How many days for US?

[rangermom]

We will be going to Orlando in December. We are staying a week at AKV and wanted to take a a side trip to US, which is a first for us as a family and first for all of us since the Harry Potter. We are able to buy tickets through our work. There are several options. How many days are recommended? Is it worth adding a day at a US hotel to get the front of the line access? The kids are all tall and brave enough to ride all the rides. TIA!

 

[pcstang]

When, in December, are you going?

 

[parboy]

I would try to get a minimum of 2 days, that way you can spend at least 1 day in each park. 3 days would be optimal so you can go back and revisit favorites on the third day. I would also recommend staying onsite to get the FOTL access perk. Will make doing the big thrill rides several times much easier to manage. It doesn't work on the Harry Potter rides though. Will also say that in my opinion, the resorts at Universal are as good as, if not better than, the deluxe resorts at Disney for half the price. Also makes it nice to be able to run back to the room for a break if needed as you are only a few minutes walk or boat ride away. Not to mention hanging out in City Walk in the evenings after the park is very nice. You won't be disappointed by staying onsite at Universal!

 

[schumigirl]

I would always recommend staying onsite regardless of crowds.........I hate queueing.

If you're there early December it may not be necessary, but later in the month an absolute certainty you would appreciate EP with staying onsite at one of the three hotels that you get this perk with.

You would also get EE in all hotels too.

Gringotts, Forbidden Journey and Hogwarts Express don't have EP at this moment in time.

 

[2Gma]

I say at least one day for each park so 2 park days total. If you go from open to close you can cover most everything even without express pass during a low to moderate crowd period. Only get park-to-park upgrade if you are interested in riding the Hogwarts Express. We were staying offsite and didn't find the drive from Disney area that bad (25 min). Do plan at least 15-20 mins for parking in ramp, walking through security and then to either park. Just like at Disney, rope drop is your friend!

 

[rangermom]

We are going Dec 15-23. I'm figuring it will be busy since it is at the beginning of the Christmas break. We always do rope drop at all theme parks we go to. We would rather go early and leave early if it gets too crowded. Works well for us. There is a special right now through our work that is buy two days and get two days free. I'm thinking we will do that as it gives us more flexibility. I just want to make sure we give plenty of time for WDW too, but we have been there many many times.

Thanks!

 

[macraven]

That is a great special!
Go with the buy two days get two more free

 

[angryduck71]

If your kids are anything like mine, they'll end up liking Universal better. Our next trip -- 6 days at Universal -- ONE at Disney.