First Time To Universal And Unique Situation On Where To Stay

[LOVE2VACATION]

I am very excited about coming to Universal for the first time, but I'm in a quandry about where to stay. Here is my situation and I hope locals or frequent Universal guests can help me out: This trip is just for me and my 12 year old son. We are coming over his spring break. We will arrive March 20 and leave on March 25. From 8am until 3:00pm on Monday - Friday he will be attending a baseball camp on Lee Road which (from the best I can tell) is a little north of Orlando. I can't decide if I want to stay in one of the three Universal hotels and make that drive every morning to the baseball camp OR stay closer to the camp and make the drive in the late afternoon to Universal. I used Mapquest to get my directions and it shows the drive to be 12 miles - taking 19 minutes to arrive.

My main concerns with this situation are:
1- Will my morning drive really be longer than that since it will be during "rush hour?"
2- How is parking at the Universal hotels? Is it easy getting in and out?
3- If I decide to stay closer to the baseball park - how would the drive back be at night?

As much as I hate thinking about getting up earlier to make it to the baseball park by 8:00am, I think the advantage of being "on-site" with the front of the line privilage may make it worth the lost sleep. I assume spring break time is a very busy time at Universal and the front of the line thing could come in very handy since we won't even get our park day started until around 4:00pm. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Michelle

 

[gschmerl]

The fact that it's spring break and you won't even get to the parks until late afternoon would sway me to STAY ON SITE. You will encounter VERY large crowds at the park. Either way, you have to make the drive, so your time at the park might as well be fun instead of frustrating.

 

[damo]

I have to agree. Stay on site. The extra cost will be well worth it for the time you will save standing in line. Also, the hotels are very nice. My son's favourite is the RPH. Mother and son trips are great!!!

 

[Beanie]

I also agree! I think FOTL is worth every penny I spend to stay onsite! It is great not having to wait in any lines!

Have a great time!

 

[Immelman]

I'd rather make that drive in the morning rather than at night, especially after a full day in the sun. it'll be easier to take the water taxi 'home' and get some quality sleep. plus, the express pass will complete your trip. why drive to stand in line (in the sun again) and hit maybe a few attractions at best, then drive back to your hotel? the water taxi's are one of the greatest things on earth, except that you can't ride with a margarita in your hand.

 

[d4est]

Either way, you will have to make the drive at night...whether driving TO the park and back again, or driving "HOME" from the camp to your on site hotel. The added advantage to staying on site is that AFTER a long day at camp and then spending time a the park and being tired, you won't have to deal with the drive back to your hotel by the camp.

Sheesh, does that make sense? I almost confused myself!

 

[goldcupmom]

I've done similar trips for gymnastics and definitely recommend staying where you will end the day. Driving those distances and dealing with traffic tend to be easier when you are rested.

 

[LOVE2VACATION]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will stay on site at Universal. Now I just need to decide which terrific resort to pick!!
Michelle

 

[Beanie]

Now I just need to decide which terrific resort to pick.

Now that is a decision you won't mind making!! LOL

Have a great time and welcome to the DIS!!

 

[Carlnne]

Dont worry too much about traffic- I did a similar thing last summer and it wasnt bad. In the morning the rush hour will be going towards the parks (especially during spring break). The traffic was still heavier than I was used to at home but it moved- I saw lines of stopped traffic in the other direction. I never experienced any problems in the afternoon/evening. Leave a little early the first day and time it.

 

[Motherfletcher]

My main concerns with this situation are:
1- Will my morning drive really be longer than that since it will be during "rush hour?"
2- How is parking at the Universal hotels? Is it easy getting in and out?
3- If I decide to stay closer to the baseball park - how would the drive back be at night?

1. My recent experience with Mapquest drive times proves the drive will take longer.
2. Parking at HRH is the worst. Their staff even has to be shuttled in.
3. The drive at night (dark), during the PM peak or rush hour is always worse.