Which one is better?

[ScottandBeth]

Hi all

Which theme park is better for two adults no kids?

Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios?

Can you do two in one day?

Thank you.

[DisneyGemma]

If I had to choose, it would be IoA, but I think its possible to do both in one day :)

[ScottandBeth]

Excellent - thank you.

Do you know if it's the same price for doing both parks? I.E. one admission to get into the "area" and then go to both parks? Or do you have to pay twice?

[Dzneeprincss]

You can purchase a one day two park ticket from US and IOA without a problem. I sell them all the time.

[DisneyGemma]

You can get a 1 day/1 park ticket, where you could choose to go to EITHER Universal or IoA. This is $73 online,or $75 at gate

You can also pay a bit more and get a 1 day/2 park ticket where you can go to BOTH Universal and IoA in one day, and you can move between them both in one day. This is $89.99 online, and $94.99 at gate

There is a 2 day/2 park ticket for $99 online, and $119.99. However, there is a 2 park/7 day ticket online for $99 at the moment also on sale:)

[ScottandBeth]

Thanks all thats fantastic.

While i'm at it can you still do this for Magic Kingdom & Epcot? I am sure you used to be able to but it was about 8 years ago. I don't think we need to be at either park ALL day, but would like to show my fiance both. Thank you

[DisneyGemma]

Marie (Dzneeprincess) might be able to get tickets for cheaper also, shes our TA on the site with Magic For Less :)

[DisneyGemma]

You can get a 1 day park hopper so you could go to both parks in one day, but I think it would be around $150 each for the day? Someone will be able to come along and tell me if thats correct

[ScottandBeth]

Result! Thank you so much

[DisneyGemma]

I just had a look for you, its $140 each when bought through Marie's website for a one day park hopper ticket for Disney

[Dzneeprincss]

You can get a 1 day park hopper so you could go to both parks in one day, but I think it would be around $150 each for the day? Someone will be able to come along and tell me if thats correct

If you purchase the one day park hopper before arriving the price is $262 for two people without the tax.

[ScottandBeth]

Thanks so much for your help - really appreciate it.

Going in 3 weeks time. I've been before (4 times as a kid) but fiance has never been, and want to show her everything i can in the one week we have

[jarretth]

IoA is more of a thrill ride park with coasters etc whereas the rides at US are more themed and a mixture of shows etc.

If you are going at a busy time and really want to cram in both parks then it might be worth investing in the Universal Express option that works like a Disney Fastpass and gets you quickly to the front of the line on all rides. It's not cheap but if time is a premium then it could be a worthwhile investment.

[Spridge76]

I'd give serious consideration to Universal Studios unless all you are after is thrill rides.
You have The Simpsons which is a fun simulator type ride, Shrek 4D which is more of a show but well worth a visit, the revenge of the mummy indoor coster, jaws boat trip, Disaster, Twister, Terminator ... not to mention the new coaster Rip,Ride,Rockit which opened after my last visit.
Then you can also relax and watch Blues Brothers and Beetlejuice which are both good music shows.
We also enjoyed eating in an Irish restaurant which appeared to cater better for adults than any we've found in IofA?!?

[Tishypops]

hmmmmm hard decision as both parks have very diffrent things to offer
If you had just one day I too would consider getting the 2 park pass and investing in the front of line pass as there are rides in each park that just shouldnt be missed!!!!

[JasonC]

If you have the time I would definately visit both parks, I love the new Simpsons ride and Men in Black at US as well as the Mummy ride, also as Spridge said the new rip ride rocket will now be running too, that said IOA is an absolutley awesome park if you like fast coasters.

it really is worth spending a day at each IMHO :thumbs:

[campbell87]

Unless you pick out just specific things you want to do in each park (i.e not everything) then you could have a non stop day where you get around both parks but if you can, try to get a day at both, especially if your taking along a first timer. It'll give you a chance to take things at a more relaxed pace and enjoy it that little bit more without having to bounce from one thing straight to the next which can really take it out of you, especially in the heat!

[Midnight Storm]

First week in July we did all the major rides in both parks in one day - despite having a 7 day ticket. Trick is to be at the turnstiles when they open, you can do so much before it gets busy.
Oh and in our opinion skip the Beetlejuice show - it's not worth the time if your on a mission.

Colin

[Tishypops]

I completly agree!!!!!
I dont think the beetlejuice show is worth your time even if you had 5 hours free!!!!!!

[pinkferret]

its definately possible to do both parks in one day but i agree, to get the most out of them, its best to do it in 2 days, that means you can take time looking at the shops as well. i personally love both parks and couldnt choose between them. they're both great for different things. you gotta love the jaws ride, totally cheesy!!

[ScottandBeth]

Thanks all

Do they still have the Earthquake ride? Think it's where you get on the subway.....

[pinkferret]

they did when we went in 2007, will have a look online for you........... brb!!

[pinkferret]

yes they do, its called disaster!!

[ScottandBeth]

Excellent - there;s another 100 butterflies to add to the 400,000 in my stomach already!

[pinkferret]

have you watched all the planning dvds yet? or looked at the park websites??? that'll add a few more for you!

[Agent Balti]

A complete aside, but I was an 'extra' in Earthquake way back in '99. (Also managed to be picked out to 'help' dance in the ol' Dixie Stampede too....I failed miserably, but the girls were nice!!!)

But yes, you can do both parks in a day...you'll have be a little selective with what you want to do but the Studios can be done quicker than IoA...well, I say that but last time I went The Simpsons ride wasn't there...and of course the Hollywoood Rip Ride Rocket is now open too, so there's two long queues right there.

IoA will need the lions share of the time due to so many top quality rides there. The Hulk, Spiderman are complete musts. If you like water rides, any of the water rides are good...though Dudley Do-Rights is a fave for me (could be just me, mind you!)

It can be done, but you'll need fast feet and hope the lines are on your side! Such a shame you haven't got longer than a week, but hey...you'll make the very best of it, I'm sure. Have a whale of a time!:D

[Midnight Storm]

Thanks all

Do they still have the Earthquake ride? Think it's where you get on the subway.....

It's still there - the pre show has changed but it's the same ride.

King Kong has gone - the building now houses The Mummy

Oh and other things to miss - Jimmy Neutron and Twister are not worth more than a 5min wait.

Colin

[Tishypops]

Hi
Just curious, what was you itinarary for the rest of your stay?
It might be worth if possible getting another half a day at least in unversal I know a lot of places it is possible (if no kids with you) to do in half a day!!!!

[ALLTIGGEREDOUT]

IMO trying to do both in one day would be too much of a rush,there is so much to see and do.And as for MK and EP in one day,i would say that it would be way too much to do.Having said that everything is possible with planning,you just have to know what you want to see and do.

[Tishypops]

I think it all come down to prioratising.
Epcot could be done in 1 day if
a) you didnt stop at every country
b) you werent that intrested in the rides there (TBH I could take it or leave it witht he rides at epcot)

Again I think Animal Kingdom could be done in half a day if you
a) plan well ie fast pass etc
b) not interested in seeing all the shows (especially if you have seen them before)

I think if there were a lot of things you wanted to do at Universal then you should make the time for them!!! Infact you could probably get round both parks in 1 1/2 days so if you are staying onsite at disney by planning around EMH there is really no need to miss any ride/attraction there either.

Like I say to everyone who is planning a trip it is down to the planning, honestly treat it like a military operation before you arive and you will have a blast and get to do everything you want to when you are there!!!

[Tishypops]

ok that post was a little hay wire with me changeing me changeing my direction half way through :hehe:

[Agent Balti]

ok that post was a little hay wire with me changeing me changeing my direction half way through :hehe:

I think we can all be guilty of 'going off on one' at times, Tish! :whistle:

[Tishypops]

yea I do that a lot.....I need a crunchie

oops did it again :lol:

[pinkferret]

did someone mention chocolate??!!!

[Tishypops]

hehehe
get eating that chocolate make the most of it while you can do it guilt free!!!
you only have 5 weeks until you have your princess which means no more being pregnant = no more eating enough chocolate for two :wink:

[MrBrit]

Don't get me started about chocolate. I am worse than most women and my kids even bought me a fridge magnet that says

"chocolate makes your clothes shrink"

I love the stuff. Anyway back to the topic ermm..... it's really close but I would go for Universal Studios or maybe IOA

I give up it's too close to call

[pinkferret]

now i'm in the mood for chocolate!!! mmmmmm, if i had enough fuel in my car, i'd go get some but im kinda stuck. gotta save what i got in my tank til thursday. but there is chocolate involved. no, i'm going to be good save fuel and save calories and the environment at the same time!!!! :lol:

[Tishypops]

lol that is very responsible of you ;)
I am thinking I need cake but I really cant be bothered driving to tesco to get some

[pinkferret]

i havent driven anywhere for 3 days! i put £10 worth of fuel in on sunday and thats already gone!! chocolate or fuel??? mmmm i want chocolate but need my petrol more :lol: getting my veil tomorrow as well so i kinda gotta have money for that!! maybe, a chocolate veil????

[Tishypops]

mmmmm sounds yummy lol
I put £50 at the end of last month....half a tank left I am determined to go a month on 1 tank!!!!
I work from home now so it is easier just have to take the kids to my mums on a wednesday mornings apart from that am tryig to limit my random driving

[pinkferret]

precisely, although i must say, my baby is very good on fuel. if it'd been my DF car, £10 wouldnt have done nearly 90 miles!!!

[Tishypops]

mine too....we love our focus's hehehe

[pinkferret]

i think we need a new thread, a focus thread!!

[daveymc]

Got to be Islands of Adventure for me. When Harry Potter world is finished it will probably be the best theme park in Florida.

[josypcat]

Hi there, you can easily do the two parks in the same day. The only problem you might have is the long lines in the afternoon. Universal only do fastpasses if you are staying at their property or if you purchase a fastpass ticket, cost of which depends on when you are visiting. If you like roller coasters, IOA has to be the best :)