1st Timer w/Kids to UO and IOA -- HELP ME PLEASE!!

[girlsx2]

Hi Everyone!!

We just got back a week ago from Orlando and did the whole Disney thing. I am now back into my researching mode and already thinking about our next trip to Orlando. However, this next trip, we want to do Universal and Sea World. I want all of the info I can get on where is the best place to stay, to eat, to get tickets etc... We have three girls they will be the following ages when we travel 12, 8 and 3. Does UO offer early entry or fast passes etc? It has been almost 15 years since I have last been to UO and the kids and DH have never been. What is the best time of the year to go? Are there "seasons" like Disney has? Any and all answers will be helpful and I will be very greatful!!


Thanks A Million!!

girlsx2

 

[damo]

Since you are just in the planning stages, I suggest you go and visit the Universal Resorts boards and read as many posts as possible. There is a ton of valuable information over there that can save you big bucks!!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

No to early entry

Yes to express (fastpass). There are 3 forms of it. One is paid (some restrictions), one is free (many restrictions), one is from staying at one of the onsite hotels(no restrictions as long as everyone has their room key).

The Kraft ticket deal (check the posts on here) is one of the best out there right now.
http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/kraft/

Best places to eat vary depending on what you want specifically.

There are on and off seasons at UO, and they can be gauged by looking at park hours. If the park closes at 6p, the crowds will be extremely low (20 minute or less waits). 7-8p = moderate-busy (30-45+ minute waits). 9p-11p = very busy (60-120+ minute waits)

 

[zaxmom]

You will really want to stay on site at one of their resorts. It gives you the Front Of the Line Access. You get in the "fast pass line" just by showing your room key. No getting tickets for later times and such.
If your girls are into waterslides I would suggest the Hard Rock since it is the closest. They may really like how pretty the Portofino is. I think the Portofino has a great pool area for your youngest. But there is a lot of walking around the resort, especially with a stroller and skipping stairs. If they are not interested in the slide, the Royal Pacific has a fun pool area with an interactive wet area.
From my experience, the best time to go is anytime school is in session. But, those days are now over for us. I would go when it is warm, because there are a lot of water rides and wet playgrounds in the parks. I dress my kids in swim trunks, because they are getting wet all day.

 

[Robinrs]

Well, you definitely came to the right place!

Lots of info can also be found on the Universal half of the DIS at www.usoinfo.com

All three of the onsite hotels are awesome, check the rates and features and you can decide for yourself which is best for your family. The Universal express feature is worth every dime, take my word for it.

And WELCOME!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Girlsx2, You're as bad as I am--if I remember right you were at WDW the same week I was recently. I'm so much happier when I'm planning a trip, even if it is far away.

Yes, try to stay onsite. The FOTL privledge is wonderful. If you don't stay onsite make sure that you go at a very slow time of the year. I went to Universal twice when I was in Orlando a couple of weeks ago and lines were very short with little or no waiting. We didn't stay onsite (stayed at Pop Century), but if you can swing onsite, especially if you are going at a busy time, you will not regret it.

I agree that it is best to go when the weather is warm (doesn't have to be hot) since there are a lot of areas and rides where a person gets wet.

Have fun planning!

T&B

 

[girlsx2]

Thanks for all the advice. I will have to look into staying on site. However, from what numbers I have seen by looking on the US Resort forum, that maybe a long shot for us. Feb/March will be our time frame to go. More than likely early Feb.

Tigger&Belle - nioce to hear from you again!! yes, we were at Pop Century at the same time!! We loved it by the way. Hope you did as well.


I am considering a three or four day cruise and doing two days at Universal and one day at Sea World so we will probably stay off site to keep our exenses down.

One thing I did not mention is that I have a AAA card. I did read one thread about some of the discounts that are available with a AAA card.


Thanks again for any and all advice!!

Sherri

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Your AAA card gets discounts on the most important things: food, merchandise, and admission. It's only about a 10% discount, but it helps!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I think that if you go early February (before President's Day) you will be fine not staying onsite. There are a lot of hotels very close to Universal (Major Blvd I believe is the name of the street). We are staying one night at a Holiday Inn this April after checking out of the Hard Rock Hotel. I think there is also a Comfort Suites and a lot of other places. If you do decide to stay onsite there might be some good room rates that time of the year.

We also enjoyed the Pop Century and got a wonderful rate on our room. I would love to go back another time this year with just Jake (darn WDW annual pass--lol). I do this every few years--go a lot in the course of one year and then don't return for awhile.

Have fun planning. We're planning on going to WDW the end of next January (whole family this time). We won't do Universal that time, but it's been awhile since my older kids have been to WDW.

T&B