Is this idea insane?

[DCLbrideSept2009]

We have been to WDW many times. Hubby and I have a week in June without kids. We are thinking about coming into Orlando (driving) for like 2 nights. We have never done Universal. We will be back in Orlando (Disney) in October for F&W at Caribbean Beach (never stayed there before). We were thinking about doing one night at a Universal hotel and doing 1 day at Universal Studios (yes, we realize we won't get everything done, just want to check it out since we've never been and have never taken kids) and then a night at CBR (to check out the resort since when we go in October my parents and aunt and uncle will be joining us and we feel like the "hosts" but have never stayed at CBR so kinda want to check it out first). Is this an insane idea? It would cost about $500 just for one night at a Universal hotel and 1-day park ticket each. Insane??? Waste of time/money?? Opinions?? Forget CBR and do 2 nights at universal hotel instead? or just forget the idea altogether??

 

[2Gma]

I say go for 2 nights at Universal. Something new and exciting for you and DH to experience together! We just visited US for the first time in May as a family and loved it. Lots of cool, immersive rides and great theming! We spent 1 day in each park which seemed sufficient but still left us some things to do for our next trip. City Walk seems like it would be a fun place to hang out at night however with young kids we couldn't. I'd say skip Disney this time and really experience Universal to the fullest and then your trip to Disney will be all that more special in October.

 

[jon18uk]

Don't forget if you stay in a Universal deluxue hotel you get Express Pass included, that makes it a lot easier to do everything in one park in a day!

 

[kbelle8995]

No this is not nuts. I love Cabana Bay love it. Yes CB does not have an express on but depending on the date you are going you might not need it. You do get early entry to Harry Potter and for most of Harry Potter rides you can't use express pass. You can go visit other resorts if you want to. I would go for 2 days because you can always spend time at the resort. Cabana Bay is called a value hotel but thats not the way it feels. I would say book two days. IF you want an expres pass you can go to the other Deluxe resorts at Universal it depends on price whether you would think that this is worth it.

If you are there on the weekend you might want to consider it.

 

[Nohal]

I would do 2 nights at Universal. If you stay Deluxe you get the express pass which is good on the day you check in till the day you check out so basically 3 days of express pass. I would also get park to park tickets. With the express pass you won't have to wait in lines and can get on the rides quickly. With park to park you can ride the train both ways (so worth it) and do things in each park. We just got back from Cabana Bay which is a lot cheaper than the other on site hotels. You don't get the express pass but we didn't need it. I don't know what the crowds will be like when you go so this might even be a cheaper option. As with Disney getting there for "rope drop" is the key. The express pass isn't good for the Harry Potter rides but getting there when the park opens is the best option. IOA is open 1hr early for hotel guests but be advised that the only thing open is the Harry Potter section. USF official opening is 9 but it was open at 8:30 when we were there.
Since you have a car and weren't planning on doing Disney parks, I would drive over the Caribbean Beach resort and park and walk around. We have stayed there before and liked it. The kids especially liked the pool. It is a big resort with an internal bus system like Coronado Springs. I think it would be worth it to book a preferred room.

 

[damo]

If you do one night at one of the deluxes (not Cabana Bay), you get two full days of unlimited express....arrival day and departure day. It is worth it to stay during busier times like June as you don't have to stand in line in the heat and you get a lot more done which adds to the value. I'd skip CBR and just do Universal. You really don't get the proper feel when you rush it.

Watch for good deals on cheaptickets.com. You can get a great discount. It may be tough to get a standard room at this late date.

 

[goNDmay9]

Another vote for 2 nights onsite. I would also say to stay in one of the deluxes for the express pass. You can get so much done being onsite AND having the express pass. Plus - it allows you to enjoy the resort and not have to worry about time "lost" due to changing resorts.

 

[macraven]

to do a husband/wife, no kids on a trip, is never insane.

pack a lot into that one night stay onsite and call it a special honeymoon.......



it will be worth every penny you spend...

just you and your honey alone with no responsibilities for 24 hours.

(something i never did until our 4 boys were older teens, i would jump at that chance.)

 

[schumigirl]

If you do one night at one of the deluxes (not Cabana Bay), you get two full days of unlimited express....arrival day and departure day. It is worth it to stay during busier times like June as you don't have to stand in line in the heat and you get a lot more done which adds to the value. I'd skip CBR and just do Universal. You really don't get the proper feel when you rush it.

Watch for good deals on cheaptickets.com. You can get a great discount. It may be tough to get a standard room at this late date.

Exactly this.

 

[sharona]

I love Universal and WDW but if I were you I would head somewhere romantic. You have a week without the kids!!!!! You've said that you've been to WDW several times and you have another trip to same coming up. Go somewhere new and exciting. Get away from the chaos and crowds. Have some alone time.

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Thanks for the advice everyone! Hubby and I usually get a trip to WDW each year without kids (food & wine), which is what we're doing in October. But my aunt and uncle and parents will also be joining us on that trip. We just happen to have a week in June free that we can get away without kids also. We're really leaning toward just a couple nights at Universal! Thanks again!!