Newbie to Universal...Many Questions

[ZippitydoodaGal]

My family is considering a trip to Universal before heading to WDW. We'll be traveling in late August, and have some questions:

1. How are the crowds?
2. I'm confused about the "backpack policy" - can someone explain?
3. Give me your top 5 restaurants in the parks and at City Walk.
4. Kids are 16 and 14 and love rides and coasters...do we need 1 day in each park?

Any other pointers will be helpful - thanks!

[sassy2000]

1. Crowds will probably still be high with the opening of the new Harry Potter expansion.

2.I don't know which policy you are referring to but we have carried backpacks into the park many times. You cannot hold them on the roller coasters, you have to put them in a locker or let a non-rider hold them. Some of the lockers are free for a select amt of time. I know the one by the Hulk coaster is free, can't remember which others are.

3. If you love the food at Disney, you may be disappointed with Universal. We find the counter services spots ok but not great. A lot of them have the same menus. As for sit down spots, we like Confisco Grill & Mythos in IoA. At City Walk we like Pat Obriens, Margaritaville, and we liked the Mexican spot but it has been replaced with a new restaurant. Generally, we go offsite a lot for dinner since it is cheaper.

4. I would def do 2 days. With the HP expansion, crowds will be heavy. There is a lot more to do (rides) in IoA. We are big thrill ride fans also and spend a day in IoA. US does not have as many thrill rides but they do have some good shows. Plus with the HP at US, you will probably need the full day to get everything in.

My suggestion would be to stay 1 night at an onsite hotel to take advantage of the express pass which will give you front line access on check-in day and check-out day.

[DizneyFreak2002]

My family is considering a trip to Universal before heading to WDW. We'll be traveling in late August, and have some questions:

1. How are the crowds?
2. I'm confused about the "backpack policy" - can someone explain?
3. Give me your top 5 restaurants in the parks and at City Walk.
4. Kids are 16 and 14 and love rides and coasters...do we need 1 day in each park?

Any other pointers will be helpful - thanks!

1. Crowds still remain high, and this summer will more than likely increase with the opening of Diagon Alley/Potter expansion...

2. Backpack policy regarding the rides? Not allowed to bring them on... You much place them in a locker before entering the queue, or at least before getting on the ride... otherwise, you can bring backpacks into the parks...

3. Three Broomsticks is pretty darn good... Mythos is pretty great... I would rate Mels as average... Margerittaville is good...

4. I would suggest taking one day for each park... Trying to do both parks in one day is crazy... You cannot get to appreciate the parks by rushing through them... Take the time, enjoy the parks... Walk through them...

[LVT]

Back packs, fanny packs, slim purses: nothing on the rollercoasters: they check closely. We had 1 non rider and 2 with cargo pants with large pockets to hold cameras, snacks, hats etc.
Stay on site 1 night and get 2 days of fastpass line.
I was not good at finding cool places or good food.

[MNNHFLTX]

Our favorite restaurants at our last visit there were Three Broomsticks for counter-service and Finnegans for table-service (fun atmosphere and the food is decent pub food). We have also enjoyed Bubba Gump and Margaritaville before. On our upcoming trip in May my son and I plan to try out Mythos and Antojito's. Would dearly love to try The Cowfish too, but it doesn't sound like it will open until this summer.

[MargaretMessler]

My family is considering a trip to Universal before heading to WDW. We'll be traveling in late August, and have some questions:

1. How are the crowds?
2. I'm confused about the "backpack policy" - can someone explain?
3. Give me your top 5 restaurants in the parks and at City Walk.
4. Kids are 16 and 14 and love rides and coasters...do we need 1 day in each park?

Any other pointers will be helpful - thanks!

Crowds depend on the day. I would definitely plan on getting their early so you can get an early start. September was very manageable.

Backpacks, don't even attempt to bring anything on a ride @ Universal that won't fit in your pocket. Free lockers are available at rides. As far as bringing them into the parks, I don't think it's any different than WDW.

We like Margaritaville in Citywalk. Three Broomsticks was good in WWoHP. Other than that we just did grab n' go type food there.

I would not even attempt doing both parks in one day. You'll never hit everything. If you were only interested in the HP elements in each, perhaps one would do it.

[Maleficent's Dad]

Staying on site with the Express Pass unlimited is a godsent. Covers all the rides except Forbidden Journey and the Pterodactyl glider ride.

I'd expect significant crowds with new HP stuff opening.

Backpacks have been addressed already above.


Restaurants at Universal are nothing special...
That being said, a few that stood out:
Mythos was good
Finnegan's was good
Emeril's City Walk was very good
Emeril's Tchoup Chop was excellent

[BelleCiavo]

Would dearly love to try The Cowfish too, but it doesn't sound like it will open until this summer.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is opening at Citiwalk? We are stopping at the Raleigh location on our way home in May. Can't wait to try the blackened ahi tuna nachos.

[BelleCiavo]

We enjoy The Kitchen for the breakfast buffet (Hard Rock)

[epceddie]

Restaurants in the park are only so-so. We always make it a point to sit at the bar at Margaritaville. The bartenders are great. Families can also have a good time sitting at a table in the dining room. They play Jimmy Buffett videos all the time and the place has a nice, laid-back atmospher. Afterwards, you can sit outside and people watch. Plus, it's located in a good spot between IOA and the Studios.

[EeyoresBestFriend]

Agree with what the rest have said for advice.

Restaurants tended to be more expensive there. Our usuals, and are pretty reasonable price wise, Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade), Richters Burgers (Studios) and FireEater grill (IOA), but I have heard that Fireeater might be gone now.

Definitely no less than 1 day per park.