Preplanning stages-couple of questions!

[lbosborn]

I recently won a trip on a radio station that includes airfare for 2, 3 nights at the Cabana Bay Beach resort, and tix for 2 to all the Universal parks. My husband and I figured this would be a good time to put this towards our Disney extravaganza. We plan to go Oct/Nov 2015, my daughter will be almost 3, my son 5. We had planned to go 2 years out but winning this trip has lit the fire under me to plan the trip sooner. I didn't realize Universal Studios and Disney were so separated and as far apart as they are. I have been to both but just didn't realize. We want to use our 3 free nights but then want to pick up and go over to Magic Kingdom area for another 4 nights. Any suggestions, issues w/ this, ideas? Does anyone know if they offer transportation from US to MK? Can I still book packages and do all the fast pass - meal plan stuff? Thanks so much for any advice. I'm new at this

 

[bumbershoot]

We want to use our 3 free nights but then want to pick up and go over to Magic Kingdom area for another 4 nights. Any suggestions, issues w/ this, ideas? Does anyone know if they offer transportation from US to MK? Can I still book packages and do all the fast pass - meal plan stuff?

We rent a car. You do pay to park at Universal resorts, though I believe CB's parking fee is just $10 plus tax per night (vs the deluxe resorts' higher parking fee). You can always check for one-way rentals, like MCO airport to the Loews resorts if you use Hertz, or if you use Alamo/National drop-off at the 4 Points location and take a quick cab back. Then pick up a car the day you move to WDW and drop off at the Car Care Center or the Swan/Dolphin if you use Alamo/National.

Or just arrange for a towncar to get from the airport, and then again, or a cab, to WDW. Depends on if you want to keep the car around.

Booking packages and meal plans...you mean for WDW? Sure, just book however you want it. Seems like you have what you have with the prize for Universal.

 

[johde]

First off, congratulations on winning the trip. Having never one a trip, I would chick with the prize department to make sure you can book return airfare after your last day at Universal. Once that's squared away, you can book your Disney vacation just fine. You will need to plan your own transportation from Universal to Disney but if you are staying on Disney property you can use Disney's Magical Express to get from your resort back to the MCO. Booking Fast Passes is a function of having Disney Tickets and where you are staying. You need to have purchased your tickets. If you are staying onsite you can book 60 stays in advance if you are staying offsite it's 30 days.