Seaworld or Universal...worth it?

[RebeccaUC]

So we have our 11 days at Disney and AKL all booked. This is our third year in a row and we love it. Looking for something new though. My daughter has interest in going to Seaworld or Universal. Looking at the websites for it I can see that when its all said and done it will probably run us another $500 for a day at one of these two places. Just wanted to hear from people who've been to either. Is it worth it? What would you suggest?

Thanks!

 

[SDTeaGirl]

So we have our 11 days at Disney and AKL all booked. This is our third year in a row and we love it. Looking for something new though. My daughter has interest in going to Seaworld or Universal. Looking at the websites for it I can see that when its all said and done it will probably run us another $500 for a day at one of these two places. Just wanted to hear from people who've been to either. Is it worth it? What would you suggest?

Thanks!

We were there in Dec for 12 days- we did SeaWorld -1 day and Universal (both parks- 1 day at each park)2 days

We really enjoyed SeaWorld- our DD is 10 and it was fun for the whole family- would go back again.

We went last year to Universal (just Universal not IOA) and really enjoyed it this year and last year- one of our favorite parks- We also did IOA- this year and enjoyed it- but if not a Thrill Rider- there is a lot of rides you will not ride then- like us we don't really like the intense thrill rides- but we did enjoy the park but would probably not go back unless we had a park hopper- don't think I need a full day at just this park.

Also if staying on Disney Property- Mears has a Shared Bus Ride to SeaWorld and Universal for $19/person- it was very handy to use.

 

[RebeccaUC]

I had no idea there was a Mears shuttle to Seaworld! Was that something you booked in advance?
Thanks for the advice...

 

[SDTeaGirl]

I had no idea there was a Mears shuttle to Seaworld! Was that something you booked in advance?
Thanks for the advice...

Yes- I booked in advance- very simple- just call Mears 407-422-4561 and ask tell them you want to make a reservation to be picked up at which hotel, date and time- they give you a reservation number and that is it! It was nice they picked us up at the hotel we stayed at (POP Century) and dropped us off where they would pick us up at- which is really close to all the parks- 2-5 minute walk from park entrance- you can also schedule a pick up time from the park when you make your reservation- if you want to but don't need to you can call a hour or two before you want to leave the park and they will schedule a pick up- very easy and we really loved the service. We had time set to be picked up and decided we wanted to leave earlier- so we just called the same number and they came and picked us up right away.

If doing this- its $19/person and that is round trip- they do ask to have cash when picked up for the first time and then they give you a voucher to keep for the return trip which you hand to the driver when picked up to return.

Simple-Simple!

 

[johde]

For me, that's a tough one to say. First of all, I don't think any of the theme parks in central Florida are worth what they charge for 1 day, WDW included. That being said, on my next vacation I'm hoping to do them all, as well as Busch Gardens in Tampa. With 11 days, you have plenty of time to do a couple of days at the another themepark change. For Universal, right now, they've been running the Buy 2 get 1 day Free. So 3 days would run you $126 without hopping or $147 with hopping. If you're going after HPDA opens in USF you'll want park hopping so you can ride the Hogwarts Express. Likewise for Seaworld, you can get a Fun Pass for only $10 more than a one day ticket. So, from a money standpoint, for me, if you can figure one than 1 day at the chain it's worth it.
From an experience standpoint, that depends on the person. Like the previous poster said, the thrill rides that the other parks are more intense than their closest Disney equivalent. Universal, IOA, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens, all gave coasters that are more intense than RNR.

In general, I like BG or Seaworld better than AK, and USF/IOA better than DHS.