Background and questions about avoiding lines

[davidann]

I am American living abroad (Italy) and EXTREMELY excited about my trip to Orlando, but I haven't been to the world since before Epcot was built!! I have a 9-year-old child who has only been to Disneyland Paris when he was four. I am investing a huge amount of time and effort (not to mention the money) on this trip. Anyway here goes: my plea for help!
We are traveling from overseas (Italy) and we need to get the most we can in the shortest amount of time!
We are a party of 3: 2 enthusiastic fans (my son and I) and one extremely reluctant Italian husband. Our main event is the wizarding world of HP .We would like to avoid lines
so what we would like to do is stay on site at universal see Harry Potter, simpson rides..
and then another 2 days at disney (change of hotel.. staying on site)
So here are my numerous questions:
1) If it is worth it, we would consider a vip tour (factoring in the fact that we could save money on extra day in hotel, food and above all stress) even if it is a bit of a waste because hubby's English is limited.
2) Ourmain focus on visiting Hollywood studios and above all Epcot, and limited Magic Kingdom. Which hotel is best? Closest to Epcot
3) Which hotel is best in Universal Studios? Closest to Islands of Adventure.
4) . Both DH and I have august off from work so that’s the only period I can come. I really want to avoid paying so much money (airfare, hotel) and then having to wait 5 hours to see DIagon Alley! I’ve read some trip reports and I was just aghast. How can I avoid it??
Thanks everyone for your precious help!

 

[Metro West]

So here are my numerous questions:
1) If it is worth it, we would consider a vip tour (factoring in the fact that we could save money on extra day in hotel, food and above all stress) even if it is a bit of a waste because hubby's English is limited.
2) Ourmain focus on visiting Hollywood studios and above all Epcot, and limited Magic Kingdom. Which hotel is best? Closest to Epcot
3) Which hotel is best in Universal Studios? Closest to Islands of Adventure.
4) . Both DH and I have august off from work so that’s the only period I can come. I really want to avoid paying so much money (airfare, hotel) and then having to wait 5 hours to see DIagon Alley! I’ve read some trip reports and I was just aghast. How can I avoid it??
Thanks everyone for your precious help!

1) Probably not...it's a nice way to see the parks but it's very expensive and unless you are a theme park junkie, I doubt you would really enjoy it.

2) You should probably ask this question on the Disney side of the boards.

3) All four onsite resorts at Universal are close to the parks and you can either walk, take the boat, rickshaws or buses...depending on the resort you pick. Check the Universal resorts board for trip reports and photos.

4) DA will still be busy in August next year and lines are unavoidable. I don't think they will be as long as this summer but you would still have to wait at least an hour or two most of the time I would guess. If you really wanted to avoid the lines, take the VIP tour you asked about but again...it's not cheap.

 

[johde]

1) I agree, for the Universal part of the trip, Express Pass should be enough.

2) The hotels closest to EPCOT would be Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk (and slightly further away the non Disney owned Swan and Dolphin). All 5 hotels are connected to Disney Hollywood Studios and the back entrance to EPCOT by boat or walkway. Best is a matter of taste. I've only stayed at the Boardwalk and enjoyed it there.

3) Like Metro said, all the onsite hotels at Universal are close. Since your main goal is avoiding lines, I'd stay at one of the deluxe hotels so express pass is included.

4) Gringotts shouldn't be that long of a line next year. Being the hot new ride, like Metro said, Lines will still be there but should follow more normal patterns of short in the morning and evening and peaking in the afternoon.