So does anyone ever venture to the other parks in Orlando

**DAR** · 08-10-2011, 10:09 AM

Universal, Island of Adventure, Sea World etc. My next trip I'm thinking of taking a visit to Universal and Islands of Adventure mostly because I want to see the Harry Potter area. I've heard it's great.

**missbounce** · 08-10-2011, 10:46 AM

We've done Universal Studios a couple of times, but I'm not a big fan of the park (hubby seems to get more out of it than me!) - although Halloween Horror Nights is a lot of fun if you're there during spooky season. Enjoy Sea-World and have done Discovery Cove a couple of times as well. Other than that, it's Disney all the way for me and the last two trips we've done, we've not left property throughout out entire trip.

I am a Harry Potter fan though, so would like to check out IOA next year, just to be nosy and see what they've done with the place. Have heard good things about.

**Mo Noyz** · 08-10-2011, 11:54 AM

Islands of Adventure is a lot of fun. Never been to the Studios, but Universal's City Walk which lies between the two parks is a fun place for nightlife. Good eats, good drinks, good atmosphere.

Haven't been to Sea World since I was a youngin', but I always thought it was really cool, and they've done quite a bit with it over the last 25 years from what I hear.

**supernova** · 08-10-2011, 11:57 AM

I think most people visit the other parks. Sea World has really built itself up over the years. Universal Still needs to figure out what it's doing because they can't rest on HP forever.

**FritzTiki** · 08-10-2011, 01:48 PM

On my last trip down we took part of a day and went to IOA to check out Harry Potterland. It was very cool and I enjoyed myself but after we were done getting our Potter on we just headed right back to WDW. I was glad I did it but I don't feel like I will have to go back again. The difference between the Universal and WDW is so pronounced, especially when you do both properties in one day. Other than Harry Potter, Universal's roller coasters are fairly average in my opinion and don't hold up well to the overall feel of WDW. If you do happen to swing through IOA during your trip, I highly recommend the frozen butterbeer, it's pretty fantabulous...

**Mo Noyz** · 08-10-2011, 04:56 PM

Is The Incredible Hulk roller coaster still there? I'd say that's a bit better than average.

Either way, if you don't mind the hour (possibly +) drive down I-4, Busch Gardens is an excellent park to visit. Beautiful and fairly well-themed grounds with some excellent coasters.

**supernova** · 08-10-2011, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by FritzTiki

On my last trip down we took part of a day and went to IOA to check out Harry Potterland. It was very cool and I enjoyed myself but after we were done getting our Potter on we just headed right back to WDW. I was glad I did it but I don't feel like I will have to go back again. Other than Harry Potter, Universal's roller coasters are fairly average in my opinion and don't hold up well to the overall feel of WDW.

You really should have checked out the Spiderman ride. Hands down, better than anything Disney has (or probably will) ever produced. It's what Star Tours SHOULD be, even after this second incarnation.

**Disney05** · 08-11-2011, 06:40 AM

We talk about it every time we go. But with our limited schedule, and no car, we only do WDW. Many, many years ago when we stayed off property and rented a car, we went to Universal and Sea World.

**supernova** · 08-11-2011, 09:10 AM

I guess that also depends on what you consider a "limited" schedule. Any more than three days in the area and you're clear to do at least one of the other parks.

**joanna71985** · 08-11-2011, 11:07 AM

Yes. US/IOA are great parks to go to

**mini-V** · 08-11-2011, 11:38 AM

We have annual passes to Universal and Busch Gardens. Both have some interesting things to see and do, but I'm always glad to go back to WDW. I haven't been to Sea World in many years.

**zippitydoodah** · 08-11-2011, 07:09 PM

Oh I ditto the Spiderman thing... it WOULD be the best ride I've ever been on, but I think the Harry Potter new ride is even better (its like spiderman meets Soarin). Universal Studios is probably my least favourite park in the Orlando area, but Islands of adventure is awesome and I remember really liking Sea World as well. We have Marineland where I live and Sea World sure beats it haha. We obviously go to WDW more, but if we have the time we'll fit in a day or two at Islands of adventure. It would be more if it weren't for the fact that once you're already doing Disney another day at islands is a lot more than another day at Disney.

**WDW4Ever** · 08-11-2011, 08:01 PM

I like the VIP tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. That single tour is greater than the entire DHS park. The only way I'll ever do Universal Studios Hollywood again is through the VIP tour. You get a front-of-the-line pass to use after an in-depth and walkabout tour of Universal Studios' lots, props, and shops. The rides are not worth waiting an hour for them.

**Chrissy&Tayen** · 08-11-2011, 08:11 PM

i love harry potter world its totally worth the trip to the other park

**malt** · 08-12-2011, 02:35 AM

I find that Universal has gone down hill a bit and as such I won't waist my time or money to go there. To be honest, the only non Disney park I'll do is SeaWorld.