Few Questions about Universal....

[dragitoff]

My wife has never been to Universal Studios and I haven't been since the year it opened. Anytime we're in Orlando, of course, Disney is at the top of our priority list, but I recently was given two free passes with free parking by a co-worker. These tickets have to be used by the end of this year and the time of year I can't take off work is rapidly approaching. Having said all that, I'm trying to plan an inexpensive 2 night trip for just my wife and I. Our anniversary was a few weeks ago, but I messed up my ankle and we had to cancel our anniversary plans. This would be a way I could kind of make up for that (even though it certainly wasn't intentional!)

I'm looking for any suggestions on a great value for a resort near Universal Studios as well as a place I can get an idea of the Universal Studio crowds. We'd be going either in September or the first weekend in October. Thanks in advance!

 

[calgarygary]

First off, may I suggest that you try posting this question in the Universal forums where you are likely to find the most informed posters for Universal. If you are going on a weekend in Oct. you may encounter larger crowds due to Halloween Horror Nights so that would make spending the extra dollars for staying onsite worth it as you receive unlimited front of the line access for almost every attraction with your room key. In particular, a stay at the Portofino Bay Hotel would definitely make up for your messing up the anniversary plans.

 

[Metro West]

My wife has never been to Universal Studios and I haven't been since the year it opened. Anytime we're in Orlando, of course, Disney is at the top of our priority list, but I recently was given two free passes with free parking by a co-worker. These tickets have to be used by the end of this year and the time of year I can't take off work is rapidly approaching. Having said all that, I'm trying to plan an inexpensive 2 night trip for just my wife and I. Our anniversary was a few weeks ago, but I messed up my ankle and we had to cancel our anniversary plans. This would be a way I could kind of make up for that (even though it certainly wasn't intentional!)

I'm looking for any suggestions on a great value for a resort near Universal Studios as well as a place I can get an idea of the Universal Studio crowds. We'd be going either in September or the first weekend in October. Thanks in advance!

I can't help too much with the hotels since I live here but come over to the Universal boards and one of the homies will help you with the hotel suggestions. I CAN tell you the three onsite hotels are not budget...they are on par with Disney's deluxe resorts. There are plenty of hotels in the area but not sure exactly what you're looking for.

As far as the crowds go...that time of year has light crowds during the day and since you're getting in to the Halloween Horror Nights opening, the evenings at the Studios will be crowded in the afternoon.

As I said...come over to the Universal boards and we will help any way we can.

 

[Andrea from PA]

Hi -- Our family is going to Universal for the 1st time in October

Can you extend your stay to 3 nights?

If I were you, I'd check the Universal website for the "Super Saver" rate (available for a min. 3 night stay). Keep in mind the Universal hotels are walking distance to the parks & come with FOTL express.

Even if you think you can't afford these hotels this will give you a good price comparison.

And I 2nd Calgarygary to post on the Universal forums.

Disneyfreakk seems to visit often & find good rates

 

[Darcy03231]

I stayed at the Sheraton Studio City which was very nice. Its about half a mile from US/IOA. I got it on Hotwire for $52/night. If you want to give it a try go to www.hotwire.com. Limit your search to the Universal area and a 3* hotel. The only thing is you have to buy and then you find out what hotel you got. I've been booking using Hotwire for years and have never been disappointed. I always pick at least a 3*. Over the years they've including Wyndham, Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton and Doubletree hotels.

 

[dragitoff]

Well, I've done some checking around (will still check hotwire.com), and we've decided the following: We're going to come up Sept. 19 mid day. Spend the afternoon over at Downtown Disney most likely (grab a bite there for dinner) and then head over to our hotel. We'll hit Universal that Saturday at opening and stay until closing (7pm). We're going to drive back then. It's only a 4 hour drive for us and we want to be at church the next morning so this will allow us to do so. I'm thinking that timeframe should allow us to miss the Halloween Horror Fest crowds as well.

 

[Metro West]

Well, I've done some checking around (will still check hotwire.com), and we've decided the following: We're going to come up Sept. 19 mid day. Spend the afternoon over at Downtown Disney most likely (grab a bite there for dinner) and then head over to our hotel. We'll hit Universal that Saturday at opening and stay until closing (7pm). We're going to drive back then. It's only a 4 hour drive for us and we want to be at church the next morning so this will allow us to do so. I'm thinking that timeframe should allow us to miss the Halloween Horror Fest crowds as well.

If you're going on 9/20 you won't have to worry about the HHN crowds as the event doesn't start until 9/26 so you're good there. Closing time for 9/20 is 6pm so that should be a full day.