Timing and general idea -- would love feedback!

bagsmom · Jun 23, 2015

Hi everyone! It's been forever since I've been on here. We've "done Disney" a couple of times, and now that our kids are older, we are thinking of trying out Universal -- especially since we are all huge Harry Potter fans! I'll tell you what we are thinking of doing -- Would love feedback and suggestions.
DH does not like Florida in the summer, but it's our only time to go. We plan to leave as soon as possible in 2016 -- which will be May 26th of next year.
We thought we would drive to Orlando early on the 26th and just chill at the Royal Pacific.
Universal Parks on the 27th, 28th and 29th.
Leave on the 30th for Cape Canaveral and finish the vacation with low key time on the ocean. Maybe a couple of days just listening to the surf and relaxing after the theme park craziness.
I really wish this didn't put us vacationing over Memorial Day weekend, but it's kind of unavoidable.
How bad will it all be in terms of crowds?
If we go later in the summer, it will be hotter and more people will be out of school. Seems like the sooner the better, even if it is over the holiday time.
I am a huge fan of the Unofficial Guide and I've pre-ordered the latest one for Universal. Can't wait to dive into it!
I would love to hear your thoughts and very much appreciate them! Glad to back on here and getting overcome with planning excitement!

Brenda Kim · Jun 23, 2015

I have gone during Memorial Weekend before and actually since you are staying at the Royal Pacific, it will be a breeze. Take advantage of the early access to WWoHP and hit the rides there that don't have Express Pass. Staying at Royal Pacific you get the early access and the Express Pass. Almost all of the rides have an Express Pass lines and your wait will be significantly shorter. You will be able to do everything in 3 days and have time to relax. The crowds aren't actually too bad yet. Even without the express pass our average wait time was an hour. The weather is always tricky during that time of the year. Last year 5 days of our trip were beautiful high 80s, coolish breezes. Then our last day 98 no breeze full sun hotness. There are days where the morning is super humid and then it actually gets better as the day goes on after a rain shower brings the humidity down.

Almost all of Universal rides are inside and almost all have the ride lines inside as well. I don't think you will have any troubles on your trip, it won't be as crowded as Mid June through July, where the temp is always in the 90s. Your family will LOVE LOVE LOVE Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, it is just like you stepped into the films. My brother and I never like to get up early on our vacations, but we did every day just to get into Diagon Alley early and experience it with limited crowds.

The only thing that would make the crowds more than anticipated is if a large attraction is just opening during your visit. Kong comes to mind. So just keep an eye out for the opening date for that ride. Best case scenario is that the ride will be in soft opening mode when you get there, that way you may still experience the new ride without the long lines.

JustCallMeMommy · Jun 23, 2015

I commented to someone earlier today that I was VERY happy that I took our vacation during Memorial Day week rather than right now. This week has been sweltering here, and we are usually a few degrees cooler than Florida.

So, we did go Memorial Day week this year, but we didn't get to Universal until later in the week - Thursday to Saturday. We stayed at RPR, and the Express Pass made all the difference. While there were people everywhere, we didn't wait in a lot of long lines. FYI - almost all of the rides that don't take Express Pass have single rider lines.

bagsmom · Jun 23, 2015

Thanks to you both! Very glad to hear this! Have you ever gone over to the coast after Disney or Universal? It looks like it's only about an hour. I wonder how things around there would be? If we could find a quiet place on the ocean - even if it was a little ways from the space center, that would be nice. But I don't know where to begin to look for that!

Here's another question -- looks like MANY of the fun, headliner rides at Universal are all motion simulators. Are they all barf-a-riffic? My youngest gets motion sickness. I've heard Escape from Gringotts is less ooky than the original Harry Potter ride -- Forbidden Journey? Are they pretty bad? Or are all the warnings about motion sickness just extra conservative?

Momma2PrinceNPrinces · Jun 23, 2015

We're planning on 3 nights in Orlando just to do US/IOA then heading to Clearwater for 4 nights. We've never done it this way before but this momma needs some beach time! Our Orlando trips are always so go go go that we needed some time for relaxation this time around! Based on google maps, it's like 1.5 hrs from universal to our hotel in Maidera Beach/Clearwater :yay:

bagsmom · Jun 23, 2015

Cool! Are you doing that this year? I would love some advice about sea side places that would be very quiet and away from touristy stuff. Especially after the go go go, as you said! Since we will go Memorial Day NEXT year, I have lots of time to gather info!

Momma2PrinceNPrinces · Jun 23, 2015

Yes this July! This was all SO last minute!!! Originally it was just 7 nights in Clearwater, then turned into what it is now. Still debating on if we stay 2 or 3 nights in Orlando though. I looked into Cocoa Beach, but in all honesty there seems like a lot more to do on the Clearwater side. Tampa is only 30-40 min which has Busch Gardens. In Clearwater is the Clearwater Aquarium where Winter (From Dolphin Tale) lives. Plus Clearwater/St. Pete is supposed to have some of the most pristine beaches!

schumigirl · Jun 23, 2015

We love Clearwater.

Beach is beautiful and sunset is just perfect.

We have gone to the other side and visited Cocoa/Daytona area, but prefer Clearwater/St Petes. We stayed at The Hilton right on the pier when we did stay overnight. Takes about 2 hours or so from RPR to get to Clearwater.........and of course it has Crabby Bills for dinner.........perfect.

Robo56 · Jun 23, 2015

I take my grandchildren usually that time every year in May. I noticed this year it was more crowded then last year. I attributed that to Diagon Alley. We checked in on Memorial Day but, did not start our park visits until the next day. Forbidden Journey, Simpson's ride can make you feel pretty bad if a person has motion sickness. Transformers a little. The weather was not to bad this year. Last year it was pretty hot in Orlando. This May was warm but, there was a breeze at times. What sets Universal apart from other parks is that they really thought about the park patrons when they set up the wait lines. As noted above many are under air conditioning and others shade you from the direct sun.

Enjoy RPR and all the perks that come with staying onsite.

528 East will get you to The Cape and Cocoa. Those beaches are busy. All beaches will be busy Memorial Day. If you decide on the Atlantic try going a little farther south might not be so busy. What ever you decide have a great time.

pcstang · Jun 23, 2015

schumigirl said:
We love Clearwater.

Beach is beautiful and sunset is just perfect.

We have gone to the other side and visited Cocoa/Daytona area, but prefer Clearwater/St Petes. We stayed at The Hilton right on the pier when we did stay overnight. Takes about 2 hours or so from RPR to get to Clearwater.........and of course it has Crabby Bills for dinner.........perfect.

I grew up surfing at Daytona / Cocoa Beach. However, you can't beat the gulf coast beaches! Clearwater has beautiful beaches. I lived in Panama City Beach for 16 years and the sand is beautiful. I would recommend the gulf coast beaches to anyone visiting although the Atlantic coast beaches hold a special place in my heart.

bagsmom · Jun 23, 2015

Thank you all! Clearwater sounds lovely! I'd be tempted to head that direction, but me getting to go to the Wizarding World is sort of a trade-off. My husband wants to go to the Kennedy Space Center, so we will head off to the East coast. I had a suggestion to head up north and drive the National Seashore - A1A. We really want something on the ocean, but not a "popular" touristy beach. Just peace. (But the thought of anyplace called Crabby Bill's has my stomach growling!)

schumigirl · Jun 24, 2015

pcstang said:
I grew up surfing at Daytona / Cocoa Beach. However, you can't beat the gulf coast beaches! Clearwater has beautiful beaches. I lived in Panama City Beach for 16 years and the sand is beautiful. I would recommend the gulf coast beaches to anyone visiting although the Atlantic coast beaches hold a special place in my heart.

Sounds an idyllic way to grow up!!

I am scared of water.....well, the sea, so it was too rough for me to even dip a toe in at Cocoa Beach.......but Clearwater was so different, water was beautiful.........a friend at RP recommended AMI for a visit.....so may go there for the day......

We nearly bought a place in Dunedin back in 08 when the exchange rate was really high........we love that little town, so beautiful. Like so many places along the gulf coast.

AtlantaDisneyDreamer · Jun 24, 2015

Your trip sounds a lot like the one we took this year - end of May, three park days, stay at RP.

We had a wonderful trip and found it to be a great time to be at Universal. The weather was gorgeous. 80's and breezy. We had about fifteen minutes of rain in three days. Of course, Orlando weather can always be unpredictable, but I think that you have a better chance of good weather (good for swimming, water rides, and park touring) in late May than you do at most other times of the year. There were lots of people in the parks, but with early entry and express passes, we barely noticed. We also took resort breaks each day and still had plenty of time in the parks (although we could have stayed longer).

My husband also dislikes Florida in the summer, but he did not complain at all this trip (which is quite the wonder for him). We all had fun.

I am sure you will have a wonderful time. This was our first trip to Universal, and it really exceeded expectations.

Brenda Kim · Jun 26, 2015

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bagsmom said:
Thanks to you both! Very glad to hear this! Have you ever gone over to the coast after Disney or Universal? It looks like it's only about an hour. I wonder how things around there would be? If we could find a quiet place on the ocean - even if it was a little ways from the space center, that would be nice. But I don't know where to begin to look for that!

Here's another question -- looks like MANY of the fun, headliner rides at Universal are all motion simulators. Are they all barf-a-riffic? My youngest gets motion sickness. I've heard Escape from Gringotts is less ooky than the original Harry Potter ride -- Forbidden Journey? Are they pretty bad? Or are all the warnings about motion sickness just extra conservative?

I get motion sickness and the only two rides that I would say STAY AWAY FROM, is The Simpsons and Despicable Me. Depending upon how motion sick your child gets the other iffy rides would be Spider Man, Transformers, Shrek and Forbidden Journey. They do make motion sickness wrist bands you may want to check those out. And bring ginger candy chews, as the ginger does help settle the stomach if motion sickness occurs, if you can stand the spiciness of the ginger. I would try to do a short ride first like Cat in a Hat and if that one went okay then your child may be okay on Spider man and Terminator, which is not as bad as Forbidden Journey, which really tips you upside down. There is the a moment in Men in Black where the car will spin and that can cause queasiness. For me I found that if I stay hydrated and take at least 20 minutes between rides then I can manage the slight feeling of motion sickness after those rides. I will NEVER ride The Simpsons again, I have tried it a few times and found the motion sickness was less if I was at the top corner or bottom corners of the screen, but even then was still sick enough for it to ruin me for the day. Despicable me was less intense than the Simpsons, however I make sure I ride it in the evening as I am exiting the park so that I can just go back to the hotel and rest until the queasiness passes.

I tend not to get sick on Roller Coasters because of the rushing air and quickness of the ride.

I had no issues on Escape from Gringotts, although I could see where more sensitive people could.

kohlby · Jul 4, 2015

We went Memorial Day weekend once and it was far more crowded than I expected. So, though the heat should be better than the middle of summer, expect crowds still. Any chance you can pick the very next week? The express pass will make it easy to not wait long times, but walking through the crowds were difficult when we went Memorial Day weekend. (But - we had a barely 3 year old and 2 month old so we had a stroller). The GA schools are already out before Memorial day for all the counties near me. But the SC ones get out at the end of the first week of June. So, SC people could possibly add to the crowds the next week, but they're not going to add nearly as many as Memorial Day does.

As for motion sickness, I have issues with motion sickness on some rides. I can't handle the tea cups - so no Storm Force Accelelatron. I can't handle carosels normally either. I can do Forbidden Journey, but need to wear sea bands. I find the screen part the toughest part for my motion sickness. On Spiderman, there's a spot where I need to close my eyes or I feel sick. (The manhole cover scene - it's pretty fast). I do fine on roller coasters. Cat in the Hat is a one-time only ride for me - that one gets me dizzy way too easily but bearable for once.

As for the beach, we stayed at Cocoa Beach one year for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it - but it was November when we were there so no crowds.

bagsmom · Jul 4, 2015

Well, I think we will end up being at Universal on the Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Maybe Friday will be less crowded than Saturday? Our main interest is the Harry Potter stuff. I think everything else will be just a bonus. Much lower expectations of ride wishes than at Disney! Hoping that getting in early, having unlimited express passes, and a good touring plan from the Unofficial Guide folks will be of help! Sunday, I'm thinking we will enjoy our resort and do Blue Man Group. The specifics of what we do will be sort of flexible, but I think the days we are at Universal will be sort of set. UNLESS we do our beach time first, then do Universal last. For example, beach Saturday of Memorial day at condo through Thursday -- then universal Friday and Saturday AFTER Memorial Day. Seems like it might be six of one, half a dozen of the other. It will all be fun though. We are currently renting a mountain cabin and are stuck here in pouring down rain. It's just fun being together!!!!!

johde · Jul 4, 2015

Sounds like good plan. I'd keep an eye on the prices of 4 day tickets and Power Passes. Depending on the park hours, it may be worthwhile to slip into the parks for a couple of hours on the 26th in the evening and a 4 day ticket would let you do that. A power Pass might also get you a discount on your hotel room. The parks won't be as crowded and the temperatures will be cooler. Then on the next 3 days, go in the morning, when the crowds build go back to the hotel and swim (or another hotel pool hopping is allowed a Universal). Then in the evening, head back to the parks again after the crowds start thinning out.

KatieCharlotte · Jul 7, 2015

My daughter is somewhat prone to motion sickness. She said never again to Forbidden Journey and ended up not riding Gringotts, even though its much less intense, because she was nervous and the elevator portion affected her stomach. However, Spiderman and Despicable Me were two of her favorite rides. She recognized that she could not ride them twice in a row but went back the next day to ride again. My husband is also slightly prone to motion sickness but was fine on everything but FJ. We avoided Simpsons because it made DH very sick when he rode several years ago and basically ruined his day at the park. I would start slow and work your way up, and maybe try questionable rides at the end of the day when you all can walk back and rest if necessary. BTW, even without riding FJ and Gringotts, Universal is amazing for Harry Potter fans. My kids were happy wandering the streets of Hogsmeade and especially Diagon Alley in the early mornings and late evenings when it wasn't crazy crowded and they spent their own money on interactive wands.

Our advice on dealing with the heat after visiting in late June -- take advantage of free ice water cups throughout the day, dress to get soaking wet on rides and sprayers, and take afternoon swim breaks.

Timing and general idea -- would love feedback!

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