Need advice on 1st trip to Universal

[poohfan]

We've been to WDW many times and this will be our first non-Disney trip. We haven't had many snow days so far and we're hoping that we'll get an extra long weekend in mid-May. Thinking it might be a great opportunity for a 3 night stay in Orlando and our 1st trip to Universal. I've planned so many trips to Disney that now I feel all confused about what to do. Any advice would be welcome... kids are 12 and 14, should we stay at a Universal hotel?, which one?, how do I find the best ticket prices?, in mid-May should I consider paying extra for the front of the line priviledge, is there a good guide book? I feel so overwhelmed

 

[ChrisFL]

First, don't be overwhelmed. Things are much more easily accessible here than at the Disney parks...trust me it's a much different layout and experience (and actually closer to the way DL Resort is laid out)

Second, stay on-site and you'll get automatic front of the line privledges and in May I'd say it's well worth it. While I'm a local and haven't *stayed* at the resorts, I've been through each of them and they're all very nice, you can't go wrong with any of them...even the Royal Pacific, the least expensive resort is very classy and elegant.

Not sure about ticket prices as I have an AP pass.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

First, don't be overwhelmed. Things are much more easily accessible here than at the Disney parks...trust me it's a much different layout and experience (and actually closer to the way DL Resort is laid out)

Second, stay on-site and you'll get automatic front of the line privledges and in May I'd say it's well worth it. While I'm a local and haven't *stayed* at the resorts, I've been through each of them and they're all very nice, you can't go wrong with any of them...even the Royal Pacific, the least expensive resort is very classy and elegant.

Not sure about ticket prices as I have an AP pass.

I found a lot of similarities in the way the Universal Orlando Resort and Disneyland Resort is laid out actually. I think that's why I love DL so much..

Anyhow, I think your best bet for tickets would be the $85.99 for 7-days ticket. You'll only be able to use 3 or 4 of the days since its a 3-night stay but it's still the best deal.

May is actually a really good time to visit the resorts and, unless you're going Memorial Day Weekend, you should find the hotel prices to be extremely reasonable. Since you're staying 3-nights, you might find yourself eligible for discounted SuperSaver rates or if you have AAA, you can check on your discount with that.

Check the rates at www.universalorlando.com to see if it's doable for you. And remember that your room key includes access to Universal Express so you won't have to wait in line and have a lot more time to enjoy the resort and RELAX.

I've stayed at every resort and so have a few of the other members so we'll be glad to answer any questions and help you along the way.

 

[CopperMonkey]

I personally work at one of the parks and staying at one of our resorts on site is your best bet, each room key is considered a combo express which means its express to both parks. During the month of may the parks do get to be a bit busier since we are moving into the summer season so the express will be a good plus. Enjoy your time at the parks when you guys come down!

 

[poohfan]

I'm debating how many days we'd need. Do you think that arriving on a Thursday afternoon and leaving on Monday is enough time? That would give us 2 full days and one partial day to tour the parks and hopefully relax.

How are food prices? Is it really high?