NEW to Universal please help me plan

[tinkerbell423]

Hi Everyone
I am hoping someone will offer me their help. My family has visited Disney once or twice a year for the last seven years. Needless to say I have extensive knowledge and have completely researched every trip (I'm anal that way). This year however we are trying something new. We have rented a house (second time doing this) and plan to go to Sea World and both Universal Parks as well a a beach of some sort.

OK So here are the the specifics We will be traveling with our three children ages 11, 7 and 4. The oldest loves thrill rides and the 7 year old is just starting to like them. The youngest wants to do everything but she is often too short. We will be in Fl for Christmas and New year. We figure we can start visiting parks on Dec 25 and the last day is Jan2. I need help plannig what day to visit what pary. We will have 7 day tickets to universal and 7 day tickets for Aquatica (I hope it's not too cold) and Sea world. I also need suggestions for a good beach to visit. My son really hopes to find shark teeth, is this a possibality?

I also need suggestions for a touring plan at each park. We plan on returning for several days and would like to take it slowly. I should also mention my middle daughter is very ADHD and has sensory intergration issues. In the past we have received a Guest assistance pass at Disney does Universal or Sea World do this too? She had the pass for seperate waiting area and was able to use her stroller as a wheelchair if we felt it was nesessary.

I am really grateful for any help anyone can provide. I am used to over researching everything however I am working two job to put away a little extra money for the trip and I just don't have to time rightnow to do all the leg work.

Thank you

 

[drenalin'junkie]

Closest beach with sharks teeth would be Washington Oaks State park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/default.cfm

We do multiple parks over the holidays every year,planning a specific park per day helps with meal reservations but the weather can make certain rides(water,outside lines) and attractions problematic.
This year we are doing SeaWorld for NYE because I can insure a dinner res with my Platinum Pass just weeks away.SW has plenty of comfortable areas to sit with children who are run down as well,14 hours in the park takes a lot of energy.
Hope this helps.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

The GAC passes are available at Universal, just stop at Guest Services just inside either of the parks.
The one drawback is you have to apply for one each visit, ideally it would be nice to have a pass that lasts for the whole holiday/vacation.

Sea World are very pro-active in looking after their disabled guests, however we have never applied for a GAC card there as we don't feel we need to really, it isn't a park that we have found attracts long queue's for the attractions we go on.
I am sure they do something along the same lines.

I am not sure about the 'teeth' but have always liked the west coast beaches of Clearwater, St Pete's and in particular Anna Maria Island.

Can highly recommend this site:

http://www.beachhunter.net/

 

[macraven]

look through this thread in case there is something in it that will assist you.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1993780

 

[Metro West]

look through this thread in case there is something in it that will assist you.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1993780

 

[tinkerbell423]

thank you for your help. I mapquested the beach and it looks doable. It is also good to know I will need to get a new guest assistance pass each day the ones at Disney were good for the entire stay.

Can someone explain the all you can eat meal plan. Is it worth it? or will it just slow us down. My girls usually share a meal but my husband, son and I eat our own.

 

[Metro West]

Can someone explain the all you can eat meal plan. Is it worth it? or will it just slow us down. My girls usually share a meal but my husband, son and I eat our own.

The Meal Deal is usually only good if you like fast food type meals and eat a lot. If your daughters share a meal, I would pass on it.

 

[macraven]

i only get it when i know i will be at the studios all day long.

i love all the food at louies and the IFFF.


i stuff myself like a little piggie........


i take my refillable mug and pay the refill price.
and i use my ap or aaa card for the 10% discount for that.

the beverage is not included on the meal deal.
there is a separate promo/cost for the beverage