Need your help - US/IOA & WDW split

[ms.ojo]

OK, We finally decided we WILL add some extra days to include US/IOA in our Dec trip. here are our options. Please help me choose. I'm so wrapped up in it I can't think straight anymore, and dh is leaving this up to me. I've already discovered some nights the hotels we want at Disney are unavailble at the AAA rate so I need to get this booked ASAP. We are a family of 4, cihldren will be 6 and almost 3 when we travel. We are arriving the week AFTER Thanksgiving. THANK YOU!!!

Option #1. Do WDW first. Travel Mon 11/28-Su 12/11. Allows us to end Disney w/ Spectro on Sat. and still enjoy MVMCP the following week. US will be the something to look forward to after a week at the conf. Going on the 10th US Christmas displays will be up by then. $440 premium over our current reservations w/ no Univ. trip.
Mo: Arrive WDW
Tu: WDW Park
We: WDW Park
Th: R&R (tour WDW hotels and DTD)
Fr: WDW Park
Sa: WDW Park
Su: Change hotels to Gaylord Palms for Conf. At Gaylord Palms til Friday, 12/9. Plan to do MVMCP from Gaylord on Tu or Thurs night.
Fr: Change to Hard Rock Hotel in the afternoon, possibly tour, or just explore grounds and swim.
Sa: Tour US/IOA w/ a 1day hopper pass.
Su: Swim and pack. p/u for airport is at 11am

Option #2. Do US in the middle. Travel Mon 11/28-Su 12/11. Allows us to use Disney free transport to and from airport. We end the trip w/ Disney! Probably won't see US christmas stuff ready at this time. $540 premium over our current reservations w/ no Univ. trip.

Mo: Arrive WDW
Tu: WDW Park
We: WDW Park
Th: R&R (tour WDW hotels and DTD)
Fr: WDW Park til 6:30 to see Osbourne lights then change hotels for late check in at Hard Rock Hotel.
Sa: US/IOA
Su: Could buy a 2day ticket and tour some more this morning, or just have the 1day hopper for Sat and spend today poolside before we change hotels to Gaylord Palms for Conf. At Gaylord Palms til Friday, 12/9. Plan to do MVMCP from Gaylord on Tu or Thurs night.
Fr: Change to WL in the afternoon. (Swim, tour Disney hotels, DTD, etc)
Sa: WDW Park
Su: Swim and pack. p/u for airport is at 11am

Option #3. US in the middle but later. Travel Wed 11/30 - Tuesday 12/13. Allows us to use Disney free transport to and from airport. We end the trip w/ Disney! Will see US christmas stuff ready at this time. Only 1 night at Hard Rock $400 premium over our current reservations w/ no Univ. trip.

We: Travel check-in ASMo
Th: WDW park
Fr: WDW Park
Sa: WDW Park
Su: Change hotels to Gaylord Palms for Conf. At Gaylord Palms til Friday, 12/9. Plan to do MVMCP from Gaylord on Tu or Thurs night.
Fr: Change to Hard Rock Hotel in the late morning. (Swim, tour hotel or possibly 1/2 day touring parks)
Sa: Check out and hold luggage. Tour US/IOA. LATE check-in at POFQ.
Su: R&R
Mo: WDW park (should be able to end w/ Spectro on Mon night)
Tu: p/u at 11am for airport

Option #5. US w/ no FOTL access. Travel Mon 11/28 - Sunday 12/11. Allows us to use Disney free transport to and from airport. We end the trip w/ Disney! We tour Univ mid-week but w/out the benefit of FOTL access since we'd be taking a shuttle over from our Disney hotel. Perhaps wouldn't need since mid-week?? Wouldn't see US Christmas stuff. $340 premium over our current reservations w/ no Univ. trip.

My biggest questions:
What exactly IS Universal's Christmas decorations/extras. Is it worth it?
W/ a young family, and touring on the weekend I think staying on-site at Univ is a must. but it is Dec....perhaps we don't need to?

Thanks for your help. I'm posting on the Univ board too!!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Option #1 sounds simple. Disney resort~Gaylord Palms~HRH

You will enjoy Universal during Christmas season. They will have the parks all decked out. You have to meet the Grinch in the Whoville. This is in IOA. The Macy's Parade is at USO. We stayed at RPR and the resort is just beautiful all decorated. I am sure HRH and PBH are also decorated.

 

[stlrod]

We always save US/IOA for the end. It's difficult to stand in line at Disney after experiencing the onsite benefit.

 

[ms.ojo]

I tend to think that's our simplest, and less stressful option too. Minimizes hotel hopping AND let's us exp. Universal w/ their Christmas stuff. i was just concerned if we'd feel odd not having a mouse day at the very end before heading home...but I think Universal will be a lot of fun and a nice treat. Esp. w/ the parade....it will give us a bang at the end. (Just no Spectromagic our last night)

Does Univ do any nighttime FW or other shows????

Thanks again.