The first thing to know is that Universal is actually divided into three sections: Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure, and City Walk. City Walk is a free area (meaning you do not need an entrance ticket) with shops, clubs, a movie theater, and restaurants (much like Downtown Disney).
Tickets: You can either buy separate passes for the two theme parks or a Park-to-Park pass. You may also want to check out the Express Pass, which you can purchase on top of your park entrance pass. The Express Pass puts you in an Express line, which usually has you boarding all rides within five minutes. You can use the Pass one time at each ride, but Rip Ride Rocket and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey are currently exempt.
Parking: Parking is $15, and Universal got smart and invested in parking garages. Much less walking to get to the park entrance. The same parking areas get you to both theme parks and City Walk. You must pay to park even if just visiting City Walk.
Food: Lots of places to choose from, from quick and easy to sit down. A meal pass is also available.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Located at Islands of Adventure, within one hour of the park opening the stand by wait time just to get into the Wizarding World was over three hours. But hope is not lost. You can get a return time ticket (although a line forms early for these tickets as well). This ticket will grant you instant access to the Wizarding World at the specified return time. Once inside you can use your Express Pass on all rides (Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge) except The Forbidden Journey. Expect lines to get into Honeydukes and Ollivanders (where you can test interactive wands and see which wand picks YOU). Other shops include Zonko's and Dervish and Banges. And right here is the only place in the world where you can try Butterbeer. So my personal recommendations....get in line for a return pass as soon as you get to the park, go into a couple of shops once inside Hogsmead, and then wait in line for the Forbidden Journey, because I agree with the reviews that say it's the best new ride of the year, and the best ride in America. Also, since the Forbidden Journey is the only way to go into the Hogwarts castle, it is possible to skip portions of the line if you just want to see inside the castle but do not want to ride.
Other Rides: Certain rides at both parks require that all personal belongings (purses mostly) be stored in a locker before riding. Luckily, near all rides that require this are lockers. And they are free for a certain amount of time (usually plenty of time to ride that one ride and then retrieve your things). The Forbidden Journey has lockers inside the castle, but if you want to save yourself a little time and skip ahead of some people, store your things in the lockers next to the Hogwarts train before you get in line for the Forbidden Journey.
Souvenirs: While Universal does not practice pin trading, you can buy lanyards and pins representing the areas of the park and major rides and attractions. Universal also has package pick up at the front gate if you buy something large and don't want to carry it around the park with you.
Although Sea World itself is just one park, you can get joint passes for Sea World, Busch Gardens, and the water park Aquatica. When you buy your tickets for Sea World, you also might want to look into Quick Queue passes, which give you priority access in lines to all Sea World rides. However, keep in mind that Sea World only has four major rides (plus the paddle boats and Skytower).
Shows: I would recommend focusing your day at Sea World on the amazing shows. When you enter the park pick up a map, which will list the day's shows, locations, and times. Make a "plan of attack." Figure out what time you can see each show. If you wing it, you may end up trying to run all over the park in different directions and missing many shows. You can also go online here and pull up the show schedule.
Shamu's main shows are Believe and Shamu Rocks. However, as of December 2010, the Orcas were being retrained for a new show, One Ocean. Orcas may be Sea World's main attraction but Blue Horizons features dolphins, birds, and a pilot whale. The comedy show, Clyde and Seamore, stars two sea lions, a walrus, and even an otter. Get to this show early for some pre-show fun! For cats, dogs, and one big pig don't miss Pets Ahoy. And if you want to see some amazing human acrobatics, make sure you see A'Lure: The Call of the Ocean. *Shows with links include a video preview.
After the shows, check out the underwater viewing areas for an up close and personal view of Sea World's amazing entertainers...and I mean their animals! FYI - the seats that say "splash zones" mean it. The first couple of rows you could easily come away dripping and soaked. But if you sit in the last couple of rows, you'll have a great view, possibly not be as crowded, and really not get but a few drops. At least...that's how it worked out for us.
Feeding (animals, not yourself): You can purchase food and feed sea lions and harbor seals, sharks, dolphins and stingrays at their respective exhibits. Don't be squeamish though, the food is mostly fish heads and tails. Feeding stations are not open all day, so be sure to check for times.
Food (for yourself, not the animals): Sea World does offer an All Day Dining Deal that is good for several of their restaurants. If you want to eat at Sharks Underwater Grill, you'll need a reservation. And make sure to check the menu as it's a higher end place. And if you are interested in attending the Makahiki Luau, I recommend getting reservations online before you go to the park. There is only one show and it sells out. **As of 2013 the Luau has been closed.**
Rides: As I said before, rides aren't the focus of Sea World. But there are a few, and several rides for smaller children at Shamu's Happy Harbor. You should also know that you will have to ride the Wild Arctic Ride in order to see the beluga whales, polar bears, and walrus.
Tours: At Sea World you can have a once in a lifetime experience with some of your favorite animals. Up-Close Tours are available for the penguins, dolphins and sea lions. The Behind the Scenes tour takes you all over the park and teaches what it takes to care for Sea World's animals as you interact with a few of them. Also look into the VIP and Family Tours.
Animal Interactions: Swim with the sharks, work with a marine mammal keeper, or swim with a beluga.
If you still just haven't had enough or seen the experience you're looking for, see what's available at Discovery Cove.
Shows: I would recommend focusing your day at Sea World on the amazing shows. When you enter the park pick up a map, which will list the day's shows, locations, and times. Make a "plan of attack." Figure out what time you can see each show. If you wing it, you may end up trying to run all over the park in different directions and missing many shows. You can also go online here and pull up the show schedule.
Shamu's main shows are Believe and Shamu Rocks. However, as of December 2010, the Orcas were being retrained for a new show, One Ocean. Orcas may be Sea World's main attraction but Blue Horizons features dolphins, birds, and a pilot whale. The comedy show, Clyde and Seamore, stars two sea lions, a walrus, and even an otter. Get to this show early for some pre-show fun! For cats, dogs, and one big pig don't miss Pets Ahoy. And if you want to see some amazing human acrobatics, make sure you see A'Lure: The Call of the Ocean. *Shows with links include a video preview.
After the shows, check out the underwater viewing areas for an up close and personal view of Sea World's amazing entertainers...and I mean their animals! FYI - the seats that say "splash zones" mean it. The first couple of rows you could easily come away dripping and soaked. But if you sit in the last couple of rows, you'll have a great view, possibly not be as crowded, and really not get but a few drops. At least...that's how it worked out for us.
Feeding (animals, not yourself): You can purchase food and feed sea lions and harbor seals, sharks, dolphins and stingrays at their respective exhibits. Don't be squeamish though, the food is mostly fish heads and tails. Feeding stations are not open all day, so be sure to check for times.
Food (for yourself, not the animals): Sea World does offer an All Day Dining Deal that is good for several of their restaurants. If you want to eat at Sharks Underwater Grill, you'll need a reservation. And make sure to check the menu as it's a higher end place. And if you are interested in attending the Makahiki Luau, I recommend getting reservations online before you go to the park. There is only one show and it sells out. **As of 2013 the Luau has been closed.**
Rides: As I said before, rides aren't the focus of Sea World. But there are a few, and several rides for smaller children at Shamu's Happy Harbor. You should also know that you will have to ride the Wild Arctic Ride in order to see the beluga whales, polar bears, and walrus.
Tours: At Sea World you can have a once in a lifetime experience with some of your favorite animals. Up-Close Tours are available for the penguins, dolphins and sea lions. The Behind the Scenes tour takes you all over the park and teaches what it takes to care for Sea World's animals as you interact with a few of them. Also look into the VIP and Family Tours.
Animal Interactions: Swim with the sharks, work with a marine mammal keeper, or swim with a beluga.
If you still just haven't had enough or seen the experience you're looking for, see what's available at Discovery Cove.
I just want to add that if you are interested in riding a ride at Sea Word, PLEASE ride the Manta!!! Best ride for sure!!
ReplyDelete