Universal Orlando Questions

[dandaman]

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

 

Kids don't let parents drink excessively.

 

 

rbpia: Aw, c'mon! He was giving me great advice!

 

Good news! The family booked a room at the Royal Pacific right under my nose. Also, Mom bought some all-Universal guidebook yesterday (despite the fact I told her, you guys are all the info we need...)

 

This leads to even MORE questions.

 

1. Has anyone here stayed at RP?

 

2. Given the supposed March Break crowds, what's the fastest way to get to the parks from the Royal Pacific -- boat or walking?

 

3. What rides have a single-riders line? I'd be solo on the thrill rides, so that could be a big advantage.

 

4. My dad is considering some Universal Dining Pass thing. You'd only get a few restaurant options, but it might be just as well for us. Good or bad idea?

[SharkTums]

1. We've stayed at RP a lot of times, it is very nice.

 

2. WALK!!! It's a nice walk, and the boat always seems to just take forever.

 

3. Usually: Hulk, Doom, Spiderman, Mummy, MiB...but they have been known to close them on certain days, or open up new ones on others.

 

4. Never used the Dining Pass...not sure if it's the Unlimited Meal Deal thing, or something else. Personally I like to choose where I eat so I wouldn't like this. And also if I recall it didn't include ANY Drinks which is kind of annoying.

[BarryH]

Good news! The family booked a room at the Royal Pacific right under my nose. Also, Mom bought some all-Universal guidebook yesterday (despite the fact I told her, you guys are all the info we need...)

 

Good choice to book at RPR! Which guidebook did your mom purchase? Obviously, you could have saved yourself some $ since we are the "free guidebook."

 

This leads to even MORE questions.

 

Oh-no!

 

1. Has anyone here stayed at RP?

 

I've stayed at RPR several times and I've never had a problem. The staff there is so friendly! The breakfast buffet is the best out of all the onsite hotels. They even serve rice and it's sticky! Real rice sticks! I should know since I was raised on rice.

 

2. Given the supposed March Break crowds, what's the fastest way to get to the parks from the Royal Pacific -- boat or walking?

 

The water taxi is the most "elegant" way to travel, but it's also usually the most crowded, particularly near park opening and closing. If the shuttle buses are still running, use the bus. It's rarely crowded and you get free air conditioning! You don't need exact change either!

 

You can also walk. It's about a 10-15 minute walk to the park.

 

3. What rides have a single-riders line? I'd be solo on the thrill rides, so that could be a big advantage.

 

The rides that have sad and pathetic, oops, single rider lines are: Spider-Man, Hulk, MIB, Mummy, and JPRA. MIB and Mummy's single rider lines are nearly always open unless the regular wait is almost a walk-on. Spider-Man's single rider line usually opens if the regular wait is over 30 minutes. Hulk's single rider line opens depending on what phase of the moon is in. No really, Hulk's single rider line opens at weird intervals. When the wait is 45 minutes or more, it may or may not open.

 

Side note: If you are staying onsite, you can use your room keys for Universal Express access, so there is not really a need to do single riders. You may have an advantage if you use MIB's single rider line. You will skip the hydrolator pre-show (which doesn't get any more thrilling the more you see it) and may be able to get on the ride faster.

 

4. My dad is considering some Universal Dining Pass thing. You'd only get a few restaurant options, but it might be just as well for us. Good or bad idea?

 

I haven't done the Dining Pass thing. I'll have to look that up. I know there is a Meal Deal for around $20 for one park and $25 for two parks. It's all you can eat at a few counter service restaurants around the parks. It might be a good deal if you eat like an ACEr, but the restaurants on the Meal Deal usually has the grossest food in the parks.

[dandaman]

1. We've stayed at RP a lot of times, it is very nice.

 

2. WALK!!! It's a nice walk, and the boat always seems to just take forever.

 

4. Never used the Dining Pass...not sure if it's the Unlimited Meal Deal thing, or something else. Personally I like to choose where I eat so I wouldn't like this. And also if I recall it didn't include ANY Drinks which is kind of annoying.

 

1. Good to know it gets the TPR approval!

 

2. I was already thinking of walking, but the maps I've seen don't show it much. I assume there's a sidewalk on Hollywood Way?

 

EDIT: Wait, that can't be right. How would you get up on the parking structure walkway?

 

On Google Maps, I think I see a path leading to CityWalk...

 

Maybe I'll take Barry's idea about the shuttle buses.

 

4. Yeah, it's the one with no drinks. Like Barry said (and I figured), the plan probably involves the worst park food options. Good thing they haven't bought anything in the way of that yet.

 

Good choice to book at RPR! Which guidebook did your mom purchase? Obviously, you could have saved yourself some $ since we are the "free guidebook."

 

Looks like it's out just this year, by Kelly Monaghan and The Intrepid Traveler. (Hey, the same guys that published my HM book. )

 

1. I've stayed at RPR several times and I've never had a problem. The staff there is so friendly! The breakfast buffet is the best out of all the onsite hotels. They even serve rice and it's sticky! Real rice sticks! I should know since I was raised on rice.

 

3. The rides that have sad and pathetic, oops, single rider lines are: Spider-Man, Hulk, MIB, Mummy, and JPRA. MIB and Mummy's single rider lines are nearly always open unless the regular wait is almost a walk-on. Spider-Man's single rider line usually opens if the regular wait is over 30 minutes. Hulk's single rider line opens depending on what phase of the moon is in. No really, Hulk's single rider line opens at weird intervals. When the wait is 45 minutes or more, it may or may not open.

 

Side note: If you are staying onsite, you can use your room keys for Universal Express access, so there is not really a need to do single riders. You may have an advantage if you use MIB's single rider line. You will skip the hydrolator pre-show (which doesn't get any more thrilling the more you see it) and may be able to get on the ride faster.

 

1. My family has a thing for breakfast buffets, no matter where the hotel. Thanks for the heads-up on that!

 

3. Sad and pathetic? Naaaaaah.

 

That's a LOT of SRL's. Dueling Dragons doesn't have one? I guess with a queue that big, it doesn't make much sense.

 

...Well, I'm spent for now. Thanks again for all the great tips!

[SharkTums]

The path leads from the Pool area of Royal Pacific, alongside the Canal, and drops off right at the bridge to either IOA or CityWalk. It basically follows the boat. No traffic, very few people, all natural and nice!

[BarryH]

The walkway takes you from RPR and drops you off right beside Margritaville in Citywalk. If you take the boat, it drops you off in the middle of Citywalk. The bus drops you off by USF.

 

The guidebook by Kelly Monaghan is one of the best for Universal.

 

Dueling Dragons doesn't have a single riders line, but if the wait isn't too long, you can use the re-ride doors. They're usually open unless the wait time is too long. With your onsite room keys, you can just take the uber-secret Universal Express entrance to the right of the main castle entrance and be close to the loading area in a short distance.

[dandaman]

The path leads from the Pool area of Royal Pacific, alongside the Canal, and drops off right at the bridge to either IOA or CityWalk. It basically follows the boat. No traffic, very few people, all natural and nice!

 

So it IS a public pathway! That looks great for convenience.

 

Dueling Dragons doesn't have a single riders line, but if the wait isn't too long, you can use the re-ride doors. They're usually open unless the wait time is too long. With your onsite room keys, you can just take the uber-secret Universal Express entrance to the right of the main castle entrance and be close to the loading area in a short distance.

 

Leading to another question: Are the Universal Express passes really worth it? It seems that many people would buy it, therefore abuse of the privilege. Then again, if some of the entrances are as obscure as you say they are, I might just luck out.

[BarryH]

Since you're staying at RPR, your onsite room key acts as an unlimited Universal Express pass. Just flash your key to the Team Member at the special Universal Express entrance and you get to use Express access. It allows for unlimited Universal Express access. Thus, you don't need to buy the Universal Express Plus tickets.

 

Honestly, the Universal Express Plus tickets are neat, but I've never had a need to buy them. I just show up at park opening and ride what I want to during the first 3-4 hours of operation. Then I relax and watch a show or two. Then I ride a few hours before park closing when the queues are shorter. Also, depending on your party, staying onsite and using your room key for Express access is actually cheaper than buying the Express tickets. I remember once going to Universal on Christmas week. I was in the line for Guest Services and a party was buying Express tickets for their party of 5 for two days. Their bill was around $600! A room at the RPR was $299. Certainly, resort parking, food, and other sundries at RPR may add to the bill, but if they stayed onsite and used 2 days of Express access for their days, they would have saved lots of money!

 

Since your parental units decided to stay onsite at RPR, you're ahead of the game. I assume they got the AAA rate of $233.10. If you bought Express tickets for your party of 4 (Mom, Dad, sister, you), then you'd be paying $35 for the 1 day/2 park Express tickets. Thus, $35 x 4 = $140. If you bought the tickets over 2 days, you'd be paying $280! So you're saving about $50 by staying onsite alone! I think your parents need to raise your allowance.

[dandaman]

Since your parental units decided to stay onsite at RPR, you're ahead of the game. I assume they got the AAA rate of $233.10. If you bought Express tickets for your party of 4 (Mom, Dad, sister, you), then you'd be paying $35 for the 1 day/2 park Express tickets. Thus, $35 x 4 = $140. If you bought the tickets over 2 days, you'd be paying $280! So you're saving about $50 by staying onsite alone! I think your parents need to raise your allowance.

 

Probably, on both counts.

 

How much are tickets with an onsite hotel stay? Do you get some sort of discount, or is that separate from your hotel altogether?

 

OT: I won't be back on here 'till tomorrow. Thanks a million.

[SharkTums]

^I think it depends on how many nights you're staying. Sometimes if you stay for 4 or more nights you get free or discounted tickets.

[BarryH]

Usually, ticket discounts for onsite stays come in a package or if you stay for 4 nights or more.

 

My advise: buy the 7 day, $85 tickets. You can't get a better deal than that!

 

You can buy tickets at the onsite hotels, but there are no discounts and you won't get the $85 ticket deal. That deal is only good online at www.universalorlando.com.

[dandaman]

We're likely staying two nights, and that's a lucky shot. Dad tried booking a few days ago, with no availability at all three hotels! I don't know about the $85 deal, but he's trying to buy tickets online. Don't know why it wouldn't go through, but whatever.

 

Actually, he now has a question for you guys! I mentioned the breakfast buffet, but neither of us were sure how much it costs. (I'd probably faint if it was free!)

 

Also, the guidebook mentioned that T2 fills up fast in the morning (which it probably does). Would that take away from Shrek or the Mummy, etc.?

 

Also also (wik), are the showtimes listed with a park map insert like Disney's?

[BarryH]

Huh? I thought you already booked RPR? If you're having trouble finding availability online, try www.aaa.com. I found the AAA rates there. Just do a search under Loew's Hotels in Orlando and they'll come up. If you're having trouble ordering the $85 ticket deal online, try dumping your cookies or restarting the computer. I've heard that clears things up. If not, let meknow and I think I can dig up another website to order the tickets.

 

Breakfast buffets at the onsite resorts cost $16. Don't faint, because they are pretty good. If you want to go the cheap and greasier way, many offsite restaurants offer a breakfast buffet for around $5-$7. Drinks are extra. Depending on where you go, the level of grease varies. I prefer the Golden Corral myself, but they open late on Sundays and that inteferes with my theme park plans.

 

The parks hav a special insert for the show times and ride hours of operation, much like Disney.

 

Most guests tend to hit T2 first, so it might fill up early in the morning, but I've never seen more than a 30 minute wait for it.

[SharkTums]

Please do not wait for T2!!!!

 

Just ask the cast member as you pass how long till the next show, and if you'll make it in or not. If it's 10 minutes or less and you'll make it go for it.

[BarryH]

Oh, I just checked www.aaa.com and found the Royal Pacific Resort for check-in on 3/12 and check-out on 3/13 for 2 adults and 2 kids. There was availability and it's $233.10. If you haven't booked, why not? Do it today! You can also book by calling 1-888-273-1311. I think it works in Canada, but if not, use Universal's main phone number 407-363-8000 and ask to be transferred to onsite hotel reservations.

 

The T2 queue is good to hide from a spring rain storm. Storms in Florida are rarely over 30 minutes. So if the sky gers dark and you feel a chill in the air, it's going to rain. Find someplace to hide!

[dandaman]

1. I thought you already booked RPR?

 

2. If you're having trouble ordering the $85 ticket deal online, try dumping your cookies or restarting the computer.

 

3. Breakfast buffets at the onsite resorts cost $16.

 

4. I prefer the Golden Corral myself...

 

1. Yes, we did. Forgot to say that, didn't i?

 

2. I suggested that, and supposedly it worked.

 

3. Seems like it's well worth it!

 

4. You've no idea just how much the family "prefers" Golden Corral. We'd have eaten there more if it weren't for the DDP these past two trips!

 

Please do not wait for T2!!!!

 

Just ask the cast member as you pass how long till the next show, and if you'll make it in or not. If it's 10 minutes or less and you'll make it go for it.

 

Low crowds guaranteed, or just not worth it?

 

1. Oh, I just checked www.aaa.com and found the Royal Pacific Resort for check-in on 3/12 and check-out on 3/13 for 2 adults and 2 kids. There was availability and it's $233.10.

 

2. The T2 queue is good to hide from a spring rain storm. Storms in Florida are rarely over 30 minutes. So if the sky gers dark and you feel a chill in the air, it's going to rain. Find someplace to hide!

 

1. The exact one we got, only our ressies are for the 13th-14th. My dad thought I was psychic when I finished his sentence, "The hotel costs about two hundred and..."

 

2. I live for those moments. I plan to go into the meterology field, and one of the highlights of every FL trip is the weather.

 

No more questions as of this time, but I'll be sure to continue the saga before our date of departure. (Sat. March 10)

[BarryH]

Ask your questions and we'll be here.

 

In the meantime, I'm taking a nap!

 

Oh, BTW, if you're looking for some good unofficial Universal info, check out the Universal section in www.allearsnet.com.

 

And I realized I'll be leaving Orlando when you're arriving! I'll be there from 3/8 to 3/11.

[BarryH]

Please do not wait for T2!!!!

 

Just ask the cast member as you pass how long till the next show, and if you'll make it in or not. If it's 10 minutes or less and you'll make it go for it.

 

Low crowds guaranteed, or just not worth it?

 

Heck, you got your onsite room keys. Who needs to worry about long lines?

[dandaman]

Well, looks like the departure date has almost come already!

 

Thanks again to all of you (well, OK, 'specially Elissa and Barry). Weather looks picture-perfect for Orlando. Heck, I'll be wearing shorts when I hit 60F in Chattanooga tomorrow night!

 

Doubt I'll see any of you there, but hey, wishful thinking and all.

 

See you next week!

 

Dan

[texashorns82492]

1. I stayed at Universal Orlando last year in March and the crowds were fine. The waits for Hulk and Dueling Dragons were about 20-40 minutes. It was awesome.

 

2. Not much, they're both great shows. Sinbad is more popular though.

 

3. There's the Blue Man Group theater going up and some secret construction going on backstage. Nothing big.

 

4. No opinion, go at your own pace. I spent a full day at IOA and a half day at Universal Studios.

 

5. I stayed at Hard Rock Hotel and it was terrific. It was about a 5 minute walk to the parks.

 

6. The Pteradon Flyers is a complete waste of time. Flying Unicorn is worth it if you wanna cool off. It has cool mist sprayers in the lines and around that area.

 

7. I have no clue

 

 

Hope this helps

[Brad]

Just curious if anyone knows of any scheduled downtimes for the major attractions. I know most of the annual parks post the times that major attractions are going to be down for annual rehab, but I have not been able to find anything concerning Universal Orlando.

 

(more specifically is anything scheduled to be down the 16-21 of March?)

[BarryH]

^Scheduled downtimes and refurbishment schedules are now on Universal Orlando's website under "Park Hours."

 

Here's the link:

 

http://www.universalorlando.com/calendar.html?calendar=uo_park_hours&template=uo_park_hours.html

[CHILLERLC1]

I was in Orlando this week last year. IOA was an easy to get through whole day. The lines for Dueling Dragons was only 20-40 min. The Studios I did in a half day visit.