Newbie....any advise??

[mrsnj91]

I am looking to Univeral for our next trip but I know NOTHING about it other than it is two parks.
Do they run like Disney in regard to shuttles, packages, hotels, etc.
Is it better to stay onsite?
Which hotel would you recommend?
What about Nick. Hotel? Anyone stay here? Is it worth the $$?
How many days to explore the parks with a 4 year old in tow?
Is there plenty for her to do too?
Do they have stroller switch?
Fast passes or the like?
What is the difference between the two parks?
What is around in regard to resturants, etc?
Is there any difference in crowds, temp/weather, etc between July and August??

Any advise or suggestions???

 

[damo]

The best place to start is by reading the entire FAQ thread at the top of this forum. There is a ton of great info there as well as some links to other websites that can help you get a good feeling for the parks.

 

[bubba's mom]

I am looking to Univeral for our next trip but I know NOTHING about it other than it is two parks.
Do they run like Disney in regard to shuttles, packages, hotels, etc.

Hotels onsite....recommended you stay onsite. Shuttles, but closer to walk or boat. Usually cheaper to book everything a la carte vs. package

Is it better to stay onsite?

Yes, especially if you're going during busy time

Which hotel would you recommend?

Depends on what you're looking for and ages and your personality

What about Nick. Hotel? Anyone stay here? Is it worth the $$?

Friends of ours stayed there...the hotel is one day itself! Pretty expensive and (from what I recall) not near UO

How many days to explore the parks with a 4 year old in tow?

appx. 3 (depends if you stay onsite or not) .... 1 day each park plus another day for missed or favorite things

Is there plenty for her to do too?

Absolutely...wet and dry stuff....

Do they have stroller switch?

If you mean "baby swap" yes...

Fast passes or the like?

stay at onsite hotel=unlimited Express Pass....stay off site, you can purchase Express Pass, but limited to 1 time each ride

What is the difference between the two parks?

rides and themes....one is "ride the movies" the other is "lands of adventure"

What is around in regard to resturants, etc?

Restaurants and CS in parks and City Walk and all 3 hotels. You won't go hungry! IMHO, better food, better prices, better selection!

Is there any difference in crowds, temp/weather, etc between July and August??

Any advise or suggestions???

Later August will be better crowd and price wise...July is hot and crowded.

I agree with damo, there are sticky's and FAQ's to read that will answer most of your questions. Allearsnet.com website has a Universal section also (bottom left of homepage). Please don't take this the wrong way, but a LOT of people come here everyday and ask these same questions...which is why we put the stickys at the top. We don't mind answering them and helping, but put yourself in our shoes....if you had to answer the same question 20 times a day, it gets....well, So, read the sticky's and then ask away....we are definately here to help (you just might have to be patient, cuz we have less traffic here than the Disney boards).

 

[vacation dreamer]

I agree with damo, there are sticky's and FAQ's to read that will answer most of your questions. Allearsnet.com website has a Universal section also (bottom left of homepage). Please don't take this the wrong way, but a LOT of people come here everyday and ask these same questions...which is why we put the stickys at the top. We don't mind answering them and helping, but put yourself in our shoes....if you had to answer the same question 20 times a day, it gets....well, So, read the sticky's and then ask away....we are definately here to help (you just might have to be patient, cuz we have less traffic here than the Disney boards).


I love that they have "sticky's" but my only problem with some of them is getting past post that are outdated or written in 2002. This is why I post many of my questions. But I do understand how those with the information to give can tire of answering the same questions everyday.

 

[bubba's mom]

I love that they have "sticky's" but my only problem with some of them is getting past post that are outdated or written in 2002. This is why I post many of my questions.

Then, go to a couple of pages from the end, find this year's posts and work your way to the end..... The FAQ thread was just started in Feb. of this year...so that entire thread is current. (We will still help you tho)