Help with everything!

[Disneydreamer5]

As my screen name tells you, I am a Disney freak so to speak.
I have been to DL many times and DW twice.
Let's just say our last trip was nothing of what we thought it was going to be and we have all decided next trip is US/IOA/SW.
I don't even know where to start.
I did try the website but when I put in that I need more the 1 room the systems always says the website is down right now.
When I say I don't want to stay on-site it gives me the same place to stay every single time. Floridays Inn which offers a 3 bedroom suite.
Not that I would mind this I just no nothing about it.
Do I need to stay on site to get around without a car, like Disney?
Should we stay on-site? What are the benefits?
Dinning plan? Do they have one? Will it be very sexpensive to eat on our own?
Dinning choices near by?
Do you need more then one day in each park I mentioned?
Is Easter a really busy time or should we go in June when the kids get out of school for the summer?
There are 7 in my family, myself Hubby and 5 kids, see ages in my sigiture.
Want a nice pool and resturant on site preferably.
I know I will have more questions once some of these are answered.
Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[patster734]

Stay onsite if you can, the conveniences are incredible. Each onsite hotel has a walkway that connects it to Citywalk. For RPR (Royal Pacific Resort) and HRH (Hard Rock Hotel), the walk is short. The PBH (Portofino Bay Hotel) walk is considerably longer. However, if you don't feel like walking, all three hotels have their own boat service between the hotel and Citywalk.

The greatest perk for staying onsite is unlimited Express Pass by showing your room key. Each guest will have their own room key and each one will have to show their key before being allowed into the Express line of the park rides. The only ride that doesn't have express is Pterradon Flyers at IOA. Your room key will also usually get you priority seating at table service restaurants at the parks, and most of the table service restaurants at Citywalk. Certain restrictions might apply during the weekends.

If you decide to stay off-site, there are a few nearby hotels available. I think most will provide free transportation to Universal Orlando, but that transportation will probably be shared with other hotels. Check with the individual hotels to determine what perks they offer to guests. Here's a list of Universal's partner hotels: http://www.universalorlando.com/Florida_Vacation_Packages/nf/partnerhotels.aspx#. Unfortunately, I haven't stayed at any of these hotels, so I can't give you any recommendations.

As for a meal plan, there is one: http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme_Parks/Dining/mealdeal.aspx#. I've never done it though, because only counter service restaurants are included. I like eating at Mythos at IOA and Finnegan's at USF.

Two suggestions on saving money:

1. Invest in an AAA membership if you're not a member already. An AAA discount is available at most restaurants on food and non-alcholic drinks. I think an AAA discount is also available on souveniers, but I'm not sure on that.
2. On your first day, purchase refillable souvenier cups. The cups we purchased had 75 cent refills on soda.

I've never visited during Easter, so I can't advise on it. I have visited in early June in the past and don't remember crowds being large. However, Harry Potter is scheduled to be open by then, so I'd expect huge crowds all year after it opens.

 

[macraven]

if you stay onsite, you would need to book two rooms.
the max number of peeps in a room is 5.


june would be cheaper than easter break for the onsite hotels.
more discounts are available for june rather than spring break time.

it might be cheaper to stay onsite once you factor in an off site suite and car rental.