What should I bring to adventure islands?

Chorus group visiting Islands of Adventure, it will be my first time, HELP!?

• My school's Chorus and Band will be going on a trip to the Universal park Islands of Adventure in May of next year, and I really need help since it will be my first and probably last time I ever visit the Universal area. I already know that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter section is there, but I really need to know where to eat and how to plan my day accordingly, because we leave when the park closes, unless something happens that causes us to leave early. Here is what the Chorus director has told us: We have to pay for food at the park. We can bring money to shop. We'll be divided in to groups of 5, I think we can pick who will be in the groups with us. We'll be there from whenever we're done performing to whenever the park closes. We have to meet her (Our Chorus director) at different spots in the park at two designated times. If we're waiting in a line or are on a ride during those times, we'll be in big trouble with her, and we won't be able to travel with Chorus again. She told us to plan wisely, and since I have never been, I have no idea how to plan. I need some help with: Where to eat? How much to bring for food? What rides to do when? What to bring with me? Also, I'd like to know how much some of the Harry Potter merch is? Like candy from Honeydukes or a Butterbeer or something else like that. What should my group not miss? Is there anything we might think of skipping? The water rides: Will we be able to do any of the water rides? Is there a way to keep us from getting EXTREMELY soaked. The most I could get for a change of clothes might be one set. Any other tips are appreciated, Thanks!

• Answer:

  I know you really like Disney, so some of the sections may or may not impress you. Where to eat? The only place I could really recommend is the Three Broomsticks Inn. You and your group will HAVE to try the Butterbeer. It's wonderful! How much to bring for food? I really do not know. I would suggest maybe $20 to $30 just to be safe. I heard that the food is MUCH more expensive than Disney's quick service, but I do not know about quality. What rides to do when? I'd suggest that you'd try to hit the Harry Potter section as early as you can. Three Broomsticks might be a nice stop for lunch, and if your Chorus director is smart, she'll probably arrange for the first meeting to be at Wizarding World of HP. Forbidden Journey is the obvious pick to do as soon as you can. I'd suggest to go for the Jurassic Park section next. They have the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride, and some other stuff as well. Toon Lagoon is definitely next, because since you've already done Jurassic park water ride, why not try Popeye and Dudley next? You might do the Super Hero Island next, because it does have some major line drawers, like "The Incredible Hulk" coaster and The Amazing Spiderman ride. Seuss Landing is close to last, since most of these rides are for the younger set, and I can tell that your Chorus group is older because your director chose IOA. Cat in the Hat might be okay for you to do. Car-o-seuss-al maybe, or the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train ride. Decided between the Seuss themed carousel or the Trolley ride, because doing both would just be stupid. The One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish may seem kiddie but you do have to avoid water! Maybe one of the Seuss CS restaurants for dinner? Finally, the Lost Continent ends the list because this is mainly shows, You don't want to miss the Mystic Fountain, which you can most likely see on your way to WWOHP. It talks back to you and will try to get you wet, which most times, it does! The water rides: Will we be able to do any of the water rides? Is there a way to keep us from getting EXTREMELY soaked. The most I could get for a change of clothes might be one set. Well, you might want to do two of the water rides, but Dudley and Popeye will soak you the most. You might want to, as soon as you've ridden all the water rides you want, change your clothes and plan on doing NO MORE rides that soak you. Maybe buy a rain poncho and wear it on Dudley and Popeye to try and not get that soaked, although many who have ridden Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom have been soaked anyway even with ponchos. What to bring with me? What you'd normally wear for a day at Disney, but don't wear anything with a Disney character on it, or some Universal extremists might jeer, :P Bring sunblock if you spend any time at Seuss landing, because the colors there reflect A LOT of sun. Is there anything we might think of skipping? The real kiddie stuff and the shows at the Lost Continent. One of the shows might be okay if you have the extra time, but don't try to go the shows when you could be doing something else! The Pteranodon Flyers ride is also something to skip, because you will most likely be too tall to ride it, and you most likely won't have an elementary school aged child in your group. What should my group not miss? Hulk coaster Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Dragon Challenge Spiderman Popeye Jurassic Park River Adventure Plan on bringing around $100 if you plan on buying any HP merch. It's going to be EXPENSIVE! Btw, try and do both of IOA's candy stores, not just the HP one, because the other one is neat too! Bring your camera. Your group will probably have fun, and if you can't go again, you might want to bring home a lot of souvenirs and pictures to show how much fun you had on your first and (as you say) only trip. This is all I can type now, have fun!!