newbie to universal

[crittermom]

I am the trip planner for our family but I feel lost planning our first trip to Universal. We will be staying at Hard Rock for three nights and I got the tickets for 2days/2 parks + 3 days free for $99. Of course that was before I read about the deal at costco where I could have bought a 3 month pass for 85 dollars instead. ( :( ) Oh well. Anyway, we plan to do Universal for 2 days and then on the third day (moving day to Swan :) ), we will either do the pools etc or a third Universal day.

My hubby and daughter (12) think we will love Universal. My son (15) and I aren't so sure.

So, where do I begin?:confused: I have been reading this site for trip reports etc and learning scattered bits of information but I want to get a PLAN. I know this is a big question. I am reminding myself of friends who have come up to me saying "we are going to Disney in a couple of weeks for the first time and heard you were an expert. Can you help us plan?" :eek: While that is fun, it is also a big request. So, is there a good book you recommend?

Thanks!
By the way, besides my intro, this is my first post in years. I love the easy smilies

[Timon]

Hiya crittermom,

It's great to "see" you again. I am by far not an expert on Uni, but have been there 3 or 4 times and we love it. It's not Disney, so don't expect there to be magic. In fact Uni takes every opportunity to get its digs in on the Mouse. If you wear Disney apparel don't be surprised if a CM (I'm pretty sure Uni also refers to it's employees as CM'S) pokes fun at you. The Shrek attraction definitely pokes fun at Disney.

Since you're staying on site I'm sure you already know that you'll have front of line access to all of the attractions which is a wonderful benefit.

I didn't realize what time it was when I started to reply to you and I need to get to bed. But I do want to know what you want to know? Do you like thrill rides? Uni/IOA has got a ton of them. There are great restaurants at Citywalk as well as at the hotels.

eta to correct spelling errors

[DarcieF]

If you were Disney apparel don't be surprised if a CM (I'm pretty sure Uni also refers to it's employees as CM'S) pokes fun at you. .

A couple of years ago, I was actually taken aside and "frisked" at the front gates because I was wearing a Mickey hat and t-shirt! :D Aside from the enduring the unwanted attention, it was pretty funny.

I think that the Uni/IOA experience offers it's own kind of magic. Their themeing and queues are first rate. (Dare I say, Disney might need to take note? Of course, I haven't seen EE yet...) I like most of their attractions VERY much. The Mummy is great (very well done and I don't miss King Kong at all) and the Terminator show, Shrek, and MIB are my favorites at Uni, while Spiderman (still a WOW after all this time) and the coasters are my choices at IOA.

I think the main diffference is that you won't get a warm and fuzzy feeling from Universal. (At least I don't.) It's geared toward an older crowd for the most part. I like it, but I love Disney. Given a choice, I will always pick Disney, for the intangibles.

[MargaretJ]

I am by no means a Universal expert but we are starting to go a few days each summer before our Disney trip. Last year we stayed at Hard Rock & loved it. My then 16yr old son thought it was the coolest resort. Easy & quick access to the parks & City Walk. You can walk or take the boat. City Walk is very different than Downtown Disney as well as the parks have a different feel for me. I really like Studios, Islands of Adventure not so much because I am not a thrill rider. With that said IOA is a beautiful park. This year we are staying at Portofino Bay & I cannot wait. The best thing about the onsite resorts is that Front of the Line access. It cannot be beat, it allows time to enjoy the resorts, the parks & City Walk. Check out the threads below of different pictures of Universal & ddolls one of Hard Rock Resort.


http://tagrel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9439

http://tagrel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8848

[ddoll]

Ha! I was just checking out that report I wrote and noticed the filter substituted the word "chickentails" for the other word I used to describe an alcoholic beverage! :D:lol:

[ddoll]

Oh, and BTW crittermom, you can go to universalexcitement.com to get all kinds of inside information on the Uni parks. Loads of pictures.... of literally everything in the parks, and there's a forum to go to ask particular questions too.

[BetsyBoo]

OH I think staying in a Universal Resort is a wonderful bonus for the head of the line passes and convience. I made my first visit to Universal the first of April. While it was not Disney, we did enjoy it. I was glad to get over to Disney for a few days though, I just feel a little more at home there.

BetsyBoo

[Annette]

Just a note on the Hard Rock Hotel....

Dont expect the Disney Magical, friendly experience here.. It has it's own feel. You will see "rocker" looking staff behind the check in desk and working around the hotel. Also, they can be a little rude as we watched the bell hop yelling at guest to get out of his way to get luggage into the hotel. It didnt ruin our vacation, but you just need to be prepared for the difference in hospitality.