First Time for Universal and SeaWorld

[jillyb]

Hi All! My daughter, granddaughter and I will be going to Universal and SeaWorld for the first time in August. Right now, I'm looking at August 13 - August 19. I've had some people tell me that no matter when I go I should stay at one of the resorts that give you the Universal Express Pass and early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I have also been told that I should plan for 2 days at Universal and 1 day at SeaWorld. Just wanted to get input from those who have been numerous times and around the same time as we will be going.

Thanks

 

[Parker Clan]

We always go mid August, yes, stay at an on site hotel. The Express Pass is well worth it
We find crowds to be very manageable during this time!
Also 2 days is good for us at US and IoA.. This year the third day will be Volcano Bay
Have a blast!

 

[Canooknic]

If you're wanting to do all of Universal including HP then 2 days is needed (we're doing 3 on our next trip because my boys want to look at EVERYTHING in HP land.....again!)
A day at SW should be fine, although I haven't been for a few years and last time was child free so we didn't do everything

 

[jillyb]

We always go mid August, yes, stay at an on site hotel. The Express Pass is well worth it
We find crowds to be very manageable during this time!
Also 2 days is good for us at US and IoA.. This year the third day will be Volcano Bay
Have a blast!

Thanks! Our third day will be Volcano Bay as well!

 

[jillyb]

If you're wanting to do all of Universal including HP then 2 days is needed (we're doing 3 on our next trip because my boys want to look at EVERYTHING in HP land.....again!)
A day at SW should be fine, although I haven't been for a few years and last time was child free so we didn't do everything

Thanks! I'm looking at getting 3-Park 4-Day Park to Park + Unlimited Express. That will give us 2 days to do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, 1 day to ride our favorites again and explore Wizarding World at our leisure (if we want) and 1 day at Volcano Bay. Or, who knows, we may decide we're done after 2 days and spend 2 days at Volcano Bay!

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

This is always a fun question to field because it varies so much based on what you want. In December, we will spend six days at Uni and 4 at Sea World/Discovery Cove. We have also done 5 days at Sea World hotel with a midweek overnight at RPR, for 2 days at Uni. Based on how long we can go, we tour the parks differently. Seeing "everything" is different for each family.

You will enjoy yourself at all of the parks for as many days as you can go. Sea World (which I love) can be a one day park, or a 3 day park. Why, how much do you want to keep moving on to the next thing? Take the penguin ride. The ride itself - pretty cheesy, good for kids, no thrills. Then, the end "reveal" is awesome. I could easily spend an hour just watching the penguins do their thing. Wild Arctic ride is just dreadful, but I love the animals after it. The aquariums at Manta and Journey to Atlantis are phenomenal, but you can walk right by them as well.

At Uni, HP has a few rides, you could get lucky and ride them all in about 60-90 minutes. For others, they can stay in HP world for days amazed at the detail. For us, why rush through Seussland? Its so witty. For others - an easy skip, just more pavement to walk to get to HP.

As this is your first trip, stay onsite, spend a day at each park, check out all that the hotels offer, and spend a bit of time at CityWalk. Then head over to Sea World for a day, catch some shows and ride some coasters. That will give you a taste and set you up for trip #2, which will come. Keep an open mind and just enjoy! You will love it.