If also doing UO...??

[Zippa D Doodah]

We have never done Universal Orlando, but may go for it on our next trip. For our family of four, would it be best to do UO before or after our WDW vacation. I am thinking 2-3 days at UO and 5-6 at WDW.

Also, what about staying on-property at WDW and traveling to UO. Is that an easy drive?

I am leaning toward doing UO first, but it would feel really wierd to be in Orlando and not stay on WDW property. What has been your experience with a "split" stay?

 

[4greatboys]

We do a split stay every visit. We spend atleast a couple of nights at Universal---they have some really nice resorts there and FOTL access is awesome. We either spend our first weekend there or our last. It really depends on our dates and if Im getting a passholder discount and what nights I can get it.
It is a very easy drive from WDW to Universal, they are very close but we like the resorts there and like I said FOTL is hard to pass up.

 

[tifandjim]

The one time that we went to Universal and WDW, we went to Universal first. If you are going to do a couple of days there, they have really nice resorts, too. Plus, you get some good perks, staying on-site at Universal. Then, when you move to WDW, stay on-site there, too. That would give you a little bit of both worlds.

Also, I like going to Universal first. That way, when I go home I am in a "Disney World state of mind".

 

[bugsy]

we are! 7 nights at YC, then transfer to UO for 4 nights at HRH (stay 4
play free) cannot wait!!! On a side note..finally got DH to go
with me to get "vacation clothes" bring it so much closer! I'm SO excited!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Thanks for the advice so far! It is so fun being in the "dreaming" phase of planning a trip! I will have to lurk over on the UO boards so I can lean more about the specifics of that place. It sounds like that FOTL pass must be great.

 

[4greatboys]

It sounds like that FOTL pass must be great.

Its awesome, like having a Fastpass for every ride. Plus some attractions like Shrek they dont have the express pass from the machines the only way to avoid the line there is by staying onsite. And believe me there is always a line for it, lol.
We have done Universal both the first part of our trip and other times the last part of our trip and it was very enjoyable either way.

 

[nursemelis374]

We also did UO the first 2 days of our October trip and had a great time. I would say that you prorbably only need 2-3 days there depending on the time of year you are going and if you have FOTL or not. We went on all of the rides and rode many multiple times in the 2 days we were there. It was also during Haloween Horror Nights, so the parks also closed early! Have a great time!

 

[ajksmom]

We did a split stay in 6/04. Went to UO/IOA first and stayed at the Royal Pacific. Very nice place and had FOTL access, can't be beat!!! My DH said he felt like a "movie star" walking right onto the rides!! Then we headed to WDW/POR for a quick trip to MK. If I did it again at a busier time I think I'd like staying at WDW 1st then onto UO/IOA so I wasn't "spoiled" by FOTL.

 

[Poohgirl]

We are planning a split stay for our upcoming trip after 8 nights at wonderful WDW we are staying at universal RPR for 3 more. Great way to finish up a magical vacation!

 

[riopooh]

You didn't say how old your children are. If they are younger I would end up at Disney. If they are older, I would end at US. We split our last stay and did 5 days Disney & 2 US. US was so much more crowded and visually jarring while Disney is so much more spread out and themed. My kids are still young (10 & 4) so next time we will definitely do US first and then wind up at Disney. I like US but it's not as "vacation-y" as Disney.