[DJB51769]

Hey all :D
Just made a reservation for early May in concierge level in Royal
Pacific at Universal.

I know nothing!
Anyone help?

thanks - Dave
:nooo: :bandit

[LESLIE]

Here are some suggestions for your trip.... Universal Studios is fun, but keep in mind... It is not MGM (Which is my personal favorite).
Good Attractions:
Back to the Future
Terminator 2
Earthquake
Jaws
Do NOT bother with TWISTER... it's disappointing. For entertainment, see "The Blues Brothers." If interested, the Lucille Ball tribute is neat.
Islands of Adventure is a lot of fun. Its more like an amusement park. Good roller coasters... "The Hulk" is awesome. SpiderMan is cool; Men in Black is ok, but my little sister almost got sick (there's some spinning);
For eating go to City Walks, they have a lot of good restaurants, Motown, Margaritaville, NBA Town. If you like to look at other hotels, Portofino Bay is beautiful.
You will notice differences from Disney... but have fun.

[Michael Darling]

I'd have to say make Twister a priority at the Studios (but make Islands of Adventure the priority of the vacation). Twister is kind of lame, but if you've ever been in a midwestern thunderstorm that spawns tornados it'll be a little creepy. When I walked into the soundsage/show room I could feel (or at least imagine) a change in air pressure, humidity, temperature, and that strange, heavy quietness that I feel before every Ohio thunderstorm.

Anyway, if you like thrill rides don't miss the B&M coasters over at Islands of Adventure (Dueling Dragons [both fire and ice really kick, but ice is a little more intense] and Incredible Hulk) and don't miss Spiderman.

Also, over at Islands of Adventure is the most awesome show I've ever seen at a theme park: Posideon's Fury. It's a walk-through show. It's so good that it made me chip the lens on my glasses. (long story, don't ask) Just don't miss that! It gets a perfect 10 on the Gilmanometer, which is ALMOST impossible to do!

Back over at the Studios my other top picks are MIB, (Helpful tip, it's easier to hit the aliens that are further away because of the way the IR sensors work), Earthquake (be sure to sit in a forward facing row), T2:3D, and, marginally, Back to the Future.

Back to the Future used to really rock, but now I think age has gotten the worst of her. BTTF has become a little rough over the past few years, but it's still a must-see ride.

Did I mention that you should NOT miss the coasters and Posideon's Fury at IOA?

[mattomouseman]

We are going in August for two days before hitting WDW. We are also staying at Royal Pacific, let me know how you like it. I picked up a book which has some interesting info in it. It is the 2003 edition of Universal Orlando by Kelly Monaghan. No pictures but some good info it seems! Have a blast when you go!

[David]

I've been to USF and IOA many times and the best IMO are:

Universal Studios:
Men in Black - Definitely a great one, and the theming is so cool!
Jaws - A classic, definitely a must-ride. If you have little kids make sure you take the left seat!
Twister - If you love the movie, you'll love the ride.
Blues Brothers - Same as above
E.T. - Definitely a cool ride.
Gory Gruesome Horror Make Up Show - AWESOME! Rated PG-13 so may not be good for small kids.

Islands of Adventure
Hulk - Rated the #1 Coaster of 2002! Ride it!
Dueling Dragons - They are both great, and the theming is amazing.
Jurassic Park River Adventure - Animatronics are great, and the drop is pretty cool.
Dudley Do-Right - My favorite non-coaster ride, theming is wonderful, definitely a must-ride.
Spider-Man - So cool!

For more info check out www.ioacentral.com they have great forums too!

[Goofette]

Good Ride choices David, I had all of those on my list, but I also added Back to the Future. It's one of my favorites.

I haven't been on the attraction Twister, but Michael Darling, your description of it does make it sound like it would be a bit creepy. Even if lame, I would definately have to ride it I think. I like being scared when I know I can't really be hurt (now watch a light fall on my head or something :p ) :)

[David]

Originally posted by Goofette
Good Ride choices David, I had all of those on my list, but I also added Back to the Future. It's one of my favorites.

BTTF is a good ride, but I wish they had flown through the town from the 1950's instead of going back in time.

[Goofette]

I remember the first time I rode that, it knocked the breath out of me. I was wondering if anyone else had that happen to them?

[Livsey88]

Hi just returned from stay at Hard Rock Hotel concierge level and have to say we were alittle disappointed when looking at it against disney. The use of room key to get on the rides did work great but you can pay for this in the parks. We went on to the concierge at GF which was pretty much as we remembered it but perhaps not quite so friendly. I suppose the difference in price between staying in these 2 hotels reflects it all!

[tholmes]

I am also taking a trip to Universal in May, Staying 1 night after the Disney cruise at the Royal Pacific. I am new to the "boards" and find this post very informative. I am travelling with my 21 year old daughter and her friend, I am actually the "big" kid of the group and looking forward to this trip more than they are...

Theresa:)

[JOANN]

Hi,
Leslie, you gave some great advice. !!!!!! It's true , Universal is not and cannot be compared to DW. I'm not saying anything bad about Uninversal, but my family are just Disney fanatics.
When at Universal, we stayed at Portofino Bay, what a beautiful place!! Also, the walk from the Hotel to CIty walk, is just beautiful. I'm sure you will have a great time!!! JOANN