First time to Universal need help

[dreamerAl]

We are planning a trip to Universal in the summer. We went to disney 2 years ago, the last week in August. I understand that a lot of schools start back this week.We basically walked in to all the rides. Would this be a good time to go to Universal as well. What will the crowds be like.

How long does it usually take to see the parks.
We spent a whole week at Disney and that was perfect..is Universal as big or can we spend some time at the beachs too.
2 adults and two teens from Canada are looking forward to the southern heat and hospitality
Thanks

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Personally, I would love to spend a week at Universal, but you can probably do all you want and repeat what you liked most in 3 or 4 days, especially if you stay on site. With two teens I recommend the Hard Rock Hotel. The theming is really cool and it is the closest to the parks and City Walk. Have a blast. BTW, folks were getting some pretty decent rates for the latter part of August.

 

[dreamerAl]

what about the crowds. Also could someone put in perspective the size the the overall park as compared to ..say MGM

 

[damo]

There are two parks. Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Each park is about the size of MGM. I would allow three days as the perfect time to spend there. Try to stay on site so that you get the perk of Express Access on every ride.

 

[gschmerl]

The on site hotels not only give you the WONDERFUL express access, but they have great pools. Leave enough days to just enjoy the pools. What is so great is that you can just walk to the parks from the hotels. It just so much more convenient than Disney.