Different hotel for Universal?

[ljhayes]

We will have 4 days/5 nights in June. We are planning 3 days for DL and 1 day for Universal. We had originally figured we would rent a car, stay near DL the whole time and drive to Universal for our day there (we had planned that for a Tues or Wed). But now I'm wondering if we're better off staying closer to Universal for one night. We land around 7:30 on a Saturday and would drive over to the Sheraton Universal, hit Universal on Sunday, then drive to Anaheim Sunday night and do DL Monday through Wednesday. This would be more expensive as it would require more expensive Universal tickets, a more expensive hotel night, and extra parking. A third option would be to do the night at Universal as described above but get car service to/from the airport and a ride share between Universal and Disney. This would likely end up at a break even to renting a car and staying in Anaheim the whole time. Thoughts?

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Travel time between DLR and Universal can be really long, depending on traffic. It’s also expensive.

You don’t mention where you’re flying into/out of, but I’m going to guess it’s LAX.

I would recommend staying at Universal the first day and then transferring. I would definitely prefer spending some extra cash over spending a lot of extra time to drive to universal in the morning. This option has you driving less, and avoiding any peak travel times, saving a lot of hassle. Plus, you’re right at the park you’re going to in the morning so you can get in early and maximize your day.

We often do this, flying in/out of Burbank.

 

[ljhayes]

Travel time between DLR and Universal can be really long, depending on traffic. It’s also expensive.

You don’t mention where you’re flying into/out of, but I’m going to guess it’s LAX.

I would recommend staying at Universal the first day and then transferring. I would definitely prefer spending some extra cash over spending a lot of extra time to drive to universal in the morning. This option has you driving less, and avoiding any peak travel times, saving a lot of hassle. Plus, you’re right at the park you’re going to in the morning so you can get in early and maximize your day.

We often do this, flying in/out of Burbank.

Yes! Sorry, I think I edited out that part. Haha. Flying in and out of LAX.

 

[glocon]

Agree with WAstateDVCDaddy.
You’re on vacation so make it as easy and stress free as possible (if you can afford to that is).
I’d stay near the parks I was going to to save time and headaches, even if it cost a bit more.
Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Another vote to get the car and stay at Universal. SoCal traffic can be a Beast. You could do the driver Uber thing but I like having my own wheels when in SoCal.

 

[ljhayes]

Thanks all! Hotels have been rebooked to do Universal first. Will sit on the rental/car service decision for a bit and see how we feel.

 

[ktlm]

We have been in June several times. I don't know when you are going, but if it is June 5-7, you are going to be a lot better off crowd wise being at Disneyland on Sunday. June 5-8 are the last 4 days before the Enchant Key passes are blocked out for the summer and you can expect them to be extremely crowded. In the summer, the least crowded days are DLR are usually Saturday and Sunday--- the most crowded day at DLR is Monday-- no clue why, but that is our experience whether our trips are in June or July.

Don't let the 35 miles between the 2 parks fool you. It can take 90 minutes to 2 hours to travel between the 2 parks depending on traffic.

 

[ljhayes]

We have been in June several times. I don't know when you are going, but if it is June 5-7, you are going to be a lot better off crowd wise being at Disneyland on Sunday. June 5-8 are the last 4 days before the Enchant Key passes are blocked out for the summer and you can expect them to be extremely crowded. In the summer, the least crowded days are DLR are usually Saturday and Sunday--- the most crowded day at DLR is Monday-- no clue why, but that is our experience whether our trips are in June or July.

Don't let the 35 miles between the 2 parks fool you. It can take 90 minutes to 2 hours to travel between the 2 parks depending on traffic.

We'll be there the 17th to 22nd. With the 19th being a holiday now, I wasn't sure how that weekend/Monday will be crowd wise. But we have express pass for Universal and genie plus for DLR so hopefully we'll be ok even if it's busy. I have been reading about the traffic over the past few days which was what got me nervous and prompted the question. Haha

 

[Aurora0427]

We will have 4 days/5 nights in June. We are planning 3 days for DL and 1 day for Universal. We had originally figured we would rent a car, stay near DL the whole time and drive to Universal for our day there (we had planned that for a Tues or Wed). But now I'm wondering if we're better off staying closer to Universal for one night. We land around 7:30 on a Saturday and would drive over to the Sheraton Universal, hit Universal on Sunday, then drive to Anaheim Sunday night and do DL Monday through Wednesday. This would be more expensive as it would require more expensive Universal tickets, a more expensive hotel night, and extra parking. A third option would be to do the night at Universal as described above but get car service to/from the airport and a ride share between Universal and Disney. This would likely end up at a break even to renting a car and staying in Anaheim the whole time. Thoughts?

The Sheraton Universal is always the most expensive hotel in that area for some reason. We’ve stayed at the Hilton Universal, but our absolute favorite is The Garland. It’s a five minute drive and the hotel has its own lovely shuttle bus to Universal. It’s a groovy hotel and we love it! Headed up in a few weeks, actually!

I would definitely stay one night by Universal, but we’ve done plenty of day trips. If you leave Universal after 9pm, the traffic back to Disneyland won’t be bad. Feel free to message me with questions. We live in south Orange County and go all the time. Not sitting in traffic is all about timing…. We leave our house really early to avoid morning traffic, and stay late at Universal. But I’d rent a car and stay overnight at The Garland!

 

[Pluto468]

I agree with others about spending a night near Universal. You'll get more time there, and have a more relaxed trip. I've heard great things about The Garland and want to try it someday. There's also a Hilton and a Sheraton very close to Universal.

 

[roctavia]

The Sheraton Universal is always the most expensive hotel in that area for some reason. We’ve stayed at the Hilton Universal, but our absolute favorite is The Garland. It’s a five minute drive and the hotel has its own lovely shuttle bus to Universal. It’s a groovy hotel and we love it! Headed up in a few weeks, actually!

I would definitely stay one night by Universal, but we’ve done plenty of day trips. If you leave Universal after 9pm, the traffic back to Disneyland won’t be bad. Feel free to message me with questions. We live in south Orange County and go all the time. Not sitting in traffic is all about timing…. We leave our house really early to avoid morning traffic, and stay late at Universal. But I’d rent a car and stay overnight at The Garland!

We are staying at the Garland during our trip at the end of May and are very excited!!!

We will need to get from DL to the Garland on Memorial Day.. but are very flexible timewise- thinking about a brunch at Storytellers before we travel... Any traffic advice on a holiday? I'm hoping early afternoon would be a good time... but we'll need an uber since the car rental at disney isn't open due to the holiday or on Sunday.

 

[chezcurrie]

The Sheraton Universal is always the most expensive hotel in that area for some reason. We’ve stayed at the Hilton Universal, but our absolute favorite is The Garland. It’s a five minute drive and the hotel has its own lovely shuttle bus to Universal. It’s a groovy hotel and we love it! Headed up in a few weeks, actually!

I would definitely stay one night by Universal, but we’ve done plenty of day trips. If you leave Universal after 9pm, the traffic back to Disneyland won’t be bad. Feel free to message me with questions. We live in south Orange County and go all the time. Not sitting in traffic is all about timing…. We leave our house really early to avoid morning traffic, and stay late at Universal. But I’d rent a car and stay overnight at The Garland!

I love the garland so much. My boys want to go back just for the movies and pizza by the pool! That trolley to Universal is like a ride in itself for them as well.

 

[Aurora0427]

I love the garland so much. My boys want to go back just for the movies and pizza by the pool! That trolley to Universal is like a ride in itself for them as well.

Yes we loved our August stay… we only did two hours at universal and spent the rest of the time by the pool! My kids loved it.

 

[Aurora0427]

We are staying at the Garland during our trip at the end of May and are very excited!!!

We will need to get from DL to the Garland on Memorial Day.. but are very flexible timewise- thinking about a brunch at Storytellers before we travel... Any traffic advice on a holiday? I'm hoping early afternoon would be a good time... but we'll need an uber since the car rental at disney isn't open due to the holiday or on Sunday.

I don’t ever Uber so can’t give advice there…. But I’m regards to time, earlier is always better. The 101 freeway through downtown and Hollywood will have traffic by 9am!