I'm planning a trip to Universal/ IOA for the 21-23 July with family and friends 7 of us in all, 4 adults; 3 boys 1-8 1/2 and Twins almost 7. We are staying at Pop Centry 2 nights- I know Disney hotel- going to the Dark side- I'm probably breaking some unspoken rule but I had Disney $ to use and 1 nite of hotel stay is covered. Does Universal have some sort of bus pu at or near the Disney Hotels- if so where and how much? or would it be best to pay the 12$ parking fee- we will most likely have to take two cars for two days. If we leave same day will we have another parking fee to come back same day?
Any must dos?Must sees? Where to eat?
The last time I was at Universal was in 92- At City walk in 2002.
Thanks
welcome to the darkside!
mears shuttle from disney hotels to uo cost $14 pp round trip. ($90)
(you don't want to pay that much money for the 7 of you.) you call mears from hour hotel, the front desk concierge area can do that for you the night before. you have to have your seats held for you. they are small shuttle busses so a ressie for transportation is necessary.
the shuttle will stop at the resorts at the car service/taxi area away from the bus stops for the parks.
if you decide to take a cab, get it from downtown disney as it is much cheaper to go from there to universal. and arrange it before rush hour.
time in the taxi counts besides mileage. you don't want to be sitting on I4 for 20 minutes due to traffic back ups.
it would be cheaper for the 7 of you to go by car.
parking is in the covered garage. your car won't be as hot as the 4th of july then by being shielded from the sun. even if you take two cars, you come out ahead financially. ($24)
you can leave the park and eat at a local or fast food place durinng the day if you don't want to eat in the park. your parking stub will let you reenter the parking lot free. you can leave and reenter all you want for the one parking fee.
be at the parking garage at 7:45. the garage opens at 8 but if you wait till then in july to get in, your wait will be lllooonnnggg to get into the garage.
be at the turnstile around 8:20. chances are you will be unofficially let in around 8:30. not all rides will be open at 8:30 though but enough to do them and then head on to other things before the crowds come.
around 11ish, is when the crowds start to form in the park.
eat at off times to avoid them.
at noon time most will want to eat, do the rides then.
same for dinner hours.
please read the stickies in all the UO forums to get an idea of the parks.
read about the rides, dining, activities, child swaps, etc.
come back if you have more questions.
we would love to help you.
