Everything else goes here, including discussion of parks outside of Carowinds and any off-topic discussion
By Jetp
#74938
I am heading to Universal in Orlando in September and wondered if anyone had any recommendations what to see/do in the parks. Meeting a friend down there and we are both in our 40s. Probably staying at the Hard Rock hotel. It will be my first visit to Universal.
By Tawny71
#74977
I'm sure Jarvis will have a more thorough answer for you than anything I could say. However, I'll give you my opinions since I was just there a few weeks ago...

I MUCH prefer IOA to the Studios. When we went, we bought tickets that were buy 2 days, get the third free. We spent two of the three days at IOA, and the other day was mostly spent at the Studios, with just a train ride to IOA so we could experience the Hogwarts Express in both directions. The rides at both incorporate a lot of special effects, moreso at the Studios.

My favorite rides are: Rip Ride RockIt (look up secret song codes online for a wider array of songs to choose from)
Hulk (this is probably a lot based on nostalgia for me because it holds great memories for me from a visit with my brother)
Harry Potter Forbidden Journey
Gringott's
Dragon Challenge

I love all the rides and theming in Seussland, but since you won't have kids with you, you may want to skip that.

Both "kiddie coasters" are fun little rides, and you don't have to have a kid with you to ride them. Hippogriff is convenient to all the other Hogsmeade stuff, so you won't have to go out of your way to ride it. Woody Woodpecker is very much in a kiddie area, tho, so you may not want to go out of your way for it unless you are a credit whore (like me...). It is very close to ET, though, so if you want to ride ET, it's an easy little detour to get to it. :)

As far as food goes, we usually eat across the street at the Ale House or at TGI Fridays.
User avatar
By coasterbruh
#75021
Jetp wrote:I am heading to Universal in Orlando in September and wondered if anyone had any recommendations what to see/do in the parks. Meeting a friend down there and we are both in our 40s. Probably staying at the Hard Rock hotel. It will be my first visit to Universal.

Hey, what days in sept and are they flexible? How much are you in to horror?
By Jetp
#75059
I am going during the week of September 21st. I think that is the start of their Halloween events. I am avoiding weekends.
User avatar
By coasterbruh
#75099
Well, you picked the best time of the year to go. I have been going that time of year for the last 10 or so years so you don't have to worry about crowds at all. Here are some shots from last year, that time.

Image
ImageImage

Staying at Hardrock is a great idea. your room key is unlimited express for the entire stay. I prefer Portofino but still hard rock is a good one as well. A lot of times, hotel guest has early entry, take advantage of that. I would do the studios first just so you can do the "harry potter experience". Going from diagon alley by train to hogsmede. Check the Terminator 3d show times as well as the horror make up show times to make sure you get to see them.

As far as food, inside the studios I would recommend Lombardi's for their good seafood collection and Finnegan's for their food, but more so their drinks! Universal orlando is the only place I know where you can be drunk before noon. If you are feeling less sit down-ish there is the awesome simpsons food area. For food in IOA, I would recommend Mythos and the three broomsticks. If you wanna do city walk my personal favs are cowfish and reds brick oven pizza.

If you are still gonna be there that friday, I REALLY recommend halloween horror nights! It is amazing and you could get it for more than half off if you get a "stay and scream" pass. Some of the best haunted houses you will EVER experience. We are talking movie set quality enviroments here. Plus free pour drink and beer all night!
By PatrickMcPherson
#75107
^I went to both of the parks on a school trip in 2012. It was still my best park experience, and I was an awkward (and chaperoned) 14 year old kid. I envy you man, I would love to be able to make trips like that to Universal. Whoever is going you'll have a blast!
By Jetp
#75141
Are the Harry Potter attractions considered Extra? I see packages that includes them but they expire in June unless I stay at the Cabana Bay.
User avatar
By coasterbruh
#75148
Harry potter is part of the parks as jurassic and transformers is. Those packages are for people who dont know better lol
User avatar
By pproteinc
#77361
I just got back from there this past weekend and it was everything even with the crowds. LOL i'm going back in August and October.