First time at Universal - Questions about how many days to plan for thrill-ride loving 12-year olds

[PinkMagnolia]

We are thinking of venturing out of the Disney bubble next year with twin DS12.

We will likely stay on Disney property and rent a car (on property) for a few days. Seeing as it will be the end of August, with killer heat, our plan would be to drive to US, tour until mid-afternoon (2:00-ish), drive back to our Disney Resort for a rest/swim. Maybe head to the Disney parks in the evening after our break for dinner and a few rides.

My question is:

1. How many days would you suggest with 12-year old thrill loving ride boys?
2. Does this Universal in the morning - Break in the afternoon - Disney at night plan sound like a smart plan?
3. If we didn't get US park-to-park tix, which park would you suggest we do first?

Thanks for your advice

 

[macraven]

www.universalorlando.com

check out the website to see what is in the parks and figure out what are the "can't miss" rides/shows/shops.

you can get an idea of the layout of both parks and city walk so that can make it easier to make the decision on which park to do first.

i always think you would do more justice in enjoying the parks if you have multiple days and not have to rush.

 

[damo]

I would stay onsite at a deluxe hotel at Universal while you do Universal ( or even while you stay at Disney). There really is no benefit to staying onsite at Disney.

It is HOT!!!! Being able to make use of the unlimited express passes is so worth it in the summer. Your kids will have an absolute riot while they are allowed to ride the rides over and over and over again and you won't mind because you won't be standing in line for hours while they do that.

Just a little warning, though. Once those 12 year old boys try Universal, you may have a tough time not going there every year.

 

[Nohal]

Seems like a lot of money wasted to use a Universal park ticket for 1/2 day and a Disney ticket for 1/2 day unless you have annual passes. You can stay 1 night at a Universal hotel and get express passes for 2 days (the day you check in and the day you check out). Thrill loving boys won't even want to leave until they have done all of the thrill rides.