What to expect at Universal Orlando?Questions
From Jessica B
Hey, I'm going to Orlando with my band from May 28-June 3.I'm going to Universal Studios the 30th and IOA on the 1st. I was just wondering what's to expect and how all this stuff works. Can you walk between the two parks or do you have to buy tickets for each one? Should I stick to going to the plain Universal Studios all day and go to IOA the second day or walk over to IOA for part of the first day too? I'm really excited to go to IOA because I love roller coasters. I just need some sort of idea about what I should do and what I should expect.Posted May 22, 2006 at 8:21 PM Thanks
Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond. From Adriel Tjokrosaputro
IOA is the better for sure. If you like roller coaster and always want to ride it again and again, spend a whole day in IOA! There are so many thrilling rides there! But you also have to visit the USF! You've to ride The Mummy. Since you like roller coaster you may be bored so soon in this park. So just spend half a day here and spend the other half in IOA! Last visit I don't have to pay anymore to visit 2 park in one day!Posted May 23, 2006 at 12:25 AM
From Ryan Watts
Just watch out for the lockers in universal. There a scam and there a pain in the arse to use. 8 dollars for all day and having to queue to get your stuff out?Posted May 23, 2006 at 1:52 AM What happend to a good old key and 2 quarters like sea world and busch gardens.
From Jessica B
Thanks. Is it true that Dueling Dragons is shut down? That was the ride I was looking forward to most! Posted May 23, 2006 at 2:26 PM
From Chris Walton
If you had a 1-day/2-park pass, you could easily see everything worth seeing in one day without purchasing express pass, but I think things will work out better for you and you'll not be as rushed since you're going to each park on separate days, this will allow you more time to take in EVERYTHING (that is open and operational) at each park. TIP: On the day you go to USF head for Revenge of the Mummy first then to MIB or Shrek 4-D (typically the busiest attractions), On the day you go to IOA head straight for Hulk and then Spider-man and circle the park clockwise.Posted May 23, 2006 at 2:34 PM
From Ryan Watts
"Thanks. Is it true that Dueling Dragons is shut down? That was the ride I was looking forward to most!"Posted May 23, 2006 at 3:04 PM I went on about the 8th of May and duelling dragons was closed which was a shame because i was looking forward to that.
From Erik Yates
Dueling Dragons is closed for refurbishment, until June 8th. It will be open during busy times, such as Memorial Day weekend...but you're going after that. My advice is to get there early. Enjoy both parks you will find surprises that you thought you wouldnt like around every corner.Posted May 23, 2006 at 3:12 PM
From Jessica B
Thanks for the advice.Posted May 23, 2006 at 8:07 PM Hopefully I will get lucky and Dueling Dragons will be open for some odd reason. I'm crossing my fingers! I also can't wait for Spiderman or the Hulk coaster. I've read great reviews about both.
From Gareth H
Any idea whats going on at Duelling Dragons?Posted May 24, 2006 at 7:46 AM The ride isn't really rough, so I can't see any major revamp on the track. Hopefully its just painting the track, as its faded over the years, and maybe tidy the land below, which looks a bit messy.
From Ryan Watts
I think they were painting it when i was there.Posted May 24, 2006 at 12:55 PM
From Robert Niles
Most attractions at year-'round parks go down for a few weeks for a rehab every few years or so. Not only do you have to paint, but mechanical parts need to be repaired and replaced and technology systems might need to be upgraded. Posted May 24, 2006 at 2:25 PM For example, I think Pirates of the Caribbean might be on its third or fourth ride computer system now from when it opened -- systems that were installed during various rehabs, but that didn't affect anything that the average guest would ever see. Roller coaster trains are warrantied for a limited number of runs (one reason why some parks don't put on an extra train when the line passes an hour). So when they approach the end of that life span, new trains need to be ordered and installed. Which you do during a rehab. I don't know what Universal's doing on this rehab, but I do know that the Orlando parks tend to put rehabs during the "shoulder seasons" between Spring Break and summer and then again between Summer and Thanksgiving (or between Halloween and Thanksgiving, if the ride is used during a Halloween season event).
From Erik Yates
I do know that they are repainting the track, and tiding up the area underneath the tracks, as well as removing grafiti and touching up to the queue area. There is supposedly a few surprises in store for the old queue as well, some speculate the return of the preshow as well as adding a better Express line. Posted May 24, 2006 at 3:30 PM
From Jessica B
So how's the Hulk? Is it super scary? I hope so. Is it better to ride in the front or back?Posted May 24, 2006 at 5:23 PM
From Erik Yates
The Hulk, as well as many things at IOA are not really scary rides. Its the themeing that makes them that way. When Dr. Banner starts screaming at the beginning and you go launching out, you really feel the Hulk throwing you out of the tube. It is a great coaster. My personal choice for the best choice is the back row. You feel more force, you get more air, and you hit the turns a lot harder than in the front, though front is a good experience as well. Ride it a few times, have fun with it.Posted May 24, 2006 at 5:58 PM
From Jessica B
Will do. :DPosted May 24, 2006 at 6:31 PM
From Jake Countiss
Leave a trip report.Posted May 24, 2006 at 6:46 PM
From Chris Walton
Front row is the ONLY way to truely experience the launch. Try back row too though.Posted May 24, 2006 at 7:21 PM
From Jessica B
Alright. I'll be back June 4.Posted May 24, 2006 at 7:22 PM
From Erik Yates
By the way....I have a report that says Dueling Dragons was opened for business at 1p.m. yesterday afternoon, and it was as cool as ever. Hope you have fun.Posted May 26, 2006 at 2:45 AM
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