Possible to have fun at Universal over a weekend after Disney Cruise?

[kpgclark]

Note that I've posted somethiing similar on the cruise board.

We're Disney cruising over spring break Sat. - Sat. (never cruised Disney before). I thought it would be nice to come back from the cruise and go to Universal (or go before the cruise.) If I decide not to pull the kids out of school, can we still ejoy the Universal parks (we've never been) if we've just come in from a cruise and leave the next day for home? I have a feeling that will really be pushing it.

If not, is it any better to go before or after a cruise? Before would mean we'd be at the park on Thurs. and Friday. After would mean probably Sunday, Monday, and maybe part of the day on Tuesday.

Kids are in 3rd grade and Kindergarten.

 

[robvia]

Others have posted similar questions.

The answer is Yes. You can have fun at IOA after a Disney cruise, even if you are rushed.

The boat arrives around 9am Saturday, and the people get off around 10am or so. If you stay onsite, you would have the entire afternoon, and then Sunday to see everything.

Sat to Sat seems like a long time to be on a boat. We've often answered questions about arriving and then going to IOA, but I never knew it was Sat to Sat. Sheees, that's a long time. I sense it's Disney's way of keeping people from seeing the other parks.
It comes down to whether you can handle being in close quarters with everyone for 8 days, as compared to your home where you can hide in a room when things get tense.
I'm sure there will be arguments.
If you can stick together, and get off the boat, and check into an onsite hotel, I know you'll have a good time at IOA.

 

[h20jag]

What a great way to re-adjust to land! The kids would probably love some rides on Cat-in-Hat and One Fish Two Fish at Seuss Landing in IOA (& lots more around the park). Not to mention the fact that 3rd-grader could boast at school of ending big cruise with time at IOA!!
Jim

 

[MsDisney]

Sat to Sat seems like a long time to be on a boat. We've often answered questions about arriving and then going to IOA, but I never knew it was Sat to Sat. Sheees, that's a long time. I sense it's Disney's way of keeping people from seeing the other parks

Well, I went on the 4 day disney cruise back in '99 and I think the reason Disney added the 7 night cruise is because people like ME filled out the comment cards and stated, "YOU NEED A 7 NIGHT CRUISE!!!" as 4 nights just wasn't long enough!!!

My experience was that the boat came in at an un-godly hour like 6 AM or something...with us off the boat by 8 at the latest. But I don't know if they've changed that...

I think you should go to IOA when you get back...a cruise is relaxing, more or less, not the run-you-ragged experience that 7 days at WDW would provide you with!

I have a 3rd grader and a 5th grader and they LOVE IOA!

Karen

 

[jabrown40]

I know teachers everywhere will complain with my answer - pull the kids out of school! At those ages, they should do okay. In fact, I took my kids out, until they hit middle school. If you only miss a couple of days, they should catch up easily. Especially before spring break - don't most classes have parties on the last day anyway? I would highly recommend US and IOA. I think after being on the ship, they will enjoy the attractions.

 

[Dancind]

You probably know this, but only go to US and IOA if you stay on-site! Spring break, my gosh! It's very very crowded in Orlando, but if you have FOTL privileges you should be able to see everything. Diana

 

[Cindy B]

My kids loved Universal, yes you will love it...

I have a second grader and a kindergartener

 

[Julie 363]

We are doing just that.......first a Disney Cruise and then off to the Royal Pacific for three days. We will be at HHN on Halloween night, Friday we'll go to US and then Saturday night back home. I think whether you decide to go before the cruise or after you will have a great time.