I'm afraid to choose U.S./S.W. over WDW! HELP!!!

[Mama to Three]

I'll be quick... We've made one family trip to FL and that was to WDW in August 2009. It was AMAZING! I did all my homework and the longest we waiting in line was 30 minutes and that was b/c the ride was have some technical difficulties.

Now we are planning our second trip to FL for June 2012 and here is the dilemma. We are HP fans. Big HP fans. The other thing, and most important, is my Mom really wants to go to Sea World. She is 70 and if she wants to go to Sea World, then she is going to Sea World.

Here is the main concern: Will I still be able to plan our days so that there is minimal waiting in line? My hubby does NOT do lines. There just doesn't seem to be the resources for U.S. and S.W. as there are for WDW.

We need to decide if we are doing S.W. and U.S. or S.W. and WDW. Any insight you can give us will be hugely appreciated. We need to get our hotel set up asap.

 

[jrdoa]

We just got back a week ago from U.S. We stayed at the Loews Royal Pacific and used the fast pass (which is a perk for staying at the hotel). However, since most kids were back to school, lines weren't incredibly long. We got thru the park by early afternoon. BUT, you cannot use the fast pass for the HP Forbidden Journey and this is a must. One of the best rides I've ever been on. Since you're going in June, stay at one of the US resorts with early entry and fast passes and you should be ok.

 

[damo]

If you don't want to do lines then Universal and staying onsite is just the thing for you. Your room key puts you in the express lane in all but 3 rides in the park. It is heavenly! And there is a free shuttle from Universal to SeaWorld!

 

[Metro West]

Here is the main concern: Will I still be able to plan our days so that there is minimal waiting in line? My hubby does NOT do lines. There just doesn't seem to be the resources for U.S. and S.W. as there are for WDW.

Since you are going in summer next year and don't like to stand in lines, you will need to stay onsite at Universal and take advantage of unlimited Express access to avoid the waits. At SeaWorld you will need to purchase Quick Queue to avoid lines. There are two kinds of passes: unlimited and once per ride. The price depends on the season but right now the unlimited pass is $34.95/person and the once through is $24.95/person. There are free shuttles from Universal onsite hotels to SW.

 

[schumigirl]

Can`t help with Seaworld as we never go, but with regards to Universal I will echo everyone else.........stay onsite.

Not only do you get unlimited express Pass which is invaluable, you get to stay in beautiful hotels with great facilities

 

[TrainerBBD]

We did Sea World and Busch Gardens in July of 2009 ... Line ups were CRAZY for the coasters and atlantis (60 - 90 mins) ... Our DD was 5 at the time so we were there for the shows anyways and those seats thousands and were no problems waiting.

I have not done US/IOA yet but we are going for our first trip there from the 12th - 22nd of Sept (8 days away !!!!) ... We go during Sept as we have found the crowds are minimal (As I too hate waiting in lines, LOL)

Hope your guys (And your Mom) have a great trip

 

[macraven]

stay onsite at the universal hotels.
use the express lines, without restrictions.

use the shuttle for free rt transportation to SW

 

[Mama to Three]

A friend is letting use their timeshare (free place to stay!!! ) so I don't think we will be able to stay on-site at Universal. Would this be a deal breaker you think?

And thanks for the feed back so far. Invaluable!

 

[Metro West]

A friend is letting use their timeshare (free place to stay!!! ) so I don't think we will be able to stay on-site at Universal. Would this be a deal breaker you think?

And thanks for the feed back so far. Invaluable!

No...it shouldn't be a deal breaker but you would need to plan on purchasing Express Plus passes at Universal since you don't want to wait in lines. I would recommend waiting until you arrive before purchasing. If you arrive before opening, you should be able to do several attractions w/o much of a wait since lots of people will be running to HP. Save WWoHP until later in the day.

 

[JMLBrats]

No...it shouldn't be a deal breaker but you would need to plan on purchasing Express Plus passes at Universal since you don't want to wait in lines. I would recommend waiting until you arrive before purchasing. If you arrive before opening, you should be able to do several attractions w/o much of a wait since lots of people will be running to HP. Save WWoHP until later in the day.

What do the Express plus passes cost and what do they get you exactly?
(thanks, I didn't know you could purchase these-I thought they were only avail if staying on-site)

 

[damo]

What do the Express plus passes cost and what do they get you exactly?
(thanks, I didn't know you could purchase these-I thought they were only avail if staying on-site)

Here's the link for you. The rates change with the dates.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Tickets/special_offers/UniversalExpress/expresspluspasses.aspx

 

[JMLBrats]

Here's the link for you. The rates change with the dates.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Tickets/special_offers/UniversalExpress/expresspluspasses.aspx

Thanks for the link. It looks like you can only use the express pass for each ride one time. Is it the same if you are staying on-site? It must be unlimited for on-site right?

Actually for us being a family of five, it would be just as well for us to stay on site as far as the extra cost goes....

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for the link. It looks like you can only use the express pass for each ride one time. Is it the same if you are staying on-site? It must be unlimited for on-site right?

Actually for us being a family of five, it would be just as well for us to stay on site as far as the extra cost goes....

It's unlimited for onsite guests and once through the line for the regular EP. There is a VIP Express that allows for unlimited access but theme park tickets are included in the price.

 

[macraven]

Thanks for the link. It looks like you can only use the express pass for each ride one time. Is it the same if you are staying on-site? It must be unlimited for on-site right?

Actually for us being a family of five, it would be just as well for us to stay on site as far as the extra cost goes....

if you stay on site, it is unlimited usage of the express lines.