Going to florida

[m29df42z]

So I'm headed to Florida in two weeks and I was wondering what are some good parks to go too. I am staying in Sarasota. I know there are not any parks in Sarasota so I am planning on heading to Tampa to go to Busch Gardens, and go to Orlando because my sister wants to go to Seaworld. are there any other parks big or small (minus Disney) that are wroth taking a look at. Thanks for your help in advance!

[ttd rox]

Universal is DEFINITELY a place to check out. I would take it over Disney any day. The rides are great, lines aren't too bad except maybe around the holidays (never been there at that time), food is wonderful, and the overall experience is nice. You can get a pass to both parks for 2 or 3 days for only around $130-$150 a person.

It's easy going between both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure since they are both off CityWalk (main entrance)/main parking lot. Here's what I recommend checking out at both parks.

Islands of Adventure
The Incredible Hulk - Probably my overall favorite roller coaster. It's smooth if you sit in the front, provides nice force, and lots of fun.

Dragon Challenge - My favorite B&M invert(s). Too bad it's no longer dueling but it's still a lot of fun. The Chinese Fireball (red side) is my favorite.

Poseidon's Fury - Alright, so it isn't the best attraction but it has good theming. I only recommend it because if rumors are true, it will be closing sometime in February.

Dudley Doo Right's - Awesome water ride! There is a reason it has won best water ride this past year from Amusement Today. It will get you soaked and has great theming.

Jurassic Park River Adventure - More of a relaxing but cool ride... then the end when you fall nearly straight down. Definitely a great ride!

There are some other great ride like Doom, Harry Potter, and such.

Universal Studios

Rip Ride Rocket - Ok, it isn't a bad ride but not very thrilling. The front and middle aren't bad but the back can be a bit "snappy". The restraints were a bit uncomfortable but that's because a have a bit of a gut. I felt once it started moving it kept braking which ruined the ride.

Twister - I see them updating the ride soon since a lot of the stuff (mostly in the queue line) are out of date. However, the presentation isn't bad though I wish it was a bit louder like it used to be. Careful for the... jump at the end.

Terminator - It actually was pretty good. The 3D is wonderful and the show was great. Just make sure to not put your feet against the seat in front of you. I paid the price at the end.

The Mummy - Best indoor roller coaster ever! It's really cool with its special effects and quick turns. The best ride in the park (Studios) if you ask me.

Again, some other great rides like Simpsons but not quite the park IOA is.

[FParker185]

Honestly I'm going to say every park in FL is def worth checking out, each is really good and unique in it's own way, if you absolutely positively have to choose, I'd put the parks in this order

1) If you generally like things disney, then the Disney Parks go there in no particular order (get a park hopper)
1) if the Disney brand does not excite you, I'd put IOA here
2) Busch Gardens Tampa
3) Seaworld
4) if you don't automatically love things Disney, then I'd put them around here, but they are def worth checking out
4) Universal Orlando
5) all the rest, like Fun Spot (both of em), Old Town, Magical Midways, etc, these all have the benefit of being free to get in then pay per ride, and all are open way later than all the major parks.

Never been to Legoland or Cypress Gardens, but if Lego appeals to you it's probably somewhere in the middle of the list. Also if Dania Beach Hurricane was still open, I'd have that pretty high on the list, but it isn't so I guess don't worry about it.

[monsterfan99]

Your coming at a great time as the crowds will be leaving. I'd suggest a 1 day park hopped for Disney and doing all 4 parks in a day. If Disney is not your thing, Universal is not a bad place to spend a day. If doing Universal, get a 1 day, 2 park as neither park is worth a full day by itself.

Be advised hours will be short with Universal and most Disney parks closed by 7 and all closed by 9. So a trip to Fun Spot, Magical Midway or Old Town would be worth it to fill out a day.

Also Sea World for sure is buy 1 day get a 2nd day free. Busch might have something the same, so keep an eye out for that.

[w00dland]

All four parks in one day? Even if there was a 0 minute queue for everything you wouldn't be able to actually enjoy yourself, or even finish all of the parks.

IoA is my favorite park in Florida, and I haven't even seen Potterverse yet. Disney is definitely a must see as well. All six of those parks will take you atleast 3/4 days to complete though.

[Danhockey04]

Your coming at a great time as the crowds will be leaving. I'd suggest a 1 day park hopped for Disney and doing all 4 parks in a day. If Disney is not your thing, Universal is not a bad place to spend a day. If doing Universal, get a 1 day, 2 park as neither park is worth a full day by itself.

Be advised hours will be short with Universal and most Disney parks closed by 7 and all closed by 9. So a trip to Fun Spot, Magical Midway or Old Town would be worth it to fill out a day.

Also Sea World for sure is buy 1 day get a 2nd day free. Busch might have something the same, so keep an eye out for that.

I would disagree about crowds, more particularly at Disney. The first weekend in January this year is marathon weekend (Jan 6-8). This weekend brings in a lot of people to the parks, the parks never really get dead, they are less crowded, but rides still hold 40-50 minute waits. There are an estimated 75,000 runners this year in all the races, but that is not an exact number since some people, like myself, are doing the Goofy challenge, half and full, so it is going to less than that number, I'd say 45,000 people are running that weekend, but that is not including the families that are going to be there. Also, I'm sure some of those will venture sometime over to Potterland for a day during their trip, seems like it's happening more now.

The rest of what you said I can agree with.

[m29df42z]

thank you everyone for all of your help i am super excited about this trip. I am going to be down there for 11 days so I will have plenty of time to do the big parks during the week when hopefully I will be less busy. Kinda crappy how the big parks close early but the other parks such as FS and MM make up for it! I am really excited to go to MM because of the starflyer! I have never been on one and they scare the crap out of me just by looking at it. Don't know if i'm going to to ride the Skycoaster at FS, when I watch the video on Youtube I get feelings in my stomach I have never felt before. I also am pleasantly surprised with some of the programs out there. I love that you can buy a wristband to eat all day at Universal and BGA! That is just very smart in my opinion.

[monsterfan99]

^Busch and Sea World wristbands are worth it if you plan to eat twice. Wonderful food and nice portion sizes. Busch's even includes the sitdown restaurant near Cheetah Hunt (at least it did as of July.) If you get Universal's, be advised there is an up-charge to use in both parks and drink is not included.

There are a decent amount of Orlando locals here to help, feel free to ask any questions you have. You might get 4 opinions, so one is bound to be right.

There are an estimated 75,000 runners this year in all the races, but that is not an exact number since some people, like myself, are doing the Goofy challenge

Best of luck on the Goofy Challenge. Lets us know how you do as that is a truly goofy challenge.

[SFNEKid]

I would spend one day at IoA, Universal Studios, and Magic Kingdom. If you want to have a nice meal visit Epcot. World Showcase has plenty of restaurants to visit. Maybe you could park hopper that with either hollywood studios or animal kingdom.