Universal, DVC, DCL, DVC

[Cruella 66]

Hi everyone!!! We are BLT owners and have enough points to go mostly once a year, sometimes every other year. We haven't been since our 2 week trip in the summer 2016. This year we've decided to step out of the box, take advantage of the Universal military ticket/room offers, and I've booked three days at the beginning of our trip at Universal.

My husband played in the field that was there before Universal was built. We met at the McDonald's that is next to Universal. Funny, when we worked there, a couple of lifetimes ago, Universal was a rumor but the store was decorated with movie stars in anticipation. We moved away from the area after my husband joined the Navy. We've passed by over the years but have never actually been to Universal (or back to that McDonald's).

Now that is going to change. I am hoping my fellow Disboard members will give me ideas and tips for a great trip. We are booked at a hotel that offers the extra hour admission and head of line perks. I almost feel like I'm being unfaithful to Disney but trust me, with DVC and DCL in the trip they are still getting a bunch of our vacation dollars. We'll be at Universal over the July 4th holiday.

Thank you!!!

 

[bobbie68]

Hello and you have come to the right place. Glad you are trying Universal and how cool about the history of the property for you. It sounds like you are staying at one of the on-site hotels. You seem to be referring to the Express Passes included with the hotel. Having these will be very helpful that time of the year. Honestly, with Universal and express passes you don't need much planning. It is very different from WDW where you have to plan so much in advance. You can look at the parks and the rides and see what you want to do. The Express Pass lines for example when we were there at the end of July. Stand-by was 90 minutes and Express Pass was 20-30 minutes.

One suggestion I have is with the HP worlds. These tend to get busy from late morning till early evening. The areas are quite small and can be over crowded and not to fun to get through. We always go at Early Entry or when the park opens and go to Diagon Alley in the Studios then take the Hogwart's Express to IOA and visit Hogsmeade. By then it is close to 11 and it is getting busy. The Express Passes will be included in these areas for the rides but the crowds will be there to navigate. I think it is worth seeing with less people. The other option is later at night like an hour or two before closing those areas get thinned out.

If you are going to Volcano Bay I would suggestion doing that on early entry. In July that place will be extremely crowded.

You can use the water taxis from the resorts or you can walk on paths. It is anywhere from a 10-20 minute walk depending on which resort.

Restaurants there is a sticky with menus and reviews. What's nice about the restaurants here is you can decide that day what you want. No making reservations 3-6 months out. I would also suggest looking at the restaurants in City Walk. We love Bubba Gump, Toothsome and Margaritaville.

The resorts are so close to the parks that you can hop back so easy and rest for a couple of hours if you choose then go back.

If you are a HP fan we really enjoy the Leaky Cauldron for food.

Anything else please feel free to ask. We love to share around here.

 

[bumbershoot]

Doing Universal at the start is great but assuming you’re staying at bay lake later and in a studio, it might feel tiny depending on what Uni resort you chose. And FP+ is going to feel clunky compared to unlimited EP.

Doing it at the end is often better for a first timer! (Of course, once you’ve been, you just know how it’ll feel and you revel in the EP and deal with FP)

 

[macraven]

I always do the darkside after the motherland stays

No rushing and take my time when at UO

It will be the relaxing portion of your vacation

 

[Cruella 66]

Thank you! We are staying at Loew's Portofino Bay. We can't change our dates as this was an add on and the dates after our vacation aren't flexible. We are staying in a one bedroom at BLT. I have stayed in a studio there before and agree, they are on the small side. We've been at WDW many, many times-pre and post FP. I'm looking forward to this Express Pass!