Newbie - Split Disney/Universal Stay

[Nemo32]

Hi, all!

I am planning a short stay at Disney next October 2015 with a day trip to Universal. So, I would like your advice on a few things...

1. I am planning to purchase the 1 Day/2 Park with RT Transportation from Disney from the Universal Website, which is $299 per person currently - is there a better deal somewhere else or a better way to get the ticket plus transportation?

2. DBF is going for Springfield, U.S.A. while I am up for pretty much any ride plus am curious to see what all of the HP stuff is about. DBF doesn't like thrill rides, so I'm willing to forgo those for his sake. I know it's one day, but would it be feasible to do Springfield, U.S.A. and HP? If so, in what order, etc.?

3. Also, I would really love to not spend extra $ on an Express Pass - could these things be done without one?

Some rides/attraction I would like to get done:
-Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott's
-Revenge of the Mummy
-The Simpsons Ride
-Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
-Dragon Challenge

These are maybes depending on DBF:
-The Incredible Hulk Coaster
-Jurassic Park River Adventure

Thank you all for your advice and tips!

 

[damo]

Hi, all!

I am planning a short stay at Disney next October 2015 with a day trip to Universal. So, I would like your advice on a few things...

1. I am planning to purchase the 1 Day/2 Park with RT Transportation from Disney from the Universal Website, which is $299 per person currently - is there a better deal somewhere else or a better way to get the ticket plus transportation?

2. DBF is going for Springfield, U.S.A. while I am up for pretty much any ride plus am curious to see what all of the HP stuff is about. DBF doesn't like thrill rides, so I'm willing to forgo those for his sake. I know it's one day, but would it be feasible to do Springfield, U.S.A. and HP? If so, in what order, etc.?

3. Also, I would really love to not spend extra $ on an Express Pass - could these things be done without one?

Some rides/attraction I would like to get done:
-Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott's
-Revenge of the Mummy
-The Simpsons Ride
-Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
-Dragon Challenge

These are maybes depending on DBF:
-The Incredible Hulk Coaster
-Jurassic Park River Adventure

Thank you all for your advice and tips!

1. Are you sure that's the correct price?

2. Springfield is just one ride and a collection of places to eat and some photo ops. It is a small area.

3. Express pass isn't good for Forbidden Journey or Gringotts or Hogwarts Express.

4. I don't think you need to plan it as much as you are.

 

[Nemo32]

1. Are you sure that's the correct price?

2. Springfield is just one ride and a collection of places to eat and some photo ops. It is a small area.

3. Express pass isn't good for Forbidden Journey or Gringotts or Hogwarts Express.

4. I don't think you need to plan it as much as you are.

I believe that is the price...I used Universal's website. But maybe there is a better way to do it?

I may as well skip Express Pass if it's only good for three of the rides I wana go in. And you can blame the Disney commando style tourer in me for planning this much!

 

[godders]

I would use Undercover tourist for your tickets. Much better value for money. Also if you can stay at one of the universal hotels then you get the express pass/early entry and as you're booking so far in advance it's likely you could get a good deal

 

[BrerNashville]

I'd knock a night off of Disney and stay at one of the on site Loew's hotels that give you "free" express pass. You could rent a car from the Alamo car center at disney and drop off at the airport.

 

[Nemo32]

I would use Undercover tourist for your tickets. Much better value for money. Also if you can stay at one of the universal hotels then you get the express pass/early entry and as you're booking so far in advance it's likely you could get a good deal

I'd knock a night off of Disney and stay at one of the on site Loew's hotels that give you "free" express pass. You could rent a car from the Alamo car center at disney and drop off at the airport.

We aren't spending much time in Disney as it is. It's a 4 night/5 day trip in total. Disney we are going for F&W and MNSSHP, so we just have time for MK and EP. So, unfortunately, it does have to be a day trip or else I would stay overnight at Universal.