I am seriously thinking of spending a day at Universal during our April stay at the YC. Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to manage it? We won't have a car unless we rent one. I am a big Harry Potter fan and would love to see all the HP stuff at Universal. I would think that this would be a good time to try to see it, since the crowds shouldn't be too bad in mid-April. But I don't know anything about how to manage to get over there.
I have found renting a car from National/Alamo at the Dolphin (which is about a 5 minute walk from YC) to be a cost effective and easy way of getting around.
Not knowing your exact dates in April, I priced out a compact for 24 hours, mid-April, which came out at under $62, using a basic coupon; a little search will give you an even better rate, or feel free to PM me for some specifics. There is a current coupon that gives you a free weekend day on a 3 day minimum rental.
With the low gas prices, in my opinion, you can't miss. I love the ability of being able to go wherever I want, when I want. Somehow usually forgetting to bring something along, a trip to Target, Walmart, etc. is not unusual. And, there is always the outlet shopping, if time allows, on those weather-unfriendly days.
There is plenty of free parking at YC/BC for guests; I've never had a problem finding a parking space there.
Wishing a Magical and Happy New Year to all!