First time doing Universal

[snugglebug]

This will be our first time doing Universal and we're not sure what to do hotel wise. I've already got 5 days at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Disney. Is is okay to continue staying there while we do Universal? Is there bus service from there or will we need to drive and park? How much is parking?

The other hotel I'm looking at is Radisson Universal @ $68+tax/night. Expedia is showing me courtyard at $63 for that same time frame. Is it worth $5 to be closer to Universal or should we save the $5 and stay at Courtyard?

 

[Robinrs]

The Radisson is literally across the street from USO so it is much better to stay there than at the Courtyard, which is about a 15 minute drive (on a good day) from USO.

Parking is $8.00 a day. The Radisson has a shuttle to USO, the Courtyard doesn't offer a complimentary one.

Have you tried Priceline or Hotwire? For these prices you can get a really nice hotel or save a few dollars per night for comparable hotels. Check www.biddingfortravel.com for help.

 

[Connears]

The only reason we are going to Hard Rock for last night of our trip is to get Front of the Line Access at both IOA and US. Its a great perk for seeing the most at each park. The three hotels include Hadrd Rock, Portofino Bay, and Royal Pacific. We are actually looking forward to HRH, heard it has great themeing. If you have entertainment card you may get discount at these, but it depends on when and how long. We got HRH for 183.00 on travelhero.com and for my date, couldn't get any lower. some folks have gotten great deals on these resorts.
Connears

 

[vernon]

With the amount of time you lose in checking in and out of a hotel I think I'd probably stay at the original hotel for the extra day(s). the only exception to that would be to stay at one of the Universal Hotels. Granted they are a lot more money, but IMHO the front of line privilage and the extras are worth the money and the aggrevation of changing hotel.