Help! First trip in 6+ years!

[tiggerbs]

Looking at planning our first trip to WDW (and Universal finally) in 6+ years. Not our ideal time, but end of July/early August before sending first born off to college.

Like everyone, hoping to plan on a decent budget. Feeling overwhelmed with information overload right now... best place for tickets, any specials that may include meal plan (or will there even be one including Table service). And, thinking DVC rental will still be out of our price range , so recommended hotels at value and moderate.

And, Universal Studios--- how many days? Family has never been (one entire day for sure for HP). Boys are 18 & 15. Is it best to stay at one of their hotels? Do they provide transportation to/from airport like WDW?

Thanks! It's been so long since I was on this board. And, had to create and start posting all over--- lost my name/password for here.

 

[kymom99]

I have priced out the same trip but not taken it.

My idea was to get one annual pass at universal. This can get you discounts on rooms at certain times of the year as well as discounted tickets from the rest of your group. The plan was to stay at royal pacific. You get front of the line access for staying there. I would stay 2 nights s and get 3 day park to park tickets. None of this is cheap but you can maximize the value of your money spent.

As far as wdw with teens I would do pop or a moderate.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

As the pp said, stay at an onsite hotel at Universal that offers Express line access. You will be instantly spoiled. Specials for next summer don't usually come out this early but they've generally been running 15-20% off for value and moderates at WDW. We have rented DVC points several times and pricing is equivalent to a moderate. We don't usually take long trips anymore so time is valuable. BWV makes it an easy walk to 2 parks and BCV has a great pool. Only you can decide if it's worth it. If you rent DVC points you can still buy a dining plan (the DVC member would book this for you.) and you can still buy tix elsewhere. We usually buy at Undercover Tourist. They are legit and reliable.
I would do Universal AFTER Disney. We once did the other way around and after a few days of unlimited Express line, it was torture to wait in lines at Disney. Even a one night stay at Uni gets you 2 full days of Express line: the day you check in and the day you check out until park closing. I would allow 2-3 days at Universal to see everything. If your kids are into HP, get a hopper ticket so you can take the HP train that connects the parks. Lines were long & slow but it's something to see. I don't feel like I need to do it again but we're not big into HP. Once you're at Uni, you truly don't need a car at all and the hotels that offer Exp line also charge for parking. Ridiculous, I know. We use Orlando Sun Transportation but some would Uber. You would also need transfers to MCO at the end. Disney offers free transportation RT to the airport and it can also be booked one way. It is nice if you don't have an evening flight to just let them put the bags into your room while you head to the parks.

YouTube has many videos showing how FP+ works with magic bands and the app. It's faster to watch a video, and demonstrates better, than reading 50 threads about it. You don't HAVE TO have a smart phone to do Disney now, but it sure makes it easier than going to a kiosk.
If you want table service, book those early. They now charge a $10 pp no show fee if you don't cancel the day before so plan carefully. Gone are the days of just showing up and winging it.

Have fun planning!

 

[Darcy03231]

We've done Universal many times. If you stay at an on-site hotel with the express pass privileges you will need at least two days to do US/IOA. You also want the park to park tickets so you can ride the HP train. Personally, I like three days there. They do not offer transportation to and from the airport. Keep in mind, however, that the three hotels that offer the express pass are expensive. Even with a AP discount I think I paid about $300/night (including taxes, fees, parking) for Portofino Bay one year in August.

For WDW, if your plan is to just sleep at the hotel and be out in the parks all day/night, I would just stay at one of the value resorts and save some money. Since you'll be there during peak season you won't find much in the way of discounts. You can buy the dining plan (DDP if you want one table service meal a day). A lot depends on how you tend to eat. I find for me it's less expensive to just pay out of pocket, but I typically don't do the character meals. If I'm traveling with small children and going heavy on the character meals it pretty much evens out so I buy the dining plan for convenience. Also, since you're going to be traveling with teens sometimes it's easier to buy the dining plan so they can get meals if they go off on their own.

You don't say how long you're going for, but in the last several years as our children have aged, we've found the most economical way to go is to rent a vacation home. Last rental we had (I got it on VRBO) was a 4 bedroom, 2 bath private pool home for $100/night inclusive of all taxes and fees. I got a minivan rental for about $300 for the ten days. The transportation board has lots of great info. I bought an annual pass for Universal that included the parking. We also had a full kitchen and washer/dryer so we were able to pack light and cook some meals in, which definitely helped with the budget.

If you go this route I would suggest getting up and hitting the parks for rope drop to get the rides with the longer lines in, take a mid-day break, and then go back at night. That's what we did and we didn't have any issues with seeing/doing everything we wanted to. Keep in mind that you can't use the express pass at Universal for the Harry Potter rides so you will have to stand in line. We take advantage of the single rider lines wherever possible and that can save quite a bit of time.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We've done Universal many times. If you stay at an on-site hotel with the express pass privileges you will need at least two days to do US/IOA. You also want the park to park tickets so you can ride the HP train. Personally, I like three days there. They do not offer transportation to and from the airport. Keep in mind, however, that the three hotels that offer the express pass are expensive. Even with a AP discount I think I paid about $300/night (including taxes, fees, parking) for Portofino Bay one year in August.

For WDW, if your plan is to just sleep at the hotel and be out in the parks all day/night, I would just stay at one of the value resorts and save some money. Since you'll be there during peak season you won't find much in the way of discounts. You can buy the dining plan (DDP if you want one table service meal a day). A lot depends on how you tend to eat. I find for me it's less expensive to just pay out of pocket, but I typically don't do the character meals. If I'm traveling with small children and going heavy on the character meals it pretty much evens out so I buy the dining plan for convenience. Also, since you're going to be traveling with teens sometimes it's easier to buy the dining plan so they can get meals if they go off on their own.

You don't say how long you're going for, but in the last several years as our children have aged, we've found the most economical way to go is to rent a vacation home. Last rental we had (I got it on VRBO) was a 4 bedroom, 2 bath private pool home for $100/night inclusive of all taxes and fees. I got a minivan rental for about $300 for the ten days. The transportation board has lots of great info. I bought an annual pass for Universal that included the parking. We also had a full kitchen and washer/dryer so we were able to pack light and cook some meals in, which definitely helped with the budget.

If you go this route I would suggest getting up and hitting the parks for rope drop to get the rides with the longer lines in, take a mid-day break, and then go back at night. That's what we did and we didn't have any issues with seeing/doing everything we wanted to. Keep in mind that you can't use the express pass at Universal for the Harry Potter rides so you will have to stand in line. We take advantage of the single rider lines wherever possible and that can save quite a bit of time.

Yes you do have to stand in line for HP but if staying onsite you can enter parks an hour before it opens to the public. So we did that first then went about our day. That is a substantial head start but worthless if you’re not morning people.
For Disney I think a lot depends on ages of the kids, and how you like to tour. When our kids were little we loved renting a pool house for all the space, kids having their own tv so we’re not all stuck watching Spongebob to unwind at night. Also we liked having a washer.

Once they got older and could tolerate staying up late for EMH, and also were old enough to separate from us a bit, it was nice to be onsite so we could all come and go as we pleased. With one vehicle, you all have to be on the same schedule. By the time we started staying onsite, I didnt feel like doing laundry on vacation anyway.

Each family is unique in what works best so weigh the pros and cons and choose your priorities.

 

[tiggerbs]

As the pp said, stay at an onsite hotel at Universal that offers Express line access. You will be instantly spoiled. Specials for next summer don't usually come out this early but they've generally been running 15-20% off for value and moderates at WDW. We have rented DVC points several times and pricing is equivalent to a moderate. We don't usually take long trips anymore so time is valuable. BWV makes it an easy walk to 2 parks and BCV has a great pool. Only you can decide if it's worth it. If you rent DVC points you can still buy a dining plan (the DVC member would book this for you.) and you can still buy tix elsewhere. We usually buy at Undercover Tourist. They are legit and reliable.
I would do Universal AFTER Disney. We once did the other way around and after a few days of unlimited Express line, it was torture to wait in lines at Disney. Even a one night stay at Uni gets you 2 full days of Express line: the day you check in and the day you check out until park closing. I would allow 2-3 days at Universal to see everything. If your kids are into HP, get a hopper ticket so you can take the HP train that connects the parks. Lines were long & slow but it's something to see. I don't feel like I need to do it again but we're not big into HP. Once you're at Uni, you truly don't need a car at all and the hotels that offer Exp line also charge for parking. Ridiculous, I know. We use Orlando Sun Transportation but some would Uber. You would also need transfers to MCO at the end. Disney offers free transportation RT to the airport and it can also be booked one way. It is nice if you don't have an evening flight to just let them put the bags into your room while you head to the parks.

YouTube has many videos showing how FP+ works with magic bands and the app. It's faster to watch a video, and demonstrates better, than reading 50 threads about it. You don't HAVE TO have a smart phone to do Disney now, but it sure makes it easier than going to a kiosk.
If you want table service, book those early. They now charge a $10 pp no show fee if you don't cancel the day before so plan carefully. Gone are the days of just showing up and winging it.

Have fun planning!

Thanks for the tips!

We have stayed @dvc sites before (just spoiled going in off seasons). Maybe husband would reconsider moving hotels to Universal for that part of the trip. Starting to price things, and hoping they may come out w/ a dining plan for summer.

 

[tiggerbs]

We've done Universal many times. If you stay at an on-site hotel with the express pass privileges you will need at least two days to do US/IOA. You also want the park to park tickets so you can ride the HP train. Personally, I like three days there. They do not offer transportation to and from the airport. Keep in mind, however, that the three hotels that offer the express pass are expensive. Even with a AP discount I think I paid about $300/night (including taxes, fees, parking) for Portofino Bay one year in August.

For WDW, if your plan is to just sleep at the hotel and be out in the parks all day/night, I would just stay at one of the value resorts and save some money. Since you'll be there during peak season you won't find much in the way of discounts. You can buy the dining plan (DDP if you want one table service meal a day). A lot depends on how you tend to eat. I find for me it's less expensive to just pay out of pocket, but I typically don't do the character meals. If I'm traveling with small children and going heavy on the character meals it pretty much evens out so I buy the dining plan for convenience. Also, since you're going to be traveling with teens sometimes it's easier to buy the dining plan so they can get meals if they go off on their own.

You don't say how long you're going for, but in the last several years as our children have aged, we've found the most economical way to go is to rent a vacation home. Last rental we had (I got it on VRBO) was a 4 bedroom, 2 bath private pool home for $100/night inclusive of all taxes and fees. I got a minivan rental for about $300 for the ten days. The transportation board has lots of great info. I bought an annual pass for Universal that included the parking. We also had a full kitchen and washer/dryer so we were able to pack light and cook some meals in, which definitely helped with the budget.

If you go this route I would suggest getting up and hitting the parks for rope drop to get the rides with the longer lines in, take a mid-day break, and then go back at night. That's what we did and we didn't have any issues with seeing/doing everything we wanted to. Keep in mind that you can't use the express pass at Universal for the Harry Potter rides so you will have to stand in line. We take advantage of the single rider lines wherever possible and that can save quite a bit of time.

More great tips! I totally know rental off site would be cheaper, not sure hubby wants that. Plus, we like the extra magic hours. (Am I starting to sound like a snob?) Good thing to consider the dining plan if the boys go off on their own.

 

[tiggerbs]

Yes you do have to stand in line for HP but if staying onsite you can enter parks an hour before it opens to the public. So we did that first then went about our day. That is a substantial head start but worthless if you’re not morning people.
For Disney I think a lot depends on ages of the kids, and how you like to tour. When our kids were little we loved renting a pool house for all the space, kids having their own tv so we’re not all stuck watching Spongebob to unwind at night. Also we liked having a washer.

Once they got older and could tolerate staying up late for EMH, and also were old enough to separate from us a bit, it was nice to be onsite so we could all come and go as we pleased. With one vehicle, you all have to be on the same schedule. By the time we started staying onsite, I didnt feel like doing laundry on vacation anyway.

Each family is unique in what works best so weigh the pros and cons and choose your priorities.

Thanks! It would be first time they'd be off on their own (18 & 15). I don't mind doing laundry on vacation while at the pool, but then again, maybe its time I let that go too!

 

[tiggerbs]

Yes you do have to stand in line for HP but if staying onsite you can enter parks an hour before it opens to the public. So we did that first then went about our day. That is a substantial head start but worthless if you’re not morning people.
For Disney I think a lot depends on ages of the kids, and how you like to tour. When our kids were little we loved renting a pool house for all the space, kids having their own tv so we’re not all stuck watching Spongebob to unwind at night. Also we liked having a washer.

Once they got older and could tolerate staying up late for EMH, and also were old enough to separate from us a bit, it was nice to be onsite so we could all come and go as we pleased. With one vehicle, you all have to be on the same schedule. By the time we started staying onsite, I didnt feel like doing laundry on vacation anyway.

Each family is unique in what works best so weigh the pros and cons and choose your priorities.

We've always stayed on site at various hotels... I am even ok w/ Pop Century. No car rental. And now, it may be easier w/ Uber or Lyft to get to Universal.

 

[tiggerbs]

I have priced out the same trip but not taken it.

My idea was to get one annual pass at universal. This can get you discounts on rooms at certain times of the year as well as discounted tickets from the rest of your group. The plan was to stay at royal pacific. You get front of the line access for staying there. I would stay 2 nights s and get 3 day park to park tickets. None of this is cheap but you can maximize the value of your money spent.

As far as wdw with teens I would do pop or a moderate.

I will keep this in mind as I price out options! Thanks!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

More great tips! I totally know rental off site would be cheaper, not sure hubby wants that. Plus, we like the extra magic hours. (Am I starting to sound like a snob?) Good thing to consider the dining plan if the boys go off on their own.

Not at all. You're learning what you value and what you enjoy from vacation. Nothing wrong with that imho.
Not to further convince you to spend but when dh and I first met, I always had felt that the best way was always the cheapest way. To be able to say I did something but without having to spend more than necessary was most important.

After a few years finally dh told me, "The difference between a WOW! vacation and a mediocre one is usually a matter of a couple hundred $$. If we're going to spend $5000 on a vacation, we might as well make it a WOW! trip." There is some truth in that. I don't go crazy splurging everywhere but certain things that I believe really add to a vacation such as location of accommodations or special perks that come with an onsite stay, I don't mind spending a little extra for. Others may say character dining is what makes it a WOW! trip for them.
Discover what you love most (or your family loves) and go with it. For non-Disney trips, renting a convertible makes dh happy.

IIRC, I'm pretty sure your kids still have access to the dining plan even if they don't have charging privileges. So they can use their daily snack allotment for popcorn or a Mickey ice cream bar but still can't buy a $50 sweatshirt. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[tiggerbs]

Not at all. You're learning what you value and what you enjoy from vacation. Nothing wrong with that imho.
Not to further convince you to spend but when dh and I first met, I always had felt that the best way was always the cheapest way. To be able to say I did something but without having to spend more than necessary was most important.

After a few years finally dh told me, "The difference between a WOW! vacation and a mediocre one is usually a matter of a couple hundred $$. If we're going to spend $5000 on a vacation, we might as well make it a WOW! trip." There is some truth in that. I don't go crazy splurging everywhere but certain things that I believe really add to a vacation such as location of accommodations or special perks that come with an onsite stay, I don't mind spending a little extra for. Others may say character dining is what makes it a WOW! trip for them.
Discover what you love most (or your family loves) and go with it. For non-Disney trips, renting a convertible makes dh happy.

IIRC, I'm pretty sure your kids still have access to the dining plan even if they don't have charging privileges. So they can use their daily snack allotment for popcorn or a Mickey ice cream bar but still can't buy a $50 sweatshirt. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Were you just at our dinner table?? Even between a value and moderate, DH said for about $400 more we can stay at the Caribbean than POP. More comfy beds! And, that's how he feels (me sometimes). Just hard knowing I could cut the cost before making our first college tuition payment! LOL

 

[tiggerbs]

I have priced out the same trip but not taken it.

My idea was to get one annual pass at universal. This can get you discounts on rooms at certain times of the year as well as discounted tickets from the rest of your group. The plan was to stay at royal pacific. You get front of the line access for staying there. I would stay 2 nights s and get 3 day park to park tickets. None of this is cheap but you can maximize the value of your money spent.

As far as wdw with teens I would do pop or a moderate.

Is Royal Pacific cheaper, same or more (in general) to the hotels listed first on Universal's site? I was getting overwhelmed on their site today. I know the Disney site so much better...LOL

 

[kymom99]

Is Royal Pacific cheaper, same or more (in general) to the hotels listed first on Universal's site? I was getting overwhelmed on their site today. I know the Disney site so much better...LOL

I think it is slightly cheaper than portofino and hard rock but in the same category. All 3 give front of the line access.

 

[tiggerbs]

I think it is slightly cheaper than portofino and hard rock but in the same category. All 3 give front of the line access.

Thanks!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Is Royal Pacific cheaper, same or more (in general) to the hotels listed first on Universal's site? I was getting overwhelmed on their site today. I know the Disney site so much better...LOL

In my past experience cheapest to most expensive was Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, Portofino. Once in a while I'd find 2 hotels at the same price.
Check out the Universal threads. They are very helpful.
It's been years since we had APs but they used to also offer a AAA discount. Just like with Disney, Sun-Thurs is cheaper than Fri & Sat.

Back in those days, before HP, Universal wasn't very popular and was getting a bit run down. Prob 10-12 yrs ago.
With AP holder discount, typical prices were $139 for RP, $159 for HR, and $179 for PB.
We were shocked when we went 2 yrs ago at how much it's improved and how much prices went up.

 

[Monykalyn]

First-EP is now on the Harry Potter rides (new recently) so even more reason to stay onsite for that. We like royal pacific.
Second- look at booking a Disney springs resort hotel too- with that you get the EMH (not sure if have to book package to also get the 60 day fast pass). Shuttles aren't as direct to parks, no magical express or charging privileges but may still be worth it for space and price. You may end up in a value onsite but I'd look at all options. My family prefers space lol! And queen beds (at least) not doubles, especially if having to share.

Most of Pop has been remodeled and I really liked the new rooms-queen beds too.
If you aren't getting dining plan consider booking through online discount site like Orbitz-and use promo code to "stack" on whatever discount Disney is offering. And then get tickets from reseller like undercover tourist-bonus if you use ebates to get tickets that way (small cash back). But beware of cancellation policy with Orbitz-it's not as good as it used to be. Pros and cons to doing stuff this way lol.

Beware Carribean Beach is a major construction zone right now. My daughter worked there last semester - it's still pretty but food is either a buffet in a big tent or food trucks. Center town is basically gone and being rebuilt (says late summer but scuttlebutt says probably well into fall). Pool is open. If only there to really sleep probably doesn't matter!

 

[WVMomof3]

Harry Potter rides are included in Express Pass. If you wait till August 1, one of you can get a Seasonal AP to get discounts for the hotel. They have not come out yet, but go on the Universal Hotel board and there is a thread that will keep you updated when the dates are out. The last 2 times we went, Portofino was actually the cheapest and they have the biggest rooms. It is not cheap, Last year we spent $616 total for 2 nights at PBH in August with the AP rate. We used Lyft to and from the airport. It was about $25. I think we may have signed up for $5 off a ride promo, so maybe it would have been $30,

 

[Darcy03231]

Harry Potter rides are included in Express Pass. If you wait till August 1, one of you can get a Seasonal AP to get discounts for the hotel. They have not come out yet, but go on the Universal Hotel board and there is a thread that will keep you updated when the dates are out. The last 2 times we went, Portofino was actually the cheapest and they have the biggest rooms. It is not cheap, Last year we spent $616 total for 2 nights at PBH in August with the AP rate. We used Lyft to and from the airport. It was about $25. I think we may have signed up for $5 off a ride promo, so maybe it would have been $30,

This must be fairly new. When we were there the HP rides were not included in the express pass.

When we stayed at Portofino Bay it was the least expensive option of the three hotels with the AP discount. Other times we've stayed at Hard Rock as it was the least expensive option. Funnily, Royal Pacific has never been the least expensive for our dates.

 

[Darcy03231]

More great tips! I totally know rental off site would be cheaper, not sure hubby wants that. Plus, we like the extra magic hours. (Am I starting to sound like a snob?) Good thing to consider the dining plan if the boys go off on their own.

Not at all. I just wanted to point out the option. As my children have aged we prefer to stay in a villa/house so we have more room to spread out. We can't stand being on top of each other in a hotel room anymore. No one ends up sleeping well (not mention DH doesn't get his "alone" time with teenagers in the room with us). We also tend to go for 10 days to 2 weeks when we all go.

When DH and I went last August we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was just the two of us and it didn't make sense to find a place off-site. We were also there for a short trip and wanted to take advantage of the EMH and the convenience of being on-site.

It all depends on the way you want to tour.