Thoughts on switching our trip?

[moesy4]

We currently have a trip to Disney planned the first part of November for 11 nights. With the slowdown of things opening there and the crazy long lines and staffing shortages there, we are thinking about moving our trip back to February and doing a Universal trip
Instead. Our kids are 11, 8, and 7. We would be getting a 5 day 3 park pass through our homeschool group and more than likely stay at Dockside for the 2 bedrooms and book a throwaway room for the Express Pass for 2 of the days. Can you sell me on one or the other? When would you rebook Disney to if we should switch to have a decent chance of at least things being open?
I know there is no predictability with COVID but since we haven’t been to Universal at all with kids and not Disney since 2016, need some guidance. This would probably be a final trip to Disney for us if that makes a difference.
We don’t really care one way or the other about COVID restrictions or lack there of as long as we aren’t wearing masks outside. I don’t necessarily care what is open at Disney except I don’t want crazy long lines.

 

[MomOTwins]

Unless fastpass returns in some form (which none of has a crystal ball on), lines will most likely remain crazy long all fall. They will be just as bad at Universal for the three days you are there without express pass though.

 

[harleyquinn]

I believe Disney will pretty much be back to normal by November. The lines right now are not really all that crazy and they seem to be declining.

I would personally not go to Universal instead of Disney, but I absolutely would move to Feb because the crowds are better then than November and it’s more time for things to recover.

We (DH, DD 10 at the time) did Universal in 2019 and while we definitely enjoyed ourselves, a perfect Universal isn’t as good as a less-than-perfect Disney.

I would move Disney to February and then make a descision about possibly changing to Universal in a few more months.

 

[kwdw]

Unless your kids are experienced thrill ride riders, I’m not sure I’d take three kids that age to Universal.

Not sure why this would be a final trip to Disney for you all. But if it is truly last time you’ll take them, I would not go now. The park experience is clearly not at its best and it would be sad to have that be the memory your kids are left with. And it’s unlikely to be awesome by November, IMO.

In early June, I was thinking of planning in late fall 2021 myself as I was thinking it would be close enough to normal. Now I am thinking no earlier than February 2022, but possibly not until May 2022. Between the inexperienced and lack of staff, not all shows back, no character meet n greets, no parade, no FP and hence long lines, and now COVID cases rising, it’s not worth my money right now. Thinking about a relaxing retreat to the beach in non peak season instead.

 

[moesy4]

I believe Disney will pretty much be back to normal by November. The lines right now are not really all that crazy and they seem to be declining.

I would personally not go to Universal instead of Disney, but I absolutely would move to Feb because the crowds are better then than November and it’s more time for things to recover.

We (DH, DD 10 at the time) did Universal in 2019 and while we definitely enjoyed ourselves, a perfect Universal isn’t as good as a less-than-perfect Disney.

I would move Disney to February and then make a descision about possibly changing to Universal in a few more months.

Thanks for the advice! If we switched…we would do both…universal in the fall and Disney in February.

 

[moesy4]

Unless your kids are experienced thrill ride riders, I’m not sure I’d take three kids that age to Universal.

Not sure why this would be a final trip to Disney for you all. But if it is truly last time you’ll take them, I would not go now. The park experience is clearly not at its best and it would be sad to have that be the memory your kids are left with. And it’s unlikely to be awesome by November, IMO.

In early June, I was thinking of planning in late fall 2021 myself as I was thinking it would be close enough to normal. Now I am thinking no earlier than February 2022, but possibly not until May 2022. Between the inexperienced and lack of staff, not all shows back, no character meet n greets, no parade, no FP and hence long lines, and now COVID cases rising, it’s not worth my money right now. Thinking about a relaxing retreat to the beach in non peak season instead.

My husband isn’t a fan and it financially is at the max for a trip cost so this would be it for us. I wish we could do May, but we have a COVID pushed back cruise in April and it would be too close to ask off of work twice.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I think this is a great idea, you will love dockside and the kids are a perfect age.
I would plan at least one night at a lowes premium hotel so you can use the Express pass you get express pass day before and after so some people just do one night