Help with for First Timer

[klstiger]

I am in need of help! I am trying to plan a trip for my family. 2 adults and 1 9 year old son. We love thrill rides! I am trying to plan for our Mardi Gras holiday this year, March 3-8. Plan on driving from New Orleans to Orlando so we will have a car.

I do now know how many days to stay at Universal? 2 or 3? My son is not into characters or Harry Potter. We just want rides!
Being that the crowd calendar says "slow" do I really need the skip the line pass? I don't mind staying on site and get the pass but if its not needed I would rather save the money and stay off site? Where to stay?
IS there rides at Sea World? or where else to visit?
We have AAA. Is that where we should book for best price?
Just got home from 8 days at Disney in the beginning of December so not looking to go there.

I am sure more questions will come up but this is my start...
Thanks!
Kristy

 

[JillyBean1899]

Sea World has a few rides, if you're into thrill rides you'll want to ride Journey to Atlantis (depending on the weather, it's probable you'll get at least splashed on it, possible you'll get soaked), Kraken, and Manta. If you guys like animals, you'll find plenty to do and see there, even if it's a little less "interactive" than riding rides all day long.

USF and IoA will each take at least a day to fully see. If you're planning on riding *EVERYTHING*, I'd get 3 days with park to park option, so if one is busy you can go to the other one. If you're ok with just hitting up the "prime" rides, 1 day in each park should be fine.

 

[klstiger]

Also, where is the most cost efficient place to book, best deals? AAA or direct?

 

[mrsabbott]

I'm not sure how warm it will be in early March.. years ago, we were in Orlando in mid-February and it was plenty warm. You might want to consider one of the water parks. Not exactly a roller coaster or thrill ride, but some of the slides and things look pretty thrilling to me!

As for the discounts.. I usually spend a lot of time comparing ticket prices online. We usually go with the military discounts as they are the best. Any discount (rather AAA or a discount ticket site) will be cheaper then buying them directly from the park. At least, I would think so.

Hope you guys have a great time!!

 

[mrsabbott]

Oh yeah.. in February, Sea World was practically empty... It was nice. There were no lines or waits for anything. Magic Kingdom was semi-crowded and the other Disney parks weren't busy at all. We didn't have long waits for anything.. maybe 10 minutes max.

We've never been to Universal.. we're going the end of March/beginning of April and it will be our first time. It's "spring break" so I imagine it will be crowded, but early March will probably be lighter. At least, I'm guessing it will be!

 

[JillyBean1899]

We've never been to Universal.. we're going the end of March/beginning of April and it will be our first time. It's "spring break" so I imagine it will be crowded, but early March will probably be lighter. At least, I'm guessing it will be!

Spring break typically isn't as bad as people think it will be. A lot of them forget that "spring break" really stretches over about a 6 week time period, instead of 2 weeks like "winter break" is. It's more crowded than the weeks before and after, but not horribly so.

 

[mrsabbott]

That is good to know! we aren't staying onsite, so the express pass is not am option. I was worried about the crowds!

 

[klstiger]

After reading info here, I'm thinking a 3 day pass that can be used for both parks. Does that cover everything or do u need separate tickets for some things???
Is it worth staying at one of the 3 hotels onsite when the crowd calendar says low level? Rather save the money

 

[hayleyp]

We always go to Universal for spring break. Staying onsite is worth every penny in my opinion. We have always stayed at HRH and spend lots of time at the amazing pool. It is truly a blast!! Not having to wait in lines (lines are longest for the thrill rides), the quick walk to parks & city walk, early morning hrs, etc. make for a perfect & enjoyable trip! I think you will be so glad you spent the extra to stay onsite.

Your trip is really close! We will be there the week after you. Hope you have a fantastic time where ever you decide to stay!!