Universal Newbie with Questions...

[lonegungirl]

Hi Ho.

I'm planning a trip in December (6-17) at WDW in which I have some meetings for the first few days, and then some friends coming the last few days. I had considered spending the couple days in between at Universal, as we've never been there, but I had some questions...

a) Will 2 days be sufficient for the 2 parks? I'm thinking 12/10-12/12. The party will be my Mom and myself, and she won't go on roller coasters or intense thrill rides, so I'm not sure how much there'll be for us.

b) Is it a big part of the experience to stay onsite, as it is at Disney? We'll be staying at Pop Century before and after, so it would be easier (and less expensive) to stay there, but if it adds considerably to the experience I'd be willing to make the move. I understand the FOTL pass comes with the hotels there, however--at that time of year, is it likely to be crowded enough where the pass will be a necessity? Is the traffic in the area in the morning bad enough where we'd waste an hour in the morning trying to get into the parking lots?

c) I hear the dining is better there than at Disney--do you have to make reservations months in advance, as at Disney?

Any other tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks for any info!

 

[Disney5Mom]

The FOTL access is really awesome.You could stay one night on site and have the FOTL for 2 days. We went during March break.You should be able to see everything in 2 days. We found lots to do and were able to eat where we wanted with no reservations. We stayed at Royal Pacific and loved it I would recommend staying on site.

 

[tlinus]

Staying onsite is a must for the whole immersive experience. You can walk to the parks and yes, FOTL is awesome! If you find crowded restaurants, show your room key and your wait time is cut in half. ( I am pretty sure Bubba Gump's is the only restaurant that does not honor this system).

There is plenty to do and as the other poster noted, you only need one night onsite to get 2 full days of FOTL access.

We have stayed at the HRH twice and I really could not imagine going to Universal without staying onsite again (as we had done in previous trips)!

let us know what you decide to do!!!

oh, and have a great time!!!

 

[lonegungirl]

Well the argument to stay onsite does sound compelling. Currently, for the dates I'm looking at, the cheapest looks to be the Royal Pacific for around $178 or so. Are there any particular discounts people use? I've checked the Entertainment book, Expedia, and Hotwire, but they all seem to be fairly close to rack rate.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Metro West]

Well the argument to stay onsite does sound compelling. Currently, for the dates I'm looking at, the cheapest looks to be the Royal Pacific for around $178 or so. Are there any particular discounts people use? I've checked the Entertainment book, Expedia, and Hotwire, but they all seem to be fairly close to rack rate.

Thanks for the input!

I think most people either use the AP discount or something through AAA...not sure though.

 

[LittleBlue22]

Our family might be doing a 2 day at Universal and I'm freaking out. What is there at Universal FLA for kids 7 and under to do?

 

[Metro West]

Metro! You're here!

Our family might be doing a 2 day at Universal and I'm freaking out. What is there at Universal FLA for kids 7 and under to do? Your thoughts?

Yep...I'm here...no need to fear!

The easiest thing to do is to give you the link to the Universal website. I just don't want to type everything out longhand....yes....I'm lazy!

Here ya go: http://www.universalorlando.com/prs_fun_w_kids.html

Oh...and please...CALM DOWN...you'll be fine

 

[LittleBlue22]

Yep...I'm here...no need to fear!

The easiest thing to do is to give you the link to the Universal website. I just don't want to type everything out longhand....yes....I'm lazy!

Here ya go: http://www.universalorlando.com/prs_fun_w_kids.html

Oh...and please...CALM DOWN...you'll be fine

And I thought I edited it quick enough, Glad you saw my post. thanks rolleyes1 btw, I just left you a post on the other thread too )

 

[Metro West]

rolleyes1 btw, I just left you a post on the other thread too )

Hmmmm...which one?

 

[LittleBlue22]

Hmmmm...which one?

the shameless smiley thread.

 

[Metro West]

the shameless smiley thread.

Got it!

 

[dkrfla]

I am a huge Disney fan at Christmas time but I also love Universal during the holidays. During the month of December, the Macy's parade will be running in the studios pretty much daily and as I understand it "Grinchmas" will be returning to Islands Of Adaventure this year. Both are really awesome and come with your daily park admission. The first 2 weeks in December generally isn't too terribly crowded at UO. I say if you have the time...do it!

Unfortunately Universal does not have any value resorts on property like Pop Century however if you can afford it The Hard Rock Hotel is the way to go.

Have a great time whatever you decide!
Dusty

 

[LittleBlue22]

thanks dkrfla

 

[SPOERLX3]

I am also planning a trip in Dec and are planning a trip to US/IOA for 2 days. Unless you have a car, weigh the cost staying on property to get the FOTL vs. traveling back and forth and the cost of a taxi, to and from US/IOA 2 days. The cost of a taxi is about $30 one way which adds about $120 to the cost for a 2 day trip. The cost of the taxi alone, almost makes up the difference that you are trying to save. I would just weigh the cost and see what comes out better for you, especially if you were planning on buying the FOTL access with your tickets.