First Time to universal

[dgagnon519]

We are DVC members and go to Disney every year and have become an expert of all things Disney Vacation. This year we have decided to try Universal. I have a few questions,

1. We would still like to use our DVC. We will have a car with us. Is it a pain driving from Disney to Universal. What is the drive time. Is it possible to still do breaks?

2. Are the meal deals worth it?

3. What is the best sit down place in Universal? IOA? and City walk?

4. Weare traveling with n 11 and 8 yr old will they enjoy universal?

5. Do you have to pay to park at Universal?

 

[IdesOmarch]

Meal deals I don't personally recommend. Yes the kids will love it. Driving distance is not that big of a deal IMO. I am thinking they are about 20 minutes driving time apart, not counting traffic jams. I would recommend taking at least 2 days if not more. It is 2 separate parks, like MK and AK. We usually take a full week and take our time. They are great parks, you will love them. To me Universal is the best theme park in the world followed by Disney. I love disney, but Universal has kind of taken it up a notch or 10 IMO.

Also, if you stay at one of their onsite hotels, you can use your room key to get free front of the line access to almost all the rides. And there are some great restaurants on the property. Mythos is maybe one of the best restaurants period, not just theme park (its in IOA) Lombards for Universal, and City Walk has a ton of restaurants, I like Margaritavilles. At the ROyal Pacific, the Tcoup Choup is a great restaurant too.

 

[Metro West]

1.) It's not a pain driving to Universal...it's about 20-30 minutes depending on where you're located on Disney property and the traffic of course. You could still do breaks if you're going when the parks are open late. Otherwise...you'd waste a lot of time taking a break and then going back later in the day.

2.) The meal deal isn't worth it unless your party eats a lot. You can not share plates and the menu is standard theme park fare. There are only three restaurants in each park that participate. I would skip it.

3.) The best table service restaurant in IOA is Mythos...The Studios is Finnegan's and CityWalk is Margaritaville.

4.) Your kids will love Universal especially if they enjoy rides a little more intense than the Disney attractions. Make sure you check out YouTube for ride videos and read the trip reports to get an idea of what's in store.

5.) Yes...parking is $15.00/day.