Universal Florida in One Day?
 

After having visited Disneyworld several times, we decided we would have a look at the Universal parks while passing through Orlando in the next few weeks. Unfortunately we have only one day available for amusement parks and we will be staying off site.

We have 2 kids, ages 9 and 12, and want to know what the best plan of action is. Is it possible to see both parks in one day and hit the main attractions or is that overkill? If its a bad idea, which park is the best bet for a great day for all four of us?

It sounds like you will be down there in March which means spring break in various parts of the country which means long lines. You could easily spend a full day at either of the Universal parks and see most things but during spring break it will be a challenge. We've gone there for 2-3 days the last couple of years with our kids (now 13, 15). Because of the time of year, we chose to stay in one of the Universal hotels to get the 'express pass' with front of the line access to most rides. It was well worth it even though it was a good bit more than we'd normally pay for a hotel room (ie $300-$400 per night instead of $150) as it allowed us to do all the rides we wanted and included early entry to Harry Potter world. If you cannot change your off-site hotel, you should plan for just 1 of the parks. Look at the rides at each and decide which makes more sense for your family. You can optionally purchase an express pass which will add at least $100 to the ticket cost.

For you, definitely Islands of Adventure. But you can't really do both parks in a day. There are too many lines. If you spend a night in one of the Universal resorts, you can get express passes, and I think that's wroth it.

It depends on what you like. If you want to see Harry Potter then you have to visit IOA. If you are more interested in movie attractions then visit the Studio. If you must visit both parks then you would need to purchase express passes to both parks which could get expensive or as Doug says get a room for one night then you would get 2 days of unlimited express passes (Harry Potter doesn't take express pass).

While Harry Potter doesn't take Express Pass, hotel guests can get in early, though off the top of my head I'm not certain if there are specific days or the conditions. The OP should research that before making a hotel reservation to see if it's a viable alternative.

You can't do all of both parks in the same day, especially during spring break. You probably won't even be able to do just the main attractions at both parks.

You can go to both parks in one day as they are next to each other and the time to go between them is relatively short (but you want to switch parks just once- can't go back and forth).

When we have been to the parks at busy times, I've told my kids to research and pick 3 rides/attractions they most want to do. Go with your list of 6 attractions and anything more you get to do is icing on the cake.