Universal Studios from a CDN prospective

[SandraC]

Hi all ~ DH said that he would consider a March Break 2008 Florida trip if we didn't do 100% Disney. I have the $86 7-day 2-park Universal tickets and 10 day hoppers plus that don't expire for Disney [plus waterpark left overs on other tickets].

I would like to stay at ASMo or Pop for about a week, do Universal Studios most days, a couple of TL and BB days and one MK/other WDW park day, leaving us with 9 days on our Disney tickets for three 3-day future trips.

We would also spend a couple days at the beach....I'm thinking Cocoa Beach, but I can't find a good hotel.

Please suggest Cocoa Beach hotels.

Please advise about staying at WDW while doing Universal Studios [we always rent a car].

THANKS! Blessings, Sandra

 

[myasmum]

We did 2 hrs at Adventure Island apart of Universal (then it rained the rest of the day) BUT I wish it didnt as wanted to do more rides and IF there is even lightening heading thier way they WILL close outside rides down which is most of the rides as we just got to the park and headed to the HULK ride and it wa closed it was really sunny outside but I guess they knew thunder was headed our way so they had to close it about 1/2hr later they opened it up and that is 1 ride I HIGHLY recomend we waited about 45-60min but a 2 min ride but man its azaming I would do it again.
Also for kids the Spiderman 3D is amazing my kids 4,5 and 8 LOVED the ride plus my nephews 14 & 15 also loved it and I did too LoL

But yeah we bought 1 day tickets for $53 per person and spent only 2hrs due to rain and they wouldnt give any money back or another day (as stated on the pass) so beware make SURE if you go that theres no rain or it will ruin your day and be a waste of money as we spent 2hrs there.

 

[SandraC]

The ticket we have was $86 per person pre-paid thru Universal Studios. It gives us 7 consecutive days at both Universal parks. That gives us freedom if the weather sucks, or we only want to do half days at the parks. We spent a few WDW trips doing COMMANDO DISNEY, but the last two trips have been soooooooo relaxing that that is our fav way to see the parks.

Our dilema is; do we go in 2008 or 2009? S

 

[canron]

universl is kind of run down..it doesnt compare to diney at all..you can do universal in 2 days ..1 week there would kiil me..its boreing after the fiirst day..as far as hotel..donnt take pop its not a very good resort..it way too big noisey ..ou can hear everyword in he rooms around you...4 floors so long elevator waits in the morning..aand evening ..food court is packed at all times....im staying there in sept..for the 4th time and not looking foreward to it..but its a hoilday..and wife is paying!!!!yippie...allstars is smalleer and cozier..try a few days at each and see for yourself..

 

[SandraC]

canron....take a happy pill

We don't mind stairs at all, so no elevator waits for us. We will likely do about 4 half days at Universal parks and WDW water parks the other days. We are the noisy people you talk about....heeheehee.

 

[NancyK]

Hi Sandra,
I think your kids will probably love Universal/IOA. Not sure what the hours are like in March, but I know that quite often they are 9am to 6pm leaving your evenings free. You will probably find that you won't need much more than 2 or 3 days in Universal depending on crowd levels. It's definitely worth doing though. We're headed to Disney in September for a week and I'm really looking forward to our 2 Universal days. We've done Disney so many times that - dare I say it - I'm almost Disneyed out. It's only about 10 miles down the road from Disney.
I see that you've never stayed in a value resort? They do tend to be a bit busier than the mods, but we've never found them in any way unmanageable. As for which resort - it's all a matter of preference. The values are all pretty much the same. My DH prefers Pop Century and I prefer All Star Music. I'm sure you probably know that the pools don't have slides in the values and there are no restaurants - just the food court. I never have an issue with waiting for elevators since I have an elevator phobia - even when we were on the 4th floor at Pop, I walked up/down the stairs.
Happy planning!

 

[ChisJo]

universl is kind of run down..it doesnt compare to diney at all..you can do universal in 2 days ..1 week there would kiil me..its boreing after the fiirst day..as far as hotel..donnt take pop its not a very good resort..it way too big noisey ..ou can hear everyword in he rooms around you...4 floors so long elevator waits in the morning..aand evening ..food court is packed at all times....im staying there in sept..for the 4th time and not looking foreward to it..but its a hoilday..and wife is paying!!!!yippie...allstars is smalleer and cozier..try a few days at each and see for yourself..

I totally disagree....I absolutely love USO and IOA. I think they are wonderfully themed and the some of the rides, IMHO, are far superior than WDW. I could easily spend 5 days there....I get more bored at WDW than USO. I find the deals that they offer on food, tickets, and hotel stays to also be superior to Disney. I think the hotels on USO are a way better deal than any Disney resort, and I find them to be the opposite of the above poster. I find them very quiet and extremely clean and quiet. I love the atmosphere at each hotel and am really looking forward to my next stay there. I know alot of people have a hard time opening up to Universal (not saying that the above poster is like this, sorry if its sounding like that), but I have to admit that the first time I went to Universal, I had Disney tunnel vision, and I found a way to hate it. But, when I went back the second time, I ended up falling in love with this park, and I HAVE to go each and every time I go to Orlando, and the next time I go, I actually plan on spending more time there then Disney.

My BF truly will not like Disney - I already know this. He is really looking forward to Universal. I cannot answer the question about getting to Universal from Disney - We rent a time share in Kissimmee, so we always rent a car. We also spend at least one night at a Universal hotel to get FOTL.

As for Cocoa Beach...We drive there and spend a day at the beach then drive back....can't recommend a hotel there...But make sure you go to Ron Jon Surf shop....always a must for me there.

Cheers - Joline

 

[SandraC]

Hi Nancy ~ We haven't stayed at the value, but we have visited All Stars a couple of times. My kids really like the themes. I got into it too! My sister is staying at POP in Sept. She'll give me a report too. My son loves the little splash pad area at the ASMo. The food court is great! I'm wondering what it will be like staying at Disney, but doing alot of Universal! S

 

[NancyK]

My BF truly will not like Disney - I already know this. He is really looking forward to Universal.
Cheers - Joline

Joline - I have two sons in their 20s. One is working at Disney for a year, so we know where his allegiance lies, but my other son prefers Universal over Disney. I'm sure your boyfriend will love Universal/IOA.

Sandra - we've never had a problem driving from Disney to Universal. It's straight down I-4. Depending on the time of day, I guess the traffic could be a problem, but we've always been lucky I guess.

 

[calgarygary]

If you are going to stay at Disney while visiting US/IOA, then I strongly suggest that you arrive at the parking garage at least a half hour before park opening. Spring break weeks are likely to be busy and you will want to do as much park touring as possible before it gets busy. Standing in longer lines later in the day, watching onsite guests using their room keys for front of the line will not enhance your trip. If you really want to experience US/IOA the best way, if your budget allows for it, spend the last part of your trip onsite and experience the parks with fotl.

 

[SplashMom]

We have done a few days at Universal but we moved to an on-site resort (Hard Rock Hotel) for those days. We found the front of the line pass you get by staying on-site to be a huge benefit, especially during busy times like March break (and Easter for us). You even get front of the line service for restaurants, which can be a huge time saver at places like Margaritaville and Hard Rock Cafe.

While at Disney, we love Pop! We have stayed there four times already and are planning to return again this year. It is just so fun and so Disney. I'm sure you will love it. Driving to Universal isn't that far and as long as you have time and flexibility, you will have a blast! My only advice is to go in 2008--if I had the choice, I would always go earlier (and then figure out how to go later as well!!!)

 

[MouseGirl]

I would also echo the advice to either go early and be at the parks before they open so that you miss the bulk of the crowds, or stay onsite at one of the Universal hotels for at least one night to experience Front of the Line - we loved walking onto the rides again and again! One night's stay at an onsite hotel gets you two full days of FOTL.

We found it very worthwhile, and loved the rooms, pools and atmosphere at both the Royal Pacific and the Hard Rock (we have tried both on our last trips in 2005 and 2007). They're both amazing hotels that more than give Disney resorts a run for their money, IMHO.

We loved our time at WDW, but I have to say that we equally enjoyed our time at US/IOA (I honestly wasn't expecting that to be the case, but it was). Our kids are 12 and 10 now, and really enjoy the thrill rides there. We'll always make both WDW and US/IOA a part of our trips from now on.....

 

[hockey mom]

Why don't you split up your stay. I would spend 2 nights/ 3 days at universal and the rest at Disney. Parking is another expensive and looong walk situation that you wouldn't have to deal with if you stayed on site. Also front of the line perks can't be beat.

 

[SandraC]

I have a "Make-a-Wish" kid, so lines aren't an issue. Universal hotels are SOOOOOO expensive. Are there deals anywhere? Thanks! Sandra

 

[csmei]

Joline - I have two sons in their 20s. One is working at Disney for a year, so we know where his allegiance lies, but my other son prefers Universal over Disney. I'm sure your boyfriend will love Universal/IOA.

Sandra - we've never had a problem driving from Disney to Universal. It's straight down I-4. Depending on the time of day, I guess the traffic could be a problem, but we've always been lucky I guess.

Hi Nancy,

Would you tell me the route from Pop to Universal? Approx. how long?
How much for parking at Universal?
Thanks.

 

[hockey mom]

Last time I parked at Universal it was $10 for the day and takes about 15- 20 minutes to drive.


I have stayed on site for $99/night using the CAA discount.

 

[csmei]

Last time I parked at Universal it was $10 for the day and takes about 15- 20 minutes to drive.


I have stayed on site for $99/night using the CAA discount.

Thanks for your info.

What do you mean stay on site? Universal on-site hotels?

 

[calgarygary]

You are very unlikely to find a $99 rate at the onsite hotels (universal) these days. I have seen low rates posted for very quiet times but $99 hasn't been around for a few years. Check the universal boards for more info. Typically, the AAA (CAA) rates are among the lowest when available.

 

[SplashMom]

We paid around $230/night (CAA) two years ago at the HRH but that was during Easter week. There are some specials where you can book your room and get two free passes to Universal/IOA but it is still expensive. When you consider your time, however, we felt it was well worth it.