Universal Studios ?

[Disneylover1970]

hello, we’re thinking about going to Universal Studios for the first time beginning of May for the first time for 4 days. It will be 2 adults and not interested in water parks, probably staying at Cabana resort.

We’ve been to Walt Disney World and love it there. How does Universal compare, such as meal plans, transportation? Do you like Universal Studios? Any pros and cons for this first time traveler? Thank you

 

[macraven]

The red head step kids of the Disboards love the darkside!

We feel Universal is great !

I suggest to check out and read the stickies and trip reports
You will get pictures, reports of daily events, personal opinions of their time at the UO properties

Universalorlando.com gives info On Everything in the parks
Site map is helpful to all newbies



Have you read any of the current threads of the past two weeks here?

There have been similar questions that you have asked and many have been answered in detail

The food/meal sticky is current and has pictures
Not as many picture of city walk eateries but that website does have a few included

Citywalk.com
You’ll find menus and entertainment info on that site

 

[lily88]

My favorite part about Universal vs Disney is the fact that you don't have to hardcore plan. I don't need to decide where I want to eat 180 days out. The unlimited express pass you get with a deluxe hotel stay is my absolute favorite though. Getting to skip the regular queues makes it so that I can come and go from the parks at my leisure.

The proximity of most of the hotels to the park is also a huge plus. The ease of going back and forth from your hotel is wonderful. I have never use the Dining Plan but the general consensus seems to be that it is not a good value.

 

[Tksolomom]

If they are staying at Cabana, it isn't deluxe and they won't get he express pass. For us, it is worth staying at Royal Pacific because of the express pass.

For transportation, you can walk to the parks and walk between them and CitiWalk easily.

I wouldn't do the meal plans. You would be better off paying out of pocket.

 

[lily88]

If they are staying at Cabana, it isn't deluxe and they won't get he express pass. For us, it is worth staying at Royal Pacific because of the express pass.

For transportation, you can walk to the parks and walk between them and CitiWalk easily.

I wouldn't do the meal plans. You would be better off paying out of pocket.

Yeah, should have specified that Cabana wasn't deluxe. That's what I get for posting while walking lol

 

[Disneylover1970]

Thank you. I’ll look at the resorts again. I wasn’t sure about the meal plans we usually do the quick service at WDW.

 

[GoldmanTrust]

It’s at least a great alternative to Disney. I grew up on Disney but am now converted. Last year we did 14 days at UO and 1 day at MK just to show my daughter (then 7 years old) what I liked at her age. She is a huge Hermoine Granger fan so Universal makes way more sense for her

But we really liked MK, a lot of great rides and just one of the most beautiful parks in world.

U will need much less planning. We have been five times to Universal in the last years (one time in LA) and never planned anything in advance and never bought a meal plan. We just show up, do the rides we want and relax.

My biggest tip to you guys would be watching as many movies represented in the parks as you can. HP movies, Jurassic Park, ET, MIB, Marvel movies etc etc. Just google it and you will find a complete list.

The shows at Universal are great, dont miss out on them. The Horror show is great.

Staying at Cabana Bay is very nice. Its about a 15 - 20 walk to the parks. You can also take a complementary bus our walk across the street to Sapphire Falls and take the boat. The bus is probably the quickest.

If you dont plan on going to Volcano Bay (a GREAT waterpark in my opinion) then maybe you should look into staying at one of the 3 deluxe hotels. You will get an express pass for your whole stay and will be situated closer to the parks. With boats and shorter walking distance.

But if you decide going with CBBR dont worry - it is a great choice. Wonderful hotel.

If there are any more questions don’t hesitate to ask.

 

[soniam]

If you have been to Disneyland, it's like that in the park size and proximity to each other and the hotels. Very walkable. Very easy or little planning. You seriously can walk very easily from 3 of the hotels to the parks. You can take a ferry right from 4 of the hotels. You can take the bus from Cabana Bay. Walking between the parks and Citywalk is amazing and really fast.

 

[cadawson]

If you are going for 4 park days, consider getting the season pass. Beginning of May is not a black out period for the season pass. Then, you can check out the passholder Room discounts at Portofino, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific Resorts. Those are the 3 resort hotels that will give you Express Pass with your room. We got a great passholder rate for late May that included club level at Portofino - a great value considering the free Express passes as well as club level food & drink included with the room rate.