Trip planning questions

[aprilfoolwed]

we won 4 one-day passes to US/IOA through Coke Rewards. They expire the end of 2013 and we would really like to use them. But, since we are a family of 5, these tickets dont even begin to cover a trip for us. So, we've been thinking about an adults-only trip (I totally feel guilty about this, but at the same time think it's long overdue).

So.... here are the questions...

How crowded does Universal get in March or April?

Would a day at each park be enough time for two adults to see most things?

Would we need to stay onsite and take advantage of early entry to make the most of things, or would we be okay staying offsite at that time of the year?

Of the 3 Universal hotels, which one would be a good choice for our grown up trip? And won't break the bank too badly?

Any suggestions for a nice place to stay offsite?

Thanks! I really wish we could take the kids down with us (they've never been to US/IOA), but we may have to wait a few years.

 

[macraven]

spring break and easter are crowded times in all orlando parks.

UO is no exception.

onsite hotels have higher rates during those time periods, just like disney hotels do.


if you are going the first part of march, you could be fine.

if you stay offsite, be at the park prior to opening by about 45 minutes.

go opposite of the crowd and you will cover a lot of the rides.

use the single rider lines as much as possible.
you will have less waiting time then for the rides.

on many of the rides, you aren't able to talk to the person next to you while on the ride.

if you are not going at a peak time, you could accomplish quite a bit in each park.

for me, i prefer RPH.
i have stayed at all 3 hotels but this one i prefer for quite a few reasons.
the ambiance in the hotel, lobby and grounds are great.
there are 4 places in this hotel where you can eat.
it is a short walk to Citywalk, 5-6 minutes or a short boat ride to city walk.

for me part of my vacation is the total immersion of the resort and parks.
even though it might have hotel rates that are high by some peoples standard, i budget in the months prior to the trip to stay onsite.

congratulations on winning the tickets.

hope you have an awesome trip to the darkside!

 

[aprilfoolwed]

Thanks for the reply.

I am wondering if perhaps Jan or Feb would be better. Of course, I would have to see if I can get any time off.... But flights are pretty cheap then, and it looks like the hotel rates aretoo.

First step is to get some dates I guess. Then I need to decide if it's just DH & I, or the whole family.

 

[flfun]

Thanks for the reply.

I am wondering if perhaps Jan or Feb would be better. Of course, I would have to see if I can get any time off.... But flights are pretty cheap then, and it looks like the hotel rates aretoo.

First step is to get some dates I guess. Then I need to decide if it's just DH & I, or the whole family.

As long as you don't go the first week in January or on a 3 day holiday weekend (President's day etc.), Jan-Feb will be a quiet time to go and resort rates will be low. I always check for any events that will be going on too, just in case.

 

[Planogirl]

We have stayed offsite and be sure to factor in car and daily parking when you put together your budget. You could stay at the Doubletree or Holiday Inn just outside the main gate into Universal and walk but personally crossing the busy street there makes me nervous. I see people do it all the time though!

I would also go against crowd flow except when it comes to Wide World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me. We like to hit WWoHP when the park first opens and then we can return later if we wish to. If the parks are open later when you decide to go, WWoHP is gorgeous at night in fact. As for Despicable Me, it still seems so crowded most of the time and it's so worth seeing. I would hit that one first thing too.