Pls. Help: Universal 1st trip - Dec 2009

[ajpa]

Hi!
Can you help me plan our first ever visit to Universal Studios?
Our family is going to WDW* this Dec (12-17), our 3rd visit, and we'd like add 2 days for Universal Studios (Dec 17-19).

I don't know if I want to shell out for an on-site hotel, and I'm wondering if anyone has good recs for any of the offsite "partner hotels" listed on US's website. A mom I know recs Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal, another site recs Four Points by Sheraton Studio City - are these good choices? Is another one better? Are the offsite hotels' shuttles to US good?

I just checked US website and currently Royal Pacific is offering $175/night for those 2 nights - is this an exceptionally good rate? Would I get a better rate on orbitz (or similar website)?

We'll be flying in and won't have a car for the WDW ... aren't planning to rent a car unless absolutely necessary.

The other things is I don't know if we will actually have 2 days worth to do -- none of like roller coasters. Tower of Terror is pretty much the most thrilling thing I can do. We have 2 girls age 8 & 12 and they are not thrill-seekers either. What can we do in US that will be fun but not scary? Should we skip IOA altogether?

Is there some kind of "newbie FAQ for Universal Studios first-timers" anywhere? What do you think every newbie ought to know?

*(Coronado Springs )

Thanks for any help!!!!
aj in PA

 

[SNylund]

Definitely DO NOT skip IOA, it is the best park IMO, by far. There are a ton of things to do at both parks 2 days is about right, although we spend a week. 2 is good if that's all you can do but I definitely wouldn't do less.

THere is also a HOliday Inn on I-Drive real close but Double tree is good from what I've heard as well, but never stayed a the DT.

 

[damo]

Here is a good thread to go through

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1353733

 

[tylerbug]

2 days is not too much...alot to see aside from coasters...and staying on property is well worth the extra money and even more so without a car.....there hotels are great and you get front of the line access which is absolutely wonderful...(cant be beat) I think if you spring for the extra money you wont be sorry!!!!!!

 

[Darcy03231]

I'm a certified ride chicken and don't do rollercoasters. Having said that I'll ride/see everything in US other than the new rollercoaster (Rip Ride Rockit) and in IOA the only things I skip are Hulk, Dr. Doom, Dueling Dragons and the tea cup things next to Hulk (I can't take the spinning). There's lots to see/do for non-thrill ride people.

I highly recommend staying on site for the free unlimited Express Pass. We stayed at the Hard Rock in April and both my kids and loved having the Express Pass. Longest wait was about 10 minutes and most rides were walk on.

Have a great trip.