Best way to do a quick trip

[woodys_girl]

We've (family of 5--3 kids, 2 adults) got a 3 day weekend coming up mid-September and I'm going to resist the urge to turn that into a 10 day vacation and just turn it into like a five day vacation.
The plan would be to fly to CA on Thursday, do DL Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, sleep in on Monday and then do like half a day at Universal. On Tuesday do another half day (or 3/4 day) at Universal (because tickets are buy one day, get 2nd day free) and then fly out Tuesday evening.
1) Please tell me if this is a bad idea and why.
2) Should I rent a car or just Uber (or something else)? We would stay Thursday-Sunday somewhere on Harbor and then Monday night near Universal.
3) Airport strategy? Thinking of flying into SNA and out of LAX (more/ later flights and SNA isn't convenient to Universal). Or would you go into and out of the same airport?
4) I was thinking of one of the hotels in walking distance to Universal. Is one better than the other? Or would you recommend somewhere else? (Basically just looking for somewhere to sleep and shower.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[sjmac42]

First, look at flying home from Burbank, close to Universal/Hollywood and much easier to deal with than LAX.
I always get a car in LA but not when visiting DL as you can stay within walking distance of the parks. You may consider getting one when you leave Anaheim for the couple of days you’re at Universal, give you a chance to see some of LA outside the theme parks.
I don’t like staying near Universal as the only thing those hotels are close to is Universal but if that’s the focus of your trip, it probably works for you. Consider staying somewhere else though so you can see a bit more of LA.

 

[VandVsmama]

If renting a car, just be aware that usually picking the car up at one location and dropping off at a different location will result in higher rental charges.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

I've stayed at the Sheraton and the Hilton, both are fine though nothing spectacular. I'd just go with whichever one is cheaper. The walk to Universal is pretty close but it's uphill from those hotels to the park.

Overall I think your plan is fine. Universal isn't very big in terms of # of rides, though the Studio tour takes a good chunk of time (though well worth doing). The morning hours are way better than afternoon in terms of crowds/lines, you can do a ton during the first 1-2 hours after open.

 

[woodys_girl]

Thank you for the thorough response. I do realize that Universal is typically a one day park, but I'm thinking since the 2nd day is free anyway, it'll give us a chance to sleep in at least once and do it at a relaxed pace.