?? about Universal

[dennisnlisab96]

I hope posting this question here is okay....I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Universal? We are planning a 12 day trip next August and my older kids (13,11,8) asked to go to Universal also. This will be new for us...we have never been before. Is there anyway to get aq really good deal on hotels and tickets? We were thinking about spending 3 nights there. I know there is a lot to do for older kids but how about little ones...we also have 3 younger kids (6,3,2). Any info would be great.

 

[trstno1]

This may shock you, this being a site primarily devoted to Disney fans, but if you scroll down a ways on the main disboards.com page, there are several forums devoted to discussing the Universal parks and resorts. They aren't quite as active as the Disney forums, but there is still lots of good information there.

 

[mega13]

Hiya!

If you go to the Disboards main page, and scroll down, you'll see they have a section for Universal Studios, with some great threads.

It's a great place! I love it, although I haven't been back there in ten years. We're spending 14 days in Orlando this January, and 4 of those are in Universal. Unfortunately, they don't give discounts the way WDW does. Your best bet is staying at the Royal Pacific Hotel (the least expensive one) and using your AAA card if you have one. If you check their website (just Google Universal Orlando Royal Pacfic Hotel) they may have a deal (like I got) where if you stay at least three nights, you can save 15% on your room. It's not great, but it's better than something.

Good luck, and have a great time! Be sure to visit both parks, and allow at least two nights. If you stay on Universal property, your room key allows for special "Front of the Line" access on certain attractions.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We love Universal! Staying on-site is the only way to go. You're treated like royalty. There are different types of discounts for their resorts. The older kids would love Hard Rock Hotel. Each park has a section which is designed especially for younger kids, but your older ones can join them. There is a Universal board further down the page, where you can get discounts and other info. Some people disagree, but I would recommend going to Universal after WDW. After you get used to the royal treatment at Universal, it's a little hard to get used to being a commoner once again.

Before I get flamed by all the WDW fanatics, remember I'm one of you two. I just happen to believe there's enough of me to go around for WDW & Universal.

 

[DisneyFreak43]

We just got back from a combined Universal/Disney trip this week. We did Universal 1st because of Thanksgiving, as we thought it would be better to have FOTL over the holiday. I think we guessed right- we cruised past some pretty long lines using that good old Royal Pacific room key! The hotel was gorgeous- nice to be a short stroll or boat ride from the 2 parks. We had an entertainment card rate of $144 for the 1st 2 nights, and $168 for the last one. As far as tickets, we had the "buy-1-get-one" three day passes from AAA. Pretty good bargain, we thought!

 

[dennisnlisab96]

Thanks...I will check out the Universal Section of the Dis boards now!!!

 

[Gupsmom]

Here's my take on Universal and IOA. They are both great theme parks. My adventuresome kids (4, 6 and 7 yr old) loved both parks. There was plenty for them to do and see.

I would definately stay on site. You just cannot beat their front of the line deal for onsite guests. With that, I would not do more than 3 nights....2 would even be fine. You'll be able to get every attraction in and repeat favorites.

Here's where the difference is for us. While we are still at Disney, I can't wait to come back. I could go to Disney for a week every 3 months and love every minute of it. With Universal, we had a great time (got every penny of our money's worth). I look forward to going back....in about 2 or 3 years. Universal is a great theme park but the is something magical about Disney.

Jess