Splitting between Univer & Disney

[sanjacprof]

I'm planning on a full vacation of disney and a few days at Universal (on-site). In your opinion, is 4 days enough for universal and IOA.

Also, would you start off with Universal & end with Disney, or vice versa?

Thanks!

 

[t-and-a]

4 days is enough for US/IOA. We will be doing 5 in June. Although we have done it just backwards of what I'm going to tell you, I would say do Disney first. I say that because you are staying on-site and unlimited Express Pass will spoil you, so you won't enjoy Disney nearly as much after being spoiled at Universal.

 

[keishashadow]

Def U 2nd depending on the amount of nights/days (7/8) you have planned; and whether you've visited WDW before (not sure what you meant by "full vacation"):

I'd try to arrive @ WDW early (if onsite, picking up room keys/EMH access) for 4 nights, allowing 1 day in each major park (would eliminate need for pricey PHs); on 5th day head over to U hotel early am for check-in &FOTL access.

Assuming the room won't be ready, they will give you a call when it is; in the meantime enjoy the parks. IMO 2 nights would be sufficent; allowing for a partial 3rd day of touring the 8th day before a late fight home.

If you're not pressed for time, by all means linger

 

[swilshire]

We just got back from Orlando and elected to buy an annual pass (which gave us 15 months) to Universal and only used one day of old ten day passes at Disney. My two younger boys had never been to Universal, but have been to Disney tons of times.

They enjoyed the new things at Universal, but I found the lines and the whole Express Pass business sort of annoying. I'm sure we'll go back a couple of times during the 15 months. The 13yo loves the rides and the 8yo loved the characters, particularly Spider Man.

We went about 7PM the first night to get our passes when we could park free. We rode one ride and looked around a bit. We returned the morning of New Years Eve, but it was pretty crowded, so we didn't stay very late. Went back for two short afternoons because the weather was so cold and hit the park shortly after opening yesterday to hit everything we had missed. I think we saw nearly every show and rode every ride in less than four full days. There were even some repeats of the kids' favorites.

If it were up to me, I'd stick with Disney, but even DH enjoyed the different park for a change.

Sheila

 

[starseed]

I would definitely do Universal to cap off the trip. With the Universal FOTL and the resorts being so close to both parks, it is not as hectic as maneuvering through the vastness that is Disney.

In other words, I don't think you'll be as tired from your vacation when you get home!

 

[bubba's mom]

In other words, I don't think you'll be as tired from your vacation when you get home!

Perfectly said.... Wait in your lines and run all over the parks for your FP's at Disney at the beginning of your trip (which, you didn't mention when) Then, by the time you get to Universal, IF you are staying onsite (which, we recommend if going at peak time), walking to the parks at your leisure and using the Express Pass entrance....you'll be much more relaxed (going home ) If staying onsite, 4 days will be plenty...if NOT staying onsite (at peak time) you will most likely cover everything in both parks in 4 days (figure 2 days to do and see all in each park)....