Am I crazy to think.....

[chrissysboys]

.....both Universal Parks can be done in one day?! I am heading "Home" to Disney in August and we really want to visit Universal this time. We have NEVER been in all of our travels to Orlando. BUT we only have one extra day to do it. Is it worth it? Is it actually doable?? HELP!!

 

[Metro West]

.....both Universal Parks can be done in one day?! I am heading "Home" to Disney in August and we really want to visit Universal this time. We have NEVER been in all of our travels to Orlando. BUT we only have one extra day to do it. Is it worth it? Is it actually doable?? HELP!!

I would never suggest to someone to try and cram both parks into a single day but...it depends on when you're going. If it's a slower season, you could do the highlights at both parks but if it's a busier time, you probably won't get to see much w/o purchasing Express Passes.

August can still be busy and the crowd levels fluxuate by the week so early August is busier than later in the month. Keep in mind that it's going to be wickedly hot and humid and that's going to take a lot out of you. I wouldn't try both parks in that type of weather.

 

[damo]

It seems like those people who try to cram both parks in one day don't have a very good time. You miss all the details with the rushing and there are lots of hidden gems at the parks that easily go unnoticed.

 

[chrissysboys]

Thanks to both of you for such quick replies. I definitely have to think more about this......do either of you know what the cost of an express pass goes for ? Again, I've never been to Universal so maybe this might be worth it. I know if you stay on property you get one but we will be staying on Disney property for the duration of our vist to Orlando. Just wanted to try and add Universal this time......my son headed to college in the fall so I figured if we want to do this as a family, this is the trip to try!

 

[damo]

Express pass prices vary. Here is the link to the site. Click on which one you would be interested in (one park, two parks, etc) and it will direct you to that page. Click on the date and it will tell you the price.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Universal-Express/Express-Plus-Passes.aspx

 

[rwdavis2]

I would recommend just picking one park, Universal and not IOA, and do that one.

 

[anorman]

You have been to Disney many times according to your post. Why not branch out and spend a couple of nights at Universal. I guarantee that you and your family will love it. You will have front of the line express because you would be staying on site and Universal is worth devoting at least 2 days and nights to. I am staying on-site Universal for just 3 nights on my upcoming vacay and I am stressing that I might not have enough time to do all that I want to do.

Take it from someone who loves Disney.....branch out and enjoy!

 

[bas71873]

You have been to Disney many times according to your post. Why not branch out and spend a couple of nights at Universal. I guarantee that you and your family will love it. You will have front of the line express because you would be staying on site and Universal is worth devoting at least 2 days and nights to. I am staying on-site Universal for just 3 nights on my upcoming vacay and I am stressing that I might not have enough time to do all that I want to do.

Take it from someone who loves Disney.....branch out and enjoy!

I second anorman on this. My family now prefers US/IOA over WDW and staying on site is absolutely worth it. I just with August would hurry and get here already. I'm ready for my 7 nights at Hard Rock Hotel!

 

[chrissysboys]

You have been to Disney many times according to your post. Why not branch out and spend a couple of nights at Universal. I guarantee that you and your family will love it. You will have front of the line express because you would be staying on site and Universal is worth devoting at least 2 days and nights to.

I would consider staying at Universal but this trip is a gift to my son from his Godmother for his graduation and she is using her DVC points for our stay in Disney. Very grateful to her because without it we probably wouldn"t be able to swing it at this time.

Thank you ALL for your replies! I'm sure whatever we decide we will have a magical trip as always!!

 

[Disneynut71]

I am one of the crazy ones that have done both parks in one day. We missed a lot and was really tired. This is the first time we are going to see Harry Potter. I know I will only have time for one park. There seems to be so much to do there.

 

[chrissysboys]

I think we may opt to add the Express Pass onto our tix and go for it! Wish me luck! I'll just have to plan it out well! My cousin has been there many times so she will be able to guide us on what not to miss.

Thanks all!! Back on the boards after many years of being away......haven't been able to go "home" since 2007 and I'm so looking forward to this trip!!

 

[bas71873]

Since you are staying in DVC points that are gifted to you, are you able to add a day or two on to the beginning or end of your trip (or do you already have flights booked) and stay on site at Universal? If you're driving, that might be the best option. Do your WDW thing and then the morning you check out, get to your US hotel early, early, check in, get your room key and your included Express pass and head to the parks. A one night stay at a US hotel will get your two days worth of your express pass. Something to consider if you can swing it.

 

[anorman]

I would consider staying at Universal but this trip is a gift to my son from his Godmother for his graduation and she is using her DVC points for our stay in Disney. Very grateful to her because without it we probably wouldn"t be able to swing it at this time.

Thank you ALL for your replies! I'm sure whatever we decide we will have a magical trip as always!!

If it's a gift and you are not paying for your accommodations at WDW, then now is the time to splurge a little and pay for a couple of nights at Universal! This should actually make it easier to handle knowing that you are not paying for two places (at least it would for me). You haven't said how long you plan on being in Orlando, but seriously, you should consider this if it is at all possible. It would be worth it for sure! If your son is graduating from school, I know that he is of an age where Universal would be perfect for him. I am pretty sure that just one day at Universal would not be enough for him!

 

[Crystal824]

We are doing both parks in May in one day. Actually, we are doing IoA. We bought the Costco tickets (which are parkhoppers) and then plan to hop over to US if we have time to see what we can see. Our focus is going to be IoA though. Next year when we go to FL, we will probably focus on US and just go to IoA for a few hours if we have time.

 

[RMulieri]

Just remember that EXPRESS passes are DATE AND PARK SPECIFIC and non-refundable