considering universal add on... new to universal, disney regular

[auralia]

I am a dvc member, bought dring the recession at old key west for cheap. Have an april trip planned at grand floridian villias and am now considering adding on universal at the beginning of our trip. We check in to disney on april 7. We could go down as early as April 5 after school ... check into a cheep hotel for the night and then get Lowes on universal for 500$ for the next night...there by getting us the express pass for both saturday and sunday... spend all day saturday after an early morning check in and all day sunday doing universal with express pass... tickets for the military for a 4 day unlimited park to park is 187 x 4.. I think this is the best deal? would like to do hogwarts express so need park to park... all together for the two days without food I am seeing the total as being 1300$... my daughter loves harry potter (11) and my son (8) likes it.. my son doesn't like "upside down costers" he will try others once but he won't do anything he deems scary twice... he likes BTMR but hates space mountain if that helps...

Am I trying to cram too much into two days? I think with the military ticket its good for the rest of the year so we could potentially go back for another 2 day mini vacation sometime during the year... we live about 6 hours way so it's not crazy to do that...

Workable plan? suggestions? tips?

Thanks!

 

[bchbetha]

You’ve done your research! And you have a great plan! Enjoy!

 

[TommyJK]

Ya. Two full days in the parks with Express Pass and you should be great.

Hulk is the only Coaster that goes upside-down technically (Rip Ride Rockit has a "loop" but you technically stay right side up through it). If your son hates Space Mountain he probably won't like The Mummy (indoors, lots of it in the dark).

 

[Travelgrrl]

You will have a wonderful time! I'd bet anything your kids will be clamoring to come back within a year to use the other two days.

If you pick a slower time of year for the return trip, you could stay at Cabana Bay or other value resort and have Early Admission, but not need Express Pass, and save a few $$$.

 

[JaxDad]

You’ve done your research! And you have a great plan! Enjoy!

Amen! @auralia, there are probably a couple threads started per week here on this subject (Disney regular who wants to add Universal). You are one of the few who has done the research and figured it out. I think you're going to have a great time!

One suggestion that might work for you. There are three water rides on the Islands of Adventure side that are very fun, but will get you very soaked. The beauty of Universal and staying in the EP hotels, is you will be close enough to go change into swim suits and come back specifically for those rides, if you don't want to lug around towels and a change of clothes.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I agree with pp you look good and made good choices. You will have a great time! EE into the park is great for HP lands. It is so nice to walk around them and not feel crowded!

 

[macraven]

Op
You are a pro

Very workable plans!

 

[auralia]

Tnks for the input and the warning about the mummy I will warn him that it's dark... he freaks out less if he has a good heads up.

 

[Nsaudra]

I think it sounds great, with the express passes is it really cuts wait times. The first time we went we skipped a lot of the park focused on (islands) potter and fit in spiderman, hulk and jurrasic park on the way. And on the way out minions, transformers and a few others. We did it it in one day from the hour early entry till close.

The worst part of it for us was the walk through city walk. To get there

 

[Sue M]

We did a split with 3 days at Universal (Portofino) then WDW GF. We loved it. With 2 days you will have to squish things in so prioritize. 3 days gives you some breathing room and more time to savour the theming and all the nooks and crannies in both Harry Potter places.
Our next trip in April is all Universal! We booked Royal Pacific.