Disneyland/Universal Transportation?

[Dream.Finder]

Hey all.

Alright, wasn't sure where to post this question... so I will do it here. I am planning to visit Disneyland this October 21st-28th. I want to also make a day-trip to Universal Studios Hollywood during my visit, but I wasn't exactly sure on how to get over there from Disneyland. I am flying down on Sunday the 21st and from there was thinking of using the Disneyland Express by Greyline bus (best option I have done in the past) and getting to the Disneyland Resort that way. I will be staying at the Disneyland Hotel and buying a 5 day park hopper ticket.

My only question is the best (cheapest/most effective) way to get to and from Universal Studios Hollywood all in one day? And what would be the best time of my vacation to go to Universal? I was thinking Wednesday the 24th or Thursday the 25th. Basically I wanted to get up early morning and catch whatever method to Universal there was and stay as late as I could before returning. Is there any service like this I could utilize? I cannot rent a vehicle as I am only 20.

Also on a side note... how much should the average person budget for food while visiting? I don't plan on buying much merchandise - but I DO plan on eating at all the awesome places at Disneyland. On my list is Goofy's Kitchen, Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, Cafe Orleans and maybe a Fantasmic! Dessert Package or World of Color Dinner... which of those would you recommend?

Any suggestions on the best strategies to see and do Cars Land without major headaches?

THANKS TO ANYONE WHO CAN ANSWER MY QUESTIONS!!

 

[zavandor]

I just came back from Disneyland Resort (missing it sooooo much, but planning to be back next year helps).
I went to Universal using a tour from Greyline bus (bought using Allanahaimtours.com). I paid $100 and the entrance ticket was included and provided before arriving, so no time lost at the ticket boots.
If you prefere to buy the ticket online, they also had a transportation only option.

However, be aware that you'll not have a lot of time in the park.
The tour will pick up you at your hotel and then they'll shuttle you to their hub where you'll register again and you'll have to wait for the bus to the park to leave.
Without traffic (I went on Saturday) I arrived at 10:10, but during the week you'll be delaied a little more. You'll miss rope drop.
The bus left to come back at 6:30 pm, even if the park closed at 9pm that day.

I could not see all attractions and shows, due to the crowds. I wanted to do the Front of the line pass (very expensive, at $60+taxes), but once there I saw that a lot of attractions had the single rider queue (I was alone) and I did those with almost no wait. The attractions I had to skip were the one that I already saw at Universal Studios Florida last January so I decided to save my money.
The park is not a big one and you'll probably be able to see all attractions if you'll go during the week. If going during week end and want to see everything you can buy the Front of the line pass.

If you are a family, it's just more economic to rent a car. I made a quote before leaving, but for only one person it did not make sense. If you are not worried about engaging the Los Angeles highways (and have a GPS), the car will allow to choose your times, have more time in the park and also save money.

Just one note about single rider:
- Transformers at 10:15 was 50 minutes of stand by line, with single riders I did it in 3 minuter (3 times in a row). In the afternoon, stand by was 90 minutes, with single riders I was on the ride in 10 minutes
- Revenge on the Mummy and Jurassic Park: stand by 30 minutes, single rider: no wait, just walk throught the queue line

It's very convenient even if you are in a group. Expecially for Transformers.

Ah, Transformers is an AWESOME ride. Carsland was not open, so I cannot compare with Radiators Springs, but it was by far my favorite in Los Angeles, much more that any other Disney ride.

 

[HydroGuy]

For USH transportation see http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/getting-to-the-park/

Budget for food if you want to eat only at DLR? A solo traveler I would say $60 a day.

Best way for Cars Land is arrive early to the gates each morning, get FPs for RSR if a group, use Single Rider line if solo, and pay attention to which days have early admission.

I would say the Fantasmic Dessert will get you a better view than WOC dining, and you can just get a regular FP for WOC.

 

[Badge]

Also keep in mind that at the time you are visiting, Halloween Horror Nights will be taking place. This is a hard ticket event so a standard theme park ticket will not allow you to take part in it. If you love haunted houses (or anything scary), this is an event not to miss!

If you decide to do Halloween Horror Nights, most tour/shuttle groups will have already left (most leave around 6-6:30 no matter what time the park closes). Your best option would then be to take a cab but be prepared to spend a good deal of money doing that.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

You can see my blog discussing possible options here.

http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/04...en-disneyland-and-hollywooduniversal-studios/

I include info for folks going north to Universal and links for planning this on your own. It was an experimental trip on my part, but I learned some valuable things NOT to do.

 

[perlster]

Do the lower level rides still open later than the rest of the park?