[Clare]

How much time is needed to do both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure? Is it possible to do both in one day, or should we plan on taking two days?

[grinner01]

That depends on a lot. We are two adults, and like everyone else here WDW fanatics, and our fanaticism pours over into the Universal theme parks. The studio is similar to MGM with many great movie related rides and shows. IOA has roller coasters, I think three, and a great Spiderman ride, shows...etc. We take at least a full day for each but we go on almost every ride. If you skip some of the rides in each it is possible...but I would not. To many great things to see and do. Especially if you have never been before. Enjoy !!!!!

[wdwspider]

A big mistake when going to Universal is that people try to rush the parks too much and skip some of the really great attractions. I think you need at least a day and a half to visit the parks proper and that is a minimal.

For First timers, these are do not miss attrations:

Universal:

Twister: Ride it Out - a tad campy (intentional) but very neat and unique
MiB - Fantastic Interactive shooter ride
Jaws - Boat ride with the great white (not my favorite but many love it)
Back to the Future - one of the best movie simulators out there
ET - Fantastic Disney-like Drak Ride
Shrek 4D - Brand new but will be a can't miss attraction
Terminator 2: 3D - Best 3D movie ever for me

Then you have the Blues Brothers show which is great. There's more, but these are essential.

IoA:

Spider-man - DO NOT MISS THIS RIDE NO MATTER WHAT!
Poseidon's Fury - Often overlooked special effects attraction - worth waiting for imho
Cat in the Hat - Great spinning dark ride
Jurassic Park River Adventure - Best Animatronics ride outside Disney
Seventh Voyage of Sinbad - nice comedy stunt/effects show
Popeye's Bilge Rat Barges - one of the best and longest water raft rides ever. Great theme.

If you love coasters then Hulk and the Ice and Fire Dragons are some of the best coasters in the world.

Many unadvertised features make IoA a real standout. The music from one land to the next does it for me, the detail in each area is very very good, the Marvel Heros parade is lots of fun, and many other small surprises in each land.

Hopefully you can see that IoA is much more than coasters, they just stand out more... most of the best stuff found here are dark rides and shows.

[rlander]

We've been to Universal twice in '90 & '00. Both times we spent a 1/2 day, but we did not go to IOA. Both of our children were too small to ride anything there.
FYI....It took us about 30 minutes to walk from the parking garage to the park entrance. Whew, it was hot too. No shade.

Also, let me welcome you to Disney Central. I hope you had a Happy Birthday!!! We both turned 32 on nearly the same day!!!

[David]

I'd say 2 days if you want to experience everything, if not, just 1.

Take WDWFan's advice and see/ride those specific things.

[neen626]

We have been to Universal, however have not made it to IoA as of yet. When we have gone to Universal, we have been there from opening to close, and have tried to ride everything. I would say you need at least a full day in each park. That way you get the full experience of each park, and you really don't miss out on anything.

Good luck, enjoy :)

[Clare]

Thanks alot for the advice, it's helped alot. I think we'll plan on two days, since it'll just be adults going. :)

[iluvwdw]

Originally posted by Clare
Thanks alot for the advice, it's helped alot. I think we'll plan on two days, since it'll just be adults going. :)

You're doing the right thing. I agree with a lot of these posts; you will need two days. Especially if you are two adults who can go on and do EVERYTHING in both parks, and you have never been there before...you definitely need at least 2 days! These parks are no WDW, but they are great fun and we make sure we go there every time. My DH and DB (brother) like Universal Orlando better than WDW...they are thrill ride junkies! I agree with WDWFan's post....DO NOT miss those attractions. They are great!!! The whole "Ride the Movies" theme is great at Universal...I think most of the rides and attractions are MUST DO...especially for those who have never visited before!

HAVE FUN!!!

[ccorbet]

is there transportation from WDW to Universal? My wife and I want to eat at Emeril's at Universal and are not renting a car. Would we have to buy Universal tickets to go to the City Walk area to eat????

[wdwjeff]

CityWalk itself does not charge, unless a special event is going on. In fact, you have to walk past CityWalk from the parking lots to get to US and IOA.
Mears has a shuttle that will pick you up and take you back, but you have to go on their time schedules. You could also click here and Tiffany will take you. If you are 4 or more people, it might even be cheaper that way than with Mears. Have a great trip.:heart :)

[ccorbet]

Thanks wdwjeff......my wife has always wanted to eat at Emeril's now were going to!!!!!

[mj7379]

I just returned from staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Universal. Even with the new express pass, which is given to all hotel guest, to see all the shows and truly enjoy both parks you would need two days. The express pass was done in a manner similar to the way Disney does it, except if you stay on-site, you just show your room key and you get to go into the express line for any ride or show has many times as you like without having to put your ticket through the machine and waiting for a time. It was great. Hope you have a great time.

[markypooh]

My family of 4 ALWAYS makes time to do both parks! I might suggest that you do a full day at IOA first because its a blast and will take a full day. On your 2nd day you might want to do Universal for most of the day and then walk back over to IOA and highlight your favorites from the day before. HAVE FUN!

[Leigh]

I would have to agree with everything WDWFAN said. Blues Brothers is the greatest. My family of four has gone to Universal 6 times in the past 4 years. Each year we have gone we have gotten the second day free. So we take our time and have found some wonderful finds at Universal. Don't get me wrong I LOVE DISNEY TOO!!!! But if my husband would go again i would jump at the chance to go back. Yes the hike from the parking garage to the park is a good ways. But my family always teams up (Boys against the girls) to see who can get into the park without running. I am always dead for the first 45 minutes in the park.

[MrsPutnam]

I was wondering if someone has ever stayed on-site at Universal. I was thinking about staying there to start our vacation then moving on to WDW to finish it out. I am thinking about the Portifino or the Royal Paciffic. I can't decide which to do and if we should stay there at all. Does anyone have some pictuers from hte hotels. I looked at the site but it doesn't show you much on the hotels. Can someone please help me? :cry: