Hi, we’ve got our first ever trip to Universal Orlando this October and really appreciate all of the advice that has been shared on this forum. I’ve got a few things I’m still not clear on so would love some more help.
We are coming from the UK so don’t plan to go to the parks the day we arrive. We will then have three full days with express pass (staying at RPR) before moving on to Disney. My plan is one day at IoA with an early dinner, second day at Volcano Bay with the evening at IoA if a Hogwarts light show is on and then the third day at US. I would love to fit in some pool hoping as well.
I’m confused about the lagoon show, I was so excited to see it but now understand it won’t be on during HHN, but is it on, on the nights the HHN isn’t happening? If not is it likely to restart when HHN finishes? We will be a Disney after Halloween so I wonder if we should come back to Universal for an evening to see it? (We will still have tickets under the package we have purchased).
For Volcano Bay we plan to enter via the Cabanna Bay entrance. Are we allowed as Universal resort guests but not CB guests? If so is it still best to get a bus from Citywalk to CB? How long does it take?
I’ve read conflicting information in the lockers at VB, are the small ones free?
Is it correct that towels are not provided for resort guests? Would it be ok to bring to hotel ones?
And my last question (sorry this is a much longer post than I planned!), the Transformer Meet & Greet is not included as an option on the touring plan, how long should I be allowing for this? And do they alternate between Bumble Bee and Optimus?
Thank you
Yes. You just need to show a room key to use that entrance.
From RPR?? No. Just walk along the garden path. It’ll take about ten minutes to walk from RPR to the VB resort entrance.
No. Lockers at VB are chargeable.
IIRC the very small ones are about $10, the medium ones are $15, and the large ones are $20.
The smallest ones are right up the back of the locker buildings.
That is correct.
If you are rope dropping, remember to pick up towels the night before because VB opens before the pools are unlocked.
That’s variable, but if it’s an absolute must do, then I would allocate about a half hour in case the line is long.
Yes. And Megatron.
Thank you very much, that’s really helpful.
My son loves transformers so I will make sure I allow 30 minutes in the plan 
I never would have thought of this, thank you!
I see @Shmebulock has got you covered on all your questions! I’m going to fill in a few details that I hope are helpful
Sadly, it is not. It won’t be back until Novemeber.
There will be a sign posted right at the M&G area with the times for when each Transformer will be appearing… Only one meets per hour. They don’t start until around 11am. So if you only want to meet a specific Transformer you’ll know when to get there
We love talking about UOR! So keep asking all your questions!
Great, thanks for your help.
I have thought of another question already! We plan to have breakfast at IoA during early entry before heading over to US when it opens at 9. Will we be ok to catch the Hogsmeade express over as soon as US opens?
Yes! This is probably the best time to do it. Most people don’t “park hop” until around 11am - midday. You’ll be able to get right on with minimal waits
If it was me and I was entering VB for EPA, I would just use the walking path from RPR thru SF to Aventura (not the path along Hollywood Way). That way is about 5 minutes quicker. Last I heard, there’s no benefit from entering through CBBR. There was even one report of the main path opening up first.
The day guests coming from CW via bus arrive closer to regular park open.
I will always enter via CBBR! The queue at the main entrance is horrible. Uncovered switchbacks that get full sun. I’d rather enter the park a couple minutes after park open so I can wait in the shaded area at the hotel entrance. Plus, there’s no where as many people there.
if the main entrance opens first, but has 100 people in front of you versus 20 at CBBR you will still get in faster!
Yes I must have shade at 7:45am before entering a waterpark. 
Correct! Because it’s already 90 degrees by 6am in Orlando!! 
This was certainly the case in July.
We did 3 VB RDs and each time the main gate got into the taps ahead of us.
I didn’t know you could walk to the other entrance. I thought it was only by bus.
That’s good to know, thank you all for your help.
I’ve got another question if you don’t mind! 
As there’s no timed touring plan for Volcano Bay, how do you estimate how long to allow per ride (weekday the end of Oct)? I’m trying to work out what time to book dinner for as I’m expecting us not to be there till park close.
The Tapu system allows you to wait virtually for a return time, then the actual queue time could be between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the ride.
But I wouldn’t worry about timing individual rides at VB. If you’re going to be there for rope drop, then start with Krakatau and then work your way clockwise around the park while rides are ‘Ride Now’. When they start asking for a Tapu return time then you can start doing things like Waturi beach, Te Awa fearless river or explore the volcano while you wait for your return time. Then repeat that until you’ve had your fill of rides.
We rarely stay past mid afternoon at VB, so book your dinner for a time that suits you for eating.
Keep in mind that the food is really good at VB, so work your meal times so you can have some lunch there.
Yep, there are directional signs on both walking paths for VB. In the RPR area, they point you take the Hollywood Way route:
It meets up with the Sapphire Falls route at the Aventura entrance:
Path runs between Aventura and Adventure Way street:
I still love walking through the tunnel experience 
I had forgotten about that. Haven’t seen it since our first trip since we’ve always been at CBBR.
I think it’d be difficult for me to talk the fam into leaving earlier so we can walk all the way to the main entrance when we’re already right there.
I’ll keep it in mind for our future dream trip at the Helios
If you do take that route, note that you walk through SF hotel and out the main lobby.
Yes