A Venture to the Dark Side

[WilsonFlyer]

I have to admit that part of the very reason we love WDW is the very bubble we all talk about, but...

With all the masks and restrictions and park reservations with no guarantees and no park hopping, etc. going on, we are, for the very first time since being DVC owners; considering venturing over to the forbidden areas during our early August trip.

Don't get me wrong, we would much rather be at WDW parks, but given the newness of the re-opening there at that moment in time and all the restrictions we already know about going in, I'm really starting to believe that Universal and Seaworld may very well be ahead of the curve (pun intended) by the time we get down there and may have loosened some of their original re-opening parameters.

Before somebody insists that going down the rabbit hole is the only thing to do because they have a personal responsibility to mankind to put their two cents worth in, this post is not about the masks. That has been argued ad-nausea on this very board, so there's no need to re-hash it here, but I am firmly in the camp of not wearing one. Anywhere. Anytime. Unless it is my own decision, so let's just take that at face value. If you can't do that, please argue it somewhere else. This thread is not the place for it. Thank you in advance for that.

I know under normal circumstances, many here do venture outside home base while staying DVC. We will have a car, and outside the monorail, we don't use Disney transportation anyway. We usually drive over to Celebration and eat at the Tavern every couple of trips, and mostly venture outside property to eat anyway outside one or possibly two table service meals on a very special occasion trip. What I'm saying is that transportation isn't a problem. I'm very comfortable driving the greater Orlando/Kissimmee area and know it fairly well. I'm even familiar with the back way into Universal from property. I have Sunpass.

Universal has already announced lifting blackouts for AP holders, probably due to smaller returning crowds than may have been expected, and I'm guessing there may be some ticket incentives for the near-term to get people over there. Seaworld may very well find itself in the same boat. It may be a good time to venture out. Our DD, now 15, has never seen the FL parks outside WDW. Maybe it's time. She loves thrill rides and roller coasters. Who knows what it may look like in August, but right now at least, Universal is mostly a barren wasteland and ripe for the picking if it's ever going to be.

What has been your experience? How much of a pain is it? Any tips? Advice?

We haven't decided yet. That's the good news. We really don't have to yet. What we are doing is considering possibilities because they have presented themselves to us.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It's not a pain at all. Easy drive there, parking garage to park in (just remember to mark down where you park!). You'll pay for parking there of course. They have moving walkways to assist in the walk from the garage to Universal Walk and then you head thru there to the gate of whichever park you are going to.

We've been several times. I say go if you want to see it and not based so much on the restrictions. We also finally visited Sea World again 2 a year and a half ago - I had not been there since the 80's! haha It was fun but I enjoy all wildlife. The roller coasters at both Universal and especially Sea World are much more intense than Disney. Lots of fun. Fun water rides at Universal too.

I don't know exactly how it is now but for the past few years you wanted to arrive early to be one of the first into the parks at Universal to get to the HP attractions. The HP areas are very worthy of taking some time to really look around if you're familiar with the books or movies. Very good attention to detail.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Thanks. I don't remember the last time we went to US, but I do remember IOA wasn't even a twinkle in anybody's eye at that point. We've been to SW, but certainly not since our DD was born.

It's funny how DVC naturally locks you in. We used to venture outside the bubble to other parks and sites all the time before DVC. We haven't even been to the Cape since Ashley was born. We really ought to get out more!

Thanks!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks. I don't remember the last time we went to US, but I do remember IOA wasn't even a twinkle in anybody's eye at that point. We've been to SW, but certainly not since our DD was born.

It's funny how DVC naturally locks you in. We used to venture outside the bubble to other parks and sites all the time before DVC. We haven't even been to the Cape since Ashley was born. We really ought to get out more!

Thanks!

I think also its the ticket pricing with a declining pricing as your days increase. You then weigh the added cost of a new place vs an additional day at Disney. Overall though we enjoy it enough to go out and see other places. Gatorland is a rather fascinating old style attraction too - had a great day there 2-3 years ago! Someday I want to get over and see what Legoland is like.

 

[Mickey of the Villages]

I don't feel any responsibility to others in saying this but your comment is fascinating to me: "I am firmly in the camp of not wearing one. Anywhere. Anytime. Unless it is my own decision, so let's just take that at face value."

I am not going to argue for or against this but I would love to know more about why you feel this way. Maybe you can share that with us some time.

In 1981 we went to Orlando for our first family trip. I was 10. We saw Magic Kingdom in 5 days. We went to Sea World and the space center. We sort of marveled at all the kitsch of Orlando. A trip like that sounds like terrific fun. Agreed, not all in the bubble, but what an experience.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Don't read too much between the lines. They stifle me. I feel like I can't breathe, and I live in coastal NC so I know what it's like in high heat and humidity, because there is very little difference weather-wise in central FL and here. I have other reasons, but they are beyond the scope of what's allowed to be discussed here and they don't matter anyway. I already had enough reason.

I can, and will, get a medical waiver. I'll likely do that anyway, but I'm not going to subject my family to it either. Can we just let it go at that, please. And thank you.

 

[DisneyGal24]

We are venturing way outside the bubble this trip. Since 2012, our summer vacations have always included Disney. This is the first time we aren’t doing Disney parks. We’re looking at Aquatica and Gatorland right now. We might add a day at Legoland too. We’re just enjoying the freedom and flexibility of not having every detailed planned out like we have for so many years. It’s weird but liberating at the same time. We did US and IOA at Christmas. While we had a blast, it was different. Lots of simulators but the roller coasters were awesome! DD14 loved all the Harry Potter stuff. I was glad we ventured out of the bubble a bit.

 

[delmar411]

I believe Seaworld has 50% off tickets until Sunday so now might be the time to buy. They have lots of coasters and you can do an all day drink and dining option. Also paid quick queue.

Universal is also more of a thrill park. Not sure of the current deals. But you can get all day drinks and dining there too plus paid express passes. Right now they are doing virtual lines so sort of like fast pass at Disney.

Both parks are requiring masks though. Obviously things might change throughout the summer, but if that is your hill to die on then I wouldn't purchase tix in advance.

 

[keishashadow]

It’s my understanding all the Orlando parks have the same policy, no masks, no entry...period

since WDW refuses to look at a doctor’s note in regard to gaining a DAS pass, I can’t see one pertaining to a waiver re wearing a mask nor having any weight on the matter

Enforcement of said stated policies will be readily available once WDW opens

What has been your experience? How much of a pain is it? Any tips? Advice?

Define ‘pain’? Universal is a beloved park for many DVC owners, especially since Harry Potter came to town.

We enjoy the three major parks as well as DIscovery Cove. Universal offers a great, exciting yet laid back experience. we are fervent HHN fans but still enjoy the sweet appeal of MNSSHP.

It was very nice to recently renew one of my family’s U APHs for under $300

If you are talking potential hassles re the commute from WDW area, at the advice of local residents, we don’t take I-4 anywhere we can avoid it. Surface roads work well for us other than rush hour sea world is an even easier drive

We rarely don’t do a split trip between universal & WDW. That includes staying onsite at one of U FOTL perk resorts, which are lovely, deluxe resorts. A nice benefit is it stretches our DVC points, allowing for more trips per year!

Last year we went with the 2019 BLack Friday deal for sea world fun cards vs APH. They were less than $90 pp

If you are going to consider venturing outside your comfort zone, after completing your own diligent research as to the unknown territory of the other parks, you should have a good inkling if its a good option for your family. However, you do have to commit to visiting other parks with an open mind and realize they are a whole other world

 

[icc2515]

If you are talking potential hassles re the commute from WDW area, at the advice of local residents, we don’t take I-4 anywhere we can avoid it

Do you take S Apoka Vineland to Wallace?

 

[keishashadow]

Do you take S Apoka Vineland to Wallace?

Yes, or palm parkway/turkey lake road

 

[blizzard]

Have you ever considered Discovery Cove? We loved our day there. It was worth every penny.

 

[limace]

I assume you know universal is requiring masks too?

 

[Chuck S]

Just a reminder, argumentative and sarcastic responses are not permitted under DISBoards posting rules. If the OP chooses not to visit the parks because of mask requirements, it is their choice. Disney will likely strictly enforce this, all Orlando parks currently require them. Several posts have been removed from this thread. There is no point in rehashing it here.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are heading to Dollywood next weekend! FL doesn’t want us without self quarantine and we are ready to try a little vacation! We have read the precautions, rules and we’re going. Enjoy whatever you choose!