Here We Are! - The DIS Discussion Forums

SlimSkinny · 01-20-2013, 09:08 AM

Because we couldn't find a "Welcome to Our Board" thread...or as we call it..."We're here now...deal with it" thread, we suppose the way to do it is start our own thread.

We are an older(?) married couple living on the coast of Georgia (close to Savannah). We are always looking for something new and fun to do... especially for DW (she has led a kind of sheltered life). We have decided our next adventure is going to be Universal Studios/Island of Adventure. Should be noted we spent our honeymoon at WDW and a Disney Cruise.

I have done Universal Studios in both FL and CA (many times), but never IoA. DW has never been. Because we are both huge Harry Potter fans (we have all the books and movies), IoA seems like the perfect adventure.

A disclaimer here...we are talking about a trip in a couple years. This is a huge expense for us and we need time to save money!

We guess the first question should be...Is it worth it? We have read both the good, the bad and the ugly. We're sure this is a loaded question on this forum as you all seem to be dedicated fans of US/IoA. But it's one that we think needs to be ask.

We look forward to becoming members of this community and hope you will bear with us if we ask what seem to be inane or rhetorical questions.

damo · 01-20-2013, 09:15 AM

Oh it is worth it. Sounds like by the time you go, the new Diagon Alley expansion will be up in Universal Studios with the Hogwarts Express shuttling people between the two Harry Potter areas. It should be fantastic!!!

Metro West · 01-20-2013, 12:03 PM

Welcome!

macraven · 01-20-2013, 12:59 PM

glad you are here.

each year prices can go up so start saving the $$ now for your trip.

stay onsite if you can and be immersed in the total UO experience.

schumigirl · 01-20-2013, 01:33 PM

Hi and Welcome

Yes it will definately be worth it

Universal Orlando Resort is already an amazing place to visit but the next few years are going to be really exciting with the new additions they are working on.

Don`t worry about asking lots of questions.....everyone here is so helpful and there are lots of very knowledgable ones too that can answer any queries you might have in planning your trip.

Would definately agree with macraven.....stay onsite if you can. The resort hotels are amazing. Very relaxing to be able to bimble back and forth to the resort for pool time if you like.

Have fun planning

flfun · 01-20-2013, 05:51 PM

I would suggest not going during any peak periods for the best experience, especially with the HP expansion opening. Early to mid-december maybe...

SlimSkinny · 01-21-2013, 06:14 AM

I have already decided we are going to stay on-site. I can't imagine not staying close to the action! And because I think we're going to take the train to Orlando (DJ has never been on Amtrak), we won't have a car and staying on-site makes it easier to get in the parks.

flfun...you answered one of the first questions I had. Best time of year to go...when the crowds are minimal. Neither of us like large crowds. I understand there are always lots of people at US/IoA...but the fewer the better. So it's early to mid-December?

And thanks for the nice Welcomes y'all...

Metro West · 01-21-2013, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlimSkinny

flfun...you answered one of the first questions I had. Best time of year to go...when the crowds are minimal. Neither of us like large crowds. I understand there are always lots of people at US/IoA...but the fewer the better. So it's early to mid-December?

Early to mid December is just about perfect...low crowds, Christmas decorations and usually nice weather.

flfun · 01-21-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlimSkinny

I have already decided we are going to stay on-site. I can't imagine not staying close to the action! And because I think we're going to take the train to Orlando (DJ has never been on Amtrak), we won't have a car and staying on-site makes it easier to get in the parks.

flfun...you answered one of the first questions I had. Best time of year to go...when the crowds are minimal. Neither of us like large crowds. I understand there are always lots of people at US/IoA...but the fewer the better. So it's early to mid-December?

And thanks for the nice Welcomes y'all...

Glad to help! (bonus - the resort rates will be low then as well

)

BrinkofSunshine · 01-21-2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlimSkinny

I have already decided we are going to stay on-site. I can't imagine not staying close to the action! And because I think we're going to take the train to Orlando (DJ has never been on Amtrak), we won't have a car and staying on-site makes it easier to get in the parks.

flfun...you answered one of the first questions I had. Best time of year to go...when the crowds are minimal. Neither of us like large crowds. I understand there are always lots of people at US/IoA...but the fewer the better. So it's early to mid-December?

And thanks for the nice Welcomes y'all...

The second week of January through February is a pretty good time to go as well (except for MLK weekend and some Mardi Gras nights). September to mid-November is pretty slow as well, except for Halloween Horror Nights. Early November and Early December are my favorite times in the parks

cbsnyber1 · 01-23-2013, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schumigirl

Very relaxing to be able to bimble back and forth to the resort for pool time if you like.

Bimble? Is that Klingon?

muffyn · 01-26-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metro West

Early to mid December is just about perfect...low crowds, Christmas decorations and usually nice weather.

definately christmas decorations!!!
the grinch & all the towns people,,
really awesome!

yaytezIOA · 01-27-2013, 08:45 AM

So many good times to go. Late September, early October you can get Halloween Horror Nights. Early December you get Christmas, Early Feb. to early March you have Mardi Gras....all of these times with fairly low crowds.
The parks have changed so much over the past 3 years alone.
I recommend, since you live in GA, to look into discounts. Usually Universal offers Florida Resident rates....but if you look in the fine print it's good for other places (like Georgia). Also consider trying to purchase an Annual Pass...staying a good while, and getting discounts on everything from food to hotels.
And yeah...ask questions. There are plenty of places to get loads of information, but this is the place that i've seen with the most patient people.

01-20-2013, 09:08 AM	#1
SlimSkinny Earning My Ears Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 3	Here We Are! Because we couldn't find a "Welcome to Our Board" thread...or as we call it..."We're here now...deal with it" thread, we suppose the way to do it is start our own thread. We are an older(?) married couple living on the coast of Georgia (close to Savannah). We are always looking for something new and fun to do... especially for DW (she has led a kind of sheltered life). We have decided our next adventure is going to be Universal Studios/Island of Adventure. Should be noted we spent our honeymoon at WDW and a Disney Cruise. I have done Universal Studios in both FL and CA (many times), but never IoA. DW has never been. Because we are both huge Harry Potter fans (we have all the books and movies), IoA seems like the perfect adventure. A disclaimer here...we are talking about a trip in a couple years. This is a huge expense for us and we need time to save money! We guess the first question should be...Is it worth it? We have read both the good, the bad and the ugly. We're sure this is a loaded question on this forum as you all seem to be dedicated fans of US/IoA. But it's one that we think needs to be ask. We look forward to becoming members of this community and hope you will bear with us if we ask what seem to be inane or rhetorical questions.

01-20-2013, 12:03 PM	#3
Metro West Proud Redhead 11.47 Miles from Universal 23.56 Miles from Disney Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NW Orlando, FL Posts: 42,292	Welcome! __________________ ** Universal Orlando annual passholder since 2004! **

01-20-2013, 12:59 PM	#4
macraven Proud Redhead Has the longest test on record I’m a Universal Homie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: between milwaukee and chicago (in Tom Felton's house) Posts: 52,056	glad you are here. each year prices can go up so start saving the $$ now for your trip. stay onsite if you can and be immersed in the total UO experience. __________________ *life is what happens to you on your way to achieving your dreams...........*

01-20-2013, 01:33 PM	#5
schumigirl I`ve bought one of those for this year....it`s in fuscia pink though......You`ll be able to see me from the air It`s a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts Join Date: May 2007 Location: Originally Scotland, Now in Cleveland, NE England, UK Posts: 1,424	Hi and Welcome Yes it will definately be worth it Universal Orlando Resort is already an amazing place to visit but the next few years are going to be really exciting with the new additions they are working on. Don`t worry about asking lots of questions.....everyone here is so helpful and there are lots of very knowledgable ones too that can answer any queries you might have in planning your trip. Would definately agree with macraven.....stay onsite if you can. The resort hotels are amazing. Very relaxing to be able to bimble back and forth to the resort for pool time if you like. Have fun planning __________________ *Carole xx* SEPT 2007 2 WEEKS BUENA VISTA PALACE SEPT 2008 2 WEEKS POFQ AUG 2009 2 WEEKS RPR OCT 2010 2 WEEKS RPR AUG 2011 2 WEEKS RPR JULY 2012 17 NIGHTS RPR APRIL 2013 WEEK IN NEW YORK SEPT 2013...17 NIGHTS RPR

01-21-2013, 06:14 AM	#7
SlimSkinny Earning My Ears Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 3	I have already decided we are going to stay on-site. I can't imagine not staying close to the action! And because I think we're going to take the train to Orlando (DJ has never been on Amtrak), we won't have a car and staying on-site makes it easier to get in the parks. flfun...you answered one of the first questions I had. Best time of year to go...when the crowds are minimal. Neither of us like large crowds. I understand there are always lots of people at US/IoA...but the fewer the better. So it's early to mid-December? And thanks for the nice Welcomes y'all... __________________ We're Here for the Cool Stuff!

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01-20-2013, 09:15 AM	#2
damo Proud Redhead amok amok amok The curly haired dude said he wouldn't be joining me this vacation! Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Hagrid's hut Posts: 26,158	Oh it is worth it. Sounds like by the time you go, the new Diagon Alley expansion will be up in Universal Studios with the Hogwarts Express shuttling people between the two Harry Potter areas. It should be fantastic!!!

01-20-2013, 05:51 PM	#6
flfun Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 180	I would suggest not going during any peak periods for the best experience, especially with the HP expansion opening. Early to mid-december maybe...

01-27-2013, 08:45 AM	#13
yaytezIOA ioacentralveteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,760	So many good times to go. Late September, early October you can get Halloween Horror Nights. Early December you get Christmas, Early Feb. to early March you have Mardi Gras....all of these times with fairly low crowds. The parks have changed so much over the past 3 years alone. I recommend, since you live in GA, to look into discounts. Usually Universal offers Florida Resident rates....but if you look in the fine print it's good for other places (like Georgia). Also consider trying to purchase an Annual Pass...staying a good while, and getting discounts on everything from food to hotels. And yeah...ask questions. There are plenty of places to get loads of information, but this is the place that i've seen with the most patient people. __________________ Check it out.

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