Advice on Universal

[cmpayton]

Ok... let me appologize for the long explanation before hand

We are planning our trip to Disney in June and decided that this year we wanted to go to Universal as well, since none of us had ever been. I went to Universal's website and they have a 3 night/2day package that would be perfect. However, we can stay at a non-preferred hotel for about half the price per night... Then I could just purchase the tickets seperately. The down side is that we wouldn't get that 1 hour early entry into the park... but we would have free breakfast.

The problem comes from all of the stories I have heard about how difficult it is to see WWOHP if you don't get in early... is it impossible? Because I'm thinking I would rather spend that money at Disney to do the KTTK tour

Now... for part 2:
there are 4 of us (the kids are 20 and 12... almost not kids)
We are doing Universal first then Disney last. We will take the ME to the airport at the end of our trip, but transportation from the airport to Universal and then from Universal to Disney is another matter. rent a car or taxi?
If we rent it would just be for the the trip to Universal and then the trip to Disney. Any thoughts or better ideas?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cammie810]

Just got back from a last minute spring break trip to Universal. We stayed in a condo so we did not have the early entry option. I could not wait to see WWOHP and was so disappointed. It was crazy crowded!! I stood in line for over 2 hours for Forbidden Journey. We could not explore Hogsmeade at all because it was wall to wall people. Even though I hate hotels I would be tempted to book one night at a Universal hotel strictly for the early entry! Unless I went back in September I would come up with the cash for the Universal hotel!

 

[Mommytwotwins]

Not sure what time of year you are going but we did Disney and Universal in October and stayed off-site because it was cheaper with 7 of us. We did US and IOA in 2 days and when we went to the Harry Potter area early the lines were super long and you could not even walk around to look so we left that area and went to do the rest of the park. I had read on here to go back before closing and tried it...we went back around 5pm and what a difference. No waits on rides and we walked right on the FJ. I was shocked!

 

[JessLCH]

I agree with the last post about going to WWoHP about an hour or so before park closing. Very short wait times. We DID stay onsite and did the early entry but also enjoyed the very end of the day when most folks were leaving. I would not even attempt to go anytime between 9:30 or 10 am to 6 pm!

 

[alexensmom]

I you all dont mind me asking, is an hour before closing enough time to enjoy WWoHP? And what time does the park close during the week?

 

[cmpayton]

We are going June 15th and 16th.... but I managed to get a corporate discount at a hotel right across the street from Universal for $43 a night. I felt like that was a deal I couldn't pass up... guess we will try WWoHP in the evening and hope we get to see it