Planning our Visit to Universal Studios

[tartanexile81]

So we've booked a ship's tour to Universal studios (transport and general admission ticket) and we want to be organised to see as much as we can in the short time we have. Can anybody suggest a really useful website where we read about all the different attractions, shows etc and plan our day. We've tried googling it but there are just so many sites out there it gets confusing. Please help!

 

Thank you from Scotland and in return I'd be happy to give info to anybody planning a vacation in my country anytime soon :)

Edited December 20, 2015 by tartanexile81

[jakess]

When are you going to be there?

[wantocruisemore]

When we went a couple years ago we couldn't find specific website, just various hints. The main thing is get there when it first opens. Choose one land or the other and decide your must see. For us it was the new Transformers ride. We got there first thing and rode prior to the lines. Then to the roller coaster, then around to other rides. We were there for a couple days so next day we right after opening we hoofed it to Harry Potter ride.

For eating we chose off times when there was not as long a wait.

[minnesotamamafish]

We are planning two days at Universal Studios after our cruise. I did intense research, and these are my favorite sites I have saved in my bookmarks. Click the links on each page to get the most out of them. Hope they help, and enjoy your trip!

 

https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Travel-Tips.aspx

 

http://orlandoinformer.com/oi-universal-center/

(Every line after a black dot is a link to more information.)

 

https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/universal-studios-florida/#touring-plans

 

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal_studios_florida/

 

http://touringplans.com/universal-orlando

 

PS. I'm writing a novel based in Edinburgh and Linlithgow.. I sure wish I could visit there! :)

Edited December 21, 2015 by minnesotamamafish

[jakess]

If your going during the high season the lines will be long. Get the FastPass worth every penny. If your Harry Potter fans get there when it opens and hit that first. Have fun

[alex-goportcanaveral]

If your going during the high season the lines will be long. Get the FastPass worth every penny. If your Harry Potter fans get there when it opens and hit that first. Have fun

 

This x100

 

It all really depends on the time of year you're going. Universal has really grown a lot and Diagon Alley for Harry Potter fans is just amazing. I used to prefer Islands because of the rollercoasters but because of all the expansion at Universal I prefer going to Universal studios now.

 

Get FastPasses for the family if you are traveling during the holidays or March. If not, you will be fine getting a regular ticket.

 

Purchase a mealplan, $20 that gets you a drink, meal(with drink), and a snack (that could be used towards Butterbeer!)

[tartanexile81]

I knew people on these boards would give great advice! Thank you so much. I'll have good look at the sites you mentioned minnesotamamafish. Interesting you're writing about my area. Live just north of Edinburgh and are in the city regularly. It's looking beautiful just now with all the Christmas festivities going on. We also like Linlithgow, especially walking round the loch by the Palace with our dog!

 

We're going to be at Universal on Wednesday 2 March. Will that be during Spring break alex and jackess? The cruise line gives us our admission tickets so would we just pay extra when we get there for fast pass? We thought it would be too difficult to DIY here so that's why we signed up for a tour.

 

We'd love to get there as soon as it opens wanttocruisemore but we're tied to the time set by the ship and that is leaving at 9:30 :(.

 

Thanks everybody

Edited December 21, 2015 by tartanexile81

[alex-goportcanaveral]

Based off of http://www.studentcity.com/when-is-my-spring-break

 

It looks like you should be in the clear! :D Few colleges have spring break at the end of Feb, a lot start March 5th. Wednesday shouldnt be crowded in my opinion. As a Floridian, I always take the kids during tuesday and wednesday because we can do everything in each park easily within a day.

[lawgeek]

Although I have never been to US Orlando, I have been to the same park in Hollywood several times. The front of the line/express pass is a must do if you are on a tight time schedule. It allow you to ride most rides with little or no line. Also, you get a special seating area for all shows, so you don't need to go early to get best seat.

 

It looks like you can order online in advance. The price is an add-on to regular admission. For The Universal Studios only park it runs $39.95. All info is available on their website. Note that they only sell limited amounts of tickets, so best to buy in advance.

[jakess]

You should be fine.Remember doing the tour with the ship get back to bus on time.God forbid something happens on any of the highways (accidents) the ship will wait for the tour bus. If you did it on your own and you were late bye bye again have fun