Disney & Universal

[ILoveMGM]

Background - My husband, another couple, and I are taking a trip to WDW for 6 days, 5 nights. My husband and I have been to Disney 3x in the past 3 years, so we decided we would like to see Universal. Our friends haven't been to Disney in a long time, so I think they would rather stay at Disney.

Probably didn't need to know all that, but my question is... Is it totally out of the question to do both Universal and IOA in one day and just do the adult stuff? We are thinking about a Monday, is that a busy day. Oh, and this is also the last week of August if that makes a difference.

Next question - we are staying on CBR at Disney, so what is the best way to get to Universal/IOA? I have priced the Mears shuttle for $15 round-trip and so far that seems to be our best bet.

Thoughts?

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I would definitely consider purchasing Express if you're trying to do both parks in one day during this time.

Also Mondays are a little more busy than Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but since it's Summer then...

The parks usually open their gates at around 8:30 a.m.

 

[ILoveMGM]

What does purchasing Express mean? Sorry I am new to the US/IOA thinking

 

[Rella Bella]

Mears will take up quite a bit of your time.
Just take a taxi! Live a little, you're on vacation!
Plus on Mears you each pay, a taxi is just one charge.
Our little familly of 3 save money using Taxi's instead of Mears.

If you are a party of two adults, you could do most of U/IOA in one day.
They only let people staying in the "their" hotels use their version of fast-pass, so you may have to deal with lines. We've only gone in the winter months, so I have no idea about the crowds.

Look over the maps before you go, so you have an idea what interests you.
I would do Uninversal first, see what you want there and then go to IOA...
IOA is mostly coasters & thrill rides... Universal is a more unique place.

 

[damo]

If you stay at Universal, you don't need to buy an express pass since it is included as a perk for staying onsite (actually, it is an unlimited express pass as opposed to the one you purchase which only allowed for one express per ride. Staying onsite at Universal is great for adults since you can walk to Citywalk and both parks and it makes for a very relaxing vacation. You can buy tickets that allow you to visit the parks for your entire stay for basically the same price as it will cost you for one day to visit both parks. There really isn't much benefit to staying onsite at Disney, but there are tons of benefits to staying onsite at Universal.

 

[ChrisFL]

If you are a party of two adults, you could do most of U/IOA in one day.
They only let people staying in the "their" hotels use their version of fast-pass, so you may have to deal with lines. We've only gone in the winter months, so I have no idea about the crowds.

Sorry, thats incorrect, you can buy an "express pass" without staying at one of the hotels, which lets you in front of the line of most attractions one time (IIRC)

 

[larryhog]

I would look at doing a towncar instead of a taxi. I have done it several times now and it is actually cheaper than a taxi. And it is alot nicer than a taxi ride.

 

[Sunkissed]

We are two adults, also staying at CBR. We have decided that the most time- and cost-effective route is to rent from the Car Care Center near the MK. Have a ressie for a compact from National for 12/4 - 12/5. Anyway, if you're interested in this avenue, I have an itinerary on Yahoo! Travel with maps and driving directions. Here is the link:WDW to USF Hope this helps!

 

[disneygal55]

My family and I also stay on disney property, especially now since we purchased DVC. We've always rented a car so don't know about alternate transportaion. In the past we have always done both US and IOA in one day without a problem. But now might be a different story. They used to have FREE express passes. Universal has now started to charge an extraordinary amount for passes! We will be there in less than a month to test the waters but are a little nervous to try the parks without express passes. We really do love US and IOA but will not pay the excessive amount that Universal has decided to charge for them! I think it's something like $40 extra per ticket/per person/per day...depending on which time of year you go.

 

[disneygal55]

Sorry repeat posting

 

[ILoveMGM]

How do you purchase and Express pass? Do you buy it with your ticket off Universal's website? Is the website even the best route to purchase?