Disney/Universal split trip

[dizct]

Sorry if this is in the wrong spot. Our kids will be 10 and 8 for our '11 Disney trip (our 7th family trip ). As such, we are broadening our horizon and planning our first visit outside Disney for our next visit to Orlando so we can see Universal Studios, their more advanced roller coasters, and the new Harry Potter attraction. We have never done a split trip like this before and are looking for advice from folks with such experience. We plan on spending four days at Disney (three nights onsite) and two nights at Universal (not sure what order yet). Has anybody stayed onsite at Universal? Is onsite lodging worth it - we think it is at Disney - and if so which resort is your favorite and why? Do you think two days are enough for Universal? Is there a reasonable way to do this without renting a car? We typically use towncar service from the airport to Disney and back, then rely on Disney transport. Is there a "Disboards" for Universal, or an "Unofficial Guide" to Universal? I love planning for our Disney trips, and this next one presents a new challenge that I hope some fellow Disboarders can help with.

Thank you very much!

 

[donaldduck352]

I would do Universal last.If you stay on-site your room key gives you front of the line entrance to almost all the rides and shows and will spoil you.
I would just take a towncar or schuttle from DW to Universal.Once your there everything is within walking distance or you can use the water taxi from the resort to CityWalk.
All 3 resorts are 5* rated,so you can't go wrong at staying at any three of them(I do prefer Royal Pacific myself the most).And the other great thing about the resorts is you can pool hop allday long if wanted.

There is a wealth of info on the Universal IOA forum and everybody there loves to answer any question you have.Here is the link to the forum:http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=30

 

[dizct]

Thank you for the redirection Donald. Just went through the FAQ and it is excellent.

 

[everylastbreath]

Sorry if this is in the wrong spot. Our kids will be 10 and 8 for our '11 Disney trip (our 7th family trip ). As such, we are broadening our horizon and planning our first visit outside Disney for our next visit to Orlando so we can see Universal Studios, their more advanced roller coasters, and the new Harry Potter attraction. We have never done a split trip like this before and are looking for advice from folks with such experience. We plan on spending four days at Disney (three nights onsite) and two nights at Universal (not sure what order yet). Has anybody stayed onsite at Universal? Is onsite lodging worth it - we think it is at Disney - and if so which resort is your favorite and why? Do you think two days are enough for Universal? Is there a reasonable way to do this without renting a car? We typically use towncar service from the airport to Disney and back, then rely on Disney transport. Is there a "Disboards" for Universal, or an "Unofficial Guide" to Universal? I love planning for our Disney trips, and this next one presents a new challenge that I hope some fellow Disboarders can help with.

Thank you very much!

We have done this many times, as a matter of fact going in a few weeks- Universal on-site hotels measure up to Disney Deluxe (& yes we have stayed in many deluxes) for a fraction of the price of Disney hotels. Always stay on site at Universal, because you get FOTL (GREAT perk, wish Disney would take the cue and offer it to their Deluxe resorts, they could do with a little less "magic" and a little more value) We have stayed at HRH & RPH, both wonderful, with the money saved on Disney hotel, we do Club in Universal, still at a savings. I would say the same as others, if possible do WDW first, then Universal, but we always seem to do the other way around for some reason, maybe because I can't imagine not seeing MK as the last park before going home.

Def. don't need a car, Universal is all within walking distance of on site hotels, and CW is right there too. Feel free to PM me with any questions, we have done these split stays MANY times!!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I agree with pps. Def do USO after WDW. We once tried opposite and boy was it hard to wait even in a 15 min line after having that room key.

 

[dizct]

Thanks for the info. I have a feeling we are going to do Universal first, because it's still a "Disney" trip for us. We will also stay onsite at Universal. I would probably pay extra for FOTL at Disney via higher deluxe hotel prices, Disney leaving $$$ on the table there I think. Sounds like most folks use Mears shuttle between Universal and Disney. We will likely do the same. Thanks again. Going to research the resorts now, fun to have all new stuff to look at. Kids (and mom and dad) can't wait to see the new Harry Potter stuff in '11.

 

[Metro West]

I agree with pps. Def do USO after WDW. We once tried opposite and boy was it hard to wait even in a 15 min line after having that room key.

 

[3kidsfordis]

Just back from split stay. Four days Disney/three Universal. Stayed off-site for Disney portion, on-site at Hard Rock for Universal. We were there at a not busy time but still loved FOTL. It was beyond awesome. Kids loved Spiderman-did it three times in a row with no wait-can't do that very often at Disney! Two days would be enough but this is pre-Harry Potter advise. Not sure how HP would influence the amount of time you need at park.

We had a rental car at Universal-total waste of time. It sat in the lot while we walked from Hard Rock or took the water taxi. They charge for daily parking there as well.

My 11 yr old DS is into music and loved the Hard Rock He said it was the most awesome place he ever stayed. Some rapper was staying on our floor while we were there so it added to the buzz! With kids, I would highly recommend staying Club Level. They have a continental breakfast (juice, cereal boxes, bagels, fruit etc.). It made the morning very easy. There was also a happy hour and dessert hour (usually just cookies). The kids loved being able to have a cold soda after arriving home from the parks and having a small desert after an evening swim.

 

[Planogirl]

We've done split stays too and I also give the edge to going to Universal last. It depends on how much into Disney you are though. You could end up missing Disney if you're really a devoted fan.

The Universal hotels are amazing! They are truly luxurious and well worth the money.

 

[anne60]

Staying on site at Universal is definitely more "worth it" than staying on site at Disney. There is nothing like riding Spiderman 5 times in a row. Also, the pool areas at each resort are fantastic.

 

[Metro West]

Staying on site at Universal is definitely more "worth it" than staying on site at Disney. There is nothing like riding Spiderman 5 times in a row. Also, the pool areas at each resort are fantastic.

And you can pool hop!

 

[Planogirl]

And you can pool hop!

Which we did! We stayed at the Royal Pacific and it was amazing to take the boat to the Hard Rock and hang out there for a while. I recommend it to everyone!