Help convince me to go to Universal!

[lojikal1]

Hello all!

It's been a while since I've posted on the DIS but I'm back!

The family wants to hold off on WDW this year while the park builds new attractions and DL is not in the budget for travel. US is well within budget but we've never been. What is the experience like in comparison to WDW? DS12 and DS10 are spoiled by the magic of Disney. However, now that they are a little older I've heard that US might be something they'd enjoy. Thoughts?

 

[schumigirl]

Check out the website

www.universalorlando.com

Here you will find a full list of all rides and attractions, info on hotels and Citywalk too........everything you need to make a decision if Universal would suit your family.

And of course, there is a wealth of info on these boards too.

Your kids are certainly a fantastic age for Universal..........don't see why they wouldn't like it.......Universal has its own magic...........it's why we go back year after year. Don't compare it to Disney, it's a whole different place.......much better of course in my opinion..........

There has been so much added last few years, so much to see and do........

Staying onsite will give you various perks.

The three deluxe hotels will give you unlimited EP and Early Entry, Cabana Bay and Sapphire Falls only give you Early Entry.

The 3 main hotels, Portofino, Hard Rock and Royal Pacific are all within walking distance of the parks. Ideal if you like a midday break. Or you can take the boat which leaves from Citywalk for the hotels except CBay........Sapphire Falls opens this summer and will have a boat dock too.

Universal doesn't require as much planning as Disney........it's relatively easy to navigate......no need for dining reservations months ahead of time either.

 

[nkereina]

I can't speak to the view point of kids, but from an adult's perspective, it's far less planning than WDW which I like. It lets us do things more on the fly and tends to be more relaxing, less stress. We also found that there is less to do in the evenings. We travel in the Fall, so parks close by 6/7pm. City Walk, the entertainment area akin to Disney Springs, would certainly cater more towards adults so IMO, it does leave a lack of things for families to do in the evening. There is a mini golf course and a movie theater at City Walk.

I'd also mention that while it would be easy to spend a week at WDW, I don't think the same about Universal. Many will disagree, but we find 3-4 days at Universal to be max for us. We can get both parks done in about two days, and we stay onsite so like to plan a day at the resort's awesome pool as well. If I wanted to plan a week long trip to the area, I'd consider renting a car and checking out other things Orlando has to offer rather than spending it solely at Universal.

 

[lojikal1]

Thanks for the advice thus far. We'll be staying 3-4 days in August. I don't think we'd need much more to enjoy it. Planning on trying Sapphire Falls since it'll still be brand new. Oh! Do they handle food allergies as well at US as they do at WDW? DS10 has a few allergies to accommodate.

 

[nkereina]

Thanks for the advice thus far. We'll be staying 3-4 days in August. I don't think we'd need much more to enjoy it. Planning on trying Sapphire Falls since it'll still be brand new. Oh! Do they handle food allergies as well at US as they do at WDW? DS10 has a few allergies to accommodate.

Can't speak to allergies but as a note with Sapphire Falls, I don't believe they will be including express pass if that's a concern. You'd still be eligible for early entry.

 

[schumigirl]

Yes, they are excellent with allergies.

There are contact details on their website........they are quick to respond to queries about any allergies.

 

[Kivara]

I emailed a while back about a specific item and my son's allergy. Not only did they respond back rather quickly (within an hour or two) but they gave me a complete break down of all the ingredients.

Also, I have never had an issue at any of the restaurants...either a waiter will know, check on an item, or bring a chef out to talk to you about safe options. Every counter service/snack area we've asked has had a list of the ingredients to check.

My boys are 10-14 and they (and us) cannot get enough of Universal. We usually go for 6-8 days at a time, once a year, and we are all sad when it's over we can't stay longer. There are tons of shows and playgrounds (DH & I even enjoy the Jurassic Park playground) and thrill rides. Of course it depends on your kids' interests and thrill ride enthusiasm.

We prefer Universal because we can go at whatever pace, no dinner or fast pass planning in advance, etc. We usually pool hop midday when it's hot and go back to the parks after dinner.

 

[lojikal1]

You guys around here are always GREAT with the answers!

Last important question. I've seen this Express Pass info. Is it necessary in August? I'll be saving a lot of money without getting it. However, I don't want to hamper our experience. What do you think?

 

[PantherPete]

Hello all!

It's been a while since I've posted on the DIS but I'm back!

The family wants to hold off on WDW this year while the park builds new attractions and DL is not in the budget for travel. US is well within budget but we've never been. What is the experience like in comparison to WDW? DS12 and DS10 are spoiled by the magic of Disney. However, now that they are a little older I've heard that US might be something they'd enjoy. Thoughts?

We had been to Disney several times, but last March went to Universal for the first time. My boys were 11 and 8 at the time. They absolutely loved it every bit as much as Disney. Different rides, different characters, different restaurants, the City Walk, the convenience of the resort locations (all within walking distance or a very short ride to both parks and the City Walk) made for a great trip.

I suggest doing a run up to Universal by watching as many of the movies that are featured there and watching as many Simpsons episodes as possible. My kids aren't big Harry Potter fans, but they were still mesmerized by both of the Harry Potter worlds. They also loved meeting Scooby Doo (their favorite cartoon since they were born) and the Marvel super heroes. And the water rides are fantastic (prepare to get very wet).

I love Disney and Universal doesn't quite have the Disney magic feel. But it has it's own unique vibe that is just as enjoyable. And Universal is much more laid back. No 6 month ADR's needed & no stress over transportation. Your kids will love it.

 

[schumigirl]

We wouldn't do the parks without EP ever!

But, late August can be quieter than early to mid August. However, Kong opens this summer so that may add to the crowds.........

I wouldn't like to stand in those queues without EP............

 

[bchbetha]

My kids prefer it to Disney, for sure. Mine are pretty fearless riders and love the thrills at Universal. Your kids are a great age for it. I love how convenient everything was at Universal- everything is close together. And, no military grade planning is required to visit. It's relaxed and fun. Might as well try it, right?

 

[PantherPete]

You guys around here are always GREAT with the answers!

Last important question. I've seen this Express Pass info. Is it necessary in August? I'll be saving a lot of money without getting it. However, I don't want to hamper our experience. What do you think?

EP is a big part of the enjoyment of the parks, especially for second rides (you miss part of the ride set up in many of the EP lines). If I were you, I'd price it by staying at Sapphire Falls and adding EP, then I'd price it by staying at a deluxe where EP is included. We stayed at the HRH and outside of not having a balcony, it was as nice as the Disney deluxe properties.

 

[nkereina]

I personally wouldn't dream of doing Universal without express pass, no matter the time of year. It's a really great perk, and so much better than Disney's Fast Pass IMO. Without express pass, you do have to do more planning and be more strategic as far as a touring plan goes since some rides will have longer stand by waits than others.

Royal Pacific will likely be the most affordable deluxe resort with express pass. It's also in the same neighborhood as Sapphire Falls so you could still walk there to check it out. We always stay at Royal Pacific and love it, even more than some WDW resorts. If you have AAA, you may be able to get a AAA rate. If you were planning getting tickets for more than 4 days, you could also look at buying APs which would give you the option to book an AP rate at the resort.

 

[bumbershoot]

DS12 and DS10 are spoiled by the magic of Disney.

I have a hard time understanding this. What is the magic they see? I've never found it at Disney, and DS outgrew it by the time he was 6 or so, so I don't know what sort of barrier this is to enjoying another place. Is it characters, the way the employees treat you, etc? I don't know how to respond to that, because I don't know what it means.

I find the employees at Universal to be more attentive, to *listen* and to *hear you* more than at WDW. Since they are often the same people, I figure it's something in the way Universal's management is, that they have the time to give more than over at WDW.

The characters are a little more casual at Uni, but in that they are FAR more awesome. DH adores meeting with Rogue and Storm at Uni; they have the most fun conversations.

The rides are great, the food is for the most part good, the atmosphere is wonderful.

I'll be saving a lot of money without getting it.

I've tried to convince my guys to stay at Cabana or the future Sapphire, but they refuse to go without Express Pass. No matter what season.

To buy unlimited EP with the ticket is expensive, especially for multiple days. But if you book Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino, you get it included. One night's stay yields two days of early entry (if you're there early enough on checkin day of course) and unlimited Express Passes. Can end up being a great deal!

 

[macraven]

98% of my trips are solo.
my october trip will be two weeks on site at a deluxe.

sure, i have plenty of time to hit the rides and shows and city walk easily in that time period but.......
i wouldn't do it without express.
can not
will not


i like to take my time and not stand in long lines.

Universal is more than just a place that has rides and shows.
for me it is very relaxing way to spend my time just sitting and looking around all sections of the parks.
i'm on vacation and do not rush for anything while there.

i can spend one day not doing any rides but do the park and take pictures and spend time with the characters in the streets.
i can browse through the shops or play arcade games for hours.

i can enjoy an afternoon at the hotel pool and spend time in the hotel room.

when it is time for me to leave and return home, i am totally rested and back to my regular daily schedule when i get home.

 

[CJN]

Since you asked about a comparison - we consider Universal every bit as the fantastic destination experience as WDW. Specifically to your boys, my nephews (about the same ages as yours) have absolutely no prejudices of either park being better. All they know is they absolutely love both. Half the time when they start listing their favorite rides they don't even remember which park each ride is in, but they always end up listing as many Universal rides as Disney ones. If fact, if we had to (God forbid!!) choose one over the other I don't think WDW would win. Our next trip - five days WDW, five days Universal.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

I have a 12 year old and a 9 year old and we enjoy Universal better than Disney. That said, they also like Disney, but are more on the adventurous side. We live very close to Cedar Point in Ohio (roller coaster heaven), and they ride everything there. My 12 year old is a beast on the high ropes courses and zip lining. My 9 year old can't wait for us to take her. They have some friends who are very cautious and it makes touring at our local theme parks very difficult at times.

Similarly, we have children in our family that will NOT turn off Disney Channel, while other much prefer Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. But, in the big scheme of things...is there a big difference?

If you are a full fledged Disney Kool Aid drinking family, then you will find everything wrong with Universal, while not realizing that there are some horrendous rides at Disney as well. The same goes the other way as well.

So...it really depends on taste, and some tastes change over time. Try it and find out. 3-4 days is not an extreme commitment, and you will know if you have your fill or want more when you leave. I would strongly suggest staying on site at a deluxe to get Express Pass. Just imagine Disney with unlimited Fast Passes on all but a few rides. That also includes shows and preferred seating at some table service restaurants. Also, almost no planning at all. Close proximity so you can tour a park in the morning, grab lunch, a nap or afternoon swim, then back to the park for the evening. The fun/magic of Disney balanced with the ability to relax and recover.

There are many similarities. After touring so many theme parks, there are certain things that they all do. Universal has incredible theming similar to Disney, they both have great and very average food choices, they have rides for all ages (Uni is a little more thrilling overall).

It is just a shame to us that my kids will be near 20 when all of Disney is done being constructed...maybe I will take my grandkids so I can see it all!!!!

 

[atricks]

August starts out busy and goes to dead at the end of the month. This past year the parks were the lightest I ever saw them in the past year the last week of August, and that went for both Disney and Universal nearly everything was walk on, even in the Magic Kingdom. However the start of August was crazy, mid August starts to fall off rapidly, before it picks up Labor Day weekend and stays higher because of all the fall events.

 

[dixonsontour]

My DD is 10 and choses Universal not Disney.

If you decide to go without the express pass then check out Cabana bay. Suites have lots of room for families and it is a great resort for kids, movies by the pool, lazy river, smores around the firepits, bowling alley.

My two trip reports are on the Universal trip reports forum on here.

 

[macraven]

Lol, I had to go back to the original question to see if I was in the right thread.


I can't imagine going to Orlando and not doing both theme parks
I start with the motherland for 5-6 days and run myself ragged doing busses to parks, living by my watch not to miss an add or fp time and finding time to shower and sleep

Then I switch to the darkside portion of my vacation to enjoy.

I posted earlier how I handle the second portion of my Orlando trips

Once upon a time, my park pattern was opposite of what I do now