Universal Studios/Nick Hotel Mardi Gras 2006

[agbyrom]

We will be visiting Universal Studios for the first time in Feb. 2006. We've always gone the Disney route when visiting Orlando, but decided to switch things up. Is Feb.25-March2, 2006(Mardi Gras) a peak time? Also, would it be better to stay onsite vs. the Nick Hotel? We will be celebrating my 7 year daughter's "Golden B-Day" Any info will be appreciated!

 

[3for Me]

According to the Unofficial Guide, the crowds will be anywhere from a 5 to a 9 at WDW, so I would expect similar crowds at Universal.

For what it's worth, those figures were probably determined before Hurricane Katrina's impact was known, and the crowds that you would normally see from Southern Louisiana will not be as much of a factor, because those holidays are being taken away from the schools to make up for lost time.

I think (personally) that the length of your stay is too long to be at the Nick Hotel - it's great for a couple of days and then it gets to be a bit much.

Don't know if this helps, but personally, I would stay at an on-site Universal hotel and use FOTL priveleges.

Have Fun!

 

[agbyrom]

Thanks for the info. Why do you think the Nick hotel is too much after a few days? Also, which Universal onsite hotel would you suggest?

 

[mickeymousemommy]

My family has annual passes to Universal. We were lucky enough to get them 2 years for the price of one with a coupon. We have stayed off property, on Disney property, and on Universal property while visiting. Staying on-site has it's advantages. You get to use your room keys as express passes. That in itself is worth it. I have stayed at the Royal Pacific and loved it! It's a gorgeous resort and the staff was very nice. They have character dining in the restaurant that has different characters and meals on different nights. My sister and brother have stayed at the Hard Rock. They totally loved it and said they'd stay there again. I have no experience at all with Portofino Bay. You can ride a boat to the parks or walk. It's not a very long walk, we got to the park before the boat on occassion. Have fun!