Help, please!

[UGAFan0829]

OK! Where do I start?
First of all, please forgive me for asking any questions that may already have been answered here.
I know nothing about Universal. We have been to WFDW twice, but no pretty much nothing about Universal. So, I have a couple of questions...
First of all, how does Universal compare to Disney as far as price? I know I have heard so many people say that Disney is so expensive, but not having been to any other park(s), I really don't have anything to compare it to.

How big are the Universal Parks? If I'm right, there are 2 parks...Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida...is that correct? I know that even with 7 whole days, it's really hard to do everything at Disney...is Universal the same way? I really have no clue how big the parks are and how long it would take to cover them. IF we do ever go, I would like to stay on-site, and I think that would help with being able to use the front of the line pass that they have for resort guests.

Also, does Universal offer deals and promotions in the same way that Disney does...i.e. Free Dining? How do their packages work? Are you able to "park hop" or would you have to upgrade your ticket for that?

My one last question is regarding dining...How expensive are the restaurants in Universal, and do they offer any sort of "dining plan" such as Disney?

I'm sorry that I've made all of my comparisons to how Disney does things, but that's really the only thing I have to base it off of.

I would greatly appreciate any info/advice that anyone has to offer.

Thanks!

 

[bubba's mom]

OK! Where do I start?
First of all, please forgive me for asking any questions that may already have been answered here.
I know nothing about Universal. We have been to WFDW twice, but no pretty much nothing about Universal. So, I have a couple of questions...
First of all, how does Universal compare to Disney as far as price? I know I have heard so many people say that Disney is so expensive, but not having been to any other park(s), I really don't have anything to compare it to.

How big are the Universal Parks? If I'm right, there are 2 parks...Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida...is that correct? I know that even with 7 whole days, it's really hard to do everything at Disney...is Universal the same way? I really have no clue how big the parks are and how long it would take to cover them. IF we do ever go, I would like to stay on-site, and I think that would help with being able to use the front of the line pass that they have for resort guests.

Also, does Universal offer deals and promotions in the same way that Disney does...i.e. Free Dining? How do their packages work? Are you able to "park hop" or would you have to upgrade your ticket for that?

My one last question is regarding dining...How expensive are the restaurants in Universal, and do they offer any sort of "dining plan" such as Disney?

I'm sorry that I've made all of my comparisons to how Disney does things, but that's really the only thing I have to base it off of.

I would greatly appreciate any info/advice that anyone has to offer.

Thanks!

First...take a deep breath

I would recommend you read the FAQ sticky and purchase Kelly Monaghan's book Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure.... it is everything Universal ....just like the UOG to WDW

Universal is much more cost efficient than WDW.... $86 for 7 consecutive days of park hopping....Disney can't hold a candle to that! There are 2 parks connected by CityWalk (think DTD)...CW is more entertainment and dining vs. shopping like DTD tho.... The parks are big enuf that if you stay onsite for your fotl privledge, you can easily see most of both parks in 2 days (if you stay one nite onsite, you will get 2 days of fotl). I prefer at least 3, one day for each park (at leisurely pace) plus a third for pool or going back to your faves or what you missed! You will pay a little more for an onsite hotel, but it is a 4* hotel and worth every penny....especially to be able to WALK to the parks (Most compare to deluxes at WDW )

Regarding discounts...if you hold an AP or AAA membership, you get 10% off your room, shopping and most restaurants....a discount available to a lot of people that Disney does not offer. Most here will recommend a Supersaver rate at the hotel (3 nites or longer) or using AAA or AP....most will NOT recommend booking a package...usually cheaper to book everything a la carte! Universal Orlando offers Meal Deal ....you can buy for 1 park or 2 and pay a fee (around $20 or so) to eat all day at certain establishments...usually CS tho.... more info on that is available at the UO website.

You are looking at mostly CS in parks, while mostly TS at CityWalk.... prices are comparable or slightly more....but, i find the selection and the food to be better at UO than WDW.

They sell 1 day and 2 day park tickets....purchase in advance...cheaper that way....right now the best offer is the 7 days/$86....even if you're only going 2 days, still the best deal!

I will end with the reading the FAQ sticky and buying Kelly's book recommendation...I think most regulars here "know" the book cover to cover and you will learn almost as much as we know if you read his book.

Lastly, please do not go to UO and compare it to WDW....if you do, you will most likely not enjoy it. Go and enjoy UO with an open mind and enjoy it for the "individual" park(s) it is.....it's not Disney and never will be....don't expect it

Hope that gets you started