Decisions-US before or after Disney

[Sparkly]

The trouble is, I like starting with MK and ending with MK. We usually do Universal if we're going to visit it in the middle!

 

[nkereina]

I have done it both ways, and strongly prefer to end in WDW, where it's much more magical, IMO. It was somewhat depressing, as a major Disney fan, to leave and go to US, knowing I wouldn't be back to WDW. I've also done US in the middle of the trip, which was fine. I just don't recommend doing US last.

We have the opposite view. Leaving Disney knowing we are going to Universal cushions the blow of leaving Disney a bit. Makes it less depressing for us knowing we still have some days of our vacation left to spend at Universal. We like to do Universal last for this reason, but also as others have said, it's just more relaxing. At Disney, we are always up early and on the go, keeping track of time and schedules, etc. At Universal, since there's essentially less we feel like we have to do, we can go at a slower pace and enjoy things more. It's nice for us to end this way, since we have more energy for the Disney schedule at the beginning of our trip anyway.

 

[SgtTibbs]

We did USF in the middle of our WDW trip. That way we were able to use Magical Express to/from MCO, Have a nice "break" in the middle and still finish things off at Disney.

We used Uber to/from our Disney resort (AKL) to USF. Worked great. I forget exactly how much is was but it was not much.

 

[whiporee]

It's a question of how old the kids are. If they're young enough to be overwhelmed by the Disney-ness and magic there -- the characters and the whole thing, then do WDW last. If they are older and are going to be more into thrill rides and looking more at the park as the place that holds the rides, then I would end at US, because the rides at WDW are tamer, and they may be disappointed after the thrills of US.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Oh boy you all drive a hard bargin on both sides! Ok so here is a little bit more information that might help. We are on a very strict budget so we have to stay offsite for US/IOA. We had decided to just stay at our onsite Disney Hotel but that isn't going to work. We will need th equivalent of the DAS for our son who has medical needs. Our kids are older teens. I'm thinking of doing US/IOS first because our daughter is most looking forward to it and we can get that out of the way. Our family can do more rides together at Disney. Thoughts?

 

[macraven]

Drury Inn is a nice place and they have free shuttles to the darkside

They are about one mile from the park

The hotel shuttle hours are limited but free

The assistant pass is issue at guest services

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Does Drury Inn have breakfast included? I was looking at the Hampton Inn

 

[Silver Queen]

I have done it both ways, and strongly prefer to end in WDW, where it's much more magical, IMO. It was somewhat depressing, as a major Disney fan, to leave and go to US, knowing I wouldn't be back to WDW. I've also done US in the middle of the trip, which was fine. I just don't recommend doing US last.

I completely agree with this poster. US just doesn't have the same happy vibe for us. It's more like an amusement park and kind of a letdown after Disney.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

That is what I am thinking too. Also I think Hampton INN is more of our budged. Drury INN wouldl put us up about the same as just staying at Disney. But what kind of food does Drury Inn have for the 5 o'clock kickback? Would it be enough to consider a dinner?

 

[Accident]

I was thinking about this the last couple days and think the best advice I can offer is which do you want to leave from and head home? is it important to end with disney for your familiy and sanity?

I think a second thing you need to decide is what type of thrill riders you have in the group. disney is going to be boring to the thrill riders after US. It's like doing a split stay, you end at the better resort because you notice what you don't have anymore and it does impact your mood in my opinion.

 

[macraven]

Does Drury Inn have breakfast included? I was looking at the Hampton Inn

Yes they have a decent breakfast and even the food tastes good

Free popcorn and soda starts at either 2 or 3 each afternoon

At 5, they have food again
Hot dogs, salads, three heated food dishes items, vegetables hot and cold, nachos, etc
Think it is over at 7...

If a guest is 21, they get two drink tickets
I don't drink beer so it is no value for me

 

[macraven]

DI allows discounts for AAA which gave me the room for $100 a night

Rates vary per season

Do believe other discount programs are offered

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Ok we have made our decision. We are just going to stay at our Disney resort and drive to Universal. It will give us more flexibility and less packing for me. My only problem is the last day we are there our room isn't available so I will have to keep checking to see if someone cancels or else I will change our room type for the entire stay. Thank you for brainstorming with me!