WDW or Universal Studio?

[ciociania]

HI, I am planning a first trip for my family of 5 (kids 15, 5 & 3.5) to Orlando. We will have total 4 days for parks. Would you suggest staying in WDW only or visiting couple of its parks and going to Universal Studio or Islands of Adventure for the other two days? I know we won't see everything the first time. So what is the best out of the best? And how are the prices: WDW 4-day park hoper versus Universal Studio prices? Thanks for any input.

 

[disneyholic family]

with kids that age i would go with WDW only......
and stay onsite at WDW...

by the way, we went to universal/IOA when my kids were 12 and 15 and they totally hated it......take into account that they are true disneyholics and that we spend 3 weeks every summer at WDW....

but really, i didn't see that much for 3 and 5 years olds when we were at universal/IOA (and we found the staff at universal/IOA to be universaly unpleasant)....

 

[UKDEB]

We love WDW and Universal equally, but with only 4 days I would stick with Disney this trip. Make no mistake - you will be going back!

 

[TreeOfLife]

I'd split and visit both. With kids that age, you could skip Epcot and MGM on a short trip.

Definitely visit Universal, where you have front of the line access being a resort guest or even having their Master Card! That will help you see a whole lot more in a short time. Universal does have several attractions that appeal to the little ones, while your teen will enjoy the rides for older audiences as well. Check out their website universalstudios.com or visit their board to learn about what is out there for them.

The point is, selecting only Disney's parks for four days will leave you missing out on a lot of attractions, and adding Universal taking advantage of their offers will help you enjoy far more attractions in a short time.

 

[MrsMud]

First I would say: If you post this question on the Universal/IOA board, you will get totally different answers. I would thoroughly research both, and see what you think your family would most enjoy. WDWs prices are much more than Universals, but if you did split, would you then buy 2 1 Day, 1 park passes for Disney, or would you buy 4 day hoppers AND Universal tickets, then save the other days on your hoppers? That may influence your decision. Also, if you think you would be able to come back in the near future, I would probably just do WDW and save US/IOA for next time, just for the fact that you CANNOT see even half of Disney in 2 days.
That said, although it's true that US/IOA once were mainly for older kids and adults, there is now alot for little ones. You don't say when you are going, but US has 2 new attractions opening soon: Shrek 4D and Jimmy Neutron. They also have Nickelodeon Studios. IOA has Seussland, which is completely geared toward little ones. Plus, I think the older one would really enjoy ALL of these 2 parks. So if this is like a once in a lifetime (or once in a decade) type trip, I would try to split and do both. Lastly, if you do split, I would spend the 2 WDW days at MK and MGM, where there are enough attractions for both age groups.

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

where you have front of the line access being a resort guest or even having their Master Card!

This is news to me regarding the MasterCard. Where does this info come from?

 

[disneyholic family]

as i noted in my earlier post....my teenage kids thought universal studios was totally 'lame'......the only ride they liked was men in black.....they still laugh about how stupid the rest of them were...

as for IOA, they say that cedar pointe is a much better park.....(far superior coasters and many more of them)....
so if you're near there, don't bother with IOA....

 

[ciociania]

Thank you everybody for a valuable input! I am sure I will love WDW but it is "the trip" for us, at least for next couple of years. We are planning to go back when the little ones are at least 8 & 6. So this time (late June) I think of going to MK, AK and MGM and leaveing the last day for US. Again, thanks for all the advice. I am curious too about that Universal Master Card?

 

[TreeOfLife]

JohnnyOldBoy, their website. If you have further inquiries I suggest you contact the company as I can't tell you over and beyond what is advertised.

disneyholic, most teens LOVE Universal. But my kids liked it better than Disney when they were 5 and 8!

It is a personal experience but they sound like a pretty open minded family willing to explore other alternatives in family vacations.

 

[nicolep91]

Originally posted by disneyholic family
as i noted in my earlier post....my teenage kids thought universal studios was totally 'lame'......the only ride they liked was men in black.....they still laugh about how stupid the rest of them were...

as for IOA, they say that cedar pointe is a much better park.....(far superior coasters and many more of them)....
so if you're near there, don't bother with IOA....

I live very close to Cedar Point (about 15 minutes away), have visited more times than I could count and I didn't find IOA to be "lame" at all! I thought the theming and rides were very well thought out and suitable for the whole family.

ciociania, my family visited IOA when my kids were the exact same age (3 1/2 and 5 at that time) yours are and they had a great time, they especially loved Suess Landing. However, I'm not sure if just IOA would be enough to occupy the young ones for the whole day so I would recommend splitting the day up so you can see both parks and catch some of the shows at Studios. Have a great trip!

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

From the Chase Universal Mastercard website:

Take advantage of cardmember-only special offers and access to Front of the Line Passes for Universal Parks & Resorts rides and attractions.

From the USF website:

UNIVERSAL EXPRESS ride access* -- Just show your room key card and bypass the regular lines at your favorite Universal Orlando rides and attractions. No Express Pass or ride reservations are necessary.

Me thinks its not the same thing.

 

[TreeOfLife]

JohnnyOldBoy, me thinks you should just call them to confirm rather than just post your doubts, my friend.

Just think: One alternative is more productive and settles the matter

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

Hey, it was your claim. I just wanted to know if you had some special info.

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

I am curious too about that Universal Master Card?

Here’s the answer, thanks to Kelly Monaghan, Author of "Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide" and "The Other Orlando: What To Do When You've Done Disney & Universal":

Here's what Chase says:

"Please be aware that your Universal
Entertainment MasterCard from Chase will not provide you with
Front-of-the-Line benefits simply by presenting it at the attraction of
your choice within a Universal Studios theme park. However, there are
awards (redeemable with points earned on your card) currently offered
on our website at www.chaseuniversalrewards.com which contain the
front-of-the-line benefit: the VIP tours, Hollywood Deluxe Pass, and
the vacation packages featuring stays at either the Royal Pacific
Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel, or the Portofino Bay Hotel. We do not
offer the front-of-the-line benefit as an individual award option at
this time. "

 

[TreeOfLife]

Regardless of my interpretation of the ad (quite justified, since even you read it like I did) Universal's card is far better than Disney's, according to financial reviews evaluating credit cards. It is among the top rewards cards in the nation, Chase's being second only to AMEX's.

Disney's is just another pathetic insult and derrogatory treatment towards its guests. And missing from any top ranking lists...
I know, I know, disappointing of what you hold dearly but never an excuse to get personal, hunny.

Staying as a Universal resort guest gives you more opportunities to see it all during your trip, saving you far more vacation time.

...And those were my points, still standing

 

[zaxmom]

Anyways...We have almost 3 and 5 year olds and we love Universal, we bought APs. But, if it were our first trip to Orlando, I would just stick with Disney and their parks. Save Universal for a whole other trip. I think Universal must be done staying onsite for the front of the line. We have done both ways and On site is THE way to go. Four Days would be a good amount of time, you can get the 4 day PHs and spend a day at each park and probably have time to hit anything you miss. What we have done the last two years is bought 5 day PH and the Power Pass to Universal. Last May we went to Disney for 2 days and US for 3, this year we are doing US for 3 and Disney for 3. This year's tickets are paid for since we paid so much last year. Your 15 year old would probably like IOA and MGM the best. The little ones will probably be happy and cranky at the same time anywhere (at least in our experience). But, My opinion is to do all of Disney one trip and take another and do Universal and Sea World (and stay on site, get discounts with the Entertainment Book, the FOTL is worth it), or hey extend the trip to include 6 park days!!

 

[horseshowmom]

I have to agree with zaxmom.

My teenager much prefers US/IOA, and there are some great activities for smaller kids there, but considering your time allotment, I'd stick with WDW.

We usually spend a day and a half just at MK (and we don't go at peak times). You'll probably feel less rushed and like you accomplished more if you just spend your time at WDW.

There's always next time (and the next and the next - warning: this activity can be habit forming!).

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by disneyholic family


as for IOA, they say that cedar pointe is a much better park.....(far superior coasters and many more of them)....
so if you're near there, don't bother with IOA....

A comparison of Cedar Point and IOA is a moot one specifically because one is an amusement park and the other is a theme park. People who only see IOA as coasters don't know IOA at all but judge it from what they see from a distance.

I used to split my vacations between WDW and USO but now only go to USO. My 10yo son prefers the Universal parks and has outgrown the Disney ones. I like them both.

It still amazes me how people feel they must compare the two and feel a loyalty to one against the other. They are PARKS not countries or relatives! They are there to provide entertainment and like everything else it depends on what you like. Thank goodness there are choices or I would have to drag my son to Orlando instead of us going to enjoy it.

Whichever you choose you will enjoy yourself. After all it IS a vacation! As for the ticket price comparisons, a 4 day hopper runs for a little more than $200, a 5 day bonus pass for the USF parks is $89 for adults and $77 for kids 3 to 9. One day tickets run about $50 apiece for both parks and is the most expensive way to go.

 

[disneyholic family]

all i can say is, my kids (and my husband and I for that matter) hated universal and IOA.....
on the other hand, they love all 4 disney parks.......so much so that we spend 3 weeks in WDW every summer.......
we simply didn't like universal/IOA.....we're entitled to our opinion as you are to yours.....

by the way, one other thing we all enjoyed at universal (besides men in black)......don't miss the gory gruesome makeup show...or something like that....it's very funny...not appropriate for little ones, but your teenager and you should enjoy it...

 

[deirdrefitch]

My advice is to buy the "Unofficial Guide to Disney World", and read the descriptions of the rides in each park at WDW and Universal Studios and Island of Adventures. This way your family can see what type of rides and shows each park offers. My kids are 14 and 18 yrs old. They love everything about Disney, but they also love the thrill rides at Universal. We usually tour Island of Adventures from opening until early afternoon, and then walk over to Universal Studios for the rest of the day. The crowds in the afternoon, evening hours the first week in June were very small. This leaves one day for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and MGM Studios. My kids love test track, and are anxiously awaiting Mission Space at Epcot, but not much into the other educational attractions there. It must be the age!?? Either way you go you will enjoy either set of parks. Have fun planning!