First Timer to Universal! About This Page:

[ljgirl]

Hello,
My family is going to be at Universal Studios next week for Spring Break. My kids are DS (8) and DD(11). My DH is very laid back and goes with the flow. I on the other hand am not like that!! I usually research my destination for months before leaving but we had to put this trip together quickly because my daughter broke her ankle which forced us to give up our ski plans! Anyway, I have been to WDW over 30 times so I know that area like the back of my hand but I know NOTHING about US/IOA! Here are a few questions...

We were not able to get a reservation at one of the on site resorts so we are staying at a Marriott not far away. Would it be worth the money to buy the Express Plus?

Since my daughter is on crutches, we are going to rent her a wheelchair for the parks. Otherwise her arms would be the next thing to go!! Are the parks pretty wheel chair friendly? Do you wait in the normal lines for rides when in a chair?

Are the two parks connected?

Can we get through all of the parks in 3 days? We are not Harry Potter fans (I know- I think we are the only ones!!!) so we won't have to spend time waiting in lines for much in that area.

I think that is it but any other hints and tidbits anyone can give would be appreciated! I feel like a fish out of water!!!


THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jimmymac]

As far as Universal Express, it depends on how crowded the parks are. If the parks are very crowded, then it is worth it. For what you'd pay for 4 people for 3 days, it might make more sense to stay at a Universal hotel and get Front of the Line privileges.

Rent a scooter instead of a wheelchair. The rides are handicapped friendly

The parks are connected but it's a good walk between

IOA is more thrill rides than US, but both are great parks. 3 days will be fime to see both

[Griffin]

Welcome to the boards! I would say 3 days is plenty to see the 2 parks. You will most likely get alot done in 2 days, while the 3rd gives you time to go back and do your favs. You can walk to and from each park, there is the Citywalk in between them. Think of it like you are walking through a stretch of DTD or so to get to the other park. Good luck!

[chezp]

I just wanted to welcome you to the boards!

[Colexis Mom]

Welcome to the boards!

[karadisney]

Welcome to the boards!! I love Universal Studios! I would think they would have wheelchair access to all rides. I don't think Universal and Disney are similar. Universal has it's own flair. I love how all the rides are really themed after the movies. Mel's Drive In has great food and cool atmosphere. Twister is an amazing ride as is the mummy ride!!! Hope you have a good time!

[GoofyMom]

Universal is extremely wheelchair friendly. I spent my US/IOA vacation in December in a rented wheelchair and it was a great experience (considering I was unable to walk).

If you are arriving by car and parking in the parkade, tell the person directing you to a parking space that you are going to need to rent a wheelchair because your DD is on crutches. They will direct you to a parking space closer to the entrance. There are courtesy chairs available near the elevators that you can use to take her to the wheelchair rental counter. It cost $12 to rent the chair for the day. You can't take the chair on the moving sidewalk from the rental place to the parks, but there's a walkway so it's no real biggie.

There is no separate entrance for wheelchairs, all the lines are wheelchair friendly. You will be directed to the wheelchair friendly area for boarding the rides and for exit. I am assuming that your DD will be able to walk or hop a short distance to board the rides. Remember to use the brakes when you have to park on a ramp while waiting in line, it makes it easier on the pusher! (Then remember to take off the brake when you start to move - trust me, I forgot more than once. ) There are elevators for exit from Harry Potter, and for entrance/exit to Men In Black (probably others but those are the ones I remember), but you will be directed where they are after you are in line or get off the ride.

You may be able to ask the hotel if they have courtesy wheelchairs available for guests to use for the duration of your stay. Some do, some don't. But if it saves $12 a day, it doesn't hurt to ask!

[msnewfie]

we have never been to universal either but plan to go this summer
I am thinking about the 4 day pass without their version of the hopper etc...
for the difference in a 3 day pass and a 4 day pass we can have 2 days at
each park, even if it means we leave the park when we are done on the second day in each park.
I also think we would enjoy some of the restaurants in the citywalk area .

Let me know how your trip goes and any suggestions you learn.

I am lost planning strategy at a new theme park, I feel I have disney figured out so now I am starting over...