Splitting time between Universal, WDW, Seaworld

[patticake3]

I've been reading various threads here and am getting really excited about Universal!!! We're going the in early March, hopefully before the huge crowds descend for Spring Break. Me, DH, DS(13), and DD (17). We're staying at HRH for a week, but will have passes for 3 days at WDW, 2 days at US/IOA, and 1 day at Seaworld. We're going for my son's Make a Wish trip. We picked HRH because it seems like a really great place to be and think the whole Universal atmosphere will be great for teenagers. We don't get to choose how many days we get at each park, but I think spending a little time at each will be fun and different.

We were thinking of doing a day at WDW, a day at US, a day back to WDW, etc. - switching off. I just read a thread here where someone went to WDW first for a few days, then the rest at US and said it was great. I'm thinking our first idea of switching off would probably make our heads spin. Any suggestions whether to do Universal first or last? When to do Seaworld? It probably doesn't matter much, but any suggestions are welcome!

Also, does it pay to get a book to read up on the rides and shows at US/IOA, or can I get most info here? I bought a great book for WDW years ago and put together touring plans (which we followed somewhat, but we're pretty easy going people so went with the flow too), but we're trying to take a relaxed approach this time and not get too caught up in planning. DS can't go on rides that have an intense drop (like Tower of Terror), but can go on roller coasters and anything else. Any intense drops anyone can think of at US? Thanks for your help and all the great info in the posts that I've been reading!!!

 

[holcomb-mania]

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...1962318?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190136924&sr=1-7

I definitely recommend a book. You can't get TOO much information. I use this book, but couldn't find a more recent edition. Kelly posts here, maybe he can elaborate. There's also a Fodor's book, but I like this one.

 

[tropical depression]

the reason everyone recommends Universal last on a split trip if you're staying onsite it's so much more relaxing than Disney. onsite stay is just so self-contained, everything is no farther than a fifteen minute trip away from anything else. the Express lines you get to use by staying at the Hard Rock allow you to see and do everything without planning or feeling overwhelmed.

as far as splitting the time, I'd keep all of the Disney days together and the Universal days together just so you stay in the different 'feels' of the parks. SeaWorld is great, but you can do it first, second, or last and be fine.

 

[Christysuelouise]

If it were me, I'd try to do Sea World in the middle just to give yourself a good down day. Sea World is pretty neat, but it's a lot more sitting and watching than riding and doing. Not to say that you don't walk a lot, but I just went with my boyfriend and my grandmother back in July and it was a much calmer (and for a 22 year old- more boring) experience than either USO or WDW.

 

[patticake3]

Thanks for the info, everyone, very helpful! We'll do WDW first, followed by Seaworld, then Universal. I'm thinking it's going to be very tempting to go to Universal first because we'll be right there, but I like the idea of doing it last because of that same reason - it'll be more relaxing and enjoyable because we're right there. And from what we've seen on various websites and here, our family is going to really enjoy Universal. There seems to be a cool factor going on, which is why my son wanted to stay there instead of WDW.

 

[Christysuelouise]

Your son probably has the right idea. I've stayed at both Universal and Disney resorts in the last two years and I enjoyed Universal's a lot better because it was just so much cooler

 

[amystevekai&bump]

i would personally do all the WDW days first as they will be the most hectic and furthest away from the hotel, then I'd go off-site again for SW (but this will be where you start to wind down with more sit down shows etc) and then i'd finish with UO as you are on-site, have FOTL access and will generally have a more relaxing end to your vacation!!

Have a great trip!!

 

[kellymonaghan]

If you're staying at HRH, touring plans are pretty much not an issue thanks to the FOTL privileges you get with your room keycard.

I, of course, thinking having a guidebook along is a FABULOUS IDEA.

There's tons of great info here, too, but you can't carry the DIS around the parks with you!