Should I skip Universal?

[zippehsmom]

I was wondering should I skip Universal this year. We really enjoyed it 2 years ago when we had front of the line; however, I could save $1,200 (or more) if we just stayed at Disney instead of going to Universal.

The HRH is costing me $2,200 for 2 rooms four night with a AAA discount. The AKL with AAA discount 2 rooms would be $1,504. In addition I would have to purchase UNiversal park tickets. I could just stay at Disney, use my extra plus options for water park days, and get the 10 day Park Ticket (which by the way saves me $400 from the 7 day PHP).

DH says we should just stay at Disney, but he just wants it to be cheaper .

So if you were me, what would you do? BTW, we'll be there 8/2-8/16. We planned on going to Universal the last four days, staying at HRH. I just made a ressie for AKL, but I have not cancelled the HRH yet.

zippehsmom

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

No real answer for you - but I'm in a similar boat! We wanted to go to Universal (mainly to ride the Mummy ride) but I'm torn on what to do. We'll only be there 3 days prior to our cruise. I priced out park hoppers and a value resort at Disney versus HRH and 2 day - 3rd day free at US. The price difference is $100 less at US. I'm just afraid we'll ge bored with US since the only rides we really like are MIB, Jurrassic Park, and Ripsaw Falls. Of course there is the new Mummy ride...tough decissions to make!

 

[Dad of 3]

Here is my advice, since you are asking.

You are on vacation for two weeks, with four days at UO, that is alot of time.
I would not get too hung up on FOTL. Remember there is no FOTL at Disney, and at UO there is Express that works the same as Disney's FastPass. You can plan your day in the same manner that you do for a Disney Park. <B>In my opinion</B>, 10 days at WDW parks is too much and I would rather stay off site for a few days and use the savings to purchase OU Bonus Passes because UO is too good to miss, just because FOTL is not in the budget this year.

Just a thought,
Dad of 3

 

[RescueRanger]

We were originally going to spend a week at Universal but I refuse to spend the money they are asking for the Resorts now. We could do Universal without the FOTL, but we are spoiled now. We changed our plans and are spending the week at WDW instead. With the new ticket plans WDW is offering, the longer you stay the cheaper it is. I say spend the time at WDW and get the 10 day passes. I don't blame Universal Hotels for charging alot if they can fill them at the high rates. However, i think with WDW's new marketing strategy that they are going to start deterring the sidetrips to Universal. Then when Universal starts losing business they will lower their rates again. JMHO.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

I agree that the longer stays are more cost effective at WDW. However, where our time is limited to 2 nights and 3 days - it's virtually the same price at either place. We will pay big bucks for HRH and get cheap tickets to US or pay big bucks for the WDW park hoppers and get a cheap value resort room. Guess I'll have to flip a coin...

 

[zippehsmom]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm really leaning towards just keeping my AKL ressie for those days.

Dad of 3, I understand what you are saying, but we have to stay somewhere. So it's either high prices at Universal or lower prices at WDW. I know we could just do Universal thorugh regular lines, but once you do FOTL, it's just to good to give up. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

 

[zippehsmom]

BriarFox, you are in a tough spot. I would probably just do Universal, since you will more likely be able to cover everything there in that amount of time. You'll get your Disney fix on the cruise.