How many days at Disney vs Orlando in my situation?

[shebjo]

Hi All ... haven't posted in a while ...Orlando trip is coming up soon. We are a family of 4 (including 10 year old twin girls) coming to Orlando in mid August. We have been to Disney before but I am the only one that has been to Universal Studios.... but over 10 years ago. For the Disney trip - we are staying for the 1st time at the DoIphin/Swan (my girls' school is paying for the first 3 nights) and I am adding 4 -5 nights. Initially, I planned to stay just at Swan/Dolphin hotel but decided to do a split stay at a Universal Studio on-site hotel since the rest of family have never been there. What would you do:
Spend 5 nights at Dolphin/Swan and then 2 nights ( 2 and 1/2 days)
at Universal onsite hotel
OR
Spend 6 nights at Dolphin/Swan and then 1 night (1 and 1/2 days at Universal onsite hotel

We want to do the 4 Disney parks (including a few ADRs) and we also want to do the 2 universal parks. A pool is a must for the girls (and hubby) so I know there are nice pools at both places .......but can't decide if 2 nights or if 1 night at the Universal Studio onsite hotel is enough? Any suggestions?

 

[Sue M]

Can you eek out another day of vacay? For WDW 2 days MK, 2 days Epcot, 1 day DHS & 1 day AK is nice.
I think you'll need 2 days at Universal.
Happy planning!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Hi! IMO I would do the two nights @ UNiversal b/c if your family is planning on doing both parks then I think you would need more then 1 1/2 days to do it.

I hope this helps and I hope you and your family have a WONDERFUL trip to Orlando!

 

[shebjo]

Thanks Sue and Fantasia - quick replies. I was thinking the 2 day and 1/2 - it's just that I see many posts saying you can do US and IOA in 1 day ...but I think 2 would be better for us. Any more comments from others are still welcomed.

 

[RMulieri]

In order to see ALL universal has to offer , 2 days is best.One day each park.If you can afford to do a split stay and stay at a Universal Resort, you won't be sorry.The Express pass for resort guests and the early park entry make it so worth it.I was spoiled silly by the express pass, and now it makes going back to Disneys Fastpass harder..LOL

 

[Singinglizzie]

If you can, go with the 2 nts at US. You need 2 days to see both parks at a leisurely pace. It can be done in 1 day, but you will feel rushed and will miss lots of the attractions. There is much to see at US. If you can get "hoppers" at US, that too will maximize your time there since you can go back n forth between the two parks to catch all your new favorites. Definately stay onsite if you can swing it. FOTL access is fantastic and will enhance your experience!!! I think you should do the 5/2 scenario. It will make you feel like you are getting 2 vacations in one.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We just did Universal in May and IMO I would plan for 2 nights. I also would plan my 2nd day for IoA since you get in 1 hr. early if you are staying on-site. It makes ALOT of difference for WWHP.
I would get hoppers for Disney so you can make-up anything you miss there + you can take advantage of the EMH which Universal does not have.

 

[hsmamato2]

well, I am planning 2 nights at Universal,then 7 days at Disney...onsite both places I've been to Universal before, it's great in a lot of ways, but I think 2 days is plenty.....esp. using FOTL passes it should be great!

 

[GillianP1301]

My hubby and I did the 2 universal parks in one day and without even really trying or rushing. It was several years ago and off-peak time. But, we had no kids at the time, and I don't think I would assume I could do the same with kids.

So, I would vote for the 2 nights at universal and 5 at WDW. I think that gives you the best overall chance at both locations to do all that you want to do. Plus, I find that just 1 night (anywhere) doesn't give you proper opportunity to enjoy the hotel and ammenities.

Have fun!

 

[shebjo]

thanks all - that's what i will do - the 5 nights at disney and 2 nights at universal - and it will be onsite.