Is 5 Days too long?

[marklar]

Will be going to universal for the first time May 15-23. This will give us 5 full days at the parks (mon-fri). There will be 8 of us all together, 4 adults and 4 boys aged 4-13. We will be staying off site at the Ho JO Universal (trying to save money). Anyway, I was wondering if 5 days is too long?

Also, does anyone have experience with the I trolley as we were thinking of using this for our transportation since the price seams very reasonable ($7 for 5 day unlimited use).

Thank you for any information you could give me. I used this site 2 years ago when we went to WDW and the ino was very helpful.

 

[Sandyincanada]

5 consecutive days might be a bit much for me...for us, we would probably do 2 days then break for 1 and do a waterpark, poolday, shop, mini-golf or whatever and then back for the other 2 days. But again, thats just us, lol. I dont think I could do 5 consecutive days at DW either. I guess I should also say that my kids wouldn't agree with my thinking and could easily go 5 days in a row, lol. Can't help with your other question, sorry

 

[Immelman]

we've got friends that come down in april for a solid week at UO every year. the parks will be getting progressively busier mid-may, but going during the week will help. there's not a good answer. I'll spend the entire week with them and not get bored, then maybe go back the next weekend. more time in any of the parks means more time to relax, and ride as you want. you won't be pressured to do 2 parks in 2 days.

 

[gschmerl]

We go for a minimum of five days and we are just two adults--no children!! We stay on site, so we get through the parks faster than you will. We have never felt five days was too long. It gives us the time to really soak in all the atmosphere the parks offer. Of course staying on site gives us the luxury of just walking back to the hotel and lounging at the pool, or taking a break at City Walk, etc.

 

[disneywithkids]

We're going for 5 days too!

I think it will be great because we don't have to do long days trying to fit everything in. We will hopefully have good enough weather to spend some time at the pool everyday. The great thing about the 5 for 2 tickets is you can spend some half days at the park without feeling like you're not getting your money's worth (If I was paying $40-$50 for a one day pass, I would feel a lot more pressure to see everything and get my money's worth!)

 

[robvia]

Orlando schools get out on May 23rd, so you'll be ok with the crowds.

I Trolley Info is here.
http://www.iridetrolley.com/index.html
Looks like there is a green stop at the Hojo where it transfers to the main line and goes to the TGIF across from the parking garage. I dunno, shuttles or taking the I-Trolley will take time. I'd suggest renting a van from Thrifty.
That way you can visit SWF, and WnW to add more parks. I guess you can get to all these places with the I-Trolley, but renting the van will give you total freedom. Or you pay a little bit more and book a hotel across from the parking garage. Info on that is here.
http://www.nogodforme.com/offsite.htm

 

[hannahouse]

We're also going 5 days - the goal for us is not to rush, and have plenty of time for relaxation.

 

[fanningIII]

5 days was too long for us. We were expecting a little more like disney. Also we used the trolley, but our off site hotel had direct bus service to universal every 1/2 hr. When using the trolley make sure you know in advance where you want to go or it could be a very long ride

 

[Count Grub of Mooch]

Okay, I'll be the one to disagree.

Five days is waaaaay too long for Universal. In three days you should be able to do everything, and a lot of rides twice for that matter.


It's great fun, and much better for older kids than Disney, but five days will leave you bored.

 

[robvia]

That's why I tell people to visit SWF and WnW as extra parks. They can even drive the 75 miles west to BGT and spend a day there. With the new coaster opening in May, it's worth the drive.

Disney makes people stay an entire week because some of the rides can take half an hour with the pre-show and everything. IOA isn't like that, you can tour the entire park in 3 hours if you go early in the morning and do a commando run.

 

[fiveforall]

We went for five days in December and it was PERFECT. We were able to do and see everything, plus we could sleep in and we weren't rushed. It was a fabulous vacation.

 

[d4est]

We are staying for 5 days...our first ever visit. Added to staying on site, with leasure walks to the parks and back, and with FOTL, I am picturing the most fun and relaxing vacation ever. I am thinking (and hoping) that 5 days will be perfect!

 

[marklar]

Thank you all for the info. I did change hotels now staying at Sleep Inn and Suites a little closer as suggested. We were thinking of maybe doing a day at Seaworld or Wet and Wild. Would like to spend a day or two at Disney but think it will be too expensive. And maybe do a little shopping at the outlet mall. I was hoping this vacation would not be as hectic as our trip to WDW. It would be nice to be able to sleep in a little bit , come back to the hotel in the afternoon go swimming/relax and go back to the park in the evening.

 

[E&B's Mom]

marklar, if you plan on doing US, IOA, Sea World and WetnWild, look into getting the flex ticket. You get admission to all 4 for your whole trip for less than a 1-day admission to each.