Disney fans trying Universal - where to stay?

[reenie1]

We go to Disney every year and love staying at Windsor Hills. This year we are planning on trying out Universal and spending most of our time there and at Seaworld, with maybe one or two Disney days. Is Windsor Hills convenient to Universal? Any suggestions on a better place to stay for access to Universal? Thanks a lot - it feels so strange to leave the familiar world of Disney and try something a little new...

 

[horseshowmom]

Vista Cay was built by the same people (I think) and is up on International Drive (at the Convention Center). You can check out what's available at www.vistacayrent.com. Some of the places are very high, but if you look carefully, you can find bargains (I had an offer of $600 for Thanksgiving week last year on a 3 BR/2BA).

If you can afford it, stay onsite! Guests of the Universal Resort get unlimited front of the line access at the attractions, and it's wonderful! You just use your room key.

 

[powellrj]

I agree. If you can swing it, stay at least 1 night on-site. The hotels are great and FOTL will spoil you forever! Its different than staying on-site at Disney. The Universal hotels are all really close and you can get to the parks easily.

 

[jemgumby]

Another vote to try and stay onsite. It is awesome to be able to go to the front of the line. It feels soooo VIP!!! We stayed at The Royal Pacific and were very pleased!

 

[Cindy B]

Windsor Hills is only 15 minutes away from Universal. You go out to I4 and you go to exit 75A.

Seaworld is only 5-7 minutes away from Windsor Hills.

You really don't need to be super close to Universal. You will be parking in the Citywalk garage which is closer to the parks than at Disney. Parking will be $12 per day or free if you get an annual pass or park after 6 pm.

If you feel the need to stay onsite, do it. If you get to Universal early at opening, the FOTL perk is NOT necessary this time of the year. We just got back-we stayed at Windsor Hills and used our Uni annual passes. One day we got to Universal at a few minutes after 9. Since the park let guests in early, we were able to do all the major rides (Simpsons, Men in Black 3x, Mummy 3x, Shrek and Jaws) all by about 11 or so. My kids even did the Fievel waterslide quickly which usually takes FOREVER. We did the same for Islands of Adventure and did all rides except the Caroussel and One Fish Two Fish by 11:15. Most rides this past week had 5 minutes or less. In most cases they were telling the express individuals to merge with the regular standby line. Some of the FOTL line people were getting angry-- like I paid more and you're telling me to go in this line.

This does change during the year. Christmas week and spring break time it would be worse, but mid-August to September it is pretty easy to not need onsite. I don't know how bad October is though.

 

[FayeW]

Depending on the time of year you are going, you don't have to go to the expense of staying onsite. We have been to Universal 3 times, once in October and twice the first week of December. Early December you absolutely do not need to be staying onsite. Most rides and attractions are walk-ons. October was busier and there were some lines, but the major attractions were 20-25 mins, tops, and everything else was 10-15 mins. Not enough to justify the additional cost of staying onsite (for my family).

We are going back in December this year, and will be staying at Windsor Hills for the first time. We stayed very close to Windsor Hills last time (Orbit One) and went to Universal on 3 different days. The drive was 15 mins, about the same as some of the WDW parks.

Universal and Islands of Adventure are our favourite parks. I would give up Disney before I would give up Universal. Have a great time!