New planning help

[mom2kaj]

I'm new to Universal and would appreciate any help or input I could get. We'll be visiting the week just after 4th of July (2 adults, 2 kids ages 8 and 10). I'm staying offsite (family timeshare). I'm thinking of getting 3 day park to park tickets and then 4 day Disney park hoppers. First do you think 3 days is enough at Universal? I've also read a bit about booking a room to get unlimited express pass. With a 3 day park to park do you think that is necessary? Also if you book a room do you have to wait until check in time to get the express pass? I'm considering coming a day before or stay a day after my timeshare, but also want to consider if the extra cost would be warranted. I'm familiar with how to navigate Disney touring plans, but this is a new animal. I'm really excited to try Universal; I want to be planned and prepared to make it a great experience for all.

 

[macraven]

July will have crowds and the ep would be helpful

Having long line waits for rides is one thing but you will have waits for restrooms and food places due to the large number in the parks

Could book one night at a deluxe and you will get check in and check out day ep

You can check in as early as 6 am the morning of your reservation
Get the hotel cards for all
The hotel card is used for the express lines

Doing that you would have two days of ep
Your third Park day hit repeat rides

If you decide not to stay onsite then go early each day to the parks and have a plan for touring

You will cover a lot but regular lines will have some waits

Three days are good as you never k ow when or if a ride goes down
Sometimes they do not come back up if it is late in the park day

 

[bobbie68]

Hi Macraven hit it dead on with everything. My family usually goes in July and I can agree the crowds will be high. I think three days with the EP is good. I would highly recommend going to one of the three on-site resorts for at least one night. Last July I stayed at Cabana bay for the week, but I booked a room at Royal Pacific for one night to get the EP for two days. I personally would not go to the parks without it in the summer. We personally feel the money we spend for the resort is worth it. I am not sure if you are thinking about Volcano Bay because of July. Staying on-site would give you EE there but no EP. Volcano Bay is really good for EE in the morning.

What we love about the Universal vacation verses Disney is the laid back touring and trip you will have. For the most part you don't have to plan anything more than a day or two ahead. Usually we just decide the night before what park or resort we want to do and do it. We treat lunch and dinner the same way. Decide in the morning then do it. There are some restaurants that are less busy on off times. The only suggestion I would have is if you are very interested in the HP worlds I would either do them first thing in the morning or early later evening. These two lands get very crowded and the space is small. You feel like people are on top of you and the rides get long lines.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are so close together that you can walk between them from front gate to front gate in 5-10 minutes. VB you would have to take a shuttle from the city walk garage or your resort.

Enjoy planning your vacation! You will have lots of fun.