First Timer to Universal - Advice

[Starrin]

My family has been to WDW a total of around 7 times in the last few years. We are now ready to take the plunge --- visit one of those other theme parks in Orlando

We are planning on heading down from March 24 - 29 and would like to hit Universal. We know nothing about it .... at all. The only thing I heard was that they have some sort of "get to the front of the line pass" and there is a more kid friendly area -- Islands of Adventure????

Anyway, I am in need of some expert advice --- so I always come to the Disboard

If we stay at Universal and Disney --- should we rent a car... or could we get a limo to Universal .... stay a couple days ... then have a cab take us "on-property" to WDW?

We are considering Sea World -- if we were at one of the hotels at Universal .... is it easy to get a cab to Sea World (perhaps a cab from Sea World back to the hotel would be a problem?). Perhaps the cost would be too large - to even really consider.

Right now ... I am trying to determine the logistics of it all before I book anything.

Typically we are a family that likes to get off the plane -- hop into a limo and let someone else do the driving. I am not good in situations where there are kids in the car perhaps upset about something .... and I do not know where I am going ... it tends to be a bad start for the vacation -- so we have always tried to alleviate that potential head ache right off the bat.

Any nuggets of advice are much appreciated.

Also -- on a side note .... I doubt the people who do the podcast will read this ... but I have been listening to the podcast weekly and you are doing a fabulous job. Wanted to say Thank you.

Thank you in advance for any wisdom,

Starrin

 

[jtdl]

If you stay onsite at one of the Universal properties they have a free shuttle to SeaWorld and back - they only have one trip each way so you have to go when it's scheduled.

Most of the transportation companies (Sunrise for sure) offer split trips - airport to a Universal resort and then a few days later to a Disney resort and then back to airport - for about $150 or so.

So unless you plan to travel to places other than Universal, Seaworld and WDW you can easily do without renting a car

 

[Starrin]

I was just thinking ... I know DW is not in favor of switching hotels half way through the trip ... again ... another one of those things on a trip she sees as potential for a foul-up and exhausting with kids (re-packing etc...)

What if we did our normal transportation service to WDW property ...stayed there the entire time. On the day we want to go to Universal ... we have the service pick us up at the hotel and take us there ... and vice versa to get back. Has anyone ever heard of using airport type transportation to do this?

Perhaps taxi cabs are just as well -- I just do not know about how easy or difficult it is to find a cab outside the Universal or Sea World parks.

Thanks,

Starrin

 

[Starrin]

Thank you jtdl ... when my wife and daughter get back from selling girl scout cookies we are going to start booking. So I am putting down all the options.

 

[damo]

I was just thinking ... I know DW is not in favor of switching hotels half way through the trip ... again ... another one of those things on a trip she sees as potential for a foul-up and exhausting with kids (re-packing etc...)

What if we did our normal transportation service to WDW property ...stayed there the entire time. On the day we want to go to Universal ... we have the service pick us up at the hotel and take us there ... and vice versa to get back. Has anyone ever heard of using airport type transportation to do this?

Perhaps taxi cabs are just as well -- I just do not know about how easy or difficult it is to find a cab outside the Universal or Sea World parks.

Thanks,

Starrin

Any transportation service will take you to Universal. There are lots of cabs. Get there before the gates open to maximize your enjoyment. People seem to wander over a little later and it will give you the opportunity to get the big rides done. If the lines get really unmanageable (which they may because it is March and Easter), you can always purchase the express passes at any store there.

 

[kirbsam]

i would stay at wdw first, because once you get to universal, it will be a far more relaxing vacation. no lines, since you are staying onsite. i would take the free shuttle to sea world, and probably a cab home. cabs are easy to get at universal. you can easily book a three way limo trip to take you from the airport to wdw to universal to the airport. getting around at universal is a breeze. it is a 5 to ten minute walk from any hotel to any park, from park to park. there is minimal waits for transportation. you will love it. and will be amazed at how easy and convenient it all is.

 

[Darcy03231]

I would rent a car. We were there last summer and didn't have any trouble driving around. Orland is very easy to get around and everything is extremely well marked. I like the flexibity of coming and going when I want. Also, renting a car for a week is less expensive than taking cabs/car service. Check out www.mousesavers.com for discount codes.

 

[damo]

I would rent a car. We were there last summer and didn't have any trouble driving around. Orland is very easy to get around and everything is extremely well marked. I like the flexibity of coming and going when I want. Also, renting a car for a week is less expensive than taking cabs/car service. Check out www.mousesavers.com for discount codes.

A rental car for president's week is $499 for an economy size for the week!!!

 

[Darcy03231]

A rental car for president's week is $499 for an economy size for the week!!!

WOW I've never paid that much for a car rental in Orlando. I think the most I ever paid was $200/wk for a minivan (and that was during peak summer time).

 

[CPanther95]

Any possible inconvenience, or hassle of switching hotels mid-trip is more than offset by the FOTL access once you are at Universal.

But if you do stay on property at Universal, do it at the end of your vacation. Otherwise, you'll dread heading back to Disney.

 

[damo]

WOW I've never paid that much for a car rental in Orlando. I think the most I ever paid was $200/wk for a minivan (and that was during peak summer time).

I know! I was smart and booked way, way in advance and got something for $199 (before taxes) but I tried to find out of there was anything cheaper lately and couldn't find anything under $400 and that was using the same codes! All the car rental agencies seem to be in cahoots that week.