Considering Universal...

[mickiecake]

We're going to WDW Feb 2-9, 2008. Hubby and I are considering extending the vacation bya few days and checking into the Nick Hotel, then touring Universal and Sea World. ANy thoughts? Will we be too tired? will we be underwhelmed after all that Disney Magic? Thanks for any tips/suggestions you can give!!

 

[calgarygary]

If you are thinking of changing hotels then switch to an onsite hotel at universal not the nick. The benefits of being onsite at universal, especially fotl, far outweigh the benefits of being onsite at WDW.

 

[mickiecake]

We will be staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in WDW Feb 2-9. We'll be checking out the 9th, and (if we decide to do this) will check into another hotel on the 9th until 11 or 12th. The boys REALLY want to stay at the NickHotel, that's why we were considering it.

 

[bg4]

Nick Hotel is on disney property and there would then be no advantage to visiting universal over staying at a disney or any other hotel on I-drive or 192.

The Three Hotels at Universal offer front of line and quick transportation. You can walk everywhere or take boat.

 

[global_mom]

I would not stay at the Nick Hotel and go to Universal. Staying onsite offers the best benefit, fotl pass! We love Portofino Bay but all the Universal Hotels are great and make it super easy to get to the parks. We are Disney addicts but I must say that we found the Portofino Bay to be superior to most of Disney's hotels (except our all-time favorite, Poly). We really enjoy Universal but when we return we wont even consider staying off-site.

 

[wicket2005]

Definitely do not miss out on Universal, Islands or Sea World. They are all great parks and the 2 Universal ones are our favourites. They really do need to be included in your trip if money allows.

Preferably stay on site at one of the Universal hotels. We have just stayed at RP and it was fantastic and so relaxing just being able to walk to the parks. FOTL is unbelieveable and well worth it.

I wouldn't consider staying anywhere else from now on.

 

[bullet875]

For a few dollars more you can have an awesome room at Universal. Nick is actually much closer to WDW than Universal and it's a good 15 minute+ drive depending on traffic (sometimes as much as 1/2 hour).

 

[scammermom]

We've been to the Nick Hotel and onsite at Royal Pacific.
Granted the room was bigger than RP (2 bedroom kids suite) but if you do plan on going to Universal, adding a night or two onsite is wonderful!!!! I can't stress that enough.

We went to the Nick Hotel for 3 nights as it's own destination. There's plenty to do a night or two is sufficient. And then 3 nights at RP to experience Universal for 4 full days of FOTL pass. You'll be completely spoiled for other theme parks.

Adding Sea World may be too much unless you're staying 10 days to 2 weeks.

OR
Do Nick Hotel and Sea World and come back to experience Universal when you have 2 or more nights and get 3 days worth of FOTL pass.

Either way, it sounds like a great vaca!!