Need help with pros and cons

[london75]

We're currently booked for 6th-21st July in OKW 2 bed with DDP and so far we'd planned on not doing Universal. (Us is me, DW, DD6 and DD4)

Ashamedly we told the kids that Universal was closed as between booked ADRs, first time onsite and not wanting to drive too much for a change we thought Disney only would be nice.

We've also got a 10th Anniversary trip in October on the Fantasy but no Orlando time in that one.

So I realised I haven't been taking enough time off work (total of 3 weeks planned for the whole year) with the kids etc and thought maybe a cheeky last minute Majorca villa week at the end of August might be nice and I'm expecting this to be around £1000 for the four of us.

This got me thinking, would I rather extend the holiday by 4 days (the only option with our paid in miles flights, can't do a full extra week) and do some Universal bumping our 15 nights up to a much nicer 19 or is the week off in Spain better? These 4 nights with US tickets and the flight alteration fees comes to around £1000 as well. As I'm paid by the day, losing 4 days work is slightly better than losing a week but with bank holiday in August neither here nor there.

What would you do? I've just seen the Universal parade on youtube and it's DD4s favourite Despicable Me dominating it which makes me feel really guilty for telling them it's shut.

...or hold on an get a cheeky last minute Florida week in August if there are any Thomson deals.

Not sure what to do, we've been soooo lucky and have done 2 three week trips and 1 four week trip in the last three years so 15 nights feels rushed!

 

[flortlebap]

Well, we are doing 5 days in a Spanish villa in August because that suited us better and the grandparents wanted to take the children away so we are going away as a couple. But if that wasn't the case, I'd tag four days on for the kids.

Universal and IoA are fantasic and you won't regret going, but similarly if you're like us you might need a week in a villa to get over a hectic Disney trip!!

Got to say on balance it seems you'd rather add the four days on and I'd probably agree

 

[scottishgirl87]

Personally, I'd extend the trip. I'd rather have 4 extra days in Orlando than a week in Majorca, any day!

But I guess you've got to factor in if you'd like something to look forward to when you get back or if you can cope with just the one holiday.

 

[london75]

The villa we've stayed at in Majorca is so nice, in the middle of Orange groves, own pool, stone built barbecue and lovely local food. Not a soul for miles so it's the opposite of Disney and I do fancy it but my favourite place in the whole world is Orlando and every second I'm not there I think about it. Yes I am sad, quite surprised I'm an actual adult with an actual real business to run really!

There is one more option, I could tag 10 more nights on and return on the 31st but that loses me more days pay, can I cope with the bills etc losing over 3 weeks pay lol. Decisions decisions. Just getting greedy now.

My brain says Majorca is probably a better idea as it's so cheap to eat over there and no chance of buying more crud for the girls and big meals out, plus they'll have the beach and their own pool.

 

[london75]

... the grandparents wanted to take the children away so we are going away as a couple....

That sounds lovely, we're even taking them on the 10th Anniversary trip! I think I'd miss them too much anything over 3-4 days though.

 

[madmumof2]

I'd go for the 4 day extension too!

It's not often, usually, you get just book a quick trip to florida like you can to spain. You can get last minute bargains to spain all the time, you can do that another time lol

I love Universal, you won't regret going, it's amazing

 

[tinkerpea]

We actually did the same thing in 2010 we did a 3 wk Disney trip and told the kids Universal wasnt open!
I felt so bad telling them that but !.they had been when they was 3,3,5 and i wanted to wait until they could all ride the bigger rides like Men in black,simpsons,jurassic park etc they was such dare devils they got upset when the slightly older taller brother could do it all and I knew they still wasnt at the correct height for that stuff! and 2.we had paid for 21 nights 2 rooms at AKL,it was a choice between having enough spending money to be comfortable and able to do MNSSHP or 2 days Universal tickets for 6 of us......We are making up it up to them this yr by surprising them with Disney and Universal a yr and half earlier then what they thought we could

I would def add 4 days Universal but thats because like you the 2 wk trips now just dont feel long enough We only get to go every other yr though not every yr so i dont feel too bad for feeling that way

 

[ben1993]

I wouldn't miss out Universal for anything! We missed it out last time and thought we'd just do a super relaxed 2 weeks on site at Disney only, but we both said how much we really missed Universal before moving to Disney. It's a MUST when in Orlando in my opinion!

Then again, I think we're all a bit biased on these forums lol!

 

[london75]

Morning, thanks for the replies. Thought about it more and still haven't decided! Got a few more days anyway. Poppy is watching Barney this morning and has asked again why we can't see him this year. Talk about guilt trip.

 

[cherjp]

i would extend florida rather than majorca, we went to majorca about 4 years ago and it was extortionate, never again , would rather save for longer and go to florida than waste money in spain, lovely country but expensive I found.

If you have the money and time available extend florida or try to get a last min cheapy is this exists !

 

[london75]

Now I'm sat in work the 1000 for 4 more nights seems a stupid amount, something about late night surfing and it getting exciting because it's only 7 weeks to go giving me silly ideas.

If it had been 1000 for an extra week that's different, probably would have already changed it.

We're villa and supermarket people so Majorca wouldn't be expensive once we'd paid the flights and villa, we found the supermarket the locals used rather than all the Spars and ate very well for a week for around 100 euros including wine.

 

[irenep]

Now I'm sat in work the 1000 for 4 more nights seems a stupid amount, something about late night surfing and it getting exciting because it's only 7 weeks to go giving me silly ideas.

If it had been 1000 for an extra week that's different, probably would have already changed it.

We're villa and supermarket people so Majorca wouldn't be expensive once we'd paid the flights and villa, we found the supermarket the locals used rather than all the Spars and ate very well for a week for around 100 euros including wine.

Gosh, you're making me want to go back to Spain,lol.
We used to love our villa holidays in Spain with the kids when they were little. Totally different to Florida but I wouldn't do it now as its too boring for them.
Anyway, I am going against the trend here and saying Majorca. I know you have been before but I think your kids will get more out of Universal when they are older, and is it worth all that for 4 days and a parade?

 

[london75]

...and it's not like they haven't been to Universal many many times before.

They are little and only really enjoy Seuss Land, ET ride, Barney and presumably Despicable Me so it is a lot. That's not all we'd do if we stayed 4 more days though as we have annual passes for Disney too so could go to MK a bit more (girl's favourite).

Argh, DW uttered the immortal, "I'd rather go to Florida but can we afford it?" Which makes me start putting my sensible hat back on.

That said flights to Palma at the end of August are around 150 pp

 

[dixonsontour]

Remember when they are there they wont be missing Universal they will be too busy enjoying disney.

Last year DD was 5 and we did everything but disney for a change (well we did do MNSSHP). In the run up she kept asking to go on certain rides, colour duffy bear around world showcase (all Epcot things - who says little kids don't love Epcot )

On the actual holiday it wasn't an issue at all.

As i'm trying to explain the reasons she said it's all Mickeyworld isn't it - which meant to her meant it's all fun.

I'm on the Majorca holday side - gives you all something to look forward to.

 

[flortlebap]

The height requirement issue is a good point. The restrictions are harsher than at Disney and my kids would have hated missing JP river adventure, Simpsons, MIB etc.

 

[joolz1910]

I would go to the villa in Majorca. It's another (separate) holiday and one where you can relax. We are saving Universal until the kids are older and can take full advantage of it. We are spending a few hundred pounds on a luxury log cabin for the two of us the week after we come back. I like the idea of a full-on Disney fortnight and a relaxing break, just chilling.

 

[london75]

I think that's what I'm veering towards, whether something comes up in August I don't know but if not we'll get away at Christmas instead or have a longer holiday next year.

This year was weird as DW went back to work for a while but we found it didn't suit us and the net income after extra kids clubs, summer clubs and the mayhem of Grandma's endless sweety draw every night meant it wasn't worth it. That was why we only booked 2 weeks in the first place due to holiday rules at work.

Might go for 4 weeks next year if I can wangle it between projects.

 

[crabbie1]

We are not doing Universal this time either as taking a 4year old and trying to explain to her she cant go on most rides my 10year old can is not a thought I relish.NO is not a word she likes!! So For mine and daves sanity we are not going as much as I love IOA.
We are still doing seaworld and hopefully busch gardens as havent been since 1996.more for the animals than the rides.
I would go with majorca. It will be another holiday to look forward to. I have booked a week off in december and may try and get a last minute back to florida. Off site with AP and £500 spends. Tht would be the condition

Watch what ur up to as well this year. No more injuries before you go

 

[london75]

Well the psoriasis brought on by the skin trauma of surgery from one of the broken arms is still haunting me unfortunately so if there is any reminder needed to not join in the Dad's race at sports day in 5 weeks then that's it.

To be honest that's why I'm craving sun so much at the moment, the hope it will get rid of the psoriasis. Last minute villa it is I think.