Need Universal /WDW advice --which first?

[Rock'n Robin]

We are going July 2-9 next year. Doing 4 nights at VWL and 3 nights at Universal (probably the Royal Pacific).
DH wants to do Universal first, but this would put us there July 2,3 and 4.
Are the discounts, i.e. entertainment book, good then or are there blackout dates?
We'll have front of the line passes, but will the crowds still be restrictive over the holiday?
Any advice appreciated, as I want to book our VWL next week either way--we are 11 months out.
Robin M.

 

[Cindy B]

well, if you stay onsite, you get the FOTL. That is a very relaxing experience. You get a more relaxed experience

 

[4greatboys]

The last couple of time I called no ent rate at HRH or RPR--they were out. Why not have one person get an AP? They have pretty good room discounts, you get a discount almost everywhere in the park for food, merchandise, etc.
If I was doing any parks over July 4th holiday I would want to stay at Universal--atleast you can take advantage of the FOLT. Though during busy summer months it had been restricted 1 ride for each attraction before 3pm then unlimited after that.
We have stayed at Universal the first part of our trip, the last part and the middle part. We just plan our Universal stay around which ever time they have a discounted room available.

 

[zaxmom]

Do Universal first. Normally I would say Disney first, but since it is a holiday, take advantage of FOTL. Another tip is to swim and relax early in the day and hit the parks late afternoon. It was amazing how much we got done in the evenings a couple of weeks ago. When they are open until 10:00, they really start clearing out before 7:00. FOTL was pretty much walk on before then. Use the busier hours to look for characters and see any of the shows. If you go to Universal first, it is going to be hard waiting in those long lines at Disney, though.

 

[Robinrs]

I stayed at the Hard Rock for 2 days in May 2002 then to the Dolphin for 4 days. It was VERY difficult to go from FOTL to a 25 - 60 minute wait on rides!

Go to Disney first, THEN do the Royal Pacific. The pace will be slower and you won't have to walk and wait as much on the second part of your trip, just when you need it.

 

[powellrj]

if you buy the 2 for 5 tickets on the universal site, they are good anytime. If you buy the power pass, it has blackout dates. You may want to check into an Anual pass. We got a great rate on our room and I think it was around $170 with no blackout dates. Go to the universal boards because with the time you have before your trip there are usually some great ticket specials out there at different times. I know this summer they offered free parktickets with room, 2 year AP for the price of one year, a kraft deal and a mastercard deal.