Disney pro, but new to Universal

[kbkids]

We are going to Disney in May and considering going to Universal for the first time on this trip. There will be 4 adults and 2 children, ages 6 and 2 (will turn 3 while we're there). We were going to do Blizzard Beach on our off day, but my Dad wants to go to Universal. My 6 year old is only 44 inches, so the big roller coasters are out for us. I think she would like IOA, but there are things at Universal that I know she would enjoy as well, and my 2 year old LOVES Barney. Would it be possible for us to do both parks in one day, hitting only the rides they are going to enjoy? We've only got the one "off day," so spending two days there is not an option.

Also, I know everyone recommends staying on-site for the FOTL privilege, but in our situation, would Universal's version of the Fast Pass work for us during May (week before Memorial Day)? I know FOTL would be ideal, but I just don't want to switch hotels.

Thanks!!

 

[hockey mom]

Yes you could do the favorites of both parks in one day. You can also utilize express pass but the downside would be that by the time you got over to the other park the express pass times might be done for the day. For example if you are familiar with fast pass at Disney you know that if you tried to get a fastpass for space mountain at 2 you will probably end up with a return time of 8-9.

 

[Prince Eric1]

I definately think that if you are only going for the kids attractions and will be skipping the big rides you can do it. I have not looked at the hours, but if they are extended at all in May you should be able to do Jimmy Neutron, MIB, Barney, and the kids area at Universal and go over to IOA and hit Suess and Toon Lagoon, Spiderman, etc..

 

[gschmerl]

Another option would be buying the express pass card. That would give you the ONE express access on the major rides at any time you want to go. The problem is you'd need to buy one for each person in your party and it would probably cost almost as much as a room at the Royal Pacific. My nephew has a time share in Orlando but books a room at the RPR for one night to get two days of FOTL. They don't even move into the RPR, but do bring bathing suits,etc. to enjoy the pool area.

 

[kbkids]

Okay, since I feel like we can probably accomplish both parks in one day, what is our best ticket option? We are FL residents, and we are planning to go back to Disney in October, so it's possible we would visit Universal again on that trip.

 

[highlander447]

A power pass will give u a years access with blackout dates and its about $110 per person incl tax or one person could buy the prefered pass for £180 and get the discounts on merchandise hotels food etc

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

To expand on what highlander is suggesting, only one person needs the preferred annual pass (runs about $170 through Universal...but AAA is having a sale where PAPs are only $120...until end of February). This, as he mentioned, gives discounts on food, hotels, and mechandise. Also, it allows for free parking...always a great benefit.

Just to give you an idea: my parents and I have the preferred annual passes. My aunt is a Florida resident as well, and she sometimes comes to stay with us for weeks at a time. Well, we can't go weeks without going back to Universal, so we took her once to Universal. Got her a one-day/one-park pass. About a week or two later, we felt bad that we'd be leaving her to go again. We got her another one-day/one-park pass. At the time we didn't think it through very well. An annual pass with black out dates (and for a FL resident, they aren't too bad...we FL residents don't HAVE to go on the weekends during the summer, or after Christmas, during the busy season). The pass for her would be $110. We spent around that much for just her two days. Shucks!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

When in May are you going? The last week of May IOA is open 9-8, and IOA is open 9-8 on Fri/Sat through thr whole month. USF is open 9-7 the whole month.

If you get to the parks early and do a commando style method, you should be able to finish one park by 2 and spend the rest of the time in the other park. I'd personally recommend starting in USF and getting Mummy, Shrek, Jimmy Neutron, Barney, and MIB done. Then you can hit IOA and do the coasters, Spider-Man, Ripsaw, etc.

And if you plan well, you can maximize Express (don't get it if the ride is posted at 10-15 minutes wait) and end up with spare time, possibly. Just remember that you can only get one free express pass every 1-2 hours.

HTH

 

[SpideyHulk24]

May is a great time to go. Not as busy as the later summer months!

 

[kbkids]

We're getting to Orlando on the 22nd (May), and leaving on May 29th. Originally, we were going to Blizzard Beach on the 23rd (Sunday), so that's the day I would probably swap out and do Universal instead. But, realistically, I could really do any day, I suppose. Which days would be less likely to be as crowded?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday would be ideal. And that is the week IOA is open until 8p the entire week, so I'd say hit USF first!