Universal Studios With Large Group

[100%Disney]

We have never been to Universal, only Disney, and my DD13's middle school band has decided to do a trip there March 2014. I need advice from the experts here. The group will be approximately 40 people and we won't be able to afford onsite hotels. We will travel to and from Florida by charter bus. I need information on clean hotels near Universal, preferably with queen beds. Also, what to do about transportation to and from parks with such a large group. I am supposed to help with planning, but I'm lost on what to do. I am used to arriving at Disney and not worrying about anything.

Please give us suggestions. Anything as far as traveling with a large group will be helpful. Food, lodging, transportation, etc.

We also wish to do the Blue Man Group concert.

 

[macraven]

if you have AAA, contact an agent and they will be able to guide you.

i would think any travel agent could be very helpful for you and the group in this planning.

 

[macraven]

check out BMG website for group ticketing

 

[Metro West]

We have never been to Universal, only Disney, and my DD13's middle school band has decided to do a trip there March 2014. I need advice from the experts here. The group will be approximately 40 people and we won't be able to afford onsite hotels. We will travel to and from Florida by charter bus. I need information on clean hotels near Universal, preferably with queen beds. Also, what to do about transportation to and from parks with such a large group. I am supposed to help with planning, but I'm lost on what to do. I am used to arriving at Disney and not worrying about anything.

Please give us suggestions. Anything as far as traveling with a large group will be helpful. Food, lodging, transportation, etc.

We also wish to do the Blue Man Group concert.

Since you are asking about offsite hotels, I'm going to move this thread to a more appropriate forum.

 

[crazelion]

One I would look into hotels that offer free breakfast to keep cost down. I know Druey Inn and Suites gets excellent reviews on tripadvistor. They offer free breakfast and kick back dinner that would save money. I would use the charter bus go to from US that would be the easier.

 

[damo]

Drury Inn is a great selection. Other hotels close to Universal would be Hyatt Place, Doubletree and Holiday Inn and Suites Closest to Universal.

Free breakfast would be a smart investment.

There are a few other less expensive hotels on Major Blvd to look at. Make sure you check out trip advisor as some are not so recommended.

 

[100%Disney]

Thanks for the hotel suggestions. I will check those out. We are going to charter a bus, just trying to get rates. Trying to make a large group happy isn't fun.

 

[HopperFan]

Make sure you look at Universal Youth Tours and it might be worth to build in one Meal Voucher so you know the kids at least eat one meal.

http://www.uogroupsales.com/generalyouth/index.htm

Blue Man also does Group ticketing.

http://www.blueman.com/universal-orlando/about-the-show#block-views-group-discounts-block

Our sports team has stayed at Drury for the last few years when down (although one on 192) and very happy with it. I would def stay with big name hotels that include breakfast.

If you have a charter bus, that driver is yours for the weekend, the only restriction is their rest times. Have the bus drop you at Universal and then set a time for pickup.

 

[100%Disney]

Make sure you look at Universal Youth Tours and it might be worth to build in one Meal Voucher so you know the kids at least eat one meal.

http://www.uogroupsales.com/generalyouth/index.htm

Blue Man also does Group ticketing.

http://www.blueman.com/universal-orlando/about-the-show#block-views-group-discounts-block

Our sports team has stayed at Drury for the last few years when down (although one on 192) and very happy with it. I would def stay with big name hotels that include breakfast.

If you have a charter bus, that driver is yours for the weekend, the only restriction is their rest times. Have the bus drop you at Universal and then set a time for pickup.

Thanks, I will look into that hotel. Do you think they would have an issue with us arriving after midnight? It has never mattered at Disney, but I'm out of my element with these non-park hotels.

 

[HopperFan]

Thanks, I will look into that hotel. Do you think they would have an issue with us arriving after midnight? It has never mattered at Disney, but I'm out of my element with these non-park hotels.

I doubt it if they know in advance. I know our group usually gets there at around 11pm - 12am. I think they usually have to pay for the rooms in advance so the hotel knows they are covered but knowing allows them to have everything ready for the person on duty.

 

[100%Disney]

I doubt it if they know in advance. I know our group usually gets there at around 11pm - 12am. I think they usually have to pay for the rooms in advance so the hotel knows they are covered but knowing allows them to have everything ready for the person on duty.

Thanks, I'm just trying to get a nice clean place that the kids will feel safe. You never know about some hotels, they can be really gross. The band went last year and the director said the hotel was really awful, moldy towels and showers, they told you exactly what you could eat off the breakfast buffet, and the manager was rude.

 

[HopperFan]

Agree that is the challenge. We were nervous when our coaches decided to move the team off Disney property - in an effort to keep kids more contained, those Disney buses offer freedom, but so far they have done well. But I am not in the know on Universal area resorts. Even though they go to Universal every other year as their park day, they continue to stay on 192 at the Drury.

 

[100%Disney]

Agree that is the challenge. We were nervous when our coaches decided to move the team off Disney property - in an effort to keep kids more contained, those Disney buses offer freedom, but so far they have done well. But I am not in the know on Universal area resorts. Even though they go to Universal every other year as their park day, they continue to stay on 192 at the Drury.

About how long does it take you guys to get to Universal from the hotel? And can you suggest some reasonable places to eat near the hotel?

 

[HopperFan]

My DS is one of the coaches now. I'll check with him today and get back to you.

 

[100%Disney]

My DS is one of the coaches now. I'll check with him today and get back to you.

Thanks, that would be great!

 

[HopperFan]

First off, I messed up on the hotel. They stay at the Baymont Inn and Suites on Hwy 192 on the same side of 4 as Disney World. It is considered Celebration. The rates are good, the breakfast is good, hotel is in good shape and they feel safe about location with the kids.

http://www.baymontinns.com/hotels/f...ata=&rate_code=&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1

Driving to Universal takes them about 25 minutes. He says what they do is while on the bus to Universal they hand out all the tickets so on arrival the kids can take off for the park. They do buy ONE park tickets and have all kids go to the same park just to make it easier for them. Kids are split by last name and assigned to a coach for contact purposes. They have the coaches number and at least twice during the day at approx times they must text the coach they are okay and where they are.

Food: One night they make arrangements at the CiCi Pizza not far from hotel that they will have dinner there. That way the restaurant is ready for them all to show up. The other night they allow them to split up but they take the bus to a spot on 192 where there are several places to eat close together. Most the kids choose Golden Corral. I've been over there a few times and lots of restaurants at all price points. Next door is a "grill" as well.

He said they are going back there again this year, so this is probably year 5 for them at the Baymont. He is a Disney snob (when he was an athlete they stayed on property - even at CSR) and he said the hotel is just fine and the kids are happy with it too!

 

[100%Disney]

First off, I messed up on the hotel. They stay at the Baymont Inn and Suites on Hwy 192 on the same side of 4 as Disney World. It is considered Celebration. The rates are good, the breakfast is good, hotel is in good shape and they feel safe about location with the kids.

http://www.baymontinns.com/hotels/f...ata=&rate_code=&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1

Driving to Universal takes them about 25 minutes. He says what they do is while on the bus to Universal they hand out all the tickets so on arrival the kids can take off for the park. They do buy ONE park tickets and have all kids go to the same park just to make it easier for them. Kids are split by last name and assigned to a coach for contact purposes. They have the coaches number and at least twice during the day at approx times they must text the coach they are okay and where they are.

Food: One night they make arrangements at the CiCi Pizza not far from hotel that they will have dinner there. That way the restaurant is ready for them all to show up. The other night they allow them to split up but they take the bus to a spot on 192 where there are several places to eat close together. Most the kids choose Golden Corral. I've been over there a few times and lots of restaurants at all price points. Next door is a "grill" as well.

He said they are going back there again this year, so this is probably year 5 for them. He is a Disney snob (when he was an athlete they stayed on property - even at CSR) and he said the hotel is just fine and the kids are happy with it too!

I will check your link. Thank you for getting me the info. As I said, I am lost, when not doing Disney. I hope they like Universal. I'm just not too thrilled, I'd rather spend my money on a Disney trip. We have a theme park near us that has lots of roller coasters, I'm more into the ambiance of the park and the shows than big thrill rides. I hope I don't regret going.

 

[HopperFan]

Welcome

I've been to both Universal parks (like a few things in each) and while certainly not Disney ambience and all, at least you get to see them while not having to make it part of one of your vacations.

 

[4kids4karen]

We have never been to Universal, only Disney, and my DD13's middle school band has decided to do a trip there March 2014. I need advice from the experts here. The group will be approximately 40 people and we won't be able to afford onsite hotels. We will travel to and from Florida by charter bus. I need information on clean hotels near Universal, preferably with queen beds. Also, what to do about transportation to and from parks with such a large group. I am supposed to help with planning, but I'm lost on what to do. I am used to arriving at Disney and not worrying about anything.

Please give us suggestions. Anything as far as traveling with a large group will be helpful. Food, lodging, transportation, etc.

We also wish to do the Blue Man Group concert.

Westgate Lakes has accommodations for 16 with three bathrooms and a kitchen. Just an idea in case there will be fewer parents than kids that need to be chaperoned. Their floorplans are on their website.
http://westgateresorts.com/lakes/accommodations/

 

[100%Disney]

Westgate Lakes has accommodations for 16 with three bathrooms and a kitchen. Just an idea in case there will be fewer parents than kids that need to be chaperoned. Their floorplans are on their website.
http://westgateresorts.com/lakes/accommodations/

Thanks, but I might go nuts having to be with that many kids nonstop.