Help - I can't make up my mind!

[cmaee]

My kids are huge Harry Potter fans and really wanted to go to Universal for a few days. I wasn't planning on going to Disney after the FP+ implementation, but my DD really wants to do WDW for the princesses again. So, I was all set to do Universal Studios December 15-17 and then go to Walt Disney World December 18-23 contingent on them offering Free Dining. Well, the rumor is that free dining will come out tomorrow for Disney Visa holders, so that should hopefully be a go. Then my middle DS was talking about Star Wars Weekend and how he desperately wants to go. That got me thinking about changing the dates. Universal/Disney was going to be our big vacation this year and we didn't have one planned for 2015. So, my new thought was to wait and go to Universal in June 2015 before or after Star Wars Weekend. So, if I just do Disney in December 2014 and then do Universal in June 2015, I can go for 4 days at Universal versus just 3 in December. So finally to my question....

Would you go for 3 days on December 15 - December 17 (staying at RPR) or would you go for 4 days on June 7 - June 10 (staying at RPR)?

I'm curious as to which would be the better option for lower crowds, what kind of weather to expect in early June, and any other info that would help me make up my mind on what we want to do. Thanks!

 

[Lynne G]

I would think your December dates would be lower crowds than in June. However, with Diagon Alley opening this summer, crowds will be increased this year and at least next year.

As for staying 3 versus 4 nights, we always like to stay at least 4 nights at Universal. We like to hang and enjoy the resort in addition to hitting the parks with the unlimited express pass. Staying at the Royal Pacific is a great choice.

We enjoy both WDW and USO. Doing a split stay this summer. My kids really enjoy the coasters, so I get a relaxing vacation while at USO. At WDW, we are not as relaxed.

 

[cmaee]

Thanks for your opinion. I should have waited before I asked. My decision was made for me. Yesterday, my kids school district finally released the calendar for next school year. They deviated from their normal schedule, so if I were to do both Universal and WDW in Dec., my kids would miss 7 days of school. Which will be more than I want them to miss for a vacation. So...I have decided that I will do the 4 days at Universal in June. I really don't want to short change it and try to squeeze it in fewer days.

 

[Lynne G]

Yeah, I hate the school calendar thing. Luckily, my school district puts out the next year in February. We vacationed from 22 December to 31 December last year. It was the only time my DH, who's a college teacher, had no classes at the same time my kids had no classes. This year, we're leaving DH at home and vacationing at the end of the summer. Our schools go back the Wednesday after Labor Day, so end of summer is fine. However, this may be our last end of summer vacation as the high school sports start at the beginning of August.

I hope you have a great time. I actually like Florida when it's hot. Part of the fun is enjoying the water rides and not getting cold. With 4 days, you will have plenty time to enjoy the parks and resort. Take advantage of the early opening and enjoy riding a favorite ride over and over with the hotel's unlimited express pass.

Now you have vacation to look forward to!