SW/Aquatica/Universal May 2014

[DCTM]

I have priced on vacations on the Sea World website for our 5/25/14-6/1/14 trip (we can extend these dates). We usually go to WDW, but have decided this time we would like to visit Sea World, Aquatica and Universal- none of which we have ever visited before.

From all the research I have done, I believe the Residence Inn may be best for us, mainly because of the kitchenette, space, etc.
Hopefully I did this correct - but it looks like the total will be $1375 for the 4 of us (2 adults, (1) 6 yr old and (1) 16 yr old). This would include the room, SW and aquatica tickets and a free meal plan for each park for one day each.

My question is about Universal...should we swap to a Universal onsite hotel for our days there to take advantage of the express pass or should be just stay the entire time in the Residence Inn? I am uncertain how busy it will be during this time. Also, does anyone know if the Residence Inn offers a shuttle to Universal

I am so confused so any help is appreciated!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Your total is correct . I just double checked it using your dates.

Me personally, I would do a split stay with your Universal days at a Universal hotel (not Cabana Bay, as it doesn't offer free Express Pass as one of the perks) and your SeaWorld portion at the RI. Then you get the best of both worlds, and all the great onsite perks (specifically, Quick Queue at SW and Express Pass at Universal) for free.

There is shuttle, I believe, from the RI but it will be limited as to times. You are FAR better off to stay at one of the three Loews properties at Uni and be able to walk or take the water taxi to your hotel. We stayed at the Royal Pacific and it was lovely......way nicer than Disney's hotels, and certainly much more plush than the Residence Inn (but remember while you will gain a much higher class of hotel at Universal, you will lose some of the benefits of the RI like free parking, free internet, and a free breakfast buffet).

I am generally not a fan of split stays (as I hate the repacking and moving of all our stuff), but in your case....I would say definitely! Once you experience the free Express Pass at Universal, you will never want to use Disney's Fastpass system again!

 

[DCTM]

Your total is correct . I just double checked it using your dates.

Me personally, I would do a split stay with your Universal days at a Universal hotel (not Cabana Bay, as it doesn't offer free Express Pass as one of the perks) and your SeaWorld portion at the RI. Then you get the best of both worlds, and all the great onsite perks (specifically, Quick Queue at SW and Express Pass at Universal) for free.

There is shuttle, I believe, from the RI but it will be limited as to times. You are FAR better off to stay at one of the three Loews properties at Uni and be able to walk or take the water taxi to your hotel. We stayed at the Royal Pacific and it was lovely......way nicer than Disney's hotels, and certainly much more plush than the Residence Inn (but remember while you will gain a much higher class of hotel at Universal, you will lose some of the benefits of the RI like free parking, free internet, and a free breakfast buffet).

I am generally not a fan of split stays (as I hate the repacking and moving of all our stuff), but in your case....I would say definitely! Once you experience the free Express Pass at Universal, you will never want to use Disney's Fastpass system again!

Thank you so much for replying!! I really hate moving as well but I was thinking that may be the way to go.

 

[aubreysmom09]

Your total is correct . I just double checked it using your dates.

Me personally, I would do a split stay with your Universal days at a Universal hotel (not Cabana Bay, as it doesn't offer free Express Pass as one of the perks) and your SeaWorld portion at the RI. Then you get the best of both worlds, and all the great onsite perks (specifically, Quick Queue at SW and Express Pass at Universal) for free.

There is shuttle, I believe, from the RI but it will be limited as to times. You are FAR better off to stay at one of the three Loews properties at Uni and be able to walk or take the water taxi to your hotel. We stayed at the Royal Pacific and it was lovely......way nicer than Disney's hotels, and certainly much more plush than the Residence Inn (but remember while you will gain a much higher class of hotel at Universal, you will lose some of the benefits of the RI like free parking, free internet, and a free breakfast buffet).

I am generally not a fan of split stays (as I hate the repacking and moving of all our stuff), but in your case....I would say definitely! Once you experience the free Express Pass at Universal, you will never want to use Disney's Fastpass system again!

I agree with Gina. We go to SeaWorld 1-2 times a year to use our passes, and we normally add Universal in that trip also. I love Universal, and I have to agree the hotels are very nice. I can't compare with Disney just because I have never stayed on site there. We normally stay at the Springhill Suites or rent a house when we are in Orlando. This trip in February is odd because we are staying at Marriott Harbour Lake which is close to SeaWorld, and then going to stay on site at Disney. I have heard RI is very nice. I would try to get the perks of staying at a Universal hotel or partner hotel. We have thought about the holiday inn at the gate once, but always end up staying at our normal places. We normally go at very off times. May can be hit or miss, and Universal is getting a lot of attention with the extension of the WoHP opening in June. I think I would try to get express passes. The good thing is Universal isn't really far from SeaWorld.

 

[hydrotony]

Also, look into the Orlando Flex Ticket which I think covers admission to all your planned parks. It's good for 14 days and allows multi-park visits each day.