Staying at Disney Resort while doing Universal?

[cinnderly]

My 10 year-old son and I are going to be in Florida from 8/24-9/2. We are booked at CSR only from the 26th on, because we are planning to go to Universal the first 2 days. We will be driving and not using public transportation at all, except for maybe the night we stay late at Epcot (mommy wants some drinky time!).

So my question -- is it stupid to stay at a Disney resort those first couple of days too, even though we'll be doing Universal? I feel like it would be nice to have a home base. Plus, this is our first vacation in so long, and I'd like to feel settled and in a "pampered" environment, I guess. I'm also thinking it would be nice if we wanted to do dinner at DTD one of those nights. But seeing as we've never done Universal, I'm not sure if we'll want to be right there and stay all day, etc. Thoughts? Feelings? Suggestions?

 

[dzorn]

I would stay at one of the universal resorts for the front of the line pass.

Denise in MI

 

[wiserabbit]

The answer is - either option will work - each has its pros and cons....
Since you've never been to Universal - you might want to stay at one of their on site hotels for the 1 or 2 nights - it would cost $$ but you'd have front of the line access that is offered at no charge for on site hotel guests - and that is definitely a nice perk No need to drive to the parks - just use the boat transportation...

If you stay at CSR and drive to Universal - that would be okay as well - the drive is short and easy - but - you have to deal with parking at Universal and then quite a little walk through the City Walk shops and restaurant area (kinda like DTD) before you get to the "real" park entrances - separate one for Universal Studios and one for IoA.


And......if you're staying at Disney and going to Disney parks - like Epcot - I'd take the Disney transporatation to all the parks - not just Epcot -

In the end - it's just whatever makes you both feel most comfortable - we've done it both ways - and had a great vacation either way.....

 

[cinnderly]

The answer is - either option will work - each has its pros and cons....
Since you've never been to Universal - you might want to stay at one of their on site hotels for the 1 or 2 nights - it would cost $$ but you'd have front of the line access that is offered at no charge for on site hotel guests - and that is definitely a nice perk No need to drive to the parks - just use the boat transportation...

If you stay at CSR and drive to Universal - that would be okay as well - the drive is short and easy - but - you have to deal with parking at Universal and then quite a little walk through the City Walk shops and restaurant area (kinda like DTD) before you get to the "real" park entrances - separate one for Universal Studios and one for IoA.


And......if you're staying at Disney and going to Disney parks - like Epcot - I'd take the Disney transporatation to all the parks - not just Epcot -

In the end - it's just whatever makes you both feel most comfortable - we've done it both ways - and had a great vacation either way.....

The first time we went we used the buses. The second time I drove, and I really liked it so much better! I think I just like being able to come and go right when I'm ready. Though, to be fair, our first bus experience was while staying at CBR. It was definitely not for me!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Having done both, I'd definitely say stay at a Universal Resort if it is in your budget. The unlimited express access will allow you to make the most of your two days at Universal, and it is likely your son will want to ride the rides more than once. The Universal express access for resort guests is like having unlimited fastpasses for all rides except Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Studios and Pteranodon Flyers (he's likely too tall for this ride) and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure. Resort guests are also let into Islands of Adventure one hour early each day to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (At least they were in 2010 and 2011 - I think that will continue until they open the express line for HP and the Forbidden Journey.)

All three resorts are deluxe resorts, but they are less than the Disney deluxes. Royal Pacific is Polynesian themed and the least expensive. Hard Rock would be a lot of fun for your son. Portofino Bay is the most luxurious.

I love CSR - it is an awesome resort. But you will absolutely feel pampered at the Universal resorts, and Disney does not offer any perk like the express access that Universal offers its resort guests. DH loves Portofino Bay and would prefer to stay there and drive to Disney, but we do a split stay if we are doing both sets of parks. We wouldn't do Universal without staying onsite. You will be amazed how much you can accomplish with the resort express access and how relaxed you are.

 

[gabzee]

My 10 year-old son and I are going to be in Florida from 8/24-9/2. We are booked at CSR only from the 26th on, because we are planning to go to Universal the first 2 days. We will be driving and not using public transportation at all, except for maybe the night we stay late at Epcot (mommy wants some drinky time!).

So my question -- is it stupid to stay at a Disney resort those first couple of days too, even though we'll be doing Universal? I feel like it would be nice to have a home base. Plus, this is our first vacation in so long, and I'd like to feel settled and in a "pampered" environment, I guess. I'm also thinking it would be nice if we wanted to do dinner at DTD one of those nights. But seeing as we've never done Universal, I'm not sure if we'll want to be right there and stay all day, etc. Thoughts? Feelings? Suggestions?

We have stayed at the Universal resorts many times and would highly recommend it. We personally like the Portofino the best but all of the resorts are great. The Portofino has a great gelato shop as well as an Italian restaurant and another restaurant that has a lovely breakfast (I think they have lunch and dinner too there). The Royal Pacific is the least expensive and a lovely theme (also has one of Emeril's restaurants!). The Hard Rock is in the middle and Portofino is the typically the most expensive. Since it is your first time to Universal and you are only spending two days there, I would suggest you get as much out of the experience as possible and stay on Universal property. Once you get to the hotel, you won't need your car again. Everything is pretty close together. You mentioned that you wanted to be in a "pampered environment" and I think by staying at the Universal property while you explore their parks you will get the best experience you can... you will be in the middle of all of the action. Then you can move to Disney. If you don't want to deal with packing and unpacking you can bring a smaller bag for your first couple of nights with your toiletries and clothes and then have the rest of your clothes in another suitcase for Disney. You also get a lot of perks when you stay onsite at a Universal resort. You get the Express Pass (front of the line access) and early access to WWOHP. You can buy the Express Pass for an additional cost if you are not staying at their hotels but you only can ride the ride one unless you pay even more. Since (if I read it correctly) you are only spending 2 days at US and IOA, the Express Pass will allow you to cover a lot more of the parks. Also, the three resorts have water taxi transportation to City Walk and from there you can walk to US or IOA. You can also choose to walk from your hotel to the park. It is a very nice service and you never wait very long. City Walk is like DTD so there are plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as the restaurants in the park and at the hotels. If you stay at Disney while you are going to US, you wouldn't be using any of the amenities. That money could be spent on an Universal resort where you could get added benefits which could better your experience at US and IOA. What you choose, I hope you enjoy your vacation!

 

[cinnderly]

Oh boy! Lots to think about, and research. Thanks!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

My 10 year-old son and I are going to be in Florida from 8/24-9/2. We are booked at CSR only from the 26th on, because we are planning to go to Universal the first 2 days. We will be driving and not using public transportation at all, except for maybe the night we stay late at Epcot (mommy wants some drinky time!).

So my question -- is it stupid to stay at a Disney resort those first couple of days too, even though we'll be doing Universal? I feel like it would be nice to have a home base. Plus, this is our first vacation in so long, and I'd like to feel settled and in a "pampered" environment, I guess. I'm also thinking it would be nice if we wanted to do dinner at DTD one of those nights. But seeing as we've never done Universal, I'm not sure if we'll want to be right there and stay all day, etc. Thoughts? Feelings? Suggestions?

Not stupid at all. We always stay onsite at Disney and drive over to Universal. Keep in mind, you'll have to pay $15 a day for parking at Universal if you are driving and it is a bit of a hike from the parking garage to the parks (although they do have moving sidewalks). I also believe if you are staying onsite at one of the Universal hotels, you are still charged $15/day for parking.

If front of the line is really a deal breaker for you, then book a couple nights at one of the Universal Resorts. We've never really seen the appeal of staying on-site at Universal, especially since City Walk is mostly adult entertainment in the evenings, and we wouldn't make use of the front of the line pass, plus the hike to and from the parking garage isn't really that bad, especially with the moving sidewalks.

 

[letsgoreds]

I would stay at WDW and drive over. If money is no option, stay at Universal to take advantage of the special entrance/tickets.

One trip to FL was Universal Studios only, and we stayed at a WDW moderate resort (CSR). The Universal hotels were too $$$, and it was off season, so the lines weren't bad ad all.

I just know what I am getting at a Disney resort, and am more comfortable there.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We've never really seen the appeal of staying on-site at Universal, especially since City Walk is mostly adult entertainment in the evenings, and we wouldn't make use of the front of the line pass, plus the hike to and from the parking garage isn't really that bad, especially with the moving sidewalks.

Bolding is mine. I'm confused why you wouldn't make use of the front of the line pass? Do you not ride any of the rides? Express access is available on almost every ride, from the rides in Seuss Landing to the biggest coasters. Even if you go during a slow time, express is the difference between waiting five minutes for an attraction and waiting 30 minutes. It is free and unlimited if you stay onsite for thr rides that offer it. Not making use of the express access would be like going to Disney when it's busy and intentionally not using Fastpass.

Staying onsite doesn't have much to do with City Walk, except that you get priority seating at the restaurants if you show your room key. City Walk has lots of great restaurants, and we have enjoyed eating there with and without the kids. We don't go to the clubs, but the restaurants are wonderful. But I'm not really sure what City Walk has to do with staying onsite - you pass through City Walk on the way to your car if you are a day guest, so it's not like you can avoid it (or would want to ).

We stay onsite at Universal because we can get a superior room and excellent customer service for much less than the same quality hotel at Disney, but primarily because the kids can ride Cat in the Hat 12 times in a row with no wait if it is hot and they want an air-conditioned attraction and because we have early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - kind of like morning EMH, but every morning for the most popular area. We've done the walk from the parking garage - it is no big deal and certainly not why we stay onsite now. The appeal of staying onsite is to stay at a four diamond resort and have time to enjoy the resort since you aren't waiting in lines for rides. It is great to sleep in or take long afternoon breaks and not worry about lines that might be waiting for our return to the parks.

It's like staying offsite and visiting Disney - it is totally doable and people can have great trips, but it is not how we choose to spend our vacation. I like being immersed in Universal customer service just as much as I like being immersed in Disney magic, but Universal definitely has the edge for high quality at a lower price and better perks for onsite guests.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I'm confused why you wouldn't make use of the front of the line pass? Do you not ride any of the rides? Express access is available on almost every ride, from the rides in Seuss Landing to the biggest coasters. Even if you go during a slow time, express is the difference between waiting five minutes for an attraction and waiting 30 minutes. It is free and unlimited if you stay onsite for thr rides that offer it. Not making use of the express access would be like going to Disney when it's busy and intentionally not using Fastpass.

We've never used it and we've never missed it ... we've never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes for any ride we go on during the times of year we have been going since 2003 (which is twice a year in May and October). Is skipping ahead of the line for an extra 5 minutes worth it to us? No. We rarely need to use fastpasses at Disney for the same reason. If it's worth it to you to be spending the money then go for it. It isn't to us. I'm just giving our perspective. Just because it's different from yours doesn't mean it's wrong.

Staying onsite doesn't have much to do with City Walk, except that you get priority seating at the restaurants if you show your room key. City Walk has lots of great restaurants, and we have enjoyed eating there with and without the kids. We don't go to the clubs, but the restaurants are wonderful. But I'm not really sure what City Walk has to do with staying onsite - you pass through City Walk on the way to your car if you are a day guest, so it's not like you can avoid it (or would want to ).

Again, I was only giving our perspective. If the OP was looking to do something in the evening with her 10 year old, CityWalk isn't really an option. It's definitely not DTD.

We stay onsite at Universal because we can get a superior room and excellent customer service for much less than the same quality hotel at Disney, but primarily because the kids can ride Cat in the Hat 12 times in a row with no wait if it is hot and they want an air-conditioned attraction and because we have early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - kind of like morning EMH, but every morning for the most popular area. We've done the walk from the parking garage - it is no big deal and certainly not why we stay onsite now. The appeal of staying onsite is to stay at a four diamond resort and have time to enjoy the resort since you aren't waiting in lines for rides. It is great to sleep in or take long afternoon breaks and not worry about lines that might be waiting for our return to the parks.

What works for you may not work for someone else. We usually get to Universal/IOA early enough to get in everything we want before noon.

It's like staying offsite and visiting Disney - it is totally doable and people can have great trips, but it is not how we choose to spend our vacation. I like being immersed in Universal customer service just as much as I like being immersed in Disney magic, but Universal definitely has the edge for high quality at a lower price and better perks for onsite guests.

Exactly ... so why are you questioning how we choose to spend our time at Universal??

 

[cinnderly]

We stay onsite at Universal because we can get a superior room and excellent customer service for much less than the same quality hotel at Disney, but primarily because the kids can ride Cat in the Hat 12 times in a row with no wait if it is hot and they want an air-conditioned attraction and because we have early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - kind of like morning EMH, but every morning for the most popular area. We've done the walk from the parking garage - it is no big deal and certainly not why we stay onsite now. The appeal of staying onsite is to stay at a four diamond resort and have time to enjoy the resort since you aren't waiting in lines for rides. It is great to sleep in or take long afternoon breaks and not worry about lines that might be waiting for our return to the parks.

This is really making me think we should stay there. Plus, with my son being 10 we're going to have to get a LOT of Harry Potter action in. I am so naive about Universal, time to start some research!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

This is really making me think we should stay there. Plus, with my son being 10 we're going to have to get a LOT of Harry Potter action in. I am so naive about Universal, time to start some research!

One word of warning ... the shops in the Harry Potter area are VERY VERY small!

If you have any questions about Universal/IOA - head on over to the Univeral/IOA boards here - http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30. You'll find lots of helpful people (many are team members) to answer any of your questions

 

[cinnderly]

Not stupid at all. We always stay onsite at Disney and drive over to Universal. Keep in mind, you'll have to pay $15 a day for parking at Universal if you are driving and it is a bit of a hike from the parking garage to the parks (although they do have moving sidewalks). I also believe if you are staying onsite at one of the Universal hotels, you are still charged $15/day for parking.

I wouldn't say front of the line is a deal breaker. I AM concerned about getting as much in as we can in the 2 days, while also being able to have a decent break in the hottest part of the afternoon so we aren't completely exhausted. Also, and I don't know if this is true since I haven't been, but I keep hearing that my son may like some stuff at Universal more than Disney. I want to make sure he gets to do all the cool stuff he wants.

The adult night time stuff is definitely not going to be for us though. Such conflicting advice, I'm not sure what to do!

 

[cinnderly]

One word of warning ... the shops in the Harry Potter area are VERY VERY small!

If you have any questions about Universal/IOA - head on over to the Univeral/IOA boards here - http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30. You'll find lots of helpful people (many are team members) to answer any of your questions

Thank you, I will head over there.

 

[gabzee]

City Walk does have adult clubs but that doesn't mean that it is not kid friendly. It is similar to a boardwalk feel in the sense that they have various "booth"/ kiosk stores throughout with games. They also have many restaurants and stores. Since you aren't staying that long I would imagine you would want to go to the parks in the morning, take a break in the afternoon (as you said) and then continue in the evening. US now has a new nighttime firework/water show. If you are going to want to take an afternoon break and relax at the pool, it would be difficult to do if you were staying at a Disney resort. The traveling time back and forth could get excessive. If staying at a Disney resort, you would spend a lot of your day traveling, etc. and not in the park if you plan to take an afternoon pool break/ hotel break. It would be a lot more convenient at an Universal resort. You said that you wanted to make sure DS was able to see everything that he wanted to and to increase that likelihood the travel time and other time wasters should decrease. With that said, I am sure you will have a great trip either way. I would price out the options and remember what additional perks you would be getting. Enjoy researching!

 

[Redbudlover]

I am a die hard disney fanatic who only ventured over to the big bad Universal for Harry Potter. First time I did it I took a cab for one day. Decided I needed more time to explore Universal and next time stayed in a Universal off site hotel so had early entrance but not front of the line passes, but bought the pass that let us do front of the line one time each day. Whoo boy, started having more fun! The last time we went we stayed onsite at Universal and had a terrific blast. Was able to rest midday and come back and ride from front of the line. took Universal boat just like I always take Disney boat. My 5 year old grand-daughter and I just loved it. Now we need longer vacations because we need Universal as well as disney parks. do yourself a big favor and stay on site there. There is even more of an advantage to doing it there than there is to staying on site at Disney. Worth every penny. but if money is an issue, stay at one of the Universal hotels with shuttles and early morning entrance. fantastic!

 

[RMulieri]

I just did a Universal only trip, with an 8 YEAR OLD..and I will tell you.I was SPOILED.She had a blast and it was the BEST trip we had in ages, and that includes Disney.It is worth it to stay onsite for the express pass alone.We went in Jan, and though it was relatively quiet, it did mean the difference between a 20 min wait and NO Wait.For some that may mean no big deal, but for us, I was trying to avoid the HUGE tour groups that were in line.Plus, you do not spend all day clock watching when you can get that next fastpass, and when you can use it .In any event,Since Harry Potter has opened, it has definitely brought an increase in crowds to the Unviersal resort, and with the possibility/probability of an expansion of it coming soon, it is going to stay popular..We stayed at Portofino Bay .It was luxurious and wonderful.I stay deluxe at disney, but this resort seemed much more deluxe than disney and was ALOT cheaper than what I am used to paying.We were a simple boat ride or 10 min walk from both parks /citywalk, often we beat the boat .Each resort has its own boat, but it does stop to unload and then waits several minutes to reload.If you bring your car ,you are charged a nightly parking charge of $15.Lots of people like to brIng that up as if it makes Univ SOME EVIL place.Disney does charge everyone too, they just build it into the resort room prices so you don't see it ..As for Citywalk , yes it does hve alot of clubs, but Mini golf just opened and there are alot of restaurants and a movie theater too.We had no qualms about walking around there in the evening with our 8 yr old.All in all she had such a blast, she has requested we do universal again INSTEAD of disney next trip, and we are seriously considering it.It was the most laidback, relaxing trip we had in a long long time.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

I was in the same situation..we are doing Univ/IOA for 2 days and the rest of the time Disney...we finally decided with the price of the room we are getting at Disney with the military discount...we are just going to stay at Disney and driver over to Univ/IOA 2 days in the middle of our vacation to break it up, We will miss out on the perks of staying on site and getting ahead of the line at Univ but I couldn't justifiy the extra money on the hotels, my DD6 would rather have it toward more unnecessary souveneirs, toys etc.. I always figure if we don't hit all the attractions at Univ/IOA there is always next time,,,another reason for me plan to another vacation.. She is still in full force disney mode at 6 but, she is wanting more thrilling rides also..so this is our plan for this year...we are going 8/25-9/1 at CSR keeping my fingers crossed that when we go to Univ/IOA it will be a bit quieter..but you never know..at least with prev trips to disney this time of year is not too bad for waits...good luck in your decision

 

[PixieDustFanatic]

Since you'll be there at a busier time, I would also recommend staying on site at Universal. Even more than the express pass, particularly with Harry Potter, is the ability to enter an hour early. We were able to enter an hour early and Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey was walk on. DH and I did a child swap and we each had a car to ourselves. We didn't stay onside, we got our tickets thru Dreams Unlimited...which has a deal with Universal, but we both agreed that when we came back, we would stay on site given the early entry and the express pass.