Could use some help planning our first Universal trip

[crusoe2]

Altho we've been tempted several times we've not visited either of the Universal parks yet. Couldn't justify the time or money cause none of us are big thrill-ride people so we've always stuck with the Disney parks. We are however big Harry Potter fans (at least the kids and I are) and we're hoping to visit the Uni parks next June. We're currently trying to decide whether to make this strictly a Universal (and maybe Sea World) trip or a combined Disney/Universal trip. Thing is, we only have a week to do everything - that's the most time DH can take from work. So I'm trying to figure out how much time we'll really need to do all we want at Universal. We're thinking we'll go the second week of June 2011, stay onsite at a Uni resort so that we have the express pass, and we would like some time at both Universal Studios and IOA. We won't be doing any of the big coasters so that should save us some time. But I do want to make sure we have plenty of time to savor and enjoy the WWoHP and, due to crowds, that may require a couple of visits.

So, taking all of this into account along with the effects of the new HP section of the park, any suggestions on how many park days we should allot for doing the Universal parks? And will it make much difference if we go on a weekend or weekday? TIA.

 

[mjohnson96]

Since you are planning to stay onsite then you can get away with 2 days, 1 for each park since you have the express passes. I would plan on going to Disney first and then Universal the last night or two so the express pass would not make you dread the WDW lines.

We had thought to do the same this year with a WDW vacation first and then a Universal One, but decided to just do 5 nights at Universal instead so we can relax and took the last couple days to spend with my family in Central Florida.

 

[Metro West]

Since you are planning to stay onsite then you can get away with 2 days, 1 for each park since you have the express passes. I would plan on going to Disney first and then Universal the last night or two so the express pass would not make you dread the WDW lines.

 

[Planogirl]

I would suggest staying for three days if you like pools. The onsite hotels have great pools and you can pool hop!

We love to visit both Universal and WDW when we go. We shift back and forth since we stay offsite nowadays but I agree that unlimited Universal Express can spoil you.