Im planning a trip for March 2014. We'll be taking the DDs (3 of them ) to the MK to see the new expansion. We try to go every 2 year and have been 5 times in the last 9 years. But this time they want to also see the Harry Potter world. So I need some help/advice on the trip.
We stay on site at Disney. Usually at the Allstars. I dont think ill be able to afford an on site at Universal so it would be a partnership hotel.
Question is should we just stay all week at the Disney hotel and drive the one or
two days to Universal? Or stay in the Universal hotel 2 nights and Disney 3 nights?
How is the drive between the parks? How is parking at Universal? Cost of parking? Hassle of parking? That is one reason that we stay on site as Disney is the convenience and extras.
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated ...... thanks.
First, you don't say the ages of your DDs, but unless you book a suite, or book two rooms, the 3 onsite hotels have 2 queen beds and a roll away, that you will be charged for. Also, if more than 2 over 18 years old, you pay for each extra adult in the room. Most people take a blow up mattress for the fifth person, and the maid service will give you the linens for it.
Check the hotel rates in the forum Universal Hotels. That may show you what people paid for the hotels this past March 2013, and that will give you an idea of what to expect next March.
It will be a very busy time of year. Spring Break is almost as crazy as Christmas holidays. Know that everyone in your party gets an unlimited express pass from the onsite hotels. These passes are good for all but 3 rides and are valid the day you check in through the day you check out. So, with 1 nights lodging, you get 2 days of express pass. They are very useful if you hate to wait in long lines.
The 3 onsite hotels do charge extra for parking. Right now it is $18 plus tax. That is not a deal breaker for me, as although Disney does not charge extra, it surely is rolled into the price of the room. I like to have a car, so I do not mind the extra charge. I see it as the total price of the room. And, if you commute, you still pay for parking in huge garages and have to walk some to the parks. The parking at the hotels also works by charging at midnight. Thus, just like the express pass, unless you leave after midnight the day you check out, you are only charged 1 night. I always try to get a late flight, I check out, leave my bags with bell services, and retrieve my bags and my car from the hotel parking lot. Much easier to find, walk or boat to, and lets me enjoy the parks for a few more hours without having to move my car or pay for parking somewhere else.
The benefits of onsite room are: easy walk or boat ride to the parks, unlimited express pass (has a value of up to $100 per person), free 1 hour early entry to Potter area, this will help getting into the Forbidden Journey headliner ride. It is not a ride that has express pass. Free sending packages back to the room. Free pool hoping among the 3.
And, before i ramble too much more, go to the universal website. It will give you an idea of what the hotels, parks, food, and events are like.
And, we all suggest pricing as a package and with hotel and tickets separately. Most of us like undercovertourist.com for tickets. To get the unlimited express pass, you need your room key. It has nothing to do with your ticket. Since Universal does not own the hotels, there is no reason to package hotel and tickets unless you find a good deal. All the hotels are great to deal with directly. Ask for any applicable discounts. If you book your room directly with the hotel, you can adjust your rate if you see a better one after you booked. With a package, you will pay change fees.
As you can tell, I love the parks. My kids are a tween and teen and are ride junkies. I'm there for some, and enjoy watching them on some. Purchasing only 1 Annual Pass maybe also be beneficial. You can use the code APH to see if the annual pass discount for a room is available. Preferred AP holders get room discounts and discounts on food and purchases.
AAA is also useful for discounts at USO.
