7 Day Dream Maker Package-should I Do Usf/ioa?

[DISNEYLOVER70]

HI EVERYONE- I AM GOING TO DISNEY MAY-15-22 AND HAVE THE DREAM MAKER PACKAGE, STAYING RIGHT IN DISNEY-NOT RENTING A CAR OR ANYTHING- I HAVE A 5 AND 9 YEAR OLD- DEBATING WETHER WE SHOULD GET A SHUTTLE AND GO TO UNIVERSAL FOR A DAY-

MY SON IS 5- TOTALLY FREAKS OVER SPIDERMAN/HULK ETC... THIS IS OUR FIRST TRIP WITH BOTH KIDS AND WE PROBABLY WON'T GO AGAIN FOR 4-5 YEARS. I HATE TO BE SO CLOSE TO UNIVERSAL AND NOT TAKE THEM, BUT I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR OUR PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES PARK ADMISSION FOR ALL DAYS THAT WE ARE THERE- MY DH THINKS WE WILL BE PAYING FOR TWO PARKS FOR THE SAME DAY, WHICH ESSENTIALLY WE ARE, BUT I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO GO TO USF- THEN THERE IS THE DECISION TO DO USF OR IOA... SO MANY DECISIONS................. ANY "RATIONALIZATION" I CAN USE WITH MY HUSBAND WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO INPUTS ON THESE BOARDS.......THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[jaletu2000]

I have to admit the Spiderman ride was really something special. I don't think you'll regret going to IOA. There is plenty there for your two kids - especially now. When we went in 2000, there was alot still being built. Yeah, I'd go if I had the money and I'd go to IOA. Don't miss the pirate show there! It was great! By the way - is there a shuttle you can call to go to Universal/IOA? How does that work?

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

YES, MEARS SHUTTLE SVC. 800-759-5219

I CALLED THEM AND IT IS $13/PER PERSON ROUND TRIP- YOU JUST HAVE TO CALL 2 HOURS PRIOR TO WHEN YOU WANT TO GET PICKED UP. A SHUTTLE COMES AT 7:35 A.M, 8:35 A.M., ETC. AND A SHUTTLE LEAVES USF EVERY 1/2 TO TAKE YOU BACK- HE TOLD ME IT IS ABOUT A 30-40 MINUTE RIDE DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC-- THEY TAKE CASH AND TRAVELLERS CHECKS--

DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A BAD DEAL TO ME-----

I HAVE HEARD TO DO BOTH PARKS IN ONE DAY, IT COSTS YOU THE SAME AS GOING FOR TWO SEPERATE DAYS, NOT SURE IF I WANT TO SPEND THAT MUCH THOUGH--- I HATE MAKING DECISIONS LIKE THIS..............

 

[RescueRanger]

My family loved USF. Yes, you will be paying for 2 parks on that day if you go because of your disney package. However, it is alot of fun and each person has to guage their own budget. If you have to pick just one park, I would go with IOA. My 2 DDs 5 & 8 liked it better of the two. Also, this is where the comic book heros are. Get there early and take advantage of express passes. You might want to check on a taxi or call Tiffany Town Cars( I think that's the name) . I believe it would be cheaper than paying for 4 shuttle passes.

 

[Dancind]

I wouldn't do this. If you really want to go to USF/IOA, then shorten your Disney package to five or six days. Disney will refund your money. Then book a night or two at one of the Universal resorts to get Front of Line privileges. Is this the only trip you will ever make to Orlando? Your kids are a little young for IOA, they won't want to go on a lot of the rides, even if they are tall enough. You might want to wait for another trip down the road when they are older and braver. Diana

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING, IOA IF I HAVE TO PICK JUST ONE- IT ISN'T SO MUCH THE $$$$, AS MUCH AS IT IS -HAVING TIME TO DO BOTH PARKS IN ONE DAY... I WOULDN'T WANT TO PAY FOR BOTH AND MISS 1/2 OF ONE OF THEM....

GREAT IDEA CHECKING INTO THE TAXI OR LIMO SERVICE- WE ARE ACTUALLY USING "YOUR RIDE" TO GO FROM MCO TO DISNEY, SO I WILL CHECK WITH THEM ON A RATE, THANKS FOR THE IDEA....

I PLAN ON TALKING TO THE HUSBAND TONIGHT ABOUT IT AND I WILL POST HERE HOW I MADE OUT!!!

AND WELCOME TO DIS BY THE WAY........

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I CAN DO THAT? I DIDN'T THINK YOU COULD MAKE ANY CHANGES AFTER YOU HIT THE 45 DAY MARK... HMMMM..... I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO CHECK THAT OUT. MY KIDS ARE RIDE FREAKS.... THEY WOULD RIDE NON-STOP FOR HOURS IF I LET THEM. THEY GET THAT FROM THEIR PARENTS

WHERE DO I FIND OUT ABOUT THE HOTELS AT IOA/USF? I HAVEN'T CHECKED, PROBABLY SOMETHING RIGHT HERE AT DIS.......

THANKS FOR THE INFO, DEFINATELY SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT, I APPRECIATE IT!!!

 

[Dancind]

I haven't booked a package in many years, but I'm pretty sure you can change it. Just call and tell them you need to shorten your trip. There's a lot of info about US hotels on these boards under the Universal/Sea World section. Many of the rides at IOA have a height restriction of 56". Is your 5 yo that tall? Diana

 

[panfan]

Dealing with the same issue for my upcoming trip in may. DS age6!! Heres my senerio--Last year we did the "universal" thing and stayed at the hard rock hotel for 3 nites. It was okay but i would never stay off disney property again-i can tell you that much. As far as IOA is concerned--my son then age 5 LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!! He is a big fan of spiderman!!!

This year we are headed to WDW for 5 nited at the BWV and are planning to go to IOA for one day. my advice to you would be a towncar. DO NOT USE MEARS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!!!!!!!
Last year while on universal property--we used the mears shuttle to go to Magic Kingdom and it ended up being over a 2 and a half hour ordeal getting there!!! Remember--you are not the only one on the shuttle. We had to pick up other guests from various hotels from ALL OVER !! And believe me they squeeze in as many as possible. My kids were so tired from all the driving the were miserable by the time we go to MK!!

My advice--get a town car--there are several of them in orlando area. I checked and am using Florida Town cars this time. It cost 35 one way from a disney hotel to Universal. For undivided attention and door to door servic with out driving all over the world 70 dollars is a small price to pay when you consider the big picture. Those vacation hours are valuable and hard to come by!!

As for Universal--dont do both parks in one day. IOA has plenty for the ages of your kids!!

Good luck and have fun!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

HI THERE! MY SON IS ALMOST 6, BIRTHDAY IS IN JULY.... HE HAS SPIDERMAN SHEETS, COMFORTER, WALLPAPER, SPIDERMAN REMOTE CONTROLLER FOR HIS PS2, NEED I GO ON???

HE WOULD ABSOLUTELY FREAK OVER THAT RIDE........ I THINK YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT ABOUT THE TOWN CAR SERVICE. I AM USING ONE TO GET US BACK AND FORTH FROM THE AIRPORT AND I AM GOING TO CALL THEM AND CHECK IT OUT ........... I DON'T REALLY WANT TO SHORTEN MY STAY AT DISNEY-PAIN IN THE BUTT PACKING UP AND GOING TO ANOTHER HOTEL.... SO YOU THINK IOA WOULD BE ENOUGH AND WORTH IT FOR THE DAY FOR MY LITTLE SPIDEY? I THINK I GOTTA DO THIS. GOING TO CHAT WITH THE DH TONIGHT AND SEE WHAT HE THINKS, NOT THAT HE HAS ANY PART IN THE PLANNING HE DOESN'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE PLANNING, JUST TELL HIM HOW MUCH $$$ AND WHEN IT'S TIME TO GO!!! MY SON IS JUST 48", YOU THINK HE WILL ABLE TO RIDE MOST EVERYTHING?

THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT, APPRECIATE IT!!

 

[mad4themouse]

My recommendation would be to not do USF/IOA unless you can shave a day or two off the Dream Maker Package. You will be paying for time in a Disney Park while you're paying for and visiting the Universal park. You will also have the headache and expense of the travel to and from Universal. All in all, it will add considerably to the cost of your trip. Cost of 4 one-day IOA passes (2 adults + 2 children) = $190.00. Cost of Tiffany Towncar (roundtrip: POR to IOA) $54.00, not including tips for drivers. This sidetrip could cost you an additional $244.00, maybe more.

If you're still interested in going, check out the height restrictions for some of the rides. At 48", your spidey-guy will not be able to enjoy the rollercoasters but will be able to do most of the other attractions. Orlando Height Restrictions

There's a whole message board on the DIS devoted to USF/IOA. Here's a shortcut: USF/IOA Boards

Whatever you decide, you'll have a great time.


PS.-Typing in all capital letters is the equivalent of shouting. We know that you're excited but could you calm down just a little??

 

[DNSDisney]

to make changes to your package after 45day mark it cost $50.
I was told this by the cm at wstc about our own. I have the same problem as you and have decided to do both . I am figuring a half day at IOA and a full day (the day we leave disney) at universal.

 

[panfan]

My son was the exact same age when we went last year!! 5 and a half and turned 6 on July23!! IT was the absolute best to see his excitement over the spiderman ride-- I must warn that IT is a little intense but my guy loved it at five.

As far as the package issue--I am dealing with the same thing. I decided maybe to try to cancell also my length of stay pass and just get 4 day park hoppers. ( we dont have the package you do) Even if we did j-jI would spend the extra $$ IT is worth it!! We will be going to IOA but waiting till the day before we leave and not telling our son a head of time or it would be an agonizing wait!

Good Luck!!