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Tips for Universal (Both Parks) in June

Universal Orlando: Need some help planning a one day trip to Universal the 1st Tuesday of June.

From Donald Murray
Posted February 22, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Ok guys, I need everyone's expertise to help me plan a day at both Universal parks! Definitely we'll get there before the park opens (8-8:30) and have all day (US closes at 6 but IOA is open until 8). I've been a couple times a few years ago, but my friend has never been. We know how to be efficient in theme parks and how to not waste time so we can prob do things and move around pretty quickly.
How's the best way to accomplish the following:

Harry Potter (just the ride not Ollivanders, etc)
Spiderman
Incredible Hulk
Dragon Challenge
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Hollywood RR & R
Revenge of the Mummy
Men in Black
Terminator 2 3-D
E.T.

(Also wouldn't mind doing Cat in the Hat, Dr. Doom, Disaster, Jaws, the Make-Up Show, and repeating any of the rides I listed above

Also the only places we want to eat at are Mythos and Three Broomsticks, so what would be the best way to fit eating at only those locations into our schedule?

And I just MUST get a butterbeer (or two... or three...hehe)


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From James Rao
Posted February 23, 2011 at 6:31 AM
The parks should not be that busy the first week of June (except for the HP attractions). So, hit HP stuff first, followed by the rest of your listed IOA adventures in counter-clockwise fashion. Go to Mythos for an early lunch (cheaper, but just as tasty of a menu), then head to USO, using single rider lines as much as possible. Hit Terminator 2 3D late afternoon (for some reason the line for this show drops appreciably after 3 - 4 PM) & ET dead last (kids go back to their resorts to swim and nap which decreases the lines for ET). Finally head back to IOA after USO closes, finish up anything you missed (don't worry about Dr. Doom, it is just like your local space shot ride - 3 seconds of fun, nothing more), and eat at Three Broomsticks for dinner (after 7 PM).

If need be you can buy an Express Pass (think Flash Pass at Six Flags), or you could stay one night at a Universal hotel which would give you an unlimited "fastpass" for many of the attractions at both parks (the new HP ride and RRR notwithstanding).

From Donald Murray
Posted February 23, 2011 at 8:24 AM
Thanks James!

I have just couple more questions:
I (or i should say my stomach) would prefer that we not ride any of the IOA rides right after we eat, so how much time would it take to do the major IOA rides that morning? Would it be feasible to make a 12:00 or earlier reservation at mythos?
And what about the line for HRRR? Ive heard the line can get crazy sometimes. How long is it even worth waiting for? And do the lines for mummy and MIB get long in the afternoon? I feel like a lot of people are skipping USF in the morning but heading over later in the day after they've hit potter. Any other tips of how to avoid crowds?

From James Rao
Posted February 23, 2011 at 11:52 AM
I don't think it will be all that busy in early June period, so you should be fine. But, here are my answers:

How much time would it take to do the major IOA rides that morning? Would it be feasible to make a 12:00 or earlier reservation at Mythos?
Depends on how much time you spend in the WWoHP. If you just get in, ride the three rides (four if you count Dragon's Challenge as two coasters), and move out (to Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, Hulk, and maybe Cat in the Hat), then noon is doable. With your timeframes, I would not take much time to "stop and smell the Hogwarts".

And what about the line for HRRR?
It can be a very long wait. If the single rider line is in operation, use it. If not, I would not wait more than 20 minutes.

And do the lines for mummy and MIB get long in the afternoon?
Both can have single rider lines. Use them whenever possible.

Any other tips of how to avoid crowds?
Arrive early and move in an alacritous fashion! Don't wait more than 20 minutes for anything. Make a list of "must-do's" so you know what can and cannot be skipped if time slips away from you. Eating at two restaurants is probably going to be the touring plan killer, but you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

Please note: I do not recommend short-changing these quality theme parks in a commando fashion as described. Were it me, I would just pick one park and tour the whole day. But if you have to do both, the plan outlined above is probably your best bet, short of spending a night at a Universal Resort and taking advantage of early entry and Universal's Express Pass (your best option).

From Donald Murray
Posted February 23, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Thanks again James! Looks like I asked this at the right place! If anyone else had tips or ideas don't hesitate to respond :-).
We'll try not to rush too much through the parks, as I too like to stop and pay attention to detail. Though I think we'll kinda rush through WWHP in the morning, but return there after USF closes or whenever we finish touring it.
Ok well make reservations at mythos around 11:30-12, because the only real "must dos" are HPFJ, Dragon Challenge, Spiderman, hulk, and jurassic park (JP isn't even that much of a must do).
I agree that the parks deserve a full day each (or more) but unfortunately we only have one day to spend there.

From James Rao
Posted February 23, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Understood. And best of luck. Remember to post a trip report when you get back and offer any insights you glean from your whirlwind tour!

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