one day first time during the Holidays. Help!

[CaoilinnsMom]

I am Disney all the way, but my daughter loves Harry Potter. She is finally old enough to appreciate Universal. We will have 3 kids 10-15 and are just going to have one day to tour. Where are the best places to plan and look for information? Any help appreciated!

 

[bchbetha]

Park to parks are a must. Get to the parks at least 30 minutes before opening. I’d do Diagon Alley first. Ride Gringotts, buy some wands, sightsee, early lunch (by 11:30) at LC, Hogwarts Express over. Crowds will have swelled and you might want to avoid Hogsmeade as it’ll be shoulder to shoulder 12-5. That’s why I suggest 2 days so you can enjoy get parks and not have to deal with mobs. Finishing back on Diagon Alley is always nice. Orlando Informer has sample itineraries.
If you want to do it well, stay overnight at a deluxe (much cheaper than the same Disney category) for Express Passes. They’d be very valuable around the holidays. And 2 days would be so nice so there’s no rushing. If you’ve done Disney multiple times, I’d say try something new vs repeating. You might find you really like it (especially if you don’t go in holding your nose saying “Disney is better and I just have to do this but I don’t want to”- we hear that a lot here!).

 

[FoxC63]

There are way too many threads regarding Universal on the DIS but I hope you find what you need:

https://www.disboards.com/forums/universal-studios-islands-of-adventure-forums.30/

 

[bchbetha]

There are way too many threads regarding Universal on the DIS but I hope you find what you need:

https://www.disboards.com/forums/universal-studios-islands-of-adventure-forums.30/

OP posted on the Universal forum. You linked to said forum.
There was obviously interest in having a place to discuss Universal. The world doesn’t have to be just one or the other- it’s ok to like, visit and talk about both.

 

[FoxC63]

OP posted on the Universal forum. You linked to said forum.
There was obviously interest in having a place to discuss Universal. The world doesn’t have to be just one or the other- it’s ok to like, visit and talk about both.

Woof! Not on the same page at all. Here on the DIS if you want to find specific information for Disney like MNSSHP, FastPasses even MagicShots etc.. there are threads to cover any and all questions but when it comes to Universal not so much. The resorts are very well represented but not all topics are covered like Disney's. Even I I have a hard time finding specific threads and I'm no newbie.

 

[bchbetha]

Woof! Not on the same page at all. Here on the DIS if you want to find specific information for Disney like MNSSHP, FastPasses even MagicShots etc.. there are threads to cover any and all questions but when it comes to Universal not so much. The resorts are very well represented but not all topics are covered like Disney's. Even I I have a hard time finding specific threads and I'm no newbie.

Probably because Disney requires a crazy level of planning! Universal just doesn’t need all that since it’s so much easier.

 

[FoxC63]

Probably because Disney requires a crazy level of planning! Universal just doesn’t need all that since it’s so much easier.

We're planning on going to Universal Orlando during Thanksgiving. Dining reservations have been up for two, maybe three weeks but I had to scour the threads to find information and reviews.

 

[CaoilinnsMom]

Yes, looking for advice to see the most and do the most during a busy time. Have already purchased park to park and plan to get the one ride express pass. Stay at a Universal area hotel is not an option for this trip. Not a Disney snob, but we have DVC and don't want to spend the extra money on something that is already paid for. Already dropping a crazy amount on the passes and tickets with 5 adults. Plan to Uber over in the morning, and see as much as we can. Any advice within those parameters is much appreciated. Places to eat, order of attractions suggested, places to look online for advice, etc. Thanks!

 

[bchbetha]

Did you go to Orlando Informer and look at their sample itineraries? That’s a great jumping off point. https://orlandoinformer.com/universal/touring-plans/
Honestly, just trying to save you $. You might already have lodging but at the holidays the once/ ride EP will be at least $80/ person. $80x5= $350 minimum. You’d get early entry with a hotel room (that you never even have to use) and unlimited Express Passes for everyone. The math almost always works out better (obviously better if doing 2 days in the park since 1 night equals two days of Express Passes but still could be good for one day over the holidays because of early entry).
Anyway, check out the linked itineraries and arrive at least an hour before opening so you maximize your time in the park.

 

[christophfam]

How much are are the express passes you plan on buying? With 5 passes needed, it may be more than the free unlimited express you receive for two days with a one night hotel stay. Even if you don’t stay in the room, which I’d highly recommend since it makes the stay so much more enjoyable and relaxing it may be the less expensive option.

 

[bchbetha]

How much are are the express passes you plan on buying? With 5 passes needed, it may be more than the free unlimited express you receive for two days with a one night hotel stay. Even if you don’t stay in the room, which I’d highly recommend since it makes the stay so much more enjoyable and relaxing it may be the less expensive option.

Agree. And for one day in the park, I’d head to Universal hotel around check in the day before, enjoy the hotel, eat at CityWalk, early bedtime and hit the ground running in the AM. You’ll fully maximize your time and I know my crew enjoys a low key day like that.