Trip update - IOA and USF

Thank you everyone who helped in answering my questions and making our trip a success. Here is a brief summary
Day 1 - 12/22 -

  • Early checkin at LRP and reached IOA at 10:30AM ( thanks to your advice on ways to get to park, we walked from LRP to IOA)
  • Did the following rides - Hulk, Spider Man , Kong, VelociCoaster, HPFJ, Flight of Hippogriff, Walked and Enjoyed Hogsmead
  • Took Hogwards Express and reach USF
  • Ordered our frozen Butter Beer ( loved it)
  • Enjoyed Yummy Jacket Potatoes from London Taxi ( Thanks for the recommendation)
  • Did the following rides - Transformers, Revenge of Mummy, HPEG, ET, MIB,TBS Show
  • enjoyed Diagon Alley
  • Parade was cancelled on 12/22 due to rain
  • Took train back to Hogsmead
  • Rode HPFJ again
  • Rode HMCMA - stood in line 10 min before park closing . Wait time reported was 90 mins but it only took us 45 min ( total)
  • Besides HMCMA and VC we did not have to wait more than 20min on any ride ( We had UEP) - Again thanks to the forum for the tips on riding before closing
    Overall - a very tiring first day with 10miles of walk

Day 2 - 12/23

  • Since previous day was packed we were all extremely tired and did not wake up for EPA.
  • Breakfast at Dunkin Donuts
  • Walked to USF and entered park around 11 AM
  • In line for RRR - wait time were 20 mins but as soon as we reached the top of the que - it started raining and ride was suspended due to weather
  • Because of rain, plan changed on the spot and we rode these - DMMM, JFRN,F&F, TSR, RRR, Revenge of Mummy ( 2nd time - did it the first day too)
  • Watched the Parade - No Balloons
  • Watched HHMS
  • called it a day - took water taxi back to LRP - walked 8 miles

Day 3 - 12/24

  • Dressed in layers, hats , gloves and head to IHOP for breakfast, parked back at hotel and checked out
  • Walked to IOA
  • Today was a day to repeat all major rides however due to cold weather RRR and Hulk were closed
  • Repeated the following rides - Spiderman, VC ( Did Single rider which was way quicker), HMCMA ( single rider ), Posesidon Fury
  • Walked to USF
  • Repeated - JFRN, F&F, HPEG,MIB, Transformer
  • Enjoyed Diagon Alley again - liked it better than Hogsmead.
  • Enjoyed Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s
  • Parade ( this time they had Balloons)

Overall day 3 was our best day as we got to do the fav rides and tried getting on the front row.

We did not attempt to do any water rides, Storm force , DDF, Olivanders and any kiddie rides

Dinner all 3 days offsite - I would highly recommend Habibi’s for their big portions on platters and beef burgers

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I’m really glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like there wasn’t any major stress, just rain. Feel free to hang around and give any tips to other Universal first timers!

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