A few questions -- visiting Universal in November About This Page:

[dzlovesdisney]

Hi all!

We are regular WDW-goers, and for our upcoming trip in November, we will be visiting Universal for the first time. Our boys will be ages 13, 11 and 6. The older two are HUGE Harry Potter fans.

We will be staying with relatives in the area for one night, and then heading to Dinsey after that, so we're not going to stay at a Universal hotel.

We are planning to visit Universal for two days: Sunday 11/13 and Monday 11/14. Planning to do one park per day.

So my questions are... how do you think the crowd levels will be during this time in November? Which day do you think we should do which park? We are obviously looking for lowest crowds at Harry Potter, so maybe Monday IOA, and Sunday for USF? What time should we arrive each day?

What attractions are not-to-be-missed for our boys' age range (besides HP, which is a given )?

Should we consider booking dining somewhere in the parks, or just do counter service?

Thanks in advance for your advice!!

[mamajab]

We're thrill seekers, so our choices in IOA: Incredible Hulk, Spiderman (my fave, but it's scheduled for refurbishment, so may be closed during your visit), Jurassic Park River Adventure, Jurassic Park Discovery Center (which looks amazingly like the center in the movie!), and Poseidon's Fury. In US: Revenge of the Mummy, Men In Black, Shrek 4D, Simpsons Ride, Jaws, & Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (honestly, haven't ridden this one yet, but it sounds perfect for my family!). We also loved Fear Factor Live and the Horror Make-Up Show. As far as meals, with 3 boys, if they're anything like MY garbage disposal... er, DS... the Meal Deal is a GREAT money-saver! The choices aren't many but it's endless for lunch and dinner.

[KMB733]

Originally Posted by dzlovesdisney

So my questions are... how do you think the crowd levels will be during this time in November? Which day do you think we should do which park? We are obviously looking for lowest crowds at Harry Potter, so maybe Monday IOA, and Sunday for USF? What time should we arrive each day?

I've never been to Universal in mid November, but I think going to Universal on Sunday and IOA on Monday sounds like the ideal plan.

Originally Posted by dzlovesdisney

What attractions are not-to-be-missed for our boys' age range (besides HP, which is a given )?

If they like Roller Coaster, then don't miss the Hulk at IOA and the Mummy at Universal. Also at IOA, Jurassic Park and Spiderman are some of my favorites. At Universal, Men in Black in my absolute favorite and could ride that over and over again.

Originally Posted by dzlovesdisney

Should we consider booking dining somewhere in the parks, or just do counter service?

If you are Harry Potter fans, you might want to consider The Three Broomsticks. Personally I haven't eaten there, so I can't say how the food is. There are several sit downs in City Walk that are good. I like Hard Rock and Margaritaville (this is a most on all my visits to Universal) Also Finnegan's in Universal is a good sit down. There are decent counter service places in both parks if your time is limited.

[jimmymac]

Do IOA on Monday as opposed to Sunday

Must sees
IOA
Dr. Doom Fearfall
Hulk Coaster
Spiderman
Jurrassic Park River Adventures
Dudley Do-Right Whipsaw Falls (you will get soaked)
Harry Potter

US
Terminator 3D
Men in Black
Simpsons
Mummy
Shrek 4D
Rip Ride Rocket

[HiddenMickey]

I went in early November to IOA/US once. The crowds were pretty low at that time of year. Of course, this was before HP, but I tend to think you'll do better with crowds even now. Have fun! Make sure you get to the parks before opening time and hit the big things first!

[Shell_of_the_South]

I think crowds will be low during that time. I'd arrive early - plan to be at the gates at least 20 minutes before park opening. They often open the gates early. It make take you about 20 minutes to park and walk to the parks.

We never do table service restaurants at Universal (I don't know why because we do them all the time at Disney). If you want to try table service I would make reservations. Once we tried eating at Margaritaville but it was soooo busy. We've eaten at several restaurants at CityWalk, but nothing to write home about. Our favorite counter service is the Midway Grill at US. It's next to Jaws and has outside seating where you can watch the boats from Jaws go by. They have Nathan's hot dogs and yummy fries.

I think your boys would love:

US: Terminator 2:3D, Shrek 4D, the Horror Make Up Show (this is hilarious), The Simpsons, Men in Black (my favorite ride at Universal), Jaws, Disaster, the Mummy's Revenge, Rip Ride Rockit Coaster

IOA: Hulk coaster (favorite coaster), Dr. Doom's Free Fall, Spiderman (awesome), Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Jurassic Park, Forbidden Journey, and Dragon's Challenge.

I don't know if your younger one will enjoy the thrill rides or will meet the height restrictions, but there is plenty that he would enjoy. Attractions for the younger ones:

At US: ET (our favorite dark ride), Woody Woodpecker Coaster (it's actually fun), Animal Actors show (we really enjoyed this), Curious George play area, and Fievel's playground.

At IOA: The Cat in the Hat (I love this and never miss it), One Fish, Two Fish, Pteranadon Flyers (I've always wanted to do this, but adults can only ride if they have a child that is under the height requirement), Jurassic Park Discovery Center (great place to cool off and relax)

[mff10or]

Ditto to US on Sunday and IOA on Monday.

As previously said, the Meal Deal wristband is a good deal if you are going to be there all day. There are 3 or 4 counter service restaurants at each park that participate, and the food choices are varied. If you really WANT to eat burgers and chicken tenders at every meal, you could, but there are other choices, including Italian, Asian, Fish & Chips, hot and cold sandwiches, and entree salads. Unfortunately, beverages aren't included, but if you do the meal deal you can purchase a refillable drink bottle good for unlimited refills on the day of purchase. Or you could buy a less expensive refillable drink bottle and pay a reduced refill price for as long as you own the bottle.