HELP - Visiting 4/21-4/28 - What Tix? Where to Stay?

[darlaya]

Hi All! Our family of 4 (including 2 boys ages 9 & 11) will be travelling 4/21-4/28. We are having such a hard time deciding what Tickets to buy, how many days to spend at UO/IA and if we should stay nearby.

First, Is this a busy time of year? Will crowds be heavy? In the past, we have found Universal a breath of fresh air because it wasn't as bust as the Disney Parks.

Second, we have visited before when the boys were 5 and 3 years old. So there is lots we couldn't do with them back then. My husband and I may have one day left on an old 2day/2 park option. If we take advantage of the $85 deal, would you recommend spending more than 2 days at the parks?

Third, We are staying in a time share 2 bedroon condo for the first 5 days of our trip. We need to decide if we should extend our stay at the timeshare or stay closer to Universal. We question whether uprooting everyone would be worth the small cost savings. Time, hassle of packing/unpacking and moving to not having a kitchen which will add cost on to our trip. I have heard such wonderful things about the UO hotels, but not sure if we will be able to swing the lowest rate of $208 for RPH for this time period plus the tickets and meals.

We actually have a one day Park Hopper Admission with options for Disney.

I have always learned so much from these boards and hope you can provide us with what you would do...

Thanks in advance!

Denise

 

[robvia]

Park hours for April are here.
http://www.universalorlando.com/cal...o_park_hours.html&year=2007&month=4&year=2007
If you notice, the park stays open until 10pm the first two weeks of April, that's Spring Break and the most busy time. After that, the park closes at 7pm, which means crowds will be light.

A good guideline is 3 days visiting Universal. 1 day for each park, then a 3rd for favorites. You can walk between the parks each day, you don't have to spend the entire day at one.

The best idea is to visit early each morning, arriving the parking garage at 8am when it opens, then be first to the gate. This will let you take a lap around a park, then leave in the afternoon when it gets crowded. Some of the rides have a single rider line you can take advantage of. You'll be together until you get on the ride, then you'll be split up, taking any single seats available.

Staying onsite gives you a short walk to/from the parks, great pools, and lets you "feel" like part of the action. There's nothing wrong with staying offsite if you save money and have a big kitchen. If you show up early each morning, you'll have the park to yourself for a few hours.

 

[darlaya]

Thank you! This is very helpful information.