Just back from Universal this morning and some stuff we learned

[kellydizfan]

Hi everyone. Never been to Universal before this past week. We left early Monday Morning and flew down and stayed at the Point Orlando Resort about 1 1/2 miles from the park on Universal Drive. We ran into a snag. Unlike Disney you can't ck in before 4 p.m. Which really stunk as we wanted to go to the parks and such and come back to change before dinner at Hard Rock. Hotel is beautiful - just like the Disney Vacation Club we used to belong to. We booked thru Book-it.com. Good experience overall. I took the option of Mears - there were 7 of us a $30 a shot round trip - shouldn't have done that. The taxi would have been about $35.00 each way for the 7 of us. Live and learn so if you want to do that - it is not a problem. We used the taxi's everyday $6-$8 one way - as we had issues with health, etc. We walked it one day but the lights were not working and to cross that major intersection was a big hassle - didn't like that. The meal deal wasn't a deal at all. Purchase Triple A before you go - we saved quite a bit of money between food and gifts to bring home. Pretty much everyone excepted it. Rides were really few and far between. It is more for the older kids or kids who love rides. My DS 11 wouldn't have ridden much if he went with us. Glad I didn't take him as it would have been a waste of money and he would have driven me crazy. Not many places to escape the sun other than the shops or indoor rides. No cozy park benches like Disney. No magic either like Disney. I don't think I will go back. I asked my DD's 15 & 18 if they had a choice which they would be able to do - Disney or Universal - they both picked Disney. Yes they are big Harry Potter fans but once was enough. If you go this time of year - stay on site so you can leave when you want and go back when you want. The extra money is worth it. Too far to the exit - you have to go thru alot just to get to the park. You have to walk thru City Walk just to reach the entrances to the parks. I didn't like that. I just feel that they tried to copy Disney on alot of stuff and fell short of the magic, etc. Sorry I just don't see where the magic is with Universal. 3 full days was too long.

 

[Metro West]

This belongs on the Trip Reports board.

 

[derekburgan]

Two weeks ago I checked into my room at the Royal Pacific at 7AM to be able to use my Express pass for 8AM. By 11AM I had already received a text that my room was ready, so they definitely have check ins before 4PM. They won't guarantee a room, but the worst case scenario is you can leave you stuff at baggage check, come back from the parks and change in the bathrooms (which are nice in the lobbies of their three hotels).

To each their own on walking distance, but I can't imagine many people think the proximity to CityWalk is a negative. I think it's one of CityWalk's huge advantages over Downtown Disney. You don't need to drive there, it's right outside the park and next to your hotel.

I will never begrudge anyone who chooses Disney over Universal, in terms of size it's almost comparing apples to oranges, but I will say there's no way you can walk through Harry Potter, Seuss Landing and Jurassic Park areas (for example) and say there's no "magic."

 

[damo]

It is great that there are so many parks in Orlando to satisfy everyone. We love Universal for the rides and the proximity to everything, completely opposite to what you felt. We always feel the magic there.

 

[stepdisney]

Interesting,

We have done both for a couple of years now and we have always checked in early; but, we have also stayed on site. My DS's 17 and 11 LOVE IOA/US as well as Disney. I think that "Magic" is relative. The magic at US/IOA is that they do an excellent job with the theme of their attractions. They are basically ahead of the game IMHO when it comes to technology. They take in consideration every age with Seuss, WWoHP etc. We are able to get through the lines quickly with the express passes so we spend a LOT more time at the pools relaxing at night.

On the other hand:

Disney's magic is more about transporting everyone into a fantasy. I love it just as much as IA/US. The shows are the best and waiting in line, while longer, is an event in and of itself. The cues are interactive, fun, and, for the most part, air conditioned. A lot o the characters and attractions are centered around the young...and the young at heart....

I am so glad that this year, again, we will be spending time at both locations. So much to offer between the two sites.

 

[amathieu3]

I too love Disney but with my husband and three adventurous boys universal is their preferred choice. They still let me drag them for a few days but they complain everything is either for really little kids or princess themed. They are 12,10, and 9. I can't argue with their logic. Disney will alwAys be my favorite but feel universal takes advantage of what Disney misses...great thrill rides and themes geared towards boys.

 

[beachgirl2000]

I have been taking my son to Universal/IOA (and Disney) since he was 4. He has gone on every ride with the exception of Hulk and Rip/Ride/Rockit (He will be going on them this year now that he is 12). We love love love Universal and we also love Disney. To each his own, but I definitely feel that same magic in Universal -- Especially when I hear "hooray for Hollywood" as I am walking toward's Mel's diner. A little over 2 months and I will be back -- This time staying ON SITE at Royal Pacific for 4 nights and then heading to Disney Port Orleans Riverside for 3 nights!

 

[saskdw]

You honestly can't make a direct comparison between Universal Orlando and WDW. Universal would be more comparable to Disneyland. Like a PP said the proximity to Citywalk is one of the draws at Universal. I recommend that everyone try staying onsite. The ability to walk to and from the parks at anytime during the day is a great draw, not to mention the unlimited Express Pass. The fact that it's a 5 minute walk to Citywalk at night to eat, shop, or take in some entertainment is an even bigger draw. WDW is a vacation destination. There is 46 sq miles of activities, it's on a whole different scale. The two aren't really directly comparable.