Holiday Inn across from Universal

[Barbanellie]

OK, so this is all theoretical at this point. DH and I have definitely been bit by the Disney bug (I think DH even more than me!), and we keep saying we want to go back. Like all the time. Anyway, we might get some unexpected extra cash next spring, and we've been toying with the idea of going to Universal and/or WDW, or maybe Disneyland late April/early May (I'm the one trying to push for us to "try something else" instead of going back to WDW right away). If we went to Universal, we would either stay at Cabana Bay or the new Sapphire Falls - no chance our budget would stretch to any of the other three, and even if it did, we'd rather stay longer than pay that much for a room, and we wouldn't buy the Express Pass anyway so that's no deciding factor.

But last night, I was looking online at some of the off-site hotels that might be close and easy access to US/IOA, thinking we might save some money (maybe to tack on a few WDW days, or keep some of our budget for another trip somewhere else). I saw the Holiday Inn Across from Universal, and it seemed like a pretty good deal. We are AAA/CAA members, and could get that rate for around $100 a night which would be pretty cool. I tried to search here for reviews or additional info on that specific hotel, but I seem to not understand how to use the search feature properly and I can't understand the search results...

Any thoughts/comments on that hotel? Is it actually walkable to US/IOA? Looking on Google maps, there seems to be a sidewalk and it would be pretty easy/safe. We are mid 30s no kids and generally enjoy walking places, so I figured if this hotel truly is within like a 20-minute walk of the parks, it would be fine with us. If we stayed here, we wouldn't expect it to be a resort, or to spend much time in the room.

Are there other better hotels, maybe a bit further away but that would be easy access to the parks?

Like I said, we're just toying with the idea, but I like to think about possible trips, helps get me through the days

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Hello, my family and I visited Universal last summer for 2 days before WDW and stayed at the Holiday Inn. It was very clean and VERY convenient to Universal. There is a very clearly marked paved path that leads to the entrance of Universal where they check your bags. I would say that 20 minutes is the maximum, we timed it at 15 and were not rushing. Even late at night there are people walking and it is very well lit. Do not book this hotel through the Holiday Inn website. This is a sister hotel to Universal. We booked it through the Universal web site along with tickets and you pay Universal direct. This allows you early entry into the park that is opening early that day one hour ahead of everyone else.

 

[Barbanellie]

Oh wow, thanks for that info, I had no clue this could get us early entry as well! And excellent info on the walkway, very useful. I knew I could count on people here to be so helpful!