WDW lover trying Universal for first time

[mark smith]

Wife, me and 11 year old daughter love going to WDW (7-8 trips over last 6 years), daughter has friends that love rides at Universal and wants to go.

We are going to Orlando in Oct. for a wedding and will definetely do wdw FOR A FEW NIGHTS. To check out Universal/Islands of adventure and possibly Sea World, fairly how much time would be needed.? Daughter thinks she is a thrill seeker, but reality is that Disneys space mountain and test track are probably her fear factor limits at this time.

We would have our own car and would stay onsite(best hotel recommendations please). Any ideas, opinions, possible itineraries would be most appreciated. Thanks

 

[patster734]

If you're staying on-site, the Royal Pacific Resort (RPR) is usually the cheapest, yet gives you the same perks as the other 2 hotels: Express access to park rides, a walkway connecting the hotel to Citywalk, a boat transferring guests from the hotel to Citywalk, and priority seating at most restaurants in Citywalk. Not sure what hotel rate discounts will be available this October, but in the past, we've gotten pretty good AAA rates at that time.

As for the parks, I suggest planning one day for each park. If you finish one park in under a day, you can simply return to the rides you like, or go to the other park. The 2 parks (US and IOA) are adjacent to each other and its only a short walk through Citywalk to get from one to the other.

 

[Metro West]

As for the parks, I suggest planning one day for each park. If you finish one park in under a day, you can simply return to the rides you like, or go to the other park. The 2 parks (US and IOA) are adjacent to each other and its only a short walk through Citywalk to get from one to the other.

 

[mslclark]

You need at least two days to experience the Universal parks. Staying onsite will be a help because it will greatly reduce your wait time. We've stayed at Royal Pacific and Hard Rock, and I'd recommend either one. Hard Rock is our pick because it's closer to the parks.

 

[goofie4goofy]

The best thing (besides the above info) is not to compare WDW to USO. They are 2 completely different places and parks. We love both for different reasons. USO is smaller, more compact so you will not be walking 100 miles a day. You don't need to plan like you do for WDW. The rides are thrilling, different but not crazy, just differently themed. If she loves Test track then she can handle most anything in the park. When you stay on site you get FOTL access, which means you do not have to get to the parks early, you can ride as much as you like, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful resorts. You will never know you are in a "theme park". You will feel like you are on a relaxing vacation.

 

[Bobo912]

I agree one day for each park. You don't need more than that. We've stayed at the Hard Rock and it couldn't have been more convenient. I think an 11-year-old would probably enjoy the decor. They have a nice beach-like pool with a water slide.

 

[marksmith]

Thanks for the comments. Leaving Sunday for 3 nights at WDW; Universal for sure in October

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for the comments. Leaving Sunday for 3 nights at WDW; Universal for sure in October

Glad to hear you'll be at Universal in October...that's a great time to go.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

11 is the perfect age for HRH, esp if your child is a Guitar Hero game fan. I got the, "You are the best mom ever!" award on our 1st trip there.
Beautiful hotel and only about a 5 min. scenic walk to the parks.
The FOTL is the greatest perk ever. My kids think they're VIPs!

 

[damo]

Don't wait too long to book because October is a very, very, very popular time to be at Universal with their halloween events that go on for the month.