What Happens When a WDW fanatic goes to Universal?

[wanttobeinvienna]

She PANICS!! That's what!

So after 35 years of building an somewhat embarrassing robust knowledge of WDW, I have decided to go on a unique path this fall and take my 2 kids (son age 12 & daughter age 10) for 3 days to Universal Studios, 1 day in Busch Gardens, and 1 day in Sea World (we are BG platinum pass holders, so BG and SW are paid for )

That said- I have a TON of questions- because I am lacking in US/IOA knowledge (like- I haven't even read the Harry Potters Books...none of them ) I chose these parks because my kids LOVE roller coasters, Simpsons, Harry Potter, and anything that reaffirms that they are almost Teenagers.

So- some questions for the experts:

We are going in late November (the 17-22) and through DisRes, have been quoted just at $800 for 4 nights at the Comfort Suites, 3 day park pass, and the Free Dining for 2 day special.

Now- I am used to WDW free dining- which I am a HUGE fan of. What are your thoughts on US/IOA free dining? What are your go to snack, counter service and table service restaurants?

Does that price point seem like a good deal for 3 people, 3 days, 4 nights, + 2 days of food?

And finally: What is YOUR BEST SECRET FOR US/IOA? Give me all you got! My best memories of WDW stem from secrets/extras I learned on these boards... Help me plan this trip!!

TIA!

 

[macraven]

the free dining is new and we haven't heard back from anyone that has gone with that new dining program.

sooner or later, someone will post their experience about it.

suggest you check out this sticky about eateries in the parks:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

also check out www.universalorlando.com
to get a layout of what is inside the parks.

you will gain basic info on the park layouts, eateries, rides, shows, etc.

 

[macraven]

We are going in late November (the 17-22) and through DisRes, have been quoted just at $800 for 4 nights at the Comfort Suites, 3 day park pass, and the Free Dining for 2 day special.






TIA!

i'm not familiar with the comfort suites.
i would have to check google for its location and amenities.

i assume they offer free shuttle transportation which will be a good thing for you and your family.

by me bumping your thread, others will see it and it won't get lost further down in the forum.

 

[lpearl]

The secret weapon is the Express Pass. You can get it by staying onsite, or by adding it to a package on the universal studios.com site. I'll let the pros on this board weigh in on if it's necessary with the dates you're going.

 

[damo]

I would check through the rest of the partner hotels before booking. If you are going to stay offsite, make sure you book through Universal so that at least you will get early admission. I think it will be a slow week, so you probably won't need express passes.

I'm not sure what DisRes is but here is the link to packages...

https://www.universalorlando.com/Vacation-Packages/bf/how-to-book.aspx

 

[-Hope-]

I'm assuming since you have free dining that you're at a partner hotel. I'm a complete newbie myself but absolutely all of the info I've read says take advantage of early entry, especially if you're traveling with Potterheads (And, btw, most hotel shuttles DON'T run for early entry, only regular park opening. Even the partner hotels that give you early entry which is just dumb. But I digress.) :

I'm booked for free dining in September so if no one has reported back by then at least you'll have me to pump for info.

 

[RMulieri]

Can't comment on your plans. We stay onsite at the Universal resorts..Pricey ?yes.But they are deluxe resorts within a short walk or boat ride to both parks and come with the resort guest express pass.Similar to Disney FP, but...good for all rides and shows ( except Pternaodon flyers, Forbidden Journey and Ollivanders) , is not limited,no pieces of paper, no return times or windows.Use when you want as fast as you want.Unlike Disney, there is NO FREE VERSION in the parks.If you are not a Unviersal resort guest , you would need to purchase this option.The price goes up with projected park crowds.The add on cost is in addition to tickets, is PARK and DATE specific and nonrefundable.It is also only good for one trip per eligible attraction.You also get early entry .Haven't heard much about the dining plan. The dining plan ONLY includes some restaurants in IOA and US and a few on citywalk.It does not include ANY of the resort dining and since we eat at many of the resort eateries, it wouldn' be a good deal for us

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

Thanks everyone! This is already a great help!

With a cruise, an adult trip with friends to MNSSHP, and this trip, my head is swimming with vacation to do's- but I have to admit- this trip excites me the most!!!

 

[buckeev]

That pricing does look pretty good. You may need to hail a cab though if the shuttles don't run there, or don't meet your schedule needs.
I suggest looking into staying on site if possible, even if it is only for one night. You will get guest privileges for two days that way...two days worth of Express passes should allow you plenty of time to hit some of the big rides twice. Almost all of the thrill rides have Express lanes now....(still no HP Forbidden Journey though....but that's where your early entrance would come in handy!)

Depending on discounts, you may be able to get that one night in the low $200-ish range....call them and see if they have AAA avail.

Royal Pacific usually has rooms that are slightly less, but Hard Rock is not much more, and is a five minute walk to the Universal Studios entrance!

At city walk, there are a few slightly "less expensive" meal options...(BK & Panda Express).

 

[Metro West]

The website recommended in several posts has been edited out.

Some companies are not allowed on the DIS and that's one of them.

Please keep that in mind when posting.

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

Thanks for that reminder- that was an oops moment, and I forgot about those restrictions! Lesson learned!

As a single mom- the reality of staying on property just isn't an option- I have to cut corners where I can. I wasn't even really interested in staying at a partner hotel...until I learned about the free dining! But, we are morning people, and rising early won't be an issue- especially with the parks closing at 7 each night. I have also read that it's only a 20 minute walk to the parks from the hotel- which again, with early closing, cooler temps, and older kids, won't be a problem at all!

 

[pieface]

You have crossed over to the dark side may the force protect you. Have fun.

 

[damo]

Thanks for that reminder- that was an oops moment, and I forgot about those restrictions! Lesson learned!

As a single mom- the reality of staying on property just isn't an option- I have to cut corners where I can. I wasn't even really interested in staying at a partner hotel...until I learned about the free dining! But, we are morning people, and rising early won't be an issue- especially with the parks closing at 7 each night. I have also read that it's only a 20 minute walk to the parks from the hotel- which again, with early closing, cooler temps, and older kids, won't be a problem at all!

There are some nice value hotels around Universal and some that aren't so nice. Looks like the Comfort Inn has been recently renovated and gets good reviews.

 

[DCTooTall]

Thanks for that reminder- that was an oops moment, and I forgot about those restrictions! Lesson learned!

As a single mom- the reality of staying on property just isn't an option- I have to cut corners where I can. I wasn't even really interested in staying at a partner hotel...until I learned about the free dining! But, we are morning people, and rising early won't be an issue- especially with the parks closing at 7 each night. I have also read that it's only a 20 minute walk to the parks from the hotel- which again, with early closing, cooler temps, and older kids, won't be a problem at all!

Honestly, My biggest concern with walking would be the fact you'll need to cross some pretty major roads (like I-Drive), and I'm not entirely sure (via google maps) how pedestrian friendly the route would be. Maybe someone local or more familar could comment on if that walk would be recommended.

In Mid-late November it'll also be getting darker earlier, so combining park close... plus maybe a dinner at Citywalk.. and it will likely be dark for your walk back to the hotel. Something to think about. (Not to mention that hotel walk on top of all the park walking)

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for that reminder- that was an oops moment, and I forgot about those restrictions! Lesson learned!

As a single mom- the reality of staying on property just isn't an option- I have to cut corners where I can. I wasn't even really interested in staying at a partner hotel...until I learned about the free dining! But, we are morning people, and rising early won't be an issue- especially with the parks closing at 7 each night. I have also read that it's only a 20 minute walk to the parks from the hotel- which again, with early closing, cooler temps, and older kids, won't be a problem at all!

guess it depends on how fast you walk

if that's the one on major blvd it'd be approx. 1 mile to the beginning of the universal property, then my guess is it'd likely take the same amount of time to actually hit the park turnstiles. Not 100% sure, maybe a local could chime in here.

does the hotel offer a shuttle?

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

Thanks guys- that is all great feedback- and I guess , in my effort to save $, and a commando attitude, I kind of forgot it was important to think about the negative effect of all that walking !!!

OK- Save $ for parking...Check.

 

[Metro West]

Honestly, My biggest concern with walking would be the fact you'll need to cross some pretty major roads (like I-Drive), and I'm not entirely sure (via google maps) how pedestrian friendly the route would be. Maybe someone local or more familar could comment on if that walk would be recommended.

I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[TheAviator]

Not really any secrets, but for a first timer you may not know about certain spots and rides I would call, "don't miss." This is just my short list and doesn't include the attractions in Harry Potter which I'm sure is already on your radar:

Islands of Adventure

Jurassic Park River Adventure (Boat Ride)
Mythos (Restaurant, super awesome experience; go to for lunch or a late lunch)
Spiderman the Ride
Dudley Do-Right (If you like log flume rides)
The Hulk (If you like unique coasters)
Poisiden's Fury (Not a must do, but something you may miss if its not called to your attention, should be towards bottom of to do in IOA.)

Universal

The Mummy
Transformers
ET
Men In Black
Rip Rocket
The Terminator
Lombards (Good Seafood restaurant)