Islands of Adventure is ten times better, no contest. Every other park I've been to at Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens I was there wishing I was at Islands.
This video is excellent! I hope first-timers heed your advice! We always consider the weather when deciding which park, and when. If it's a nasty or hot day, Universal's attractions are almost entirely sheltered indoors. When we want some thrills, we go to IOA. Also, with some pre-planning (or conversation with a veteran), BOTH parks' major attractions may be experienced in ONE DAY if you have ExpressPass. You'll have time for cocktail / food breaks, but you'll also walk 10+ miles. But worth it. And best of all, you don't need your phone.
If you want your thrills, IOA. If you want to take leisure strolls and catch a few shows, Studios for sure! Plus the food and the food options are better in Studios.
IOA has Mythos though, and that's widely considered the best food/experience restaurant option there...at least until Lost Continent closes completely.
@jeninaslicer352 I'd definitely do it soon because the word is that Lost Continent will be completely closed and replaced by a Legend of Zelda-themed world. Presumably that means Mythos will go with it.
Island of Adventure is better when it comes to rides hands down. Universal Studios is more lay back and chill. But I always love to do both parks, start off with IOA and then go to US to chill out.
It would be cool if they had just added IOA originally as an extension to Universal Studios, and it was one huge park. Lol. Adjust the prices accordingly. And then open the new Epic park as a separate thing… Cause after only going to Universal once, I was over it. I didn’t know much about it at the time, but I think we went on like five rides the entire day. I look back, and I’m thinking, "what was that?" 😆 Oh, it was a free company trip. Of course. But I’m more into the thrill rides, as many are. If I wanted a chill "walkthrough" with some food options, I could go to an any number of malls, streets, shopping districts, etc. anywhere in the world for free.
First time visitor last August with a buy-3-get-2 day single park per day, 3 kids 12 and under. Amazing time, a 2nd visit to each park wasn’t really necessary (especially Studios) but allowed us to hit a couple rides/shows at each that was missed 1st visit. Agreed that Bourne Stuntacular is incredible. Will definitely go back once Epic opens.
Islands or bust. Velocicoaster and Hagrids alone seal it. But don’t ride Forbidden Journey if you get motion sickness. I have never, ever gotten sick on a ride, but that thing disoriented the heck out of me. The 3D and the trackless nature of the ride really did a number on me. Don’t do it!!!
Great Video! Personally I like just being an annual passholder so we can start the day at Islands of Adventure and move over to studios a little before noon.
Am i the 10,000th person to point out Skull Island is missing from the list (and expertise discredited -- Haha!) at 3:00? Love the UOR coverage: USF wins hands down on shows, food and shopping for sure but Velocicoaster, Spider-man, Hulk, Bluto and UNICORNS so IOA all the way! They balance each other perfectly anyway
Great review, thank you! Really useful as I am planning two days there and struggle to make a choice. For now it is Studios and IOA in day one and Hollywood and Animal Kingdom day two...
Thank you. this was very helpful! The website says Halloween Horror Night is not recommended for those under 13. I would have a 12 year old with me. I would like to go mostly to enjoy the rides not the haunted mansions. Do I have the wrong idea, or is this event mostly focused on the haunted houses or can I go and enjoy most/all rides and areas of the park? :) I am mostly interested in this to fit in another park, without having it take another day from our trip and to save some $. Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer this question for me.
I went to universal studios orlando for the first time when me and mom went to see my brother and future sister in law in Florida back in November for my birthday trip and in my opinion both are fantastic parks cant wait for epic universe beats disney to the punch
