Please help me decide

[Mom21]

We go to Disney about 2-3 times a year for the last 15 years, so I have gotten to be quite an expert on that. I have only been to Universal once for a few hours. All I remember was that there was a very long walk from the parking lot to the entrance. Even with the walkways, it seemed forever to get to the entrance. We didn't stay long as it was such a hot day and dd was only 3 so not so much to do for her. Now she is almost 9. We usually go every year in the first 2 weeks of Dec to experience Disney at Christmas. This year we thought we may do something different and go to universal.

So help me plan a nice vacation as hubby isn't too keen on changing from Disney. We need at least a 1 bedroom (with a definite door from the main sitting area)but not one with a king bed (that seemed to be all I could find on the website)--need two queens. We always have to plan to have my stepson with us (13) as his mother lets us know at the last minute if he can go or not (sigh). I did see the kids suite at the hard rock. Not sure if I want to shell out $479/night though. Also I see there is a special for buy 2 adults for $99 each and get 2 kids plus 3 days free. So basically for $200 all of us could get in for 5 days? I do want to stay at one of the hotels as I heard you can go to a special line and not wait as long....kind of like a fast pass from Disney. Is this still true?

Thanks for any info from a Universal newbie. Anything else to do there special in Dec. Throw me all your knowledge.

 

[lindalinda]

The ticket prices are the bargain like you said, 200$ for the tickets. If you need a separate room, you need a suite, I think the hard rock kids suite might be you best deal, but check into the rooms at PBH, they are larger rooms i think ( I havent stayed at that one.) I dont know if they have anything but king suites at rpr, you might have to call and check on that. If not maybe a rollaway bed? The walk from the garages isnt really that bad, but if you choose to stay off-site instead, you can always valet park, i think its a bargain at 16$. That puts you at the escalator next to city walk. If your daughter is almost 9, i bet she would absolutely love US and IOA. Good luck, read these boards theres lots of good info here.