Hello everyone! First off, if I posted this question in the wrong area please feel free to move it/delete it so I can post it in the appropriate section. I've been going to HHN Hollywood for 8 years, and this year I'm finally making a trip over to check out Orlando's event! I'm beyond excited, and I'd really appreciate suggestions and advice for a couple things since I know many of you have been attending the event for years and know the area very well.
We most likely are leaving LA Tues. morning on Sept. 16, to wander Orlando and just relax that night. Then plan to do a daytime visit to Universal on Wed. and then Islands of Adventure Thursday. To end the trip with a bang, we'll be doing HHN on Friday.
I'll definitely be paying for the Express pass for Horror nights, will the 6:30-12:00 be enough time to do all the mazes & see at least 1 or 2 shows? Is opening night usually extremely busy, or does it get busier as the weeks pass? And even with the Front of the Line, I'd like to get through a few mazes without using the pass so then we can go back and use it later on to get 2 walkthroughs. Any advice on which maze venues to go to first?
Park hours are from 9:00am - 7:00pm, do you guys think it will be very busy during those days? If we start right when the park opens, we most likely can finish all of the main attractions right? I just want to make sure since my girlfriend has never been to Orlando, so I want her to have the best trip possible.
Food: Any recommend places to eat in both parks & any restaurants outside of the park in the area?
Hotel: I know this isn't a good question for the locals, but for any of you who travel to Orlando every year, are there any hotels you would recommend that are close to Universal? My girlfriend and I would prefer to spend less than $80 a night if possible ($60 a night would be even better), since we won't be spending much time there.
I apologize for so many questions! I know no matter what this is going to be a fun trip, but I figured it's better to get some tips from the pros. Any advice is much appreciated , thanks so much !