Meeting at Universal for DD's band competition in March. Questions...

[Vacation Lover]

Although I've been to Universal, I haven't "done" Universal. We've always stayed around Disney so I'm starting from scratch here. All suggestions welcome!

First, how crowded will it be in mid-March? I wanted to stay in a condo, but I'm wondering if I should be considering staying onsite for the FOTL privileges. I love the space a condo provides, plus my MIL might be meeting us there so it will be much cheaper for all of us to share a condo. Is it worth the extra money and less space to stay onsite? We'll only be there for about 4 days.

Second, if we decide to go with a condo, does anyone have any suggestions for a 2-3 bedroom condo? We stayed at Windsor Hills last time. Looking for something like that but closer to Universal.

 

[Metro West]

Crowds will depend on when Spring Break is and if it's during your visit, the parks will be very busy.

I can't really help on the condo questions but I can tell you Orange County isn't zoned for short-term rentals so you won't find too much. I think the closest condos would be near SeaWorld.

 

[MouseGirl]

I would definitely recommend on-site in mid-March, as it should be quite busy. We have been at Universal twice before during that time and it is always crowded. FOTL is a lifesaver and our family now won`t go to the parks without staying on-site since we are so spoiled by its benefits. You can see so much more than staying off-site, since it cuts your wait time in lines substantially for the majority of attractions.

Plus, the pools at all of the hotels are great and the convenience of being on property and either walking to the parks or taking the boats from the resorts can`t be beat.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Thanks! That's exactly the info I was looking for. We're definitely going to plan to stay onsite for this trip. I think that FOTL perk is just too good to pass up! Off to crunch some numbers.

 

[audracooper]

Please post what deals you find. I will also be going in March with the band. I know all about Disney, but with Universal I am clueless! Eager to see what you find!

 

[bopper]

Another thoughts...this might be a pain but if you book a hotel for one night, you get FOTL for the day you check in and the day you check out. So one night on site gets you two FOTL days. So if you stayed somewhere cheaper on the last day or two, you can do the heavy hitter rides the first two days and then do the shows and lesser rides the second days.