QUOTE ]

My DS is 14 and he buys shirts from every coaster. Usually they have a shirt that will list the features of the coaster, like how fast, how high, how many inversions, etc.

Shell_of_the_South · 03-01-2004, 09:03 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Are kids are a little older now (8 and 10) and I think ready for UA and IOA rides now. I think we'll take 2 days and stay on property. It sounds very reasonable and we already have the entertainment card!

Thanks again!

[/ QUOTE ]

Glad to be of help! I think your kids are the perfect age to enjoy Universal!