Universal worth it?

[tink 2257]

My husband and I are having a discussion(disagreement) about whether to split our next trip between Disney and Universal. We will be staying ten days total, and I wanted to stay on site at Universal for 2-3 nights to get the line privileges. He thinks the hotels are too expensive at Universal and it won't be worth it. I'm worried that if we go to Universal for the day that we will be standing in lines most of the time. We will be going the end of June '06, we have two daughters 15 and 13 and this will be our fifth trip to Disney World.
Any suggestions will be helpful.

 

[JessicaR]

On-site rooms with discounts can be had for $129 a night and up this summer. I think if you can swing it 2-3 nights on-site is the way to go for sure! Your girls are at a great age and would LOVE HRH If you stayed 2 nights that would give you 3 full days of FOTL. I would also do the Universal segment after Disney...you will love NO lines after doing nothing but standing on them at Disney. Universal is awesome and a great family destination! We love it!

 

[disneybound05]

tink2257-- my husband and i are also considering splitting our 13 days in May 2006 between Universal and Disney. we both agree that we want to stay on-site and our only disagreement is where to stay. it's a toss up between 2 nights at Universal's Portofino/Royal Pacific (we've never been to either) and the remainder at Disney's Grand Floridian/Yacht Club (we've been to the GF and loved it, but never the YC). all of which are expensive, especially for May. the only discount i will have is AAA.

i suggest staying on-site, if at all possible. during our last visit to Universal we stayed at an off-site hotel and regret it. we didn't feel as though we were on 'vacation' and we felt as though we were missing out on the on-site perks. there's no better feeling than knowing that the majority of people around you, at the resort, are there for the same reason... to visit the parks and have fun. we didn't feel that way at the off-site resort. unlike on-site resorts, no one was there to let you know what was going on at the parks for that day. no one to tell you about any special events, shows, etc.

while we were in Disney earlier this month, we visited other resorts for next year's trip. none of the moderate resorts peaked our interest. we are a family of 3 adults/1 child and the moderate rooms were a bit cramped. the bathroom/vanity areas would be too close for comfort if 2 of us want to get ready at the same time.

we spend a good deal of time in our room and want to feel comfortable when we are there. the GF was very spacious and comfortable for all of us. we felt the 'vibe' staying there. however, we'd like to try another deluxe resort instead of sticking to the same 'ole place.

let me know what you decide. i'm going to start researching prices later today to see what we can do and what we can't. next year's rates are not posted yet, so i know it will be a bit more than what i price today. i am also curious to find out the pros/cons to switching resorts. i will post this question on the general forum.

 

[hardrocker45]

We always loved the Polynesian at Disney ,great view of MK and the pool is awesome and water mice !!!!!,fireworks while lazing in the pool.Very laid back and tropical.Universal hotels are a fresh change from Disney and the HRH is the best of everything all things considered,but we love to rock

 

[zippehsmom]

Definitely do the 2-3 days onsite Universal. We are doing 2 nights and getting 3 days of FOTL. We are doing Universal first because we have a Grand Gathering planned for the last part of the trip. Either way at the beginning or the end you will have a great time at Universal especially with FOTL.

zippehsmom

 

[tink 2257]

Thanks for the suggestions! I really think we'll end up staying at Universal, and of course the next question is----what hotel? We have always stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in Disney, and we would like something comparable in Universal. :thewave: