Questions...

[Luv2Laff]

I am pretty sure that we are heading to WDW for free dining next March, but I would like to get there on the 3rd, and stay off site for 1 night to do Harry Potter on the 4th before heading over to check in at WDW. The free dining for that time frame is the 4th-10th. My questions are:

1. What is a good hotel with shuttles to and from Universal? We would probably take a cab from the hotel to WDW due to luggage, etc. Is this a good idea or should we do 2 nights off site so we have a day to go from hotel to hotel? I only ask because what the heck do I do with my luggage if we check out at one hotel and then head to Universal?

2. What is the best way to get from MCO to the hotel? Obviously there won't be DME since we aren't headed straight to WDW. With a possible cab ride for this and then hotel to hotel, is it just cheaper to get a rental car for 2 days?

3. Will WDW let you start your vacation on the 3rd but not start free dining until the 4th? My guess is no, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

I really want to make this work. My son and I are HUGE Harry Potter fans, and I just can't go to Orlando without at least checking it out! Thanks in advance!

 

[BrerMama]

What I would do is take a towncar from MCO to one of the Universal Onsite hotels. If you stay in their onsite hotels, you get express pass which lets you go to the front of the line (like fastpass) on almost every ride. It doesn't include the Harry Potter area, but still well worth the expense if you're only going for one day. Then hire the same towncar service to take you from Universal to WDW the next day.

Sure, Disney will let you start your vacation on the 3rd. You'll have to book room only for the 3rd, then check in for your package on the 4th.

 

[Luv2Laff]

So if I book room only for the 3rd, can I still take DME to the resort and then just take a cab to Universal from there? Or do you have to do a package to get DME? That seems to make the most sense, although a night off site would definitely be cheaper.

 

[BrerMama]

Sure. Make a room only for the 3rd, take DME to the resort, check in for one night, then in the morning you'll have to go check in again for your package. When booking your room only, have reservations link the package and room only nights so that hopefully you won't have to change rooms. Have concierge get you a cab for Islands of Adventure. If you do have to change rooms, bell services will hold your luggage until the new room is ready and then deliver it for you.

 

[Tinkmom75]

Another Universal Hotel perk is early entry to Islands of Adventure for Harry Potter. Depending on the crowds that time of year that may be well worth it since you are only doing 1 day.