2 days of possibility?!

[wdw_nutz]

Hi everyone,
We are heading to WDW for 16 nights on 30th Nov and the original plan was to do 2 days at Universal, followed by 14 day (UK) unlimited tickets in Disney.

I haven't been over to Universal since 2006, and we were looking forward to it and seeing all the Harry Potter stuff in particular. BUT now we're wondering if it's worth it. With cabs, tickets and food, for 2 adults for 2 days, we estimate a crazy $500 - $600 and really, are we going to be able to achieve enough to make it worthwhile? I am disabled and so use an ECV, and at Disney everything seems so do-able and we can plan out so much with Fastpass and ADRs. But would we spend the whole time at Universal in lines waiting for rides?! Our days there would be December 1st and 2nd, a Friday and a Saturday and although I think we could probably arrive pretty close to opening, I'm not sure how much of a difference that would make.

We're torn right now between 2 days relaxing on Disney property but not going to parks (we're thinking Disney Springs, resort hopping, pool etc. We're at AKL so perfect resort for non-park days) or heading for 2 busy but no doubt fun days at Universal... What would you do? I know it's very much a personal thing but if it WERE your choice, and you were on a couple's trip, what would you do?

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions, opinions and thoughts! Thanks.

 

[loves to dive]

I think if I had that many days and could afford it, I'd do the 2 days at Universal. With 14 days left to do Disney, you certainly can still build in a number of down days.

 

[Klayfish]

We've had that exact dilemma, more than once. On earlier trips, we had a 15-17 day trip and bought a 10 day pass, with water park option. The last two summer trips, we had an AP, so we didn't necessarily have a shortage of WDW days. We continually have considered taking a day or two at Universal, but never have. The cost for the 5 of us to go for a day just isn't worth it to us.

 

[Parker Clan]

We do both Universal and Disney every year, but we do get the EP with a stay on site so we don't waste time in lines. For me a trip to FL isn't complete without both US and WDW.. But that's just us We also love our days of rest at Disney too

 

[CAS239]

If you can afford it, go to Universal/IoA. The Harry Potter area is AMAZING.

However do it if you're going to both parks. You can't see everything by just going to universal and can't ride the Hogwarts express without the park to park

 

[bumbershoot]

Cancel one or two days off of your hotel and stay up at universal. That way your line fears aren't relevant because you get early entrance to wizarding world at any onsite hotel and with the three deluxe hotels you get unlimited express pass. For Harry Potter that will allow Dragon Challenge and the Hippogriff coaster.

If you stay one night you get the benefits from checkin until park close checkout day.


Doing a short visit anywhere is expensive. That's why for our first Orlando trip we had ten days inside of wdw parks with a break or two in there and three nights onsite at universal which ended up being two partial and two full days in their parks. We wanted to do it up right and get the benefit of longer tickets.

 

[macraven]

book at one of the deluxe hotels for one night.
you will get free unlimited ep for that friday and saturday.
(day you check in and out allows for this)

get the cheapest standard room at rpr, hrh, pbh, which ever is the cheapest.

saturdays are crowded park days.
you'll cover a lot of rides without long waits with that EP

ECVs are common at the darkside parks.
the parks are ADA accessible
there is a section on the UO site that covers disability needs in the parks that might be an interest to read.


do the parks at your preferred pace

by staying over night on Friday, you'll only have one round trip total for back to the motherland.

 

[calablovedisney]

I am kind of trying to make the same decision. We will be in Orlando for 9 or 10 nights and originally planned to do 1 night at Universal for 2 days of EP, but the cost is really holding us back. It will be over $1200 for the 4 of us for barely 1 1/2 days (the first day is a travel day so we will only be there in the evening). We did 2 nights a few years back and I was able to get hotel deals and deals on tickets, so that it cost about $300 less for more time. So, I understand your decision based on cost. However, if you have not visited the Harry Potter areas yet, then if I were you, I would spend the money and go. They really are incredible and that is the only reason this decision has been so tough for me.