Universal Orlando Questions

[dandaman]

So, for my birthday (Feb 12), I received two park-related things:

 

a) Cedar Point season pass

 

b) Promise of a Universal Orlando trip on March Break.* (NOT Spring Break, though I think Orlando's actually coincides.)

 

Now, the last time I went to Universal was when I was maybe 6 or 7. (I was pleasantly surprised that Fievel's Playland is still there. ) Whatever questions I can think of, I'll bombard you with here.

 

 

1. *insert obligatory "How are crowds on March Break?" here*

 

2. What's the difference between the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and Poseidon's Fury?

 

3. Are there any outstanding rehabs/closures I should know about?

 

4. Any recommended touring plans? And I mean in your opinion. I'd take well-experienced over "professional" any day.

 

5. What's the best on-site hotel for the price?

 

6. Which rides aren't worth the trouble? I know I should try them all once, but I've only a day per park.

 

7. Which BTTF is closed now? The Orlando site still has it listed, which would be a pretty big "oops" if it wasn't.

 

8. ...Well, so far, there is no 8. I'd greatly appreciate any comments or tips.

 

 

*March Break is from the 12th-16th.

[SharkTums]

1. It will be crowded. Not crazy like Holidays, but expect to wait for all the rides.

 

2. 8th Voyage is a horrible crappy live action stunt show in a big outdoor theater. Poseidon is a walkthrough more interactive show.

 

3. Hadn't heard about anything major being down. Maybe one of the locals can help you out there.

 

4. Get there super early. The park is known to open earlier than announced. Do Hulk, Spiderman, then book it over to Dragons.

 

5. Well the cheapest onsite is Royal Pacific, which I find to be on par with the Disney Deluxes, so it's more than fine!

 

6. If you're staying on site, have the Universal Express, and have a full day at each park you shouldn't really need to miss anything. Although, if I were you I would skip several of the shows at both parks. Sinbad, Monster Makeup, BeatleJuice, etc.

 

7. I thought they were both still open? After all the craziness I thought they both went down to like half capacity but were operating at certain times.

[dandaman]

I must have gotten a few mixed messages about BTTF. I thought one of them closed. Whatever.

 

I was hoping it wouldn't be totally crowded... then again, I guess Joe Schmoe from Calgary would want to seek warmer climes for the Break.

 

I was already gonna book it to a lot of these places, and now I have a bit of motivation. How 'bout the Studios? I'd think ROTM first.

 

Wasn't planning on seeing the shows, anyway. This info just gives me more time to credit-whore Flying Unicorn or Woody's Nuthouse Coaster.

 

I've got another couple:

 

8. What's up with Mythos? What did they get rid if that made you a bit irked in the past year?

 

9. What are the average wait times? (Or, like many of them, is it too variable?)

[Rocker_Dude]

1. *insert obligatory "How are crowds on March Break?" here*

The place is always crowded so get to HULK and DUELING DRAGONS first.

 

2. What's the difference between the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and Poseidon's Fury? 8th Voyage is a very loud show that really has no purpose being there it just is, but I believe it to be better than Poseidon. Poseidon was just crap we'll leave it at that.

 

3. Are there any outstanding rehabs/closures I should know about? Ummm,checks Universal calendar. At BGT Shiekra will be closed for 3 weeks at some point to make way for floorless trains.

 

4. Any recommended touring plans? And I mean in your opinion. I'd take well-experienced over "professional" any day.

Not really there just over expensive. If you ride all the rides first then walk around and enjoy the day its worth it cuz the tourz create massive I WANNA GO ON A RIDE syndrome not I wanna look at the park and not ride anythingitis.

 

5. What's the best on-site hotel for the price?

I like the Nick hotel. But it's for kids. I think the hard rocks beds are too low. Umm the Italian one you get more bang for your buck. But I like NICK HOTEL BEST!!!!

 

6. Which rides aren't worth the trouble? I know I should try them all once, but I've only a day per park. I THINK E.T was a waste but if you have extra time then ride it. Umm back to the future isn't anything special. But its OKAY not great just a headache ride.

 

7. Which BTTF is closed now? The Orlando site still has it listed, which would be a pretty big "oops" if it wasn't.

I think back to the future is still open but its not worth the normal 50 minute wait.

 

8.What's up with Mythos? What did they get rid if that made you a bit

irked in the past year? Mythos had terrible food. I still hate it. It's just a bad resteraunt

 

9. What are the average wait times? (Or, like many of them, is it too variable?) Umm, normally if you go to IOA its around 25-30 minutes in the 11:00 clock hour then the rush comes. If you leave and go early at the morning just opening grab seats on the hulk and DD. I would do this.

 

Hulk

Spiderman

Dueling Dragons

Head back to Doctor Doom

Then hit toon towns Dudley

Popeye

Jurassic Park

 

It should be about 12 12 30 by then so head to Universal.

 

So you have time to dry.

 

The average wait time is about 30-45 minutes mid day.

[Rocker_Dude]

SORRY FOR DOUBLE POSTING.

 

For UNIVERSAL I'd do this.

 

Go to IOA.

 

Ride the necassary.In this order is crucial lines fill quick.

 

HULK

SPIDERMAN

DUELING DRAGONS

DOCTOR DOOM (NOT NECASSARY)

 

*LEAVE WATER RIDES BEHIND

 

RUN TO UNIVERSAL.

 

MUMMY

MIB: ALIEN ATTACK

EARTHQUAKE

BTTF (NOT REALLY WORTH WAIT IMO)

WOODY WOODPECKER

ET (ONLY IF SHORT WAIT OTHERWISE ITS CRAPPY 15 MIN OR LESS)

JAWS

TWISTER

 

RUN BACK TO IOA

 

DO WATER RIDES

 

DUDLEY DO RIGHT

POPEYE

JURRASIC FART

 

THEN...

DUELING DRAGONS (DRY OFF)

HULK

DOCTOR DOOM (DRIES OFF REALLY WELL)

SPIDERMAN (HEAT BLAST FEELS NICE FOR DRYNESS)

 

FIT IN SOMEWHERE FOOD....

 

THEN GO HOME WE DONT LIKE YOU LOL J/K

 

HULY GOODNESS

[BarryH]

The best way to gauge crowds at Universal is to check the price of Universal Express Plus tickets. If the price is high ($40 for 1 park, $50 for both parks), then you can expect large crowds. If the price is low ($15 for 1 park, $30 for both), then you can expect low crowds. For your visit on March 12, the price of Universal Express Plus tickets are $20 for 1 park and $35 for 2 parks. From this price, the crowds will probably be moderate.

 

As for onsite hotels, I like all three. Honestly, I stay at the one that gives the best deal. If you're a CAA/AAA member, you can get a discount on your stay. I checked the AAA discount on www.aaa.com and it was $233.10 for a standard room with 2 queen beds at the Royal Pacific Resort. The Royal Pacific is very nice (probably nicer than the Polyesian at WDW) and the staff is very friendly.

 

The best part when you stay onsite is you get unilimited Universal Express access at the rides that have Universal Express. You can get 2 days of Express access with one night's stay. Your keys are good for Express access from 7 am on the day of check-in to midnight on the day of checkout. So if you check in early, you can get your keys and have fun. You can leave your bags with the bellhop if your room is not ready.

 

If you're not a CAA/AAA member, I would suggest becoming one. In addition to the onsite room discounts, you get discounts at many restaurants and gift shops if you show your card. I believe the discount is 10%. The discount really adds up if you eat 2 meals and buy souvenirs at the gift shop. I don't think you can get discounts at the food carts, though.

 

As for the Nick Hotel, honestly, I think it is overpriced for what you get. The price of a room at the Nick Hotel is about as much (many times more) than the price of an onsite room at Universal.

 

If you do stay onsite, you don't really need to make a gameplan. I would recommend hitting the rides at IOA that don't access Universal Express: Pternandon Flyers and the front seats of Fire and Ice of Dueling Dragons. Normally for Pternandon Flyers, you have to have a kid to ride. An unofficial workaround for this is to hit Pternandon Flyers first thing in the morning. If the wait time is 0 minutes or less, you can usually ride without a kid. You can get the credit! Then hit Dueling Dragons and ride the front seats of Fire and Ice. You got to ride in the front because it is very cool!

 

I haven't heard of any rides refurbished during your visit. I believe Jaws is currently down, but should be open during your visit.

 

Have fun!

[dandaman]

1. The best way to gauge crowds at Universal is to check the price of Universal Express Plus tickets. If the price is high ($40 for 1 park, $50 for both parks), then you can expect large crowds. If the price is low ($15 for 1 park, $30 for both), then you can expect low crowds. For your visit on March 12, the price of Universal Express Plus tickets are $20 for 1 park and $35 for 2 parks. From this price, the crowds will probably be moderate.

 

2. As for onsite hotels, I like all three. Honestly, I stay at the one that gives the best deal. If you're a CAA/AAA member, you can get a discount on your stay. I checked the AAA discount on www.aaa.com and it was $233.10 for a standard room with 2 queen beds at the Royal Pacific Resort. The Royal Pacific is very nice (probably nicer than the Polyesian at WDW) and the staff is very friendly.

 

3. The best part when you stay onsite is you get unilimited Universal Express access at the rides that have Universal Express. You can get 2 days of Express access with one night's stay. Your keys are good for Express access from 7 am on the day of check-in to midnight on the day of checkout. So if you check in early, you can get your keys and have fun. You can leave your bags with the bellhop if your room is not ready.

 

4. If you're not a CAA/AAA member, I would suggest becoming one. In addition to the onsite room discounts, you get discounts at many restaurants and gift shops if you show your card. I believe the discount is 10%. The discount really adds up if you eat 2 meals and buy souvenirs at the gift shop. I don't think you can get discounts at the food carts, though.

5. If you do stay onsite, you don't really need to make a gameplan. I would recommend hitting the rides at IOA that don't access Universal Express: Pternandon Flyers and the front seats of Fire and Ice of Dueling Dragons. Normally for Pternandon Flyers, you have to have a kid to ride. An unofficial workaround for this is to hit Pternandon Flyers first thing in the morning. If the wait time is 0 minutes or less, you can usually ride without a kid. You can get the credit! Then hit Dueling Dragons and ride the front seats of Fire and Ice. You got to ride in the front because it is very cool!

6. I haven't heard of any rides refurbished during your visit. I believe Jaws is currently down, but should be open during your visit.

 

7. Have fun!

 

1. Looks to be $20 for 1-day, 1-park from the 12th-16th. St. Paddy's understandably has a $40 price. Thanks for that.

 

2. I actually just asked my dad where we'd be staying, and we're not gonna break the budget apparently. I.e, that means no Universal hotel.

 

3 and 4. Maybe with those bits of info, I could do a little convincing.

 

5. The front seat opportunity for DD sounds awesome. I'm debating whether to go there first, or Super Hero Island for Hulk, Spidey, etc.

 

6. My mom mentioned that briefly, but I didn't consider it a total loss.

 

7. Do I have to?

 

 

Again, thanks for the advice. You were a lifesaver for my BGT trip last August. Just for that, I won't mention the "K" word.

[dandaman]

Next question: On which rides are on-ride photos:

 

a) taken by Universal

 

b) allowed to be taken by you

[BarryH]

Next question: On which rides are on-ride photos:

 

a) taken by Universal

 

These rides have onride photos:

IOA: Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure

USF: Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black

 

Although not an on-ride photo, the gift shop in E.T. has a photo area where you can pose on a bike and get your photo taken.

 

b) allowed to be taken by you

 

Universal is very restrictive on on-ride photos. No videotaping or photography of any kind is permitted on any of the rides or roller coasters. You can, however, take photos and video of the shows. Posideon's Fury and the 3-D shows (T2, Shrek) do not allow videotaping or photography.

[dandaman]

These rides have onride photos:

IOA: Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure

USF: Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black

 

Although not an on-ride photo, the gift shop in E.T. has a photo area where you can pose on a bike and get your photo taken.

 

Universal is very restrictive on on-ride photos. No videotaping or photography of any kind is permitted on any of the rides or roller coasters. You can, however, take photos and video of the shows. Posideon's Fury and the 3-D shows (T2, Shrek) do not allow videotaping or photography.

 

Good to know. Kind of surprised Dueling Dragons doesn't have them, although the cost for both sides might be a factor.

 

Next question: How are the shows? (Besides one particular "horrible crappy" one.) My sister isn't big on rides, and is very disappointed we're not going to WDW. This marks the first ever time we've visited Florida without a Disney park visit. (At least I'm excited. )

 

She'd be more into the shows than anything, I'd imagine. What's that Blues Brothers show, or Universal 360?

[BarryH]

There's more shows at USF than IOA, but here's a rundown of what I think of them:

 

IOA:

Sinbad: I actually enjoy this show. It's good to watch and get off your feet for 20 minutes. Cool explosions and fire effects.

Posideon's Fury: The only good thing is the water vortex. Otherwise, it can be skipped. I only watch it if I'm hiding from the rain.

 

USF:

Shrek 4-D: Good 3-D show.

T2: 3D: Another good 3-D show

Twister: Not bad. I'm neutral about this show, but the GP seem to enjoy it, as people always clap nd cheer at the end. Neat fire effect, though. It's like Backdraft at USH with a tornado.

Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue: Enjoyable music show with Universal monsters. Music is mostly 80's rock tunes, like Van Halen's "Jump" and Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark."

Fear Factor Live: I've seen this show once and have no desire to see it again. If you meet the requirements, it might be fun to compete in it.

Universal Horror Makeup Show: Universal's underrated show. I love this show! You can laugh and learn something about movie makeup at the same time.

Barney: 'Nuff said. When I saw this show, it felt like I had undergone a lobotomy. I assume your party would be beyond the age bracket for this show.

 

The Kidzone also has a stage show where characters like Curious George, Woody Woodpecker, Shaggy, and Scooby do a short dance show to 80's music and then do a meet and greet. I tend to walk by this one on my way to E.T.

 

The Blues Brothers show is a singing and dancing show with Jake and Elwood Blues. They sing songs from the movie like "Flip, Flop, and Fly" and "Soul Man." I enjoy it.

 

Universal 360 is sort of a poor man's Illuminations. You probably won't see it when you visit, but here's a link with a video:

 

http://www.ioacentral.com/07_25_update/

 

If you only have time to see one show, watch the Universal Horror Makeup Show. I recommend it!

[dandaman]

Universal 360 is sort of a poor man's Illuminations.

 

 

Thanks for the info. Surprised the Horror Make-Up Show would rate so high. Damn my judgmental thinking! The Blues Brothers Show should be good for the sis, as that's one of her favourite movies.

 

I'm actually looking forward to seeing Twister. I got that movie for my 7th birthday (yeah, I know...) and it still rates among my top ten of all time.

 

And no, the party wouldn't feel like being brainwashed by the purple dinosaur, thank you.

 

Sort of an elaborating question: What did Mythos get rid of that made it crappy in the blink of an eye? I want to say Balsamic Chicken...

[SharkTums]

Actually a bunch of us went and saw the Horror Make Up show in October, and I cannot stress how terrible it was!!!

 

The one at Hollywood was actually almost entertaining. This one was just awkward, weird, not funny, and boring!!!!

 

As for Mythos, it's still really good, and a great deal for the free refills on soda alone. I don't know how anyone could say it's bad. It just annoys us that they took several items off the menu (desserts, balsamic chicken, tomato and mozzarella salad)

[BarryH]

If Mythos still has the banana gooey cake, then that alone is worth a trip to Mythos. Mythos still has some good stuff, like the Mythos burger and the sushi. They brought back the Balsamic chicken last year. I had it and it just didn't taste the same.

[BarryH]

Oh, one more thing...if you haven't bought tickets yet, look into buying the 7 day, $85 ticket Universal has advertised on their website. If you stay onsite and want to use the 2 days to Express access, you might as well buy the ticket. Heck, a one day/one park ticket is around $67. A 2 day/2 park ticket is around $77. Might as well spend the extra $8 and go for the extra days! The $85 tickets are good for 7 consecutive days of Universal fun.

 

I'd still watch the Horror Makeup Show. If you don't like it, I will send you $1.95.

[dandaman]

Even though I think it's a two-day extra (this wasn't even planned), we'll probably use the deal.

 

I don't know why I was so concerned about Mythos anyway. All I would have is a burger (and probably that banana cake).

 

So, if it's a good show, then good for that. If it's bad, I get a $1.95 from Barry. Win-win.

[SharkTums]

^It's not a win win!!!!

 

$1.95 does not make up for the 45 minutes of my life I will never ever get back!!!!

[BarryH]

^I still say watch it and decide for yourself.

 

If you want a good burger at Universal, also try these places:

Ritcher's at USF

IOA: Confscio's, Burger Digs

Citywalk: Margritaville

 

Hard Rock Cafe has good burgers, but it's pricey for what you get. Margritaville has tastier burgers for a few dollar less. Plus, you can see the volcano explode every 30 minutes or so.

[dandaman]

^It's not a win win!!!!

 

$1.95 does not make up for the 45 minutes of my life I will never ever get back!!!!

 

 

Maybe I should just go ride the Mummy again...

 

If you want a good burger at Universal, also try these places:

Ritcher's at USF

IOA: Confscio's, Burger Digs

Citywalk: Margritaville

 

Hard Rock Cafe has good burgers, but it's pricey for what you get. Margritaville has tastier burgers for a few dollar less. Plus, you can see the volcano explode every 30 minutes or so.

 

Thanks. Though I'd eat anywhere, it's always nice to know where the best places are. My mom is pretty much set on Pat O'Brien's at Citywalk, though, so no Margaritaville burgers for moi.

[BarryH]

I've never eaten at Pat O'Brien's, but a friend of mine bought me two Hurricanes and I got a serious buzz! It's a good thing I was staying onsite and didn't need to drive home. So watch out if the parental units want to drink a Hurricane. Remember these words of wisdom: one Hurricane good, two Hurricanes bad!

[dandaman]

Believe me, she knows to drink in moderation.

 

...Well, she DID say she wants Dad to drive back to the hotel.

[BarryH]

Kids don't let parents drink excessively.

[rbpia]

If you get mom boozed up, you can always draw funny faces on her and videotape her reaction in the morning.

 

Wow Barry, I am proud of you! You made it 3 pages into this thread before it got "Barry'd".

 

Ron "I have got to do it, KIDTUMS KIDTUMS KIDTUMS!" Patton

[Rocker_Dude]

If you want some good food I recommend this.

 

IOA: Burger Digs, I personally love the Turkey Legs you get from vendors

UNIV: IMO I like Richtor's Burgers, And Near The Mummy's Arcade Is This Cool Little Italian Place With Great Pizza

CityWalk: PASTAMORE PASTAMORE PASTAMORE OH MAN BEST PLACE EVER. (IF YOU LIKE ITALIAN FOOD!)

[BarryH]

As for good food, how could I forget the Enchanted Oak! You can get good chicken, ribs, burgers, and turkey legs.