Going to Universal and IOA

[LimeGreenCheri]

I found a great deal on a 15 month powerpass to Universal and IOA, so we'll be heading there for a couple of days for Spring Break. I'm looking forward to a little change of pace, but I'm also a bit nervous. We haven't been since 2002.

Return of the Mummy - I need a play by play to see if it is too intense for Ethan. (Actually me, but shhh don't tell anyone. ;) )


Actually I need any tips you can offer on any of the attractions. I'm especially looking forward to MIB, Shrek, and Jimmy Neutron.

[ddoll]

The Mummy is one of the best rides around. It's great. The ride itself isn't so scary: there are no high climbs or steep plunges, but the special effects can be a little intense. Things pop out at you, your car will go backwards, and there's fire and loud noises to startle you.

You gotta try it at least once.

MIB is similar to Buzz, just with different theming.
Shrek is awesome!! It's a 3d movie mived with motion simulator seats. Very funny, very different. The pre-show and queue are both full of wonderful surprises. You'll love it.

Jimmy Neutron is a motion simulator car, very much like Back to the Future, only not as jarring and the feature is light and cute, being based on all the Nick cartoons.

Also, try going to universal-excitement.com for more indepth reviews of everything universal

[Photographer]

They don't allow any backpacks or shopping bags on MIB. I can't remember if they allow small handbags. We had to rent a locker for my backpack. I think the first hour or 2 are free and they're right next to the ride. The line inside the building can be confusing if you're using their version of a Fastpass. We made it by the guy collecting them and into that line while still holding onto our tickets.

The car spins so be prepared and keep shooting! I beat my video game- playing 16 yr old cousin and his best friend. Muah ha ha.

[MargaretJ]

Take into account this is from a thrill ride weenie - I hated The Mummy but the guys loved it. I had my eyes closed most of the time so can't give you too much detail except it does go backwards at one point. And seems like there are bugs crawling all over the place in one room. Made me feel yucky for a few hours afterwards.

Universal Studios
Love ET, Jaws, Earthquake, Twister. Not sure if the last 3 will be too much for your kids. The Monster Makeup Show is great, funny not scary. Shrek is good, loved Beetle Juice Show but it is loud. The guys loved Terminator 3D & Men in Black. They like Back to the Future too but very jerky. There is a entire kids section that is water filled so take dry clothes or bathing suits.

IOA
Not much I ride here but love the look of the Park. Your kids should like all in Suess Landing. I like Juraisic Park & the Sinbad Show was good. If you don't mind getting soaked you will like Bilge Rat Barges & RipSaw Falls. Spiderman really is an awesome ride but it makes me feel sick. May have to take a dramamine & try that one again. This is really a cool looking park. Enoy.

[Frogman]

I liked the "ride" with poseidon as well. Not really a ride as you walk through but I would do it again. The actor was the best cast member I saw during MF )including Disney). :)

[LimeGreenCheri]

Thanks everybody. Naomi has worn out the Universal website and this morning she announced she would not be riding Mummy, so that should save me from having to. :rolleyes:


We're going to have a fantastic time, I just know it! :bounce:

[BaciBecky]

Cheri, sounds like y'all are going to have such a geat time!! :yahoo:

I've got to get back to Universal - haven't been to the one in Fl since the year it opend!!

[gopherit]

Can I ask what was the "great deal" you got on the power pass? I've got four tix lined up for my fam but was wating to decide what ticket type to get for self - sort of debating on a premium annual (whatever they call it - the one that gets you the meal discounts and has no black-out dates.) I got the other 4 tix with the great buy-one-get-one deal they have, and I have a CLub Room reserved at RPR for us at a AAA rate. Kinda hoping against the oddsthat an APH rate will come out and I can justify the cost of one, just so I can have my ticket decision made!

[MargaretJ]

Can I ask what was the "great deal" you got on the power pass? I've got four tix lined up for my fam but was wating to decide what ticket type to get for self - sort of debating on a premium annual (whatever they call it - the one that gets you the meal discounts and has no black-out dates.) I got the other 4 tix with the great buy-one-get-one deal they have, and I have a CLub Room reserved at RPR for us at a AAA rate. Kinda hoping against the oddsthat an APH rate will come out and I can justify the cost of one, just so I can have my ticket decision made!

Since Cheri is back in Orlando again (just called me) I can answer this one for her. Cheri got AAA tickets. They were 15 month Annual Passes with date restrictions. I got them last year too & so now I get 2 trips out of a $115.00 ticket since we went last May & now going again this May. My AAA has this deal still & also a 2-Park Preferred Annual Pass.
From April 21 through July 31, 2006 only - Buy 1 Year, Get the 2nd Year Free! This one is $174.95. Not bad for 2 years of Universal. PM me if you want more information.

ETA: You don't get Room Discounts with the Power Pass but you can check on the Loews site for AP rates by just putting in the code of APH. Their site works for most rate codes, ie AAA, MIL etc.

[gopherit]

Since Cheri is back in Orlando again (just called me) I can answer this one for her. Cheri got AAA tickets. They were 15 month Annual Passes with date restrictions. I got them last year too & so now I get 2 trips out of a $115.00 ticket since we went last May & now going again this May. My AAA has this deal still & also a 2-Park Preferred Annual Pass.
From April 21 through July 31, 2006 only - Buy 1 Year, Get the 2nd Year Free! This one is $174.95. Not bad for 2 years of Universal. PM me if you want more information.

ETA: You don't get Room Discounts with the Power Pass but you can check on the Loews site for AP rates by just putting in the code of APH. Their site works for most rate codes, ie AAA, MIL etc.

Hey thanks for the speedy response. SO let me get this straight - I can get either a restricted annual pass, good for 2 parks for 15 mos, for $115, or I can get a Premium annual apss, which would have the food and room discounts and no restrictions, for 2 years for $174.95. Whoa Nellie - that last one sounds like a deal. So that is offered through AAA? I have been meaning to get my membership there - we actually have AAA rates for our room at RPRH and I was sort of waiting to figure out if I needed a AAA membership or an AP. SOunds like I may need both, LOL!

[MargaretJ]

So sorry I missed this message. Yes the buy one get one free pass is offrered through AAA right now. My 15 month pass is up in August so I don't need it this year but sure hope they offer something like this next year. Those room savings are nice.