Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've been on here...multiple trips to Disney with last one being a little over 5 years ago. I know doing some research I can likely put together a decent plan for our first trip to Universal based on reading threads here...but I'm humbly asking for your help. My kids have been watching a lot of Universal YouTube videos lately, and really want to go. After looking ahead at what we have coming up in the next year, I came to the scary realization that if we are going to do this, we need to do it next month. With that being said, my work schedule has me super busy and I need to start booking ASAP, and don't have a lot of time for research. I would be way more confident planning a Disney trip in this short of a time frame, after multiple trips there - but I'm clueless when it comes to Universal.
Here are the details - flying into Sanford, looking at 3/7-3/14 out of Iowa. Will rent a van to pick up at airport. While my first thought was to get a condo/house and just drive to the parks, with the little reading I have done, it looks like maybe staying onsite could be worth it (we've done it both ways at Disney - loved the onsite convenience, but loved having the room of a condo as well). Onsite, we would want a suite or at least two single rooms for our family of 5 (hubby snores and will keep most of us up lol). I think I would still prefer a condo, but possibly a throw away room for the perks maybe if we stay offsite? I had planned on spending three days or so at the parks, and a trip to Clearwater/St. Pete area leaving early one day, grabbing a hotel, and then heading back to Orlando area late the next day so we have some beach time - which is the reason I'd like to have a condo to come back to, have laundry, etc. and not constantly be switching rooms.
Again, I know with some research I can likely find the answers to all my questions, but if any of you are kind enough to play travel agent and help a mom out with this planning, I'd greatly appreciate it. Looking for tips on staying onsite vs. off, which resort to stay at, must do's, throw away room option, and if you have any codes to rental car companies for discounts - I'd take those as well! Thanks for any help you are willing to give me! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now but want to make this happen for the kiddos, and have a plan of attack doing so. Hope you all have a great week!
Here are the details - flying into Sanford, looking at 3/7-3/14 out of Iowa. Will rent a van to pick up at airport. While my first thought was to get a condo/house and just drive to the parks, with the little reading I have done, it looks like maybe staying onsite could be worth it (we've done it both ways at Disney - loved the onsite convenience, but loved having the room of a condo as well). Onsite, we would want a suite or at least two single rooms for our family of 5 (hubby snores and will keep most of us up lol). I think I would still prefer a condo, but possibly a throw away room for the perks maybe if we stay offsite? I had planned on spending three days or so at the parks, and a trip to Clearwater/St. Pete area leaving early one day, grabbing a hotel, and then heading back to Orlando area late the next day so we have some beach time - which is the reason I'd like to have a condo to come back to, have laundry, etc. and not constantly be switching rooms.
Again, I know with some research I can likely find the answers to all my questions, but if any of you are kind enough to play travel agent and help a mom out with this planning, I'd greatly appreciate it. Looking for tips on staying onsite vs. off, which resort to stay at, must do's, throw away room option, and if you have any codes to rental car companies for discounts - I'd take those as well! Thanks for any help you are willing to give me! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now but want to make this happen for the kiddos, and have a plan of attack doing so. Hope you all have a great week!
