Need HELP planning a two-day trip for first-timers (TONS of questions, lol)

[mommy2paisley]

DH and DD would really like to go two days early to our Disney vacation and stay at Universal, do two days, one at each park......but when I get online to try to price that, I am SOOOO overwhelmed!!!!

A few questions that will help me (and please add any additional info/links/threads that you think would help me). I thought I read if you stay onsite, you automatically get the fast pass that Universal has. Has this changed or was I just wrong all this time?

Anyone know off the top of your head or how can I figure out the cost difference in getting tickets where you can go to both parks both days?

We don't want anything extra, no Sea World or anything else, just two days, maybe with the parkhopper-type option. Would like to stay at the new value/moderate resort they just opened, as well.

Another question, DD/DH are wanting to go purely for the Harry Potter things there. Is there dining that is a must-do? Or other things that are a must-do?

DS likes ALL super heroes. If I split up from DD/DH to let DS find them, what website is good for showing where characters normally are, etc.?

And another question our first day of the two in parks, we won't be there until probably 3:00 in the afternoon. Does Universal do a discounted ticket (I've heard some parks do this but never done it myself) if you have a late entrance? Wondering if that wouldn't be the better way to go for what's technically 1.5 days???

This is just a weekend trip to start our 10 nights at Disney, so we're trying to keep it as low cost as possible....although we do want to stay on property and would like dining recs!

 

[JessicaR]

If you stay at Cabana Bay express is not included but you can purchase it with your tickets.

If you stay at any of the other 3 on-sites that includes unlimited express.

There is no 1.5 day tickets you would have to buy a 2 day 2park ticket.

http://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/attractions/tickets.html This is a trusted site to look at your ticket options. Also Universal often has offers on their home site.
www.universalorlando.com

Right now they have a 3rd day free for the price of a 2 day ticket.

I like to eat at Mythos inside IOA. Finnegans at Universal and Sal's or mama Della's at Portofino Bay. The Kitchen at HRH is great also. For an excellent meal, not cheap, Emeril's CityWalk. Quick bite at IOA Thunder Falls Terrace.

However this is a great thread that can fill you in on all dining and is updated often.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

 

[damo]

First off, do it the easy way by booking your hotel here ... http://www.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR

And your tickets either here ... https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/General-Admission.aspx

Or at www.undercovertourist.com

It is quite simple. Just choose your hotel on the Loews website and choose your tickets on the Universal or Undercover tourist website.

Booking using a package gives you no benefits and there are change fees if you change your mind about anything. At least by booking your hotel through the Loews website, you can make any changes you want without any penalties right up to 5 days before you get there. Prices often change and it is nice to be able to take advantage of that by calling and having your rate change.

By the time you go there will be both Harry Potter areas open in both parks. You'll probably want to eat at both Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron. There are no reservations taken there.

 

[LisaCM614]

I second 3 Broomsticks for dinner! It was so nice and quiet at dinner and we really enjoyed all of the special effects while we ate. Plus the food was good!

I really liked the Express Pass and for us staying at one of the onsite resorts was cheaper than buying the Express Pass for each of the 5 of us.
It was especially fun for all of the Dr Seuss rides that had Express Pass - kids just loved being able to hop to the front and ride those cute rides!

Express Pass does not help with Forbidden Journey.

PS that was hardly any questions at all

 

[alex881]

FYI you'll need the park to park ticket (ie park hopper) to ride the Hogwarts Express train between parks.

 

[mommy2paisley]

Thanks, everyone, for all the info! That has helped me figure quite a bit out! I'm sure I'll be reading more threads in this forum and have more questions!

Kristy