My New Disney Touring Strategy

[ArwenMarie]

Is staying onsite at Universal.

Just got back from our first visit to Universal. We stayed at Portofino, which was very nice.

But the best part was Unlimited Express Pass!!! No planning, no spreadsheets, no watching the clock, no rushing to make a FPP, no ADRs. Just sleeping in (other than our WWOHP day) and going where we wanted, when we wanted, with minimal waits.

I admit, I do still like the the Disney parks and attractions a bit more. But I feel like I had more fun at UOR than we did on our last trip to WDW in the fall.

From now on, we'll be staying at Universal and seeing Disney from there for a portion of the trip. Win-win

 

[BigAlsGal]

Good OLDITC!

 

[Schmeck]

Is staying onsite at Universal.

Just got back from our first visit to Universal. We stayed at Portofino, which was very nice.

But the best part was Unlimited Express Pass!!! No planning, no spreadsheets, no watching the clock, no rushing to make a FPP, no ADRs. Just sleeping in (other than our WWOHP day) and going where we wanted, when we wanted, with minimal waits.

I admit, I do still like the the Disney parks and attractions a bit more. But I feel like I had more fun at UOR than we did on our last trip to WDW in the fall.

From now on, we'll be staying at Universal and seeing Disney from there for a portion of the trip. Win-win

How many days did you spend doing the Universal parks? For us, it is a one day park until the other section of HP opens up. Then it is a two day park, maybe. How do you plan to get to WDW each day? Is the rental car, no EMH, paying for parking, and no FP+ until you get into the park worth staying over at Universal for the two days of perks there? It wouldn't be for me.

 

[vcgirl925]

I agree the express pass and rider swap kicks disney in the pants. Did our first universal/IPA trip this past September. After 17 disney trips in 14 years....and we loved it.

 

[Hobbes]

Just bumping this back to the top so hopefully the Powers That Be at WDW read this...and be afraid, be VERY afraid.

 

[EMode]

Is staying onsite at Universal.

Just got back from our first visit to Universal. We stayed at Portofino, which was very nice.

But the best part was Unlimited Express Pass!!! No planning, no spreadsheets, no watching the clock, no rushing to make a FPP, no ADRs. Just sleeping in (other than our WWOHP day) and going where we wanted, when we wanted, with minimal waits.

I admit, I do still like the the Disney parks and attractions a bit more. But I feel like I had more fun at UOR than we did on our last trip to WDW in the fall.

From now on, we'll be staying at Universal and seeing Disney from there for a portion of the trip. Win-win

Ours too! We are going there for Spring Break this year. I did consider dong one day at WDW but its not going to be worth it so we'll spend our entire 5 days at Universal enjoying FOTL access and unlimited riding

 

[Schmeck]

Just bumping this back to the top so hopefully the Powers That Be at WDW read this...and be afraid, be VERY afraid.

No, Universal can't handle the crowds like WDW does, not a lot of open space, no room for expansion, so they are really on a different level compared to WDW. Also, Universal has 6 rides for little kids (no height requirement) compared to WDW, so they attract a different crowd. WDW has been trying to get some of Universal's audience, but Universal really doesn't have the space to attract WDW's audience.

If Universal ever got as crowded as WDW, then you'd see exactly the same issues there. FOTL passes only work if there are a limited number of them. They just turn into the same as WDW when there are tons of them.

 

[Imhere]

Ours too! We are going there for Spring Break this year. I did consider dong one day at WDW but its not going to be worth it so we'll spend our entire 5 days at Universal enjoying FOTL access and unlimited riding

I'd be bored to death with 5 days at Universal.

We have stayed at Hard Rock a couple of times, but 2 nights is enough, actually more than enough.

We can pretty much cover both parks in one day with FOTL.

 

[FLchick415]

I don't think Disney has anything to worry about. And I'm not saying that in a "Disney is better than Universal!" kind of way. I actually LOVE Universal and can't wait to go back. But both parks cater to very different kinds of people. Uni does have rides for small kids, yes, but they're more well known for their thrill rides...whereas Disney is more known for rides the whole family can enjoy together. They're both great parks in their own way.

 

[agavegirl1]

It just amazes me that people can be satisfied with one day at Universal or that they would be bored with five days. But everyone has their tastes. I have done "WDW Only" for one week in late February and "US/IOA Only" for one week a couple of years later. Reason? Disney had nothing new. The comparison was that we had an equally good time touring. The big difference was the Universal vacation was far more relaxing and took very little planning time. (This was pre-Harry Potter). Since we didn't have DME to/from the airport, I hired a Town Car and the kids loved the VIP treatment. The resort was so luxurious, both kids and adults felt pampered.

At WDW we stayed at CB and while nice enough, it felt cramped. We enjoyed the Disney atmosphere and number of Dining options as well as the classic attractions. I had a touring plan in place and we seldom waited for rides.

I now do split trips because I have to fly and I want the most bang for my buck. I only go to Orlando every four years or so.

 

[mom2rtk]

So glad that worked out for you!

My working plan for some time has been to do a trip to Orlando, stay at US for FOTL, then pop over to Disney for just long enough each day to get our 3 reserved rides.

By splitting every day, we can maximize FP+ and make a statement by spending the vast majority of our dollars at US (including lodging and food) when Disney used to get all of our dollars.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I actually disagree. I'm glad you had a great time...more power to you. But Universal kinda stinks. I can't spend more than a day in each of those parks. I enjoy some of the rides, and the coasters are clearly better than Disney's...BUT if I wanted to go on coasters, I'd go to Six Flags Great Adventure, which is an hour and a half from my house. There is no feeling/emotion you get from Universal. It's all just "let's go ride this ride!" "That was cool!" "Awesome!"

I'm a Disney fan as are most of the people on this board. Sure, I hate FP+. But all I have to do is NOT USE IT! No one is forcing you to! I didn't see anyone complaining in 1998 before FPs were invented! FP+ is god awful. Just horrendous. But that is NO reason for me not to visit my favorite vacation spot. Or to give it the old heave ho. Sure, I'll visit Universal, but it'll probably be one day, every couple of years. It is definitely not worth an entire vacation. I work hard to save up money for a vacation. It's not going to be for some second rate theme park, who wishes they could have the same numbers as Disney.

 

[I M Fearless]

I would love to see Disney open a thrill park as a 5th gate in the future...

Themed around villians and aimed at the tween - adult market.

I think Tower of Terror is one of Disney's best rides by far; a whole park with thrill rides that have pristine theming would really rival IOA and at the same time reduce crowds in the existing 4 parks freeing up some capacity.

 

[FLchick415]

I would love to see Disney open a thrill park as a 5th gate in the future...

Themed around villians and aimed at the tween - adult market.

I think Tower of Terror is one of Disney's best rides by far; a whole park with thrill rides that have pristine theming would really rival IOA and at the same time reduce crowds in the existing 4 parks freeing up some capacity.

I think that'd be excellent! ToT is definitely one of my faves and I'd love to see more thrill rides at Disney.

That being said, people should spend their vacations however they see fit. If they feel like they get better value at Universal, good on ya. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I would love to see Disney open a thrill park as a 5th gate in the future...

Themed around villians and aimed at the tween - adult market.

I think Tower of Terror is one of Disney's best rides by far; a whole park with thrill rides that have pristine theming would really rival IOA and at the same time reduce crowds in the existing 4 parks freeing up some capacity.

Agreed. This has been a wish of many fans that hearkens back to the 90s. Even if it wasn't villains themed, I'm sure they could figure something out. A thrill park would be great, because not only will it rival IOA (and do it better), but it would change the views of that teen market who loathes WDW (*** it's not "cool"). I am all in with this idea...I wish the Imagineers were too!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I actually disagree. I'm glad you had a great time...more power to you. But Universal kinda stinks. I can't spend more than a day in each of those parks. I enjoy some of the rides, and the coasters are clearly better than Disney's...BUT if I wanted to go on coasters, I'd go to Six Flags Great Adventure, which is an hour and a half from my house. There is no feeling/emotion you get from Universal. It's all just "let's go ride this ride!" "That was cool!" "Awesome!"

I'm a Disney fan as are most of the people on this board. Sure, I hate FP+. But all I have to do is NOT USE IT! No one is forcing you to! I didn't see anyone complaining in 1998 before FPs were invented! FP+ is god awful. Just horrendous. But that is NO reason for me not to visit my favorite vacation spot. Or to give it the old heave ho. Sure, I'll visit Universal, but it'll probably be one day, every couple of years. It is definitely not worth an entire vacation. I work hard to save up money for a vacation. It's not going to be for some second rate theme park, who wishes they could have the same numbers as Disney.

I agree, if you don't like the Uni parks, then this plan would not work for you
I still like the some of the Disney parks better, but the Uni parks are right up there.

I actually loved the rides there, especially the simulators. You will never get me on a real roller coaster, but this weekend I learned that I love the crazy simulators there. It's a way for me to ride crazy stuff, and not actually ride it.

 

[EMode]

I actually disagree. I'm glad you had a great time...more power to you. But Universal kinda stinks. I can't spend more than a day in each of those parks. I enjoy some of the rides, and the coasters are clearly better than Disney's...BUT if I wanted to go on coasters, I'd go to Six Flags Great Adventure, which is an hour and a half from my house. There is no feeling/emotion you get from Universal. It's all just "let's go ride this ride!" "That was cool!" "Awesome!"

I'm a Disney fan as are most of the people on this board. Sure, I hate FP+. But all I have to do is NOT USE IT! No one is forcing you to! I didn't see anyone complaining in 1998 before FPs were invented! FP+ is god awful. Just horrendous. But that is NO reason for me not to visit my favorite vacation spot. Or to give it the old heave ho. Sure, I'll visit Universal, but it'll probably be one day, every couple of years. It is definitely not worth an entire vacation. I work hard to save up money for a vacation. It's not going to be for some second rate theme park, who wishes they could have the same numbers as Disney.

You seem defensive over other family's choices to leave behind your beloved Disney. Really its not a personal slight to you
Enjoy spending your hard earned money standing in SB for anything more than 3 rides in WDW. We'll enjoy ours riding all the rides at Universal since that is exactly why we are going there. Different strokes

 

[ArwenMarie]

So glad that worked out for you!

My working plan for some time has been to do a trip to Orlando, stay at US for FOTL, then pop over to Disney for just long enough each day to get our 3 reserved rides.

By splitting every day, we can maximize FP+ and make a statement by spending the vast majority of our dollars at US (including lodging and food) when Disney used to get all of our dollars.

The hotel was great, I imagine the others are too. We usually stay at the CR or BC, and Portofino blew it away as far as hotel quality. Food was way better too.

I like your splitting-the-day idea! I think next time we will alternate days. Do rope drop at a Disney park one day (if they haven't brought onsite onto advanced FP booking yet), then follow it with a relaxing Universal day where I don't have to have a screenshot on my phone.

 

[ArwenMarie]

It just amazes me that people can be satisfied with one day at Universal or that they would be bored with five days. But everyone has their tastes. I have done "WDW Only" for one week in late February and "US/IOA Only" for one week a couple of years later. Reason? Disney had nothing new. The comparison was that we had an equally good time touring. The big difference was the Universal vacation was far more relaxing and took very little planning time. (This was pre-Harry Potter). Since we didn't have DME to/from the airport, I hired a Town Car and the kids loved the VIP treatment. The resort was so luxurious, both kids and adults felt pampered.

At WDW we stayed at CB and while nice enough, it felt cramped. We enjoyed the Disney atmosphere and number of Dining options as well as the classic attractions. I had a touring plan in place and we seldom waited for rides.

I now do split trips because I have to fly and I want the most bang for my buck. I only go to Orlando every four years or so.

This. The vacation, on the whole, was better than our last WDW trip in the fall. More relaxing, more of a vacation.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't think Disney has anything to worry about. And I'm not saying that in a "Disney is better than Universal!" kind of way. I actually LOVE Universal and can't wait to go back. But both parks cater to very different kinds of people. Uni does have rides for small kids, yes, but they're more well known for their thrill rides...whereas Disney is more known for rides the whole family can enjoy together. They're both great parks in their own way.

I agree, Disney has nothing to worry about. I still wouldn't go to Orlando without going to Disney. My son on the other hand, he could skip Disney