Convince me to go to US

[mplsmom1]

Hi There, We're heading to the World in October and youngest DS really wants to go to US for a day. I'm "on the fence" about this as I see the major problems are: (1) transportation there - we are using ME and were not planning on renting a car, how would we get there (2) extra expense of park tickets plus having to pay for a fastpass, (3) DH isn't into extreme rides. However, we have been to the World before and I am worried about "been there, done that" (aren't they spoiled!) Should DS get to go to US??! Please help with your advice about the issues I see. Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

Hi There, We're heading to the World in October and youngest DS really wants to go to US for a day. I'm "on the fence" about this as I see the major problems are: (1) transportation there - we are using ME and were not planning on renting a car, how would we get there (2) extra expense of park tickets plus having to pay for a fastpass, (3) DH isn't into extreme rides. However, we have been to the World before and I am worried about "been there, done that" (aren't they spoiled!) Should DS get to go to US??! Please help with your advice about the issues I see. Thanks!

Let's take your concerns first:

(1) Mears is usually the cheapest way from Disney to Universal...I think it's $16.00/per person round trip.

(2) You probablly won't need the Express Passes during October...the crowds aren't that bad. You will have to buy the park tickets though...can't help you there.

(3) Both parks have a wide variety of rides for all ages and I think you would have a great time. There is too much to see and do for just one day but if that's all the time you'll have, it's better than not going at all.

Check out www.universalorlando.com and explore a little. I think you'll find Universal a nice change from Disney...especially if you've never been.

 

[macraven]

your 14 year old son would more than likely enjoy universal.

you don't have to do coasters to love the darkside.

most of october has shorter hour time in the park.

when in october are you thinking about doing universal?
if you go during hell week, the park will have more there that week.

stay away from weekends and you should be able to do the highlights of the parks before 5:00


arrive before the gates open and beat the lines that start forming around 11ish.

weekdays are less crowded

 

[tlinus]

only other thing to add is if you can swing it, add one night onsite at the end of your Disney stay - then you get two days of FOTL access and the onsite experience cannot be beat. short walk to the parks, the atmosphere. its wonderful.

 

[damo]

Your sons will absolutely adore US and will proclaim you the best mom ever!!!



Is that convincing enough???

 

[Darcy03231]

I'm a huge ride chicken and hate extreme rides. We were in the Orlando area for 16 days last summer and spent 6-7 of them between US/IOA. I rode everything in Universal Studios and only skipped Dueling Dragons, The Hulk, and Dr. Doom's Fearfall in IOA (although I did close my eyes on the down part of Spiderman). We had nine in our group - me (46), dd (16), ds (14), DSis (43), DBil (50), DN (13), DN (9) and DN (3.5). We all had a blast. Everyone is still talking about what a great trip it was (we also did Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Wet n' Wild and the Pirates and Princesses Party at MK one night). All of the kids loved US/IOA and want to know when we're going back. I think that if you go with an open mind you'll find you like it. Its not WDW - its different and a lot of fun.

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

we LOVE US/IOA!!!

they have EXCELLENT attractions & i think it is worth every penny to go!!!

I think alot of people LOVe wdw so much that they overlook US/IOA & they really dont realize that they are missing out on GREAT fun!!!

fit it in!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TMcG88]

Also, try not to compare it to Disney. It's a very different experience. The first time we went to Universal we just went to city walk for dinner and thought it was a "poor man's Disney". After staying on site numerous times we LOVE it!!! We still love Disney, too, but we find Universal more realaxing and just a much slower paced vacation.

The major Disney turn-off for us is having to make your dining plans so far out! How do I know where I'm gonna feel like eating in 6 months????

 

[Catrinabeach]

we do both parks each time we go. Our kids 12 & 15 think US is a must now. They love it. But we are also spoiled now on staying onsite. We did it once and now we won't go back without it. We have been twice onsite now and we are going back next month. It's so much more relaxing than WDW. We find we can do everything without the rushed pace of trying to get all 4 parks in.

We had plenty of time to go on every ride as many times as we wanted. We ended up spending 1/2 the day in the parks, a couple hrs swimming in the pool and then going off site for dinner and shopping. The kids loved it, we loved the relaxed pace and can't wait to go back.

 

[mplsmom1]

Sounds like we should go! I'll start the research Thanks everyone for your tips and information, I really appreciated the detailed responses and the reminder that I don't need to do it all. I these information boards - everyone is always so helpful!

 

[DamnSkippy]

Take the youngin to Halloween Horro Nights...
...just be prepared for some post-traumatic stress syndrome...

 

[nascarcheshirecat]

There are lots of areas to Enjoy.
Check out Universal's site and see the park sections.
You will have a good time.

 

[macraven]

Take the youngin to Halloween Horro Nights...
...just be prepared for some post-traumatic stress syndrome...

if you have nothing good to say about someone, come sit next to me...

 

[donaldduck352]

we LOVE US/IOA!!!

they have EXCELLENT attractions & i think it is worth every penny to go!!!

I think alot of people LOVe wdw so much that they overlook US/IOA & they really dont realize that they are missing out on GREAT fun!!!

fit it in!!!!!!!!!!

And your penny goes alot further here also..
Stay on-site and you will see what I mean..

 

[Dollyrar]

It has the JAWS ride!

Best ride in Florida

 

[the Dark Marauder]

*jedi mind trick*

You want to go to Universal.
You will enjoy yourselves.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

only other thing to add is if you can swing it, add one night onsite at the end of your Disney stay - then you get two days of FOTL access and the onsite experience cannot be beat. short walk to the parks, the atmosphere. its wonderful.

I second this!