How many days for Universal and Disney

[cfoxga]

Our kids we about those ages on our first trip to UO. Needless to say, they fell in love. We stayed 4 nights in CB and had a blast. I knew enough about APs to get them for all of us and we made a second trip that year. We stayed at RPR that trip and will always stay at deluxe resorts now. Just finished our second set of APs, with 3 more trips). Kids are still asking when we can go back again.

We usually stay at least 3 nights, which is the minimum we would do. That give us 3 full days in the parks and a couple hours on the last day. Our longest trip was 7 nights, which was great. Every time we go, we find new things to do...

 

[Erica Ladd]

We have had 2 trips for 2 nights each but just got the ok from DH to add a night to our trip in April for a total of 3 nights!!

 

[angryduck71]

I am in the very preliminary stages of planning a summer 2022 trip. I would really like to do Disney and Universal, but I’m gathering information to see if it makes sense. We are WDW veterans, so we can skip some parks over there are not do every single thing. Kids would be 12 and 8. Harry Potter is a huge priority for them.

So those who have done both, how do you split your time? I’ve gotten info on the express pass and it sounds great. It is just expensive for a couple of days and I’m not exactly sure what our budget will be. Would 4 days at Universal work if we did not have EP? It is obviously impossible to actually price a trip for so far out, so I’m just going by this summer’s rates. I’m so used to Disney and I’m feeling very out of my element!

My 14 year old son has loved Universal best since the beginning. I had to convince him to do four days at Disney. He always wants five days at Universal and to stay at a premium hotel so we can have express pass. Three days would be a minimum in my opinion.

 

[Minniesgal]

We do 3 days at Universal with front of line passes by day 3 I'm bored with it.

 

[hhoope01]

How much time split between Disney and Universal is "best" is more of a personal decision than an empirical one. For us, we normally try to spend 7-10 days at either when we go. I'll go for less time if we just can't get away for that long, but it just isn't the same.

I will say though that we rarely will do both Disney and Universal during the same trip. It just adds a lot of expenses to the vacation. For example, having to purchase a set of 2 day Disney passes AND a set of 2 day Universal passes is significantly more expensive than purchasing a 4 day pass to one or the other. Not to mention you will probably waste at least part of a day moving from one to the other in the middle of the trip. It just adds to the stress and reduces my enjoyment of the trip. So we almost always pick Disney or Universal and that will be our vacation for that trip. Of course, we also tend to purchase APs and that tends to dictate which we will visit for the next year.

It also depends on how laid back (i.e. relaxing) you want the vacation to be as well. For me, Disney requires a lot more energy, planning, and stress, but there is more to see and do there. Universal is more laid back, requires much less planning and less stress. I really like not having to get up early and I rarely spend the whole day in the parks. I much prefer a leisure morning breakfast, then hit the parks until lunch, then have a nice sit down lunch, spend some time at the pools (or really the Jacuzzis). Then we figure out where we want to eat dinner and maybe head back to the parks, do a movie, bowling if we want to head over to CBBR, putt-putt maybe one afternoon, etc. Depending on who is with us, we might hit a waterpark one day (of course at Volcano Bay we have to rent a Cabana as I love not having to worry about finding a good shaded area, having our own locker, towels, water, etc., plus that really nice breakfast/fruit tray they provide.

So what I would probably do is pick Disney or Universal and spend all 4 days at that one. That would allow me more time to spend enjoying the vacation and save some money along the way as well.

 

[jpkkld]

We also avoid both in the same trip. Love both but it’s too easy to contrast and compare - and Disney never wins. Which isn’t how we want to view Disney. We love Disney!!

But if we had to...

6-8 days at Disney, with a full day off in the middle. Okay, maybe we’d visit downtown for the Christmas shop.
Then the day we switch to Uni would be a slow one - no rushing. Uni by mid afternoon and pool time. Maybe visit the park for evening if they’re open to at least 8 pm.
then 2 ull days at Uni.

In hot weather add another Uni day so every afternoon can be long pool/nap times.

This is all assuming Uni premiere onsite hotel with the included EP.

For a trip of this magnitude, it’s not about how much you can cram in, it’s about pacing. You want to leave Disney feeling good - not exhausted, not burnt out.

 

[RamblingMad]

Universal is a 2-3 day park.

 

[Shellyred8]

I am in the very preliminary stages of planning a summer 2022 trip. I would really like to do Disney and Universal, but I’m gathering information to see if it makes sense. We are WDW veterans, so we can skip some parks over there are not do every single thing. Kids would be 12 and 8. Harry Potter is a huge priority for them.

So those who have done both, how do you split your time? I’ve gotten info on the express pass and it sounds great. It is just expensive for a couple of days and I’m not exactly sure what our budget will be. Would 4 days at Universal work if we did not have EP? It is obviously impossible to actually price a trip for so far out, so I’m just going by this summer’s rates. I’m so used to Disney and I’m feeling very out of my element!

Part of determination process would be to ask "are your people ride-junkies?". Do they love all of the roller coasters and other big rides? If they do, I would recommend looking at 4 days at Universal. This will give you plenty of time to go in and do all the rides you want and also take some time to really take in the HP stuff.

Keep an eye out for ticket deals too. Sometimes they have a buy 2 days get 2 days free deal. So, 4 days could end up being cheaper than 3 days, from a ticket perspective that is.

When we went a couple of years ago, we did mostly UO one day, then mostly IoA the second day and then on the third day we went back and did things we missed or wanted to do/see again. We aren't ride junkies and didn't do all of the roller coasters, and 3 days was a good amount of time for us.

 

[Rory607]

Part of determination process would be to ask "are your people ride-junkies?". Do they love all of the roller coasters and other big rides? If they do, I would recommend looking at 4 days at Universal. This will give you plenty of time to go in and do all the rides you want and also take some time to really take in the HP stuff.

Keep an eye out for ticket deals too. Sometimes they have a buy 2 days get 2 days free deal. So, 4 days could end up being cheaper than 3 days, from a ticket perspective that is.

When we went a couple of years ago, we did mostly UO one day, then mostly IoA the second day and then on the third day we went back and did things we missed or wanted to do/see again. We aren't ride junkies and didn't do all of the roller coasters, and 3 days was a good amount of time for us.

This is a good question! I am personally not a ride junkie. I don’t do roller coasters at all. My oldest is pretty brave and has done some coasters at other places. Luckily, my H is willing to go on everything with her. That said, I don’t know exactly what she will be willing to do in a year. Universal has lots of rides that are bigger. My youngest is not a thrill ride fan, but I’m hoping he will be a bit braver in a year. But he loves HP and Jurassic World, so I know he will have fun being there. He and I never have a problem finding things to do while his sister and dad ride big rides at other parks (usually involving snacks!)

 

[Darcy03231]

I'd get an annual pass and stay for 3-4 days on-site. That will get you an AP rate on the hotel and plenty of time to see/do everything, with time to also enjoy your resort. Personally, I can spend a full week at US/IOA and never get bored.

If you're doing both US/IOA and WDW I recommend that you do the Universal portion at the end of the trip. First time we did it at the beginning and then transferred over to WDW. Kids kept wanting to go back to Universal. They thought the rides were better, didn't want to wait in line, etc.

 

[glocon]

We normally do both UO and WDW when we go because we love both, but it is a very expensive way to vacation.
We like 4-5 days at WDW and 3-4 at UO.
Generally we are pretty active and do lots of park time at WDW as there is so much to see and do.
At UO we like to take it easy and spend partial days at the parks and some pool time at the resort in the afternoon. Then back to the parks. Or sleep in when at UO then hit the pool for a while and then to the parks. Having unlimited EP is a game changer. If one of the deluxe resorts don't fit in the budget, the less expensive resorts are really nice also. Especially Cabana Bay. No EP but you do get Early Entry. With no EP I would definitely suggest 3-4 days. And the kids would love the pool at CB with the slide at one pool and a lazy river at the other. Also a bowling alley at CB. With more time at CB you can do mornings at the parks with Early Entry then hit the cool pools at CB. Lots of options!

 

[finedice]

We are WDW vets trying UO for the first time. Wow though - Dis tix have gone up so much since even just prior to covid! (Our last trip was the last week of Feb 2020). For our fully vaccinated July 2021 trip, I looked sooo hard at trying to find a way to get some dis tix and do a split stay - RPR and Coronado - CR was very reasonable, but the ticket price just made me say no. Family of 3 - for 2 day hoppers $1.000. 4 day hoppers - close to $1700. But we settled on preferred 3 park APs at universal ($1700).

We chose to (this time) stick with UO, but still do a split stay with 2 nights at RPR and 6 nights at Hilton Bonnet Creek ($130/night) with great amenities. We can be somewhat in the Dis bubble, enjoy everything outside of the parks, hit UO as desired over 9 nights (including 3 days of unlimited Express Pass), enjoy Disney Springs and all Dis resort favorite dining locations, maybe take a day trip to the coast, and actually - for once - get a little more R&R on an Orlando vacation.

I do hope I won't get bored, but there is really nothing new at Dis except a loss of onsite perks, a fancier castle, and well, we haven't yet ridden the MM train at HS. I can wait another year at these rates for Tron, Ratatouille, GoG, etc... But yeah, we have had our share of WDW over the last 14 years.... so NEW is good!

 

[DL1WDW2]

That’s a great rate for Hilton Bonnet Creek. I love that resort...
I also have learned to love Universal Studios a lot over the last 2 years since I moved here...
Disney is having a rough time apparently with all the cutbacks and price increases. It makes me feel like an emotional wreck as I walk down Main Street with the battle going on in my heart (all those memories) fighting with my brain ( all those lost memories that will never return) .
I find I can enjoy Universal Studios because I have no memories and no expectations to mess with the new fun to discover. I love their Cabana Bay Resort and Hard Rock Resort (The brunch at their The Kitchen Restaurant is great food and price and discount for pass holders) . We had reservations for Xmas day brunch and they did not block discount or upcharge unlike WDW that blocks discounts and up charges ...
And really love the holidays at Universal Studios

Don't forget to take advantage of the early entry and take a mid day break to enjoy the park lit up at night with all the lights.
And do not forget the new Bourne Stunt Spectacular! It is spectacular unlike anything your eyes have ever seen.
P.S. You must eat at the Today Cafe located near the Stunt show!
And don’t forget Voodoo Donuts in their CityWalk!

Wow I am excited for your trips I hope both families learn to love and enjoy a vacation with Universal Studios Orlando !

 

[finedice]

Well, here's to hoping the parks are open late enough for lights in July! Cheers! And thanks for the tips!

 

[DL1WDW2]

You’re welcome.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I am in the very preliminary stages of planning a summer 2022 trip. I would really like to do Disney and Universal, but I’m gathering information to see if it makes sense. We are WDW veterans, so we can skip some parks over there are not do every single thing. Kids would be 12 and 8. Harry Potter is a huge priority for them.

So those who have done both, how do you split your time? I’ve gotten info on the express pass and it sounds great. It is just expensive for a couple of days and I’m not exactly sure what our budget will be. Would 4 days at Universal work if we did not have EP? It is obviously impossible to actually price a trip for so far out, so I’m just going by this summer’s rates. I’m so used to Disney and I’m feeling very out of my element!

Hi again!
I was wondering if you have priced your trip to Universal at their 2 new value resorts. They look really nice and have some great discounts along with shuttles service and early hour entry! Maybe you could add the express pass for just one day /one use per attraction that is on the list of express pass policy. I can’t imagine being new and not having the express option in hot summer crowds. Universal sells 2 different types of pass in advance and they have a calendar for the pricing that might have a surge factor. I will say Universal website is hard to use for trip planning . It’s like you need to know what you don’t know! Very frustrating. But ask lots of questions cause disboards is great !

 

[debdebdebby13]

We are taking a combo trip starting on the 16th of this month. We arrive at WDW the 16th, spending the 16th-20th at Disney. Then at the crack of dawn on the 21st we plan on Uber-ing to UO and we are staying there until we leave on the 25th. That leaves us 4 full days at each.

 

[Rory607]

Hi again!
I was wondering if you have priced your trip to Universal at their 2 new value resorts. They look really nice and have some great discounts along with shuttles service and early hour entry! Maybe you could add the express pass for just one day /one use per attraction that is on the list of express pass policy. I can’t imagine being new and not having the express option in hot summer crowds. Universal sells 2 different types of pass in advance and they have a calendar for the pricing that might have a surge factor. I will say Universal website is hard to use for trip planning . It’s like you need to know what you don’t know! Very frustrating. But ask lots of questions cause disboards is great !

I have not really priced anything yet. I agree that Universal’s site is hard to use! I didn’t know if it was just me because I’m so used to Disney. I will definitely look at their value resorts as we are not opposed to that at all.

With Disney’s prices going way up, I’m almost thinking we should just do a Universal-only trip and plan more swimming/waterpark time than usual. The kids would love it. It just hurts my heart to fly down to Orlando and not go to WDW!

 

[shawthorne44]

I have not really priced anything yet. I agree that Universal’s site is hard to use! I didn’t know if it was just me because I’m so used to Disney. I will definitely look at their value resorts as we are not opposed to that at all.

With Disney’s prices going way up, I’m almost thinking we should just do a Universal-only trip and plan more swimming/waterpark time than usual. The kids would love it. It just hurts my heart to fly down to Orlando and not go to WDW!

You could do some non-park Disney time, if you still crave Disney while you are there. I suspect that you won't.
It is much cheaper to do one or the other since the tickets start out expensive.

 

[Darcy03231]

I have not really priced anything yet. I agree that Universal’s site is hard to use! I didn’t know if it was just me because I’m so used to Disney. I will definitely look at their value resorts as we are not opposed to that at all.

With Disney’s prices going way up, I’m almost thinking we should just do a Universal-only trip and plan more swimming/waterpark time than usual. The kids would love it. It just hurts my heart to fly down to Orlando and not go to WDW!

One thing we've done when we've just done a US/IOA only vacation is to visit Disney Springs. Dinner and a movie, shopping, taking in the free entertainment, the Void, Cirque du Soleil (when it was open), etc. Gave us a bit of a Disney fix without going to the parks.