Newbie to US/IOA/SW--Need advice

[kimcwl]

We are going to be in Orlando from April 1-7, and are planning to visit Universal/IOA and Sea World. We have been to Disney numerous times and know all the tips and tricks, but we are new to these other parks. I feel very lost and confused with trying to work out the best plan and budget, etc.

Our group consists of myself 40, DH 42, DD 11, DD 7.5. Mainly wanted to do Universal parks instead of Disney for the WWoHP at IOA. DD11 is huge fan and the rest of us aren't far behind. So, we are thinking of doing a 4 day Park to Park, plus 2 days at Sea World, since they have the 2nd day free thing. They will really love all the animals and activities there, too.

We are planning to stay offsite but nearby to get a cheaper hotel and be able to have that money available for the parks. But now I am doubting myself and wondering if we need to get an onsite hotel for either the early opening or the FoTL benefits. Or should we go with VIP passes to get the unlimited express? Or are lines not going to be so bad that week, since the Express pass is "relatively" low in cost?

When we do Disney, we know how to time things and use FastPass and EMH to get through everything with hardly any wait. So, I am afraid that waiting a lot at US/IOA is going to make us feel like we have wasted a lot of time and money.

I just do not have any idea what to expect here, but all the guidebooks say "long lines, use Express pass here," so it sounds awful!

Also, if we are arriving around 1 on Friday and need to leave around noon on Thursday, what days are better for each of the parks? Sea World on weekend, then the others during the week? I guess we will have to use one of those 1/2 days for a ticket day, so what is the best plan?

Sorry I seem so dense--I feel so confident with WDW, but just lost when it comes to this trip!

THANKS for any advice! KL

 

[damo]

Rooms are scarce for those nights to stay onsite right now. Did you check in the Harry Potter packages or the Getaway packages on the www.universalorlando.com website that will allow you to stay offsite but get early entry?

Crowds are usually the lowest at USF/IOA on Sundays.

 

[Metro West]

We are planning to stay offsite but nearby to get a cheaper hotel and be able to have that money available for the parks. But now I am doubting myself and wondering if we need to get an onsite hotel for either the early opening or the FoTL benefits. Or should we go with VIP passes to get the unlimited express? Or are lines not going to be so bad that week, since the Express pass is "relatively" low in cost?

Also, if we are arriving around 1 on Friday and need to leave around noon on Thursday, what days are better for each of the parks? Sea World on weekend, then the others during the week? I guess we will have to use one of those 1/2 days for a ticket day, so what is the best plan?

The crowd levels shouldn't be too terribly bad that week except for the weekend so try to stick to weekdays if you can...especially for WWoHP. I wouldn't do the VIP passes since it's not the busiest time of year. If you get there and decide the lines are too long, you can always purchase the EPs at either park. But getting there early is the key.

Sea World is a good park to do on the weekend but it will still be crowded.

 

[kimcwl]

Thank you for the input. As I was looking on the boards, I came up with another question. Would there be any benefit to purchasing an annual pass for one of us? We don't plan to come back within the year, but I didn't know if it might save enough in parking, food, merchandise, to be worth it.

Thanks again!

 

[Bluer101]

Thank you for the input. As I was looking on the boards, I came up with another question. Would there be any benefit to purchasing an annual pass for one of us? We don't plan to come back within the year, but I didn't know if it might save enough in parking, food, merchandise, to be worth it.

Thanks again!

Thats depends on if the $229.99 plus tax is cheaper than one of the tickets you have now. Depends on how many days of parking you will be paying. The first day parking is not included, unless you have someone drop you off and you go get the pass before entering the garage. Then you will be able to get 10% at most restaurants in and out of the parks at Citywalk.

To me its worth it.

Here is a complete list off AP benefits:

http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...up.aspx?ComponentId=9643&SourcePageId=12959#1


I just re-read your post and you are going for 4 days to Universal so you have the potential to save at least $60 just in parking.