Need a DVC perspective?

[gopherit]

I posted on a thread on the US board, but I think I need a DVCer's perspective on this!

Until reading skills and stinkin' billboards foiled our plans, DH and I had our kids duped into thinking WDW was all there was to see in Orlando. Now they want to see how the other half lives (i.e. Universal Studios). I am setting up my plans for next summer's vacation and took their hearty pleas into consideration; I thought, hmmm, we can use a Thurs/Fri/Sat night stay at a Universal hotel to conserve on pts and get FOTL privys, then switch over to OKW for 8 blissful days of WDW fun and relaxation.

A very nice plan... except I know SQUAT DIDDLY about Universal.

Is 3 nts sufficeint time for Universal? I should point out -- DS#1 will be 11, but to date, will NOT ride any WDW ride with "MOuntain" in the name, nor Dinosaur -- not a thrill seeker (though he does love M:S for reasons that defy logic). DS#2 will be 10 and LOVES THE THRILLS -- loves ToT, RnRc, all the Mountain rides, etc. DD would ride anything (but she's still going to be fairly vertically challenged, if ya know what I mean, at only 6 yrs of age and 50% for her age.) What will they be able to do? I also considered Sea World -- but not sure how much time any of these would take. 2 days? 3? A week? And is FOTL privys worth it, if you're only spending a day or two at US? (If we spend 2 days at US and 1 day at Sea World, should I stay at a US onsite hotel like Portifino, or just a hotel?) Hotel rooms are in general sort of difficult for us... (DVC isn't the ONLY one that thinks a fam of 5 just isn't a good number, lol!)

We will have aout 11-12 days to spend in Orlando. I want to make sure that when I book my resort at 11 mos out, I don't book too many days (I'll be borrowing a few pts). I was looking at doing 3 nights in a US hotel, then 8 nts at OKW. Does that math sound about right, or do I need to shift my percentages?


HELP!!!!

 

[InstImpres]

Until reading skills and stinkin' billboards foiled our plans, DH and I had our kids duped into thinking WDW was all there was to see in Orlando. Now they want to see how the other half lives (i.e. Universal Studios).

I had to go to US for work in Feb. It was funny because I didn't tell DD that's where we were switching to. When we checked in at Portofino and they welcomed us to US, DD says to the woman "that's the dark side, we would never go there "

That said, I found if you don't want to be soaked, don't want mega thrill rides or kiddie rides, it was lacking. FOTL was great and got us around quickly. When we were there the park closed at 8pm with DIS open until between 9-11pm....

You guessed it, we took our AP's and went over to WDW each night

So bottom line, we won't be going back, it's just not the same. Rides, "show", CM's, evening entertainment, overall attention to detail and so much more......WDW just can't be beat!

 

[gjw007]

Are you talking specifically Universal to include both Universal and Islands of Adventure? Whats your feelings toward MGM? Universal and MGM are similiar in many ways with Univeral having a more adult orientation than MGM as you get rides like Jaws and Terminator as well as entertainment such as the Blues Brothers. Don't get me wrong, they do have items for younger guests. I especially like it at Xmas when Wood Woodpecker, the Flintstones, and friends do their Xmas skit. It's a hoot!

Island of Adventure (IOA) on the other hand, your kids will love. Perhaps the best ride is Spiderman but the Hulk roller coaster is good. Jurassic Park is also great. The park has a different feel than does WDW.

In an unrelated story, the first time I went to WDW was in July 1995. I hated it. I also went to Universal (IOA was under construction) and loved it. I've came back to WDW at Xmas and enjoyed it. I still enjoy Universal.

 

[gopherit]

Are you talking specifically Universal to include both Universal and Islands of Adventure? Whats your feelings toward MGM? ....

Island of Adventure (IOA) on the other hand, your kids will love. Perhaps the best ride is Spiderman but the Hulk roller coaster is good. Jurassic Park is also great. The park has a different feel than does WDW.

We all love MGM -- we love Indiana Jones, Backlot Tours and such...as I mentioned, DS9 and my DH both love ToT and RnRc (I suspct my DD would also, were she tall enough. She is at 42" now -- I would bet there will still be a few things she's short on by our trip next summer.) The boys also like the Star Trek ride, too. Speaking of which -- how many of the Universal rides are that "virtual" stuff (like Body Wars or Star Trek)? That sort of ride does tend to make me wanna barf.... (never a good thing for kids to see Mom turn Kermit-green! )

So what would you say, then, in terms of days to allow? One day for US, one for IOA, one for Sea World? Would that work?

And to do that -- is it best to stay at one of the 3 "on-site" US hotels, or off-site at whatever deal I can wrangle?

I am so underschooled on this.... if you have a website or book to guide me, let me know! Tried going onto our US threadline here on the DIS, but they are speaking in all US acronyms and it's like Marlin trying to make sense out of Crush... they're speaking to me, I just know it -- but I haven't a clue what they are saying!

THANKS! Keep the input a'comin, gang!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Oh my. I wasn't aware of another theme park in the Orlando area...

MG

 

[gopherit]

Oh my. I wasn't aware of another theme park in the Orlando area...

MG

How polished are your powers of persuasion, M. Gracey?

Maybe I can have my kids call you, and you can tell 'em that what they've seen on the Nickelodeon channel is just a big fat ruse!

 

[gjw007]

So what would you say, then, in terms of days to allow? One day for US, one for IOA, one for Sea World? Would that work?

And to do that -- is it best to stay at one of the 3 "on-site" US hotels, or off-site at whatever deal I can wrangle?

I am so underschooled on this.... if you have a website or book to guide me, let me know! Tried going onto our US threadline here on the DIS, but they are speaking in all US acronyms and it's like Marlin trying to make sense out of Crush... they're speaking to me, I just know it -- but I haven't a clue what they are saying!

THANKS! Keep the input a'comin, gang!

You might wish to look at Universal's web site (http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/website/index.php). I usually do both parks in one day as I skip many rides and events (same at WDW) but if you've never been there, one day each is fine. I'm not an expert on Universal but maybe my response will help. I do spend a day at SeaWorld but it is a much more slower pace and I think other than Kracken (roller coaster) and Ice Station Zulu, there aren't any rides.

Off the top of my head (I'm sure somebody will correct me on this if I'm wrong), Universal doesn't have any plays like Indiana Jones or Beauty & the Beast. What you do come across is promptu street actors doing thier skits. You see some of these at MGM occassionally. The rides that I like are: Terminator 2, Men in Black, Back to the Future, Jaws, and Twister. At Islands of Adventure (IOA), I like the Hulk coaster, Spider-man, Jurassic Park River Adveture, the Discovery Center is interesting, I think the kids would love th Pteranodon Flyers, and Duelling Dragons.

Unlike MGM where the plays like Beauty & the Beast and Indiana Jones don't really use advanced special effects, the shows like Terminator 2 do use special effects. For example (and I'm gona explain this poorly), think about the liquid form of the bad Terminator in Terminator 2 and how this could be applied to a interactive experience at Universal. Or how to experience a tornado in Twister (some people like this, some don't but its probably the closest to the backlot tour at MGM). If I remember correctly, Men in Black is somewhat similiar to Buzz Lightyear where you are in a vehicle and score points by shooting aliens. Back to the Future (BTF) is a ride that is similiar to Star Wars but instead of a spaceship, you are in a car, the DeLorne; just change the concept from Star Wars to BTF as it is not a moving vehicle. One criticism of Universal has been that it is not geared enough toward children. It has added some material; whether it is enough or not, I don't know. This is not an issue, in my opinion, at IOA.

I tend to stay off-site so I can't tell you what the advantage of staying onsite would be. The two theme parks are right next to each other and share the same parking garage. Heading towards the parks, in CityWalk (similar in concept to DTD especially Pleasure Island), if you take a right, you head to Universal, if you go straight ahead, you go to IOA.

YOu might want to consider purchasing an annual pass. I haven't looked up prices but two days will cost about $100 per person. An annual pass was about $120 per person with some restrictions on days so if you come back within the year, it becomes more economical.

 

[lilkitty819]

Hi
Yes you can do US and IOA in 2-3 without any problems. My DH and I stayed at Royal Pacfic last year for 3 nights and had a ball. And they do have shows like like Beetlejuice graveyard reveiw and they have the Animal Planet show in US. In IOA they have a couple shows I can't remember the names but they were very good. There is plenty for your daughter to do too. They have the Jimmy Newtron ride, Shrek, MIB, and E.T. and more that your daughter can do and thats just at US. Now the feel is differnt from WDW but I like both sets of theme parks Disney just has that magical feel that no other park will ever have. So go have a good time at both sets of parks my DH and I do!

 

[Muushka]

We were AP holders at US/IOA for a few years. We still have a few vouchers left, but now that DVC gives us a discount, we will take a rest from US.

We always enjoyed it there. We would stay on a Fri/Sat night (as you mentioned) to conserve points. Their on-site hotels are very nice. Your kids would probably like HRH. I think that is our favorite also. Then Portofino Bay and then Royal Pacific. HRH is the most convenient of the three. The rooms are beautiful and spacious. We loved being able to just walk to the parks in a few minutes. I really loved the music at the parks. I guess Disney music is just so kiddie-like (don't flame me please!) that it is just fun to hear some good rock music.

I am the wild-ride person and my husband does not mind watching me go on them. Thank goodness. He enjoys Dr Seuss Landing. Very whimsical. We both enjoy the 'wet ride' Pluto's barge something or another. Love that ride.
And boy do you get soaked. And Ripsaw Falls is great as is the Jurassic Park ride. US is not that much of a draw for me. There are some rides-or experiences that are pretty good. Twister, Men in Black (our favorite-blows Buzz Light-year out of the water), Jaws... Really, rides that are great to experience. And a nice change from WDW.

There is a restaurant called Mythos at IOA. They have great food. We love eating there. I also appreciate the fact that the parks give a 10% discount on just about everything with AAA and their APs. Great deals.

So, now you have gone and done it. I want to go back!!!!

Yup, your kiddos will probably thank you.

Oh yes, you mentioned if staying only 3 days would make FOTL worth it.

Yes!!

 

[tammydel]

Thanks for starting this thread!

We have encounted a similar situation - children have caught on that there is OTHER Orlando attractions and are at present still ony mildly curious (luckily) as to why we never go there.

I've often thought of your plan. A couple of nights onsite at Universal for FOTL. Of course have those night span a Friday and Saturday. Hmmm next summer I will be point poor (Planning a larger family trip for Thanksgiving) Maybe that's the time to do it for me.

Anyway - I think your plan is good, mostly because I've had the same idea, not because I've actually tried it!

Portifino looked nice when Samntha Brown was there! I wonder how many times a minute I will be comparing thinds to Disney...

Good luck!
Tammy

 

[marathonmommy]

I, too, went to the "dark side" a couple of years ago for 5 or 6 nights. We stayed at Royal Pacific. There is free transportation via boat and staying there allowed us to basically "cut" to the front of most of the lines at the parks. That being said, 3 days into the trip, I called Disney to see if there was availability. People are right - it's just not the same. The service at the hotel was not at Disney standards, and the employees were not as friendly. My room was not cleaned until well after 4:00 - a real inconvenience for those mid-day naps (not knowing when they would arrive}. The "Thong Song" one of the songs piped through the park. Disney would never do that! There wasn't the same magic at all. There are a few rides that were of Disney calibar or better though - ET, Cat in the Hat. Also, for little ones there is a Barney show and a Curious George area where the kids can run around and get wet and/or drenched. Overall 2 or 3 days is plenty if you go knowing what it is you want to see - but if you don't stay at an on-site hotel, I would pay extra for the privilage of "cutting the lines".

 

[Lesli54]

I wouldn't do more than 2-3 days. We went to SeaWorld and saw everything we wanted to, including shows and riding the few rides in about a 1/2 day. Personally, we just don't think these parks are worth the price. It was fine and the kids enjoyed it. We didn't go to US as there seemed to be so much less for younger kids to do and only one of the teenagers is a real big thrill rider.

Check out US online. It will give you maps of the parks and a good idea of whether or not the attractions will suit your family. Remember the parks are not near as big as WDW.

Hope you have fun with whatever you decide.

 

[gopherit]

So then, is it general concensus from you more US-savvy folks out there, that the following loose plan would work:

(1) Check in (at say HRH) on a THursday; let kids swim in resort pool, explore resort, etc.
(2) Spend Fri at US
(3) Spend Sat at IOA
(4) On SUnday go check in at OKW.

Originally, I thought I would then have the crew spend Sunday at Sea World -- I would race over in the a.m. to OKW, check in and get our "courtesy call back card", then race back over to kids and fam, check out of our hotel there, head to SW -- but then I thought, yeah, RIGHT -- sounds like a whole new ride called "DESTINATION: CHAOS!" Might set a really bad tone for SW! (Or anything else, for that matter!)

Hmmm, how about check in at okw, moving our crapola -- might wanna stay on Disney soil for a bit.... so we might instead use that day to go to Typhoon Lagoon, and maybe work Sea World into a day in the middle of our trip. Is there a particularly "good" day for Sea World (or a day to avoid, crowd-wise?) I think Sea World would really appeal to everyone in my group in some way shape or form. My son has become totally addicted to Zoo Tycoon (an awesome computer game!) and he's been building our own version of Sea World this week! (Congratulate him -- his orcas and his porpoises both had babies yesterday...)

We would then plan to stay at OKW for 8 nts -- a good amt of time for parks and such, though with my crew being used to having 12-13 days of total Disney, they better be willing to compromise and understand that doing US is gonna cramp their Disney style, LOL!

One interesting thing about traveling this way -- probably won't bring much in the way of groceries down with us. And having 3 or 4 days of total restaurant food will be a BIG swtich for us! DO the on-site hotels like HRH have mini-fridges, at least? What's the rule on taking stuff in the parks? SOunds like I'd better make another attempt at the US DIS thread again... hope this US-impaired DVCer can make sense out of whatever the answers are!

LASTLY -- on our last two trips to Disney, hubby's brother and his fam have tagged along. We have invited them to stay in our villa both times, but now they've gone and exceeded our occupancy limits, LOL (they had a 3rd child in March). We're points-short too (that's part of the reason that I'm taking this US wkend concept so seriously! I'm with ya on that, Tammydel!) I have a sneaking suspicion they may hear our plans and say "Us too!" ANd they would probably then be willing, if the timing and such were right, to get their own digs at US and maybe rent pts or some such thing at Disney. Here's my question, though -- is US appropriate for a family wherein the OLDEST child is only 5 or 6? They started their family later than us -- by next summer their crew would be 6,2,and 1. WOuld it be worth their time? My sense is that it would not. THey haven't really been the type to branch out on their own, either, despite our urgings on prior vacations. They would wan to go wherever we go. I should also note that on our last trip, their eldest would NOT ride the things our youngest would ride (they are the same age) and this REALLLLY bothered him (he felt if he wasn't going to ride, she shouldn't either!) He is somewhat competitive with my dd, for reasons I don't fully understand. They are the same height -- but she's 8 mos younger and FEARLESS. Could get ugly. What to do? Guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. THey are looking at buying a boat now anyway (couldn't talk them into DVC) -- a Grady could suck up vacation capital pretty quickly!

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!

Just tryin' to get my ducks in a row so I know what to book at my 11 mos window, haha -- I want to have some DVC plans in my pocket when we return from HHI in a few weeks. It makes ending a vacation so much easier when you already have the plans for the next trip mapped out!

 

[Laurabearz]

Our kiddos are on the young side (our oldest is 6 then 4 then 2) but we enjoy US. SHrek is awesome, Jimmy Newtron is fun, Kids young and old seem to dig Woodys World. MIB is too cool for words. We find there is a lot for our ffamily to do at US.

IOA.... we havnet gone there yet, but plan too in December. But we will be skipping 99.99 of the coasters just because 3/5 family members are too SHORT to ride them. But there is still a lot to do there. Rip Saw Falls is great. Spiderman.... OMG the BEST ride I have ever been on....

I know there are a lot of NON US/IOA fans around, but we enjoy the parks. I thought they were clean, staff friendly, but there are far more teens alone walking around, and since they serve lovely frozen high octane beverages, you get a few roudy folks here and there, but my kids never seemed to notice them.

I think a full day at US.... 1/2 day IOA then pool, then head to OKW on Sunday.

Go... try it.... having FOTL priviledges is awesome.

 

[perdidobay]

My 2cents...
FOTL is worth every penny ( esp if you are going during busy times) The hotels are wonderfully themed.
IOA and US are not Disney, that said -they are great fun and IOA is beautifully themed. Spiderman is the best ride, anywhere. The 6 year old I took last year loved all the rides.... but she was to short to do Hulk and Dueling Dragons (to my dismay, I had to ride the kiddie dragon ride 7 times straight with her)
Citywalk is great also, and I never get bored there. Margaritaville is great fun for kids (and adults).
I have an annual pass to US/IOA, and try to go every trip to Orlando.

 

[Granny]

So then, is it general concensus from you more US-savvy folks out there, that the following loose plan would work:

(1) Check in (at say HRH) on a THursday; let kids swim in resort pool, explore resort, etc.
(2) Spend Fri at US
(3) Spend Sat at IOA
(4) On SUnday go check in at OKW.

I think this is a pretty workable plan. We went to US/IOA this summer, but didn't "relocate" since we have a car and hate moving during a vacation. IMHO, FOTL passes are essential at US/IOA during the summer months. Staying on site is one way to get them, and certainly better than our method which was to purchase them! It killed me to have to shell out another $35 bucks for each kid but without them it would have taken us several days to do both parks as my DD's both want to go on every ride.

... and maybe work Sea World into a day in the middle of our trip. Is there a particularly "good" day for Sea World (or a day to avoid, crowd-wise?) I think Sea World would really appeal to everyone in my group in some way shape or form.

Sea World is a great park, and a much slower pace than Disney or Universal parks. We go every trip, and have gone on various days of the week. Weekends are like any Orlando park and are a little more crowded than the week days. But in general, Sea World is a park you can do on any day and be happy. Just don't wait until the last minute to try to get a seat for the shows!

LASTLY -- on our last two trips to Disney, hubby's brother and his fam have tagged along. We have invited them to stay in our villa both times, but now they've gone and exceeded our occupancy limits, LOL (they had a 3rd child in March). We're points-short too (that's part of the reason that I'm taking this US wkend concept so seriously! I'm with ya on that, Tammydel!) I have a sneaking suspicion they may hear our plans and say "Us too!" ANd they would probably then be willing, if the timing and such were right, to get their own digs at US and maybe rent pts or some such thing at Disney. Here's my question, though -- is US appropriate for a family wherein the OLDEST child is only 5 or 6? They started their family later than us -- by next summer their crew would be 6,2,and 1. WOuld it be worth their time? My sense is that it would not. THey haven't really been the type to branch out on their own, either, despite our urgings on prior vacations. They would wan to go wherever we go. I should also note that on our last trip, their eldest would NOT ride the things our youngest would ride (they are the same age) and this REALLLLY bothered him (he felt if he wasn't going to ride, she shouldn't either!) He is somewhat competitive with my dd, for reasons I don't fully understand. They are the same height -- but she's 8 mos younger and FEARLESS. Could get ugly. What to do? Guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Again, just my opinion, but most of the attractions (at IOA especially) are geared towards teenagers and thrill seekers. In addition to the thrill rides like Hulk, Dueling Dragons, etc even the show attractions are pretty intense such as Terminator 3D and Spiderman.

On the other hand, Shrek 3D, Jimmy Neutron 3D and Back to the Future 3D are a lot of rollicking fun!

Both parks have good rides for kids who aren't into the thrills so much, but they are somewhat limited.

We took our DD's to US/IOA after they became teenagers and feel it was a good call for us. YMMV.

US and IOA are great parks, but for "tweenagers" (8-12) I think they are a little thin.

Enjoy your trip!