What would you do with a week at the Dark Side at Christmas?

[gzmtlock]

Currently, we've got a combo cruise/Universal trip planned for Christmas this year. However, we may have to cancel the cruise for scheduled medical reasons. We're booked at RPR Dec 25-28 right now, but I wouldn't want to drive down (10 hours one way) for that short a trip.

One option under consideration is to stay longer at Universal, say Dec 23-29. That would give us 5 full vacation days with our 2 days of driving - worth it for us. But I'm not sure what we would do at Universal/IoA for 5 days at that time of year. We'd probably go to the UO/IoA parks each day, but wouldn't spend 8 hours a day for all 5 days. We would not do any other parks, don't want to add in ticket costs. If we get lucky, we could get some decent pool time - but it's just as likely to be too cold vs warm enough late in December. I just have this mental picture of the four of us (me, DH and college-age kids) sitting in our room looking at each other, because it's too cool to spend much time at the pool.

I'm sure there's more to do than that - I just don't know what!

 

[macraven]

If you decide to add in dates to your UO trip, do so early

The time period you are going will sell out rooms

Do partial days at the park and explore the hotels
Do pool time and city walk
Take in the blue man show

Go to Cbay and bowl

If you like sushi, spend time in the hotel lobby for sushi and wine at orchid lounge

Dine at tchoup chop or emerils

Watch the shows in the parks that are only avaiable in December

You might find the parks entertaining

 

[schumigirl]

To add to what Mac said they also have 2 fantastic mini golf courses in Citywalk........one sci fi themed and the other is a haunted theme......best played at night.

The Orlando Eye is a very short drive away as is The Mall at Millenia.

 

[gzmtlock]

If you decide to add in dates to your UO trip, do so early

Take in the blue man show

Go to Cbay and bowl

Watch the shows in the parks that are only avaiable in December

You might find the parks entertaining

We'll know later this month if we're going to have to change our plans. My son has to have oral surgery; we find out in a few weeks if he'll be ready to do it on Fall Break or if we have to wait until December.

We'll definitely do the UO/IOA parks - haven't been since Hogsmeade was opened, and really want to see that. And everyone but me are thrill riders; the kids prefer the dark side over WDW.

Bowling could be fun. And we've never seen Blue Man Group. What are the seasonal shows in the parks? We have really enjoyed the regular ones on previous trips, especially the make up one. I'd love some details about Christmas shows.

To add to what Mac said they also have 2 fantastic mini golf courses in Citywalk........one sci fi themed and the other is a haunted theme......best played at night.

The Orlando Eye is a very short drive away as is The Mall at Millenia.

Mini-golf at night - sounds like lots of fun! The Mall - not so much. None of us like to shop, really. And I would imagine a mall would be as or more crowded than the parks at that time! We avoids malls like the plague at home at Christmas. . .

Thanks so much for the ideas! Seems like there might be enough for 5 days. . .

 

[Lynne G]

There's also an AMC movie theater in CityWalk. CityWalk becomes very crowded after the parks close, so make sure you reserve a restaurant if you are planning to eat at one of the restaurants there. NBC is a nice place for drinks and watching sports. Margaritaville is a good place for drinks and food.

Since you will have a car, may want to check out food places outside of USO. Most are an easy drive, and good food.

Have a Grinchmas breakfast, check the Universal website for times and reserve there too.

Best part, kids can sleep in, and the parks are close enough to each other and the hotel, everyone can stay together or break up and meet later. My teens like to sleep in, and I'll meet them later, for lunch, at where we agree. We tour together and separately, at some of the parks. That's why I really value staying onsite. At USO, the crowds go back to the parking garages, I walk back, or take a boat, and stroll to my room. That's really helpful when it's the holidays.

At least one day, get up early and take advantage of the early entry for hotel guests. That's the time to enjoy some Potter with less crowds.

I haven't been to USO during the winter holiday, except for Christmas dinner at Margaritaville. I have, however, been in Orlando, doing the Busch parks twice now, and this winter, round 3. It's crowded, traffic is thick, but I love that time of year, and we do other things besides the park, since I always rent a car.

 

[gzmtlock]

More good ideas - thanks, Lynne G! I'll definitely check into the Grinchmas breakfast. And we rarely see movies together any more - so that would feel like a real treat!