First time to Universal...I could use some help

T

twinsplusonemore

Earning My Ears

Joined

Feb 21, 2010

• Mar 2, 2015

• #1

We are going in May and have 2 days planned for Universal. I'm feeling overwhelmed trying to learn about how to make the most of our time and what to do when.

Can anyone give some tips?

We will be there on Mother's Day....a crowd calendar I looked at showed very low crowds that day. Will we need the Express Pass still?

I would really appreciate any help you can provide.
Thank you.
Tami

ETA: I guess that info would be helpful. LOL There's 5 in our group...my self, my husband, and our 3 kids. The kids are 11,11, and 9. They love roller coasters so we are definitely there for thrill rides. We are HP fans too.

 

Last edited: Mar 3, 2015

Kivara

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 14, 2015

• Mar 2, 2015

• #2

Hi Tami!
I'm guessing you're not staying onsite, since you asked about getting express passes.
What is your group like? Ages?
What is important to your group? Harry Potter? Thrill rides? Shows?
A lot will depend on what you hope to get out of your trip

 

M

macraven

Proud Redhead

Moderator

Joined

Apr 21, 2003

• Mar 2, 2015

• #3

i think it is a great way to celebrate mother's day......


give some more info about your plans so we can help you with details instead of a general over view.

 

T

twinsplusonemore

Earning My Ears

Joined

Feb 21, 2010

• Mar 3, 2015

• #4

SOrry About that. I just edited my originial post to include that info.

I appreciate that help.

 

T

twinsplusonemore

Earning My Ears

Joined

Feb 21, 2010

• Mar 4, 2015

• #5

I would really love some help.

 

Poohbug

Sherlocked

Joined

Oct 26, 2006

• Mar 4, 2015

• #6

If the crowd calendar is low, I would not buy express passes. But I am cheap. Just depends on how much you hate to wait in line.

You really don't have to plan out meals. You will be able to go to most restaurants without any reservations with the exception of character meals. I would book those in advance.

HP lands are a must since you are fans. Some other rides you will want to check out are: Hulk(rollercoaster), Bilge rat barges(water ride, you will get soaked but it is the best raft ride ever), Rip Ride Rocket (coaster), Cat in the Hat, Men in Black, Simpsons ride, Minion ride, Mummy (coaster), Spiderman, Transformers, Jurassic Park river ride (water ride, may get splashed).

Just remember that all coaster type rides will require you to store ALL bags/purses in a locker which will be provided. Make sure you have a park to park ticket if you want to ride the train between HP lands.

Have fun.

 

schumigirl

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

Joined

May 15, 2007

• Mar 5, 2015

• #7

Staying onsite for one night would be ideal as you would get two full days of Unlimited Express Pass, which if your family love most of the rides it would be ideal. Few exemptions mainly being Forbidden Journey and Gringotts. Not valid for Ollivanders either.

If you can't stay onsite get to the gates early.

Universal takes little or no planning, especially with EP. No need to book restaurants either.

Have a look at www.universalorlando.com This will give you the park layouts and you can get an idea of where everything is. There's a lot of information on there.

 

T

twinsplusonemore

Earning My Ears

Joined

Feb 21, 2010

• Mar 5, 2015

• #8

We are staying off-site. Our Uncle gave us his time share to use. So free housing. We couldn't pass that up.

If we were to stay on-site one night, and get the 2 days of passes.......do those have to be used back to back? We are planning to go on a Thursday and Sunday.

 

schumigirl

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

Joined

May 15, 2007

• Mar 5, 2015

• #9

You can only use hotel EP on check in and check out day for a one night stay as its only valid for your stay there.

 

T

twinsplusonemore

Earning My Ears

Joined

Feb 21, 2010

• Mar 5, 2015

• #10

That's what I figured.