Visiting Universal 1st time..Disney Hotel?

[asfarrell]

Now that Harry Potter will be opening next year, it has given me an "excuse" to go back to Disney...I mean Orlando
So my question..we would still visit Disney World and would stay at a Disney Resort??
Will Universal Studios pick you up at your DW resort? or you have to take a cab?
How far is US from DW? One last question..is 2 days enough to see both of US parks or should we plan on more days...thanks!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

depends on the time of the year; as to two days being enough time. We went this past May it was crowded but WE DID A PARK A DAY!!! AND SEEN EVERYTHING!!!! and the older kids and DH were able to ride the thrill rides a few times while there...

can't help with the travel arrangements; but, I have heard that it is cheaper and easier to order a town car than a cab...hang in there I'm sure someone will have the answer...you may want to post the question on the US thread,too!

Have fun planning!

 

[lisaross]

2 days will be enough if you just want to do the parks w/no relaxing..we just went in August and did disney for 7 nights and Universal for 4 nights - so glad we did...we did each park 1 day from about 9-3 then went to the pool and relaxed the thrid day we hit some rides at both parks and even the last morning my husband and son went to hit a couple more big rides! WE just wanted to do it in a more relaxing way then disney - we stayed in Hard Rock so no waits...loved universal -

oh we took a taxi from disney to universal about 45 bucks - about 15 minute ride and a town card from universal to airport about the same price!

have fun..

lisa

Now that Harry Potter will be opening next year, it has given me an "excuse" to go back to Disney...I mean Orlando
So my question..we would still visit Disney World and would stay at a Disney Resort??
Will Universal Studios pick you up at your DW resort? or you have to take a cab?
How far is US from DW? One last question..is 2 days enough to see both of US parks or should we plan on more days...thanks!!

 

[Metro West]

Now that Harry Potter will be opening next year, it has given me an "excuse" to go back to Disney...I mean Orlando
So my question..we would still visit Disney World and would stay at a Disney Resort??
Will Universal Studios pick you up at your DW resort? or you have to take a cab?
How far is US from DW? One last question..is 2 days enough to see both of US parks or should we plan on more days...thanks!!

I would allow a full day for each park and if you're coming down after WWoHP opens, expect LONG lines...so I doubt you can do much in a single day. The most popluar transfer option is with Mears. You would need to call them 24 hours in advance to set up your times. the round trip per person is $18.00...children are a little less. Check out: www.mearstransportation.com for more information.

Also...it may not be a bad idea to check what the rates are for the onsite hotels at Universal. The main perk is the unlimited Express access for the entire stay. It will greatly reduce your wait times.

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Now that Harry Potter will be opening next year, it has given me an "excuse" to go back to Disney...I mean Orlando
So my question..we would still visit Disney World and would stay at a Disney Resort??
Will Universal Studios pick you up at your DW resort? or you have to take a cab?
How far is US from DW? One last question..is 2 days enough to see both of US parks or should we plan on more days...thanks!!

Hi Andrea:

I would expect large crowds next year at Universal due to the opening of Harry Potter. It would probably be a good idea to consider staying at a Universal resort for that portion of your trip. This will give you front of the line access... it will beat staying in long lines. You might also want to consider buying your Tickets now for Universal. They currently have a great offer for $99.99 for two parks for seven days... this offer could be pulled at anytime. Go to their website or DU also has it.

Have fun planning and have a Great trip,

Mark

 

[asfarrell]

Thank you...I guess we could spend half our time at Disney Resort and half at a Universal one? to get the benefits of both "worlds"...I just can't see going to Orlando and skipping/missing out on the Disney Resorts, Parks and Free Bus Rides (to and from airport, etc)..
I also saw where you can buy tickets to Universal (special ones) and a shuttle will pick you up from your DW Resort (included in ticket price), that might be a good option too. I didn't realize there was a US thread, I will go check it out, it's a year away but I just love to plan

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Personally I would stay at Universal or off-site near Universal and rent a car for those two days. Disney resorts cost more than off-site or Universal and the cost of the taxi is high. I've read a lot of great posts about the Universal resorts plus you get their VIP line pass. It would be worth it for that and not paying the taxi and the resort should be less than WDW.

 

[MomPOM]

We're heading down to WDW next fall and I honestly have no desire to do US except for the Harry Potter. I think we'll do one day, get there early, do Harry Potter and then hit the road.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, hearing what you have been told...Universal resorts cost ALOT more than disney resorts do! so, if you are on a budget...here are different things to look at...
they do have a lot of hotels near Universal who offer free tranportation...if you stay on site at US you have VIP access; but, you can buy the VIP pass (you would need to weigh out all the options). But, US does have an awesome QS dining plan (again this is if you are looking to budget). We stayed at a local townhouse (we had our own vehicle--when we went) they three nights for US/IOA. Than we moved on to Disney...next time if we can not afford to stay at the US resorts (again) we plan to check into the VIP passes.
Happy planning!

 

[BrownDalmatian]

Also...it may not be a bad idea to check what the rates are for the onsite hotels at Universal. The main perk is the unlimited Express access for the entire stay. It will greatly reduce your wait times.

I agree. The Express access alone is a HUGE perk and it makes the experience at US/IoA much better. Also, the Universal Onsite hotels are really nice (my wife and I love Royal Pacific), so if you can afford it then this might be something worth looking into.