What is the cheapest that I could do this?

[crazymomof4]

My DH is planning a FL fishing trip with our 2 oldest sons.
That would leave DS8 and DD4 home with me. I just got a crazy thought that maybe we could hitch a ride with "the fishermen" and have them drop us off at a hotel that provides transportation to Universal and/or Sea World!
(We are doing a family trip to WDW in Sept so I thought we'd do the other parks for this trip)

I'm somewhat familiar with Sea World (been there 3 times over 16 years) but totally in the dark about Universal. So I have some research to do!

First things first---Can I afford this with a WDW trip already planned?
I know there are some amazing people who can calculate an estimated budget for WDW trips! Anyone who can do the same here on this forum???

The trip would be for 5 days in the last week of June. It would be myself and DS8 and DD4.


What is the least expensive way to do this?
~Any packages available that include hotel and park admissions?
OR
~Any recommendations on an inexpensive, but clean off-site hotels that provide transportation, since I'll be w/o a car?

ANY info would be helpful as I'm not used to planning a trip around these other 2 parks. BTW- How crowded will it be? We always do WDW during the slow season, so this is another thing I would be new to. If you think they will be so crowded that we will spend most of our time standing in lines, please say so. Standing in line is toughest on the little ones and the whining would get to me after a few days!

Oh, I've got a dozen questions already.....I'm so excited!

 

[hannahouse]

If you could possibly swing it, I'd stay onsite. At Universal, resort guests have front of the line privileges - just show your room key. With 2 young children, it would be an ideal vacation. Right now mastercard has a special deal, 5th night free, so your total cost for 5 days at RPR would be 1073.64, tax included. 5 day tickets - $99 each.

Visit www.universalorlando.com to check out all the features of each park - there is a lot for younger kids! Good luck!

 

[Immelman]

onsite is key, and it's going to be very hot and crowded at the end of June. there are several offsite hotels that provide shuttles. robvia is pretty well versed at those. I'm guessing around 79-99 a night during peak season. 5 days at the 3 parks may be a stretch for a 4 year old. where are your other 2 fishing for 5 days?

 

[crazymomof4]

where are your other 2 fishing for 5 days?

They're going to DH's cousin's place in Key Largo.

Yes, I was thinking onsite would be best, esp for the FOTL passes.

 

[hannahouse]

I think onsite with the 2 younger one's would be ideal - the pools are awsome, and with fotl it should be a very relaxing experience. From everyone's description, the hotels are pretty close, maybe a 10 minute walk, so it would be easy to go back for naps, afternoon swimming, etc. Especially since you'd be there without a car, I'll feel more comfortable staying onsite. If you're off site, you'll not only have the hassle of getting to and from your hotel to the parks, but also for meals, etc.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

My first thought is...are your children compatible in the area of attractions? In other words, is your DS8 going to want to hit the thrill rides while your DD4 has no interest? If so, that will make it tough on you, unless your DS8 is willing to ride alone, while you wait with DD4. I think you could have a great time if you can work out that kink. Maybe you could spend lots of time by the pool. This saves money, gives you a rest, and usually, it isn't difficult for children to find suitable playmates in a pool.