Universal and Sea world compared to Disney World? Help?

[DisneyFive]

I’m considering a Universal/Sea World trip next year instead of Disney again (have gone the past two years). I’ve looked into both Universal and Sea World so I have some idea of what they include, but I could use some help and advice for planning next year.

O.k., for those of you who have been to Disney World and Universal Studios and/or Sea World... what are the main differences that you see?

• How large are the parks compared to a Disney park like MK or HS?
• Now many things are there for 5-10 yr olds compared to a Disney park? (my older two (10, and 8 next year) love thrill rides at Disney, my youngest (5 next year) not so much)
• We spend 7-8 nights at Disney and feel it is just about right. Knowing that, how many nights would I need to stay for a good Universal/Sea World trip?
• Is staying on site at Universal pretty important in order to get the front line access on the rides?

We would be going late Sept, or early October

Thanks,
Dan

 

[canadiankim]

I love SeaWorld and it is always one of my favourite places to visit. It is smaller than MK, by a lot. It is more 'do-able' in a day. There is plenty for adults and kids alike to see and enjoy. There are a couple of thrill rides that are fun for the older children.

IOA has the most thrill rides with Hulk, FJ, DC etc but has a good area for the younger ones - Suess Landing.

I don't think you can really compare the parks to WDW, they are really very different but just as good.

I think you and your family will really enjoy the different things you can do at SW, US & IOA - Enjoy!!!

 

[DisneyFive]

Thanks for the reply! I had all but given up hope that someone would respond.

I've done some more researching, and I do see that the Universal parks are pretty close in size to something like MK.

It's a little nerve racking making a switch from Disney to Universal/Sea World. I know Disney doesn't have a lock on the "magic", but we know we like it there so it makes it tough to try something else, especially when we only get to do this once a year, and these vacations aren't exactly cheap.

The other option, a family cruise (not DCL) is also looking attractive.

For those who have stayed at an on-site hotel at Universal, how do you compare the experience with Disney? I love the idea of the express front of the line access at Universal. Do you get any of that "Disney magic" in the Universal parks or hotels, or is it more about the attractions and rides at Universal and Sea World?

If I went 7 nights, that would give us six full days of parks. Would two days at Sea World, two at Universal Studios, and two at Islands of Adventure be overkill?

Dan

 

[nytimez]

Thanks for the reply! I had all but given up hope that someone would respond.

I've done some more researching, and I do see that the Universal parks are pretty close in size to something like MK.

It's a little nerve racking making a switch from Disney to Universal/Sea World. I know Disney doesn't have a lock on the "magic", but we know we like it there so it makes it tough to try something else, especially when we only get to do this once a year, and these vacations aren't exactly cheap.

The other option, a family cruise (not DCL) is also looking attractive.

For those who have stayed at an on-site hotel at Universal, how do you compare the experience with Disney? I love the idea of the express front of the line access at Universal. Do you get any of that "Disney magic" in the Universal parks or hotels, or is it more about the attractions and rides at Universal and Sea World?

If I went 7 nights, that would give us six full days of parks. Would two days at Sea World, two at Universal Studios, and two at Islands of Adventure be overkill?

Dan

The Universal hotels are akin to Disney's deluxe hotels. The theming is more upscale, rather than the giant pop art and such you find in, say, the Values.

That said, I think the Universal resorts hold up to any of the Disney deluxes -- and the Portofino Bay Hotel in particular could very well be the best hotel in Orlando.

I don't think four days at Universal is overkill IF you like to ride the same rides repeatedly (as I do) and take things slow. You could do either park in a day or even less with Express Pass, so many people find two days is enough.

I tend to go for three or four days at a time myself... and always leave wishing I could hit Hulk or Rip Ride Rockit one more time. But I like to hang, take it slow and ride some attractions repeatedly.

So... it's all about your own preferences and style.

Fair warning: There may be a number of attractions your five-year-old will NOT be able to ride. Many of the rides are "thrill" level rides and have higher height restrictions than you'll find at Disney. Options for littler ones are more limited at Universal than they are at Disney... so of everyone in the family, I'd guess the five-year-old stands the highest risk of getting bored or running out of stuff to do first.

I can't speak to Sea World, I haven't been there in forever.

Have fun.

 

[DisneyFive]

Thank you very much nytimez. Great info.

I'm rethinking such a long stretch at US/IOA/Sea World, especially if staying on site with the express pass.

Hmm.

Dan

 

[nytimez]

Thank you very much nytimez. Great info.

I'm rethinking such a long stretch at US/IOA/Sea World, especially if staying on site with the express pass.

Hmm.

Dan

In late Sept./early Oct. you can have an excellent Universal experience in just two days. A third day, if you wanted one, would allow you to re-visit favorites one last time.

 

[cheerky]

We are headed to Orlando in December and visiting Universal and SeaWorld. I am still trying to squeeze in MVMCP out of fear that I will miss the magic. That said, I have found Universal visits to be far less stressful than Disney. There is no commando touring for us when we go there. Having 6 days will give you plenty of time to enjoy both parks, City Walk, the resort pools and re-visit your favorite attractions. My dd is 10 and she cannot get enough of the rollercoasters! The Studios and IOA are close enough that you can walk from park to park during the day. I think you and your family will really enjoy Universal. It really is a great place!

 

[momto2js]

I would definatly think rent a car for this trip. I'd opt for the Orlando flex pass with Busch Gardens and you'd be set. 2 water parks, US, IOA, SW and BG would keep you plenty busy for a little less than a 7 day park hopper.

We LOVE sea world and busch gardens. If you are used to disney you will think you have the parks to yourselves. They are much less manic for my family. We enjoy all of the above parks very much. My kids are younger than yours and we had a good time at US/IOA.

We are not "on property" people and I would look into area resorts and see if that fits your budget a little better. In the fall, especially if disney gets some of the MK expansion open, you don't really need to have the express passes.

 

[wen8jr]

One thing you might want to consider...if your family likes to swim...is Discovery Cove. A Sea World ticket is included in the cost. If you don't do the dolphin swim, it is very affordable for both parks and includes breakfast/lunch/drinks/snacks while at Discovery Cove. My 12 year old son loved it. We did do the dolphin swim but would not do it if we go back as you do see them swimming anyway. The resort, lazy river, etc. is just awesome on its own.

Driving to Sea World and Discovery Cove from resorts was not bad at all. I think I read tips on here before that trip on what back routes to take that made it easy.

Last year we stayed onsite and done IOA and Studios for 3 days, Seaworld 1 day and Discovery Cove 1 day...we felt we done everything especially w/ express pass but could have stayed 2 more nights...we sort of rushed Sea World because it was hot that day.

The express pass perk at Universal is absolutely wonderful...you will be spoiled. You can get pretty good rates for the onsite hotels if you look for stay more save more deals, AAA rates, AP rates etc.

This year we are doing a 9 night split stay at Disney and Universal...the family just doesn't want to go w/out a trip in there to Universal.

 

[macraven]

if you stay onsite at the Universal hotels, you will get some perks.

Universal provides free bus transportation to Sea World and a few other places.

if you buy a drink cup from SW, it will be honored for the cheap refills at the universal parks.
(and sw honors uo refill cups.)

if you want to spend a day at busch gardens, you can get the luxury bus that universal has for about $20 rt costs.

if will pick up guests at all 3 hotels.


i just came back from an 8 day stay at UO and still didn't do everything i planned to.
did finish disney in the 8 days i was there as crowds were very low.

 

[PulsarIII]

Normal tour planning works well for the Universal Parks.

Sea World is more like a Zoo - think Animal Kingdom (I know It’s Not-A-Zoo) - than a Theme Ride/Park.

My plan A is to pick up a park map, move off the main walkway and come up with a general plan for the day. There are many shows spread about the park. They run several times a day and this is a good time to pick the shows and when to see them. After they are picked, the other attractions (animal exhibits), the rides and breaks/meals fill in the open times between shows. To see everything in one day may require more of a “commando attack” on the park.

The Know Before You Go page on seaworldparks.com is a good place to check the height need to ride the few large rides in Sea World.

Tip: If you plan on seeing the Clyde and Seamore Show get there early unless you wish to be part of the PreShow.

Have Fun
I I I

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I’m considering a Universal/Sea World trip next year instead of Disney again (have gone the past two years). I’ve looked into both Universal and Sea World so I have some idea of what they include, but I could use some help and advice for planning next year.

O.k., for those of you who have been to Disney World and Universal Studios and/or Sea World... what are the main differences that you see?

• How large are the parks compared to a Disney park like MK or HS?
• Now many things are there for 5-10 yr olds compared to a Disney park? (my older two (10, and 8 next year) love thrill rides at Disney, my youngest (5 next year) not so much)
• We spend 7-8 nights at Disney and feel it is just about right. Knowing that, how many nights would I need to stay for a good Universal/Sea World trip?
• Is staying on site at Universal pretty important in order to get the front line access on the rides?

We would be going late Sept, or early October

Thanks,
Dan

We are doing the exact same thing as you are considering. Our last trip to Orlando was in January 2009 and it was "Disney only".....we stayed on property, took Disney transportation everywhere we went, shopped at Downtown Disney, etc. A fabulous trip and tons of fun!

Fast forward to 2011, and we decide to book a return trip to Florida for another dose of family fun. While it was tempting to return to Disney for "round two", there is SO much more to see and do in Orlando that we thought....why not check out something new? We got a fantastic hotel rate at the Hawthorns Suites Universal through CAA (a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen at a property just off I-Drive that has a daily buffet breakfast included, free shuttle to all Disney, Universal and SeaWorld parks, and a free evening reception with drinks -- even alcoholic -- and snacks ..... all for about $75 a night).

The savings on the hotel (as compared to Disney properties) has allowed us room in the budget to rent a car. Now we're mobile and ready to explore . We plan on doing some serious shopping, tackling all those great malls that we heard about on trip #1 but didn't have the transporation to travel to.

Our theme park days are shaping up to the following schedule:

Day 1 (we arrive at 10 a.m. at MCO): settle into the hotel, visit Gator Adventure Park for mini golf (got a great Groupon deal today that includes, for each of us, 18 holes of mini golf, food for the gators, admission to the shows and a photo with an alligator)

Day 2: Discovery Cove

Day 3: SeaWorld (free 14-day admission with purchase of Discovery Cove tickets)

Day 4: Universal Studios (purchased 3-day park-to-park tickets via Undercover Tourist)

Day 5: Islands of Adventure

Day 6: SeaWorld again

Day 7: Universal Studios/IOA (both parks .... whatever we didn't hit on the first two days, or want to do again)

Day 8: homeward bound

We are just as excited for this trip as we were for our Disney adventures. We can hardly wait to swim with the dolphins at DC!! Our overall cost for attraction tickets has been about $420 per person all taxes included, but remember that includes all food and drinks at Discovery Cove (including alcohol). Not bad, considering a 7-day Disney ticket with park hopper (no waterpark) is $342. We are getting WAY more variety in experiences, get the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, and have one day where we don't need to worry about food purchases.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

We're doing BOTH. We are doing Disney and US in the same trip. We are doing MK, Epcot, HS then US and IOA as well as the Disney water parks and DQ and Cirque. It's going to be a 10 day trip but really just 8 days of parks. The arrival day and departure day we aren't doing anything. My kids were heart broken when I told them we weren't going to do Universal and IOA so we had to give up Sea World and Animal Kingdom to get in US & IOA. Should be the trip of a lifetime for us.

 

[derekburgan]

Staying onsite at Universal hotels and the perks you get have really made going to any other theme park almost unbearable. To the point where I will now consider buying the "front of the line" type pass you can buy at Sea World (even if it's just to reride Manta and Krakken). If you listen to the DisUnplugged podcast and they talk about what it's like on an ABD trip to the park and getting basically an unlimited amount of FastPasses (or "backdoor'd" onto rides), you can hear how much they loved it. That's pretty much what it is like for Universal. There's nothing to compare it to if you've only done Disney vacations.

In many ways I would consider Sea World my favorite park to take people to when they come down to visit us in Florida. I love Disney and Universal, but I think Sea World has the best of both worlds into appealing to just about everyone for one day. Tons of stuff for little kids, great thrill rides, and more than enough stuff for adults who don't like rides at all.

On top of everything though, one of the biggest things I love about Universal and Sea World is that you don't need to plan your meals 6 months early. When you get hungry, you can pretty much go to any restaurant you want and get seated for meal without a wait that is ridiculous. There's something to be said for taking "where do we eat" off the stress list of going to a theme park.

 

[DisneyFive]

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for replying. I have enjoyed reading them all and hearing about what US/IoA/SW have to offer. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

This is definately becoming a strong possibility for us next year.

Dan

 

[glocon]

To my family, we would not even consider going to Orlando and not doing Universal. And we love staying onsite. We've stayed at Hard Rock, and visited friends at Royal Pacific. Both great! Just to be able to get there and park the car and not get in it again for days is priceless. The walk to the parks from either of those resorts is gorgeous, and there is always the boat docked at your resorts doors, or pedi-cabs to take if you don't feel like taking the 5-10 minute walk. We are the kind of family who likes to spend time at the resort we are staying at and enjoy what they have to offer, which is alot at any of the three at Universal. And going to the parks and enjoying your resort all in one day is do-able especially if you stay for 4-5 days and not rush things. The front of the line perk makes that do-able even in the busy season which is when we have always gone.
If you have more time than that, you could consider a split stay and go to a cheaper hotel for the remainder of your trip to tour Seaworld, Busch Gardens and the water parks. The Hawthorn Suites mentioned by Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina sounds interesting!
We just think that the feel you get from staying at a deluxe kind of resort vs a value kind of resort/hotel makes it worth staying on-site, and you can usually find some kind of discount out there to make it fit your budget. It just feels like a real relaxing kind of vacation instead of a vacation that you need a vacation from to recover from.
Universal is definitely different from Disney, and once you get over that and just enjoy Universal for what it is instead of for what it isn't you'll have a great time!

 

[cheerky]

if you want to spend a day at busch gardens, you can get the luxury bus that universal has for about $20 rt costs.

if will pick up guests at all 3 hotels.


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Can you tell me more about the luxury bus to Busch Gardens? What time does it leave and return? Do you have to stay onsite to use this?
Thanks!

 

[kohlby]

In the past, we've done both. Last year, we did 7 different parks in 7 days. In all three trips, we did a split stay at Dolphin for WDW and RPR for Universal. We go in the off-season. My kids were 11 months, 3.5, and 6.5 years old on our last trip - and younger for the other trips. There's plenty for younger kids to do at SW and IOA. However, one day of US would have been enough for my crew. We ended up just doing half a day at US because we had a 2 day ticket and they wanted to go back to IOA. With older kids, it would be easier to spend more time at US. On our last visit, Harry Potter was not open yet - and we still could have easily spent a lot more time at IOA.


For our next trip, we were going to just do Disney and then for the trip after, do just SW/US/IOA. We bought 7 day US/IOA passes right before the price increase for only $99, prompting us to save them for breaking up the parks between two trips. On the last trip, my oldest couldn't get enough of SW either. We spent one day there, in the off season, and still didn't get to see everything. My oldest's favorite parks in order: Epcot, IOA, SW, MK, DS, US, AK. So, you see that IOA and SW make it into the top three!

I'm really looking forward to the trip where we can go back several days instead of being limited to just 2 days at US/IOA. Though we did end up deciding to add a day at IOA on our Disney-only trip. Disney has been planned since Jan, but we only decided to add an IOA day today! It's a sickness - It's too hard to stay away! I've been to Disney/US 6 times as an adult and US/IOA and EP/MK were on every trip.

As for the resort, I've never stayed on Disney property so I can't compare to that. RPR was as nice as the Dolphin. Even in the off-season, it was worth it to stay on-site for us enough that we did split stays. With young kids, I didnt' want to chance waiting in line any longer than needed. One year, at the end of Jan with record cold temps, we would have done just fine without it. But even when we went the first week of Dec, it was nice to have it. So I'd say not a necessity in the off season, but a nice perk if you're willing to pay for it.

The number of days will depend on your groups interests but also your touring style. We've always been go-go-go until one of the kids needs to go back. We go hard and don't like to waste our time at sit down dinners - we want the rides and attractions! We're whirlwind tourers except for when the kids slow us down, which usually doesn't happen until around dinner time. I figure our US/IOA/SW trip will be a different pace. We'll be able to sleep in if we want. We'll be able to do any rides as much as we want. The kids will be a little older by that trip - probably 10, 7, and 4 so they'll may be more likely to want to do Hulk 10 times in a row or something like that.

*Another on-site perk is that it makes it so much easier to get in and out of the parks IMO. We didn't stay on-site before we had kids and it felt like a hike to get to the car in that enormous parking garage.

 

[Dismamx2]

Hi, I'd also like to know about the bus to BG! Does it pick up from the Hotels?

 

[Bonniec]

I haven't read through all the responses but we have passes to all 3 parks so I will give you my 2 cents.

Disney is more of an escape, it's like being in a different world. Sea World and Universal are typical theme parks. What I mean is, they are awesome fun, but don't have that....magic. That being said, I LOVE IOA!

Sea World has lots to do for both thrill seekers and young ones. Manta is my second favorite ride of any park.

Universal/IOA has things for little ones, but it's not as easy there. I have twin teenagers and a DH who are all thrill seekers but m 5 year old is not. So we pretty much split up at these parks. That doesn't bother me too much though. Our typical routine is to do a few child swaps so I can get my favorites out of the way, then I take my kiddo off to Suess. I will say that both of them have the best "child swaps" of any park. But most of the kid stuff is located in one area and I always feel bad making my kiddo wait while everyone else rides a bunch of rides. But your call of course.

IOA has the Harry Potter ride which is my favorite ride anywhere (and I'm not even a HP fan), and then Universal has Rip Ride Rocket and Mummy which are both awesome. My littles loves the Curious George area at Universal (bring a bathing suit!) and Suessland at IOA.


As far as staying on site, it's worth it if you will be there during crowded times since you get the passes for skipping lines. If you are coming in the summer, I would definately do that!

Eating in the parks is kinda bleh, imo. The food isn't that great. I've heard good things about Mythos at IOA but never been there.



Anyway, you will have a great time. Both parks are a ton of fun and a completely different experience than Disney. Disney is always my favorite for that magic. But Universal/IOA certainly has the best rides! We go between the 2 almost equally. Sea World is my least favorite but its still a ton of fun there.