Coming to the Universal Side.....Save Me

[JPinkc]

Ok my Family of witches and wizards are making me leave my Disney World bunker this year for our 1st real trip to Universal. Lookin in mid June (5-7 days stay) to go, since school has been extended due to all the lovely snow and we have more coming this weekend. We are looking to stay on property, have heard some horror stories on the Lowes Resorts, but also heard them about WDW too. Trying to decide on PBR, RPR, SFR, or the new Aventura. 2 teens 2 adults, my wife has a slight issue on walking so we try to accomodate her. Is there a dining plan for Universal? Is it worth it?? (Usually take it at Disney) I have heard the hotel restaurants are not super is this true? Are the Express Passes worth it? Are there any tips, tricks or things we should know about Universal or the On site Hotels? Any and all recomendations on hotels would be greatly appreciated. If you need or want to know we have stayed at Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Poly, Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans, these would be our goto list for Disney. Any and all advice so I can get up to speed on planning this and so I can try to scheme a MK run if I am not killed for mentioning it. Oh BTW how far is it to Disney Springs from Universal? I will get my mouse fix

 

[Bethany10]

Lol, I'm betting by your screen name you're in KC. We don't get out until well into June as well, I live on the north end of the city. I spent the day running errands so we can hunker down tomorrow and prepare for snow day number 1,683

 

[G719]

Ok my Family of witches and wizards are making me leave my Disney World bunker this year for our 1st real trip to Universal. Lookin in mid June (5-7 days stay) to go, since school has been extended due to all the lovely snow and we have more coming this weekend. We are looking to stay on property, have heard some horror stories on the Lowes Resorts, but also heard them about WDW too. Trying to decide on PBR, RPR, SFR, or the new Aventura. 2 teens 2 adults, my wife has a slight issue on walking so we try to accomodate her. Is there a dining plan for Universal? Is it worth it?? (Usually take it at Disney) I have heard the hotel restaurants are not super is this true? Are the Express Passes worth it? Are there any tips, tricks or things we should know about Universal or the On site Hotels? Any and all recomendations on hotels would be greatly appreciated. If you need or want to know we have stayed at Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Poly, Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans, these would be our goto list for Disney. Any and all advice so I can get up to speed on planning this and so I can try to scheme a MK run if I am not killed for mentioning it. Oh BTW how far is it to Disney Springs from Universal? I will get my mouse fix

I have just a few pieces of advice as we've only gone once to universal which was November. Aventura is where were stayed in a family suite. The room was nice and we had an excellent view. The hotel restaurant was good. But I will say that next time we go we are staying at a hotel that has express pass included. While the park wasn't super busy, waits for most rides were 30+ minutes. We were there over the veterans day weekend. We skipped a bunch of rides because of the wait times.

Also I felt like it was quite a hike from where the bus dropped you off to get to the front of the park. We did walk over to sapphire falls to take the boat a couple times which drops off closer. So you may want to go with a hotel with the water taxi. We are planning to stay at royal pacific on our next trip.

If you're snowed in tomorrow, check out some of the universal trip reports on the boards. That's what I do to learn more about resorts and restaurants.

 

[JPinkc]

Lol, I'm betting by your screen name you're in KC. We don't get out until well into June as well, I live on the north end of the city. I spent the day running errands so we can hunker down tomorrow and prepare for snow day number 1,683

Guilty as Charged!! Hoping we dont get the 7 inches plus, UGH

 

[JPinkc]

I have just a few pieces of advice as we've only gone once to universal which was November. Aventura is where were stayed in a family suite. The room was nice and we had an excellent view. The hotel restaurant was good. But I will say that next time we go we are staying at a hotel that has express pass included. While the park wasn't super busy, waits for most rides were 30+ minutes. We were there over the veterans day weekend. We skipped a bunch of rides because of the wait times.

Also I felt like it was quite a hike from where the bus dropped you off to get to the front of the park. We did walk over to sapphire falls to take the boat a couple times which drops off closer. So you may want to go with a hotel with the water taxi. We are planning to stay at royal pacific on our next trip.

If you're snowed in tomorrow, check out some of the universal trip reports on the boards. That's what I do to learn more about resorts and restaurants.

So you did like the Aventura. My wife thinks the EP is worth more than the Suite price to her as the room we are only in to sleep or change from the pool. I take it walking from Aventura is not an option or just very far? How was the pool at the Aventura it looks tiny by Disney standards

 

[G719]

So you did like the Aventura. My wife thinks the EP is worth more than the Suite price to her as the room we are only in to sleep or change from the pool. I take it walking from Aventura is not an option or just very far? How was the pool at the Aventura it looks tiny by Disney standards

You could walk but we never did. I think you would have to go through sapphire which is across the street and then over to royal Pacific to get on the path.

I thought the pool was a good size. Plus if you're doing volcano bay it's super close. You go out the gate by the hot tub at aventura and security for volcano bay is right there.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

You can also pool hop at Universal.

 

[JPinkc]

Wow havent done that since i was a teen at disney. Didnt disney stop allowing that

 

[JPinkc]

You could walk but we never did. I think you would have to go through sapphire which is across the street and then over to royal Pacific to get on the path.

I thought the pool was a good size. Plus if you're doing volcano bay it's super close. You go out the gate by the hot tub at aventura and security for volcano bay is right there.

What kind of schedule for buses? Is it like disney?

 

[bchbetha]

Rule 1 to having a fun, satisfying trip is to NOT look at it through a Disney lens. Do you take other vacations? Do you compare them to Disney when planning or take them for what they are (totally different experiences)? I know on DisBoards it makes sense to compare since most people get the references. It’s just a lot better to not think of it in Disney terms. Both brands are great. There’s no reason to think Universal isn’t every bit of a high quality experience as Disney.

The buses are a million times better with wait times. Usually there a bus waiting to load. You do get dropped off at CityWalk for security and you’ll have about a 10 minute walk from there. Cars can’t get closer- CityWalk is car free.

If funds allow, do Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. They’re the closest and you’ll get the Express Passes. With 2-3 park days, you’ll want EPs in June.

No dining plan ahead of time. When you’re at your first restaurant, ask the cashier if it would make sense based on how you eat.

Not sure where you’ve heard Loews hotels weren’t good. Each category is a step up from what Disney has and often lots cheaper. There are great hotel restaurants. The Palm and Jakes are 2 great options.

Again, treat this trip as planning any vacation not planning a “not getting to go to Disney” trip. Embrace the differences and have fun! Pool hop, walk to the parks, relax and enjoy those EPs! You’ll be spoiled when it’s time to go back to fast passes.

 

[Bethany10]

wait, 7 inches? I heard 4!

I would agree with others, I have heard over and over again, they are 2 different experiences.

We head down later in June, as we gambled last year and tried to go the last week of May and got caught in the same snow day mess we're having this year. It eventually became easier to push back a year and move the trip into June.

We have a family suite at Cabana Bay reserved, as I call us the sloth family. For us, more room at the hotel means everyone has their own space. Spending a week on top of each other in a standard hotel room would not end well. It depends on your preferences, if we were a more active group that only uses the room to sleep, then I could see getting a smaller room at one of the hotels that offers express, its a great tool to maximize your time in the parks. For us, that money is also better spent on passes to Volcano Bay. We love a good pool and I'm excited to spend some time there. CBBR offers us a very short walk to that park as well as a nice pool.

We do have reservations at Boma for breakfast, one day as I've never set foot in a Disney park and it's on my bucket list. No one else in the family has any desire to go, so it's not worth it to us to spend the kind of money it would take for us to go and stay there, but since they made me the planner, I get breakfast on property.

I would say spend your snow day tomorrow reading trip reports, and looking at the hotel stickies. Each hotel offers something different, just depends on how your family rolls.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

You can also find menus (including prices) for all the Universal restaurants on their website. This includes restaurants in the parks, the hotels, and City Walk. City Walk is very convenient, so be sure to check out all the options.

 

[Monykalyn]

Veteran of both parks, have current premier AP to Universal, former AP at Disney (possibly will get another Disney AP if oldest DD does another internship there, and then will hope for AP preview for Star wars land), also former CM at Disney. In SW MO (Springfield) and hoping we don't get the snowmageddon either!
1-Definitely spend the snow day reading the stickies on the Universal board. The hotels in particular all have something different to offer. I would advise staying at one of the deluxes to get the unlimited EP. Our AP allows EP after 4, free parking, which allows us to stay offsite and go more often, but it is really the EP that makes it worth having! No planning, no deciding 6 months in advance where to eat, then fretting about the 3 (3!!!!!) rides on which days to book...
2-Universal is much more compact-meaning it is far easier to head back to hotel to nap, for a break etc.
3-buses, walking, water taxi-all better than Disney (sorry Disney lovers-it is true! I love Disney but OMG their bussing leaves alot to be desired)
4-Don't try to compare directly to Disney. Disney is a whole other ballgame. I love Disney. I also very much enjoy myself at Universal.
5-The deluxes at Universal are at the very least on par with Disney deluxe and in many ways, above Disney deluxe. Example-I stayed at Beach Club and Royal Pacific in same visit, both slated for refurb. Beach club room-definitely showed multiple signs of wear and tear (peeling wallpaper, thread bare carpets) while the RPR room was pristine! We had 5 of us in the RPR room though we stayed Club level so had the lounge to stretch out in.
6-The hotel food options are good-and much easier to resort hop. Citywalk also has great options, but this is one are where I feel Disney does it better-Disney Springs is hands down better. It doesn't mean City walk is bad, just not as big or diverse. However-rarely require advance reservations and definitely NOT 6 month in advance reservations. We went Christmas week and walked up to several restaurants-longest wait was Margaritaville-quoted 45 minute wait-more like 25 minutes.
7-you will hear complaints of "too many screens" in Universal. Yes some rides rely on screens, yet is a totally unique experience. If you like Harry Potter at all you will be blown away by the Potter areas at Universal!
8-Dining plan-read up on it. Usually not worth it (not worth it usually at Disney either but that is a whole other thread). The quick service one you can actually purchase at the register as you are paying for your meal (why you need to read up on it-rare cases where it is worth it-usually at a lunch at a Wizarding world quick service you may get an extra snack free by purchasing the plan for that day) For that matter-read up on the benefits and cons of Annual passes-may be worth one member getting an AP for discounts (waaaaayyyy cheaper than disneys)
9-Perk of staying Disney is the magical express in the built in cost. Universal doesn't have this. I have also found, personally, that Universal photo pass is not worth it-Disney has this down to a science and works great. Universal not so much...you have to go after each ride to get photos added to photo key. I also miss the Magic bands of Disney. Our family has multiple lanyards to carry our passes, and it is fine, but I do love Disney's magic band system.
Have fun reading up on Universal!! You will find Universal and Disney are very different things and both have their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[macraven]

Good advice posted for you

Read the stickies and you will gain answers to your questions

Trip report reading will also fill in the blanks for you

Read the hotel forum and the hotels you are considering

I’ve only stayed at the 3 deluxe hotels and have no complaints about any of them

 

[SA mom]

Since your wife has a mobility issue, definitely stay at one of the hotels that includes express pass. Warning: It is super hard to go back to the fast pass system after using express pass. Hard Rock Hotl is very close to the entrance of US.

Monykalyn is on point. I will only add that the dining plan does not usually include resort restaurants.

 

[JPinkc]

Thanks for the tips. Anyone have a pet taking experience? Just curious as hate to leave the monster with the sitter Been getting snow moved from parents and our place (all day) thank god it wasnt that bad. Did anything ever replace the Emerils restaurant at RP?? I think the express pass will be a must in June. From what I understand now the only ride that is exempted is the New Potter Coaster when it opens, is that correct? This lack of planning thing is good and bad for me I guess I am so used to the NEW Disney system of FP that I forgot what it was like under the old system. I understand its far more friendly a system than the current Disney one. I will try and do some reading now that I am suitably defrosted. My kids now want the Hard Rock on the list because they saw its Pool Slide LOL

 

[JPinkc]

wait, 7 inches? I heard 4!

I would agree with others, I have heard over and over again, they are 2 different experiences.

We head down later in June, as we gambled last year and tried to go the last week of May and got caught in the same snow day mess we're having this year. It eventually became easier to push back a year and move the trip into June.

We have a family suite at Cabana Bay reserved, as I call us the sloth family. For us, more room at the hotel means everyone has their own space. Spending a week on top of each other in a standard hotel room would not end well. It depends on your preferences, if we were a more active group that only uses the room to sleep, then I could see getting a smaller room at one of the hotels that offers express, its a great tool to maximize your time in the parks. For us, that money is also better spent on passes to Volcano Bay. We love a good pool and I'm excited to spend some time there. CBBR offers us a very short walk to that park as well as a nice pool.

We do have reservations at Boma for breakfast, one day as I've never set foot in a Disney park and it's on my bucket list. No one else in the family has any desire to go, so it's not worth it to us to spend the kind of money it would take for us to go and stay there, but since they made me the planner, I get breakfast on property.
I would say spend your snow day tomorrow reading trip reports, and looking at the hotel stickies. Each hotel offers something different, just depends on how your family rolls.

I mentioned Cabana Bay but the wife thinks the express pass would be better. With the package we have booked its for all 3 parks. Not just UO and IoA.

Still curious if anyone knows how far away Disney Springs is from the UO area. Got to get me some Raglan Road at least if the Fam dont kill me

 

[SA mom]

Still curious if anyone knows how far away Disney Springs is from the UO area. Got to get me some Raglan Road at least if the Fam dont kill me

It took us about 30 minutes.

 

[Sue M]

I totally agree with Monykalyn’s assessment. One trip I did a split with Portofino and GF. I don’t know where it says Lowe’s resorts are lower. It blew GF out of the water, and I love GF!
I would do one of the 3 resorts with EP. it’s so worth it. For extra room you could look into a King suite at Royal Pacific. It has a king in bedroom and pull out sofa in living room. If the kids want their own beds you could bring a blow up mattress or request a cot.

There is a full dining plan if you book a package. If you book room only you have the QS dp. One meal, 1 snack and drink. Have a look on Universal site.

 

[macraven]

JPinkc, last time I was at rpr I was told we could pool hop to the other onsite hotels

If that still holds true, you could take the kids to HRH for pool time

Rumors of what is replacing Emerils ....but place is still empty

I’m one that only stays at the premier hotels due to the free unlimited ep
and closeness of them to the parks

I’m a female that travels solo and need to be close to the parks
Rpr and HRH are my favorites
I have been to PBH once but it’s a tad farther for me to walk alone at night if I miss the water taxi

I know 4 of the on-site hotels allows pets in the room
Info about pets is in the UO sticky
FAQ
Check there for current info

I set the links up in that sticky to automatically reflect current info

Book soon and not at the last minute
Standard rooms book up for
some dates

When you book, you pay a one night deposit

If you see prices have come down after you book, book again to get the cheaper rate and then cancel your older reservation