7 nights and only doing Universal...

[Amirah95]

We are a park commando family (me, DH and DD10) and we've decided to take a last minute trip (if it's not planned a year ahead it's last minute) to Orlando this May.

We are only going to do USF, SW and hang out DTD. We only have experience with WDW and that's it. I've been to US when I was 14 years old (a very long time ago) and I don't remember too much about it.

We will be there for 7 nights because we're doing the offsite villa thing near SW. Here are my questions and thanks in advance for the help.

1. We have 7 days so how many days would you do each of the three parks? I heard SW takes only one day to do, but we don't know how much time the other two takes. We want to do at least 4 days in the parks if possible.

2. Which ticket combos will be best for us to buy?

3. What else is there to do at USF besides going to the parks?

4. Any good restaurants there (inside/outside of the parks) onsite? We like seafood, steak and burger joints (sit downs).

5. Which is the best guide book for USF that I can pick up at my local bookstore?

 

[robvia]

Will you have a rental car?

Seven nights is a long time. Since you have that much time, I'd suggest you visit Discovery Cove (DC). That's an all day experience, and you'll remember it forever. Yes, it's expensive, but you get 7 days to spend at BGT/SWF before or after your trip. So you could drive the 75 miles over to Tampa and visit BGT one day. When you visit DC first, and then visit SWF and BGT afterwards, it's more special because you've learned about the dolphins.

SWF takes about a day and a half.

Most people spend a day at USF, day at IOA, and then a 3rd to do favorites.

Best ticket combo would probably be the new 2 days, get 3 days free.
The 4 or 5 park Orlando Flex Ticket would also work if you decide not to visit DC. Go on the web site and check it out.
http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets.html
Don't buy from 3rd party people, those are timeshares. Buy directly from the web site or your regional AAA office.

Besides the parks, there is CityWalk. You could catch a movie with the kids, and all the restaurants are there.

The best USF guide is Kelly's book. He's on our forum.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/18...103-0385599-1233453?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

I can show you where all the restaurants are outside the parks on my site here.
http://www.nogodforme.com/touridrive.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/directionstopublix.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/AcrossUSF2005.htm

 

[BAST]

Seven days is a long time for Universal. One thing to consider - there is a ticket package that includes Universal, SW, Busch Gardens and Wet & Wild. You may want to go to Busch Gardens if you have a car.

We stayed at Universal last August for four nights - really only needed three days to see everything and do rides multiple times (we did stay onsite so did have FOTL).

Sea World takes a day - and is fairly relaxing.

 

[rstamm]

i went to universal nov. 16th and 18th last year and had no problem doing both parks. we arrived by 9:00 and there were no waits in the morning, by late afternoon the waits were 10 min. we stayed at disney and it was full there.
i also went for a week in feb. from 4th to 11th. this year, it was very full at disney and a ghost down at universal. i went to universal on the 8th and there was no wait for anything the whole day. i guess everyone wants to do the 50th at disneyworld and is skipping universal.

 

[Rneighh]

Seven days is WAY TO LONG for Universal. It can be done in three days easy. One day for Sea World and then I would go to Disney.

Renee

 

[Amirah95]

We're doing next time around (2007).

Yes, we'll have a rental car.

I think we're going to go with the 4-day flex ticket.

I'm thinking we can do BG, but not DC.

So one day for each thing. We go through parks quickly with a plan so those will be our 4. We also want to do the WnW waterpark.

Thanks for all of the help, now I'm off to get my guide book.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

As per your restaurant questions, there's 2 Emeril's restaurants on property but those can be a bit pricey.

The Hard Rock Cafe on-site is definitely the best one I've been to.

A Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is opening this Spring on property and that's good seafood with a fun movie theme.

Mythos is also a great restaurant inside Islands of Adventures with great views of the park, really nice theming and excellent food. You can make a Priority Seating at various places in Citywalk or the park, as well as simply walking up to the restaurant when it opens and making your PS for later in the day.

Margaritaville in Citywalk is also known for its great seafood, burgers and drinks.

Make sure you check them all out!

 

[BrknAngel]

Where's the 2nd Emeril's? I only know of 1.

 

[phamton]

Where's the 2nd Emeril's? I only know of 1.

Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific hotel and Emeril's at Citywalk.

 

[Rneighh]

We ate at Emerils Tchop Chop on our recent trip. I highly recommend this place. It has fabulous food and service. We had five people for dinner. We shared a few appetizers, all had an entree, and shared three dessers. Also 2 beers and soft drinks. Our total bill was about $250.00 with tip. One of our best meals of the trip.

Renee

 

[BrknAngel]

Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific hotel and Emeril's at Citywalk.

Oooo ok. I've never been in any of the resorts so I had no idea.

 

[Amirah95]

We ate at Emerils Tchop Chop on our recent trip. I highly recommend this place. It has fabulous food and service. We had five people for dinner. We shared a few appetizers, all had an entree, and shared three dessers. Also 2 beers and soft drinks. Our total bill was about $250.00 with tip. One of our best meals of the trip.

Renee

Wow...that is like the Emeril's in Vegas type prices.

Thanks for the heads up for the restaurants. I'm sure DH will want to check out Emeril's there as we had a great time at the one in Vegas.