Do we do Universal or do we just stay @ Disney?

[classicpooh]

Help!!! Trying to decide what to do. We are going to Orlando for 7 days... We are splitting our stay b/t the Beach Club, and AKL.

In our party are three kids, ages 4.5 (girl) and boys, ages 7 and nine. My husband and myself are also going....

Our big dilemma, should we spend a day @ Universal or not? Will we get bored @ Disney, would this be a good thing to do? I think that the boys might have a really good time, I am not sure about my daughter. What has your experience been with kids these ages?

Thanks!!

I know that there are adamant Disney only fans out there, and people who feel just as strongly about Universal... I am looking for info about what has worked for your families!!! Thanks again.

 

[Dznefreek]

Go to USF for a day. Your kids are the perfect age for it. They may be a little intimidated by IOA if they are not into thrill rides USF is more "family friendly."

We live in Central Florida and alternate yearly between WDW and USF AP's.

BTW I am Philly born as well. Born in Kensington, lived in Fishtown till I was 6 and then we moved to the Northeast (Knights and Fairdale) area.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Well, I don't think you would get bored at Disney. They have a lot to do, but so does Universal. If I were you, I would stay 4 to 5 nights at Disney and then 2 to 3 at Universal. The resorts are great and the FOTL access can't be beat!

Have fun no matter what!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

We just did :
Monday- US
Tuesday- Magic kingdom
Wednesday- IOA
Thursday- Epcot
Friday- MGM/Animal Kingdom
Saturday- Blizzard Beach

DS is 11 and could do moderate and some of the thrill rides, DD is 3 and could do only the mild.
Her favorite was Barney which we saw twice.
His favorite was the Hulk.
We went to Universal this year because DD loves Barney this year but might not next year. She also enjoyed the Seuss area in IOA.We could definitely used some more down time. DS would ask to go back to the hotel pool at 4 each afternoon because he was so hot and tired.

 

[las3888]

We tend to go to US about every other trip. We don't necessarily get bored with Disney but we like to mix it up a bit. We also enjoy checking out what's new at US. We are looking forward to some of the new rides that are out that haven't been since our last trip about a year ago.

 

[JoniGirl]

We did 4 days @ Disney last year with two kids (7 and 14) and they never got bored. My cousin (no kids) swears by Universal instead of Disney. If we could, we would definately do both - something for everyone!

 

[wdwphanatic]

... for a long weekend and loved it! Our kids were 5 and 8 and really enjoyed themselves. My younger DS doesn't do rollercoasters, and there was still plenty for him to see and do. We consider ourselves to be huge Disney fans, but I must say that USO is really a great destination in and of itself. We stayed at the HRH and loved it -- the best part of all was the FOTL privilege, though! If I were you, I'd definitely try US or IOA at least for a day or two while you're in the area. Your older DSs will really enjoy it, and I think your DD will have a great time, too.

Happy planning,
Sarah

 

[classicpooh]

Thanks for your help!
I think I would like to give the Studios a try - we will forgoe IOA until another trip. We weren't planning on staying onsite @ Universal though. Now more planning... I wonder if we should?

 

[SpideyHulk24]

It definitely adds to the overall experience. The resorts are top notch and having FOTL access isn't bad either....

I would do it. It just enhances your Universal experience.

 

[classicpooh]

We (finally) decided to cut out the Beach Club part of our trip and stay @ RPH for two days. That gives us 2 days at Universal and 5 at Disney. I wish we could do Universal after Disney but we can't because of extended family we are meeting @ Disney.
Thanks for all your input!

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by classicpooh
We (finally) decided to cut out the Beach Club part of our trip and stay @ RPH for two days. That gives us 2 days at Universal and 5 at Disney.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. Enjoy your trip!

 

[antmaril]

I think you made a good decision. You are going to love Universal and the RPR is great. We have been there twice in the last year. You will LOVE FOTL!

Have fun!

 

[msr709]

I do this almost every year, 4 days at Disney and 3 at USO, the FOTL makes it more than worth it. And believe it or not, budget wise it came out cheaper for us. I usually do Disney first then USO but this year since its such a big group and we would be hitting Labor Day weekend we reversed it, USO first then Disney. The convenience of being able to walk to everything should be a big plus for you with children in tow. Have a wonderful time, you won't regret stayng at USO.