Need some advice please

[bobgobblin15]

I am planning on coming down in May with my two girls. We already have reservations at a Disney hotel, but then my oldest realized the new Epic Universe is opening during the time we are there. We have never done Universal. None of us have ever even seen the park in person. Should we do a split stay between our Disney hotel and a Universal hotel, or does it matter? We are driving if that makes a difference. Is there anything we need to know? Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place. Please give this Universal newbie all the advice you can!

 

[HopperFan]

I am planning on coming down in May with my two girls. We already have reservations at a Disney hotel, but then my oldest realized the new Epic Universe is opening during the time we are there. We have never done Universal. None of us have never even seen the park in person. Should we do a split stay between our Disney hotel and a Universal hotel, or does it matter? We are driving if that makes a difference. Is there anything we need to know? Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place. Please give this Universal newbie all the advice you can!

Are you thinking a one day ticket to EPIC or a package with all three parks? The one days just now went on sale and you might want to check if even available for your dates and the cost. EPIC is going to be packed.

We often do Universal and WDW but I don't split my stays. I just drive over to Universal it's not far at all. Now if you are considering the package with multi days, perhaps see what packages they might offer. And if you can consider the three top hotels budget wise over at IOA/US that include the Express Pass in their rate. That is just for IOA & US.

 

[bobgobblin15]

I’ll be honest I have no idea! I was thinking just Epic, but now I’m kind of wanting to also go to Universal Studios. My oldest and I are huge HP fans, while the younger one is a huge Mario fan, but also loves the minions. I have started watching YouTube videos to get a better idea of what to expect.

Our dates are May 16 to now the 23rd. Will Epic still be packed. Sorry I don’t know when schools let out around there. I’ve never done a split stay, and I don’t particularly think I would like it. But I do have Amex points that I can use for Universal Hard Rock hotel. But if it’s not too far I definitely do not mind driving over either.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Epic doesn't officially open until May 22 and right now the May single day tickets are sold out. You can still get multi-day tickets with a start date of May 23. Epic will likely be as packed as it gets on the second day of operation...

 

[HopperFan]

I’ll be honest I have no idea! I was thinking just Epic, but now I’m kind of wanting to also go to Universal Studios. My oldest and I are huge HP fans, while the younger one is a huge Mario fan, but also loves the minions. I have started watching YouTube videos to get a better idea of what to expect.

Our dates are May 16 to now the 23rd. Will Epic still be packed. Sorry I don’t know when schools let out around there. I’ve never done a split stay, and I don’t particularly think I would like it. But I do have Amex points that I can use for Universal Hard Rock hotel. But if it’s not too far I definitely do not mind driving over either.

EPIC will be packed to capacity for a long time, like year or more so there is no getting around that. They built lands there that will draw in all age levels and it won't matter if school is in session or not. And honestly we have no idea if they will have issues with rides going down those first few months. While we would love to go as soon as it opens we have decided to wait and let them work any bugs off, but we don't expect the crowds to back off for a very long time.

Because they originally only sold EPIC tickets as part of a package, all the parks will be busy so staying at Hard Rock would give you the Express Pass. Now if you are HP fans then I suggest you do both IOA and US. If you don't have hopping tickets you can not ride Hogwarts Express, which is pretty cool. And at IOA is Forbidden Journey and Hogsmeade.

I suppose my decision would be .... will you be back soon and have another opportunity when crowds slow down a bit OR if this is a once in awhile trip, then see what tickets and hotel options you have, and if the offer differs if you are using hotel points. AND STUDY UP!

 

[HopperFan]

Epic doesn't officially open until May 22 and right now the May single day tickets are sold out. You can still get multi-day tickets with a start date of May 23. Epic will likely be as packed as it gets on the second day of operation...

I didn't even pick up on that .... going right at opening day ....

 

[bobgobblin15]

Thank yall both!! If they are already sold out then we will just wait. We need to leave by the 23rd anyways.

But we will be back the second week of December! So maybe that is an option. And time to work out the bugs and everything hopefully before December. And gives me plenty of time to study up!! Also, thank you for letting me know about the hopping tickets and Hogworts Express. I’ll need to remember that.

 

[Minnie1222]

Our dates are May 16 to now the 23rd.

If you want to see Epic, you can still buy the 3-day package with the start date of 05/23. You can go to Epic on the 23rd and forfeit the remaining days, or stay longer and go to the other two parks on the 24th and 25th. The single day and 2-day packages are sold out at this time.

I'm sure Epic will be busy, but we're used to crowds. We'll be there on May 23rd.

 

[bobgobblin15]

If you want to see Epic, you can still buy the 3-day package with the start date of 05/23. You can go to Epic on the 23rd and forfeit the remaining days, or stay longer and go to the other two parks on the 24th and 25th. The single day and 2-day packages are sold out at this time.

I'm sure Epic will be busy, but we're used to crowds. We'll be there on May 23rd.

I did see that they were already sold out for even the two day packages. I think we will wait till December when we go. I’ll just have to remember that the tickets sell out fast! Lol

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I don't think you'll have problems in early or mid Dec. Last 2 weeks may well sell out.

You can get tickets now for Dec if you already know your dates.

 

[Kit Jackson]

But we will be back the second week of December! So maybe that is an option. And time to work out the bugs and everything hopefully before December. And gives me plenty of time to study up!! Also, thank you for letting me know about the hopping tickets and Hogworts Express. I’ll need to remember that.

I think that makes the most sense. It will give you more time to plan, do research, and figure out what makes sense so you can spend more time at Universal Orlando and have the best trip possible.

 

[bobgobblin15]

I don't think you'll have problems in early or mid Dec. Last 2 weeks may well sell out.

You can get tickets now for Dec if you already know your dates.

Good! We are scheduled to go the second week of December. lol we may a newbie mistake of going to Disney actual Christmas week last year won’t do that again!

 

[bobgobblin15]

I think that makes the most sense. It will give you more time to plan, do research, and figure out what makes sense so you can spend more time at Universal Orlando and have the best trip possible.

Yes! It sounds like we definitely need to plan and there Will be more of us going then, so planning it will be important to make sure everyone enjoys it.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Yes! It sounds like we definitely need to plan and there Will be more of us going then, so planning it will be important to make sure everyone enjoys it.

Planning for Universal Orlando is not like planning for WDW. Almost nothing needs to be booked in advance aside from park tickets, hotel, and maybe a few crazy popular places to eat and even if you book a month in advance you would probably be fine for the restaurants.

Something to think about is budget and how you want to spend it, especially with rooms. Sometimes booking a more expensive room that includes ExpressPass makes sense.
(Booking a room that includes Express Pass compared to Booking a room+buying ExpressPass separately)

Having a rough idea of what rides you want to do is helpful, as well as which rides you may want to skip. You will not be booking them in advance, but it will help you plan your days. Some of the rides are more intense so it's worth thinking about any ride tolerance/issues in your travel party. Universal Orlando is not Six Flags. It is easy for ride cowards to have a fantastic time at Universal Orlando.