What would you do?

[PacificNWJo]

Hello travel experts! I have a question regarding our upcoming trip to Orlando. Here's the scoop on our family and trip that may help: Me (42), DH (49), DD (almost 6) and DS (4) will be traveling to Florida in early April. We will be on a cruise from April 3-7, and on April 7 (a Thursday) we are going to Universal IoA (I'm thinking our kids are likely too young for Universal Studios) immediately after we disembark from the ship. We should be at the park by 9 - 10 am, if all goes well. We can only stay one night near/in the Univeral Studios area as we need to stay in Tampa Friday April 8 (our flight home is out of Tampa early on April 9).

Here is my dilemma: What option below would you recommend in regards to hotel & tickets?

Option 1: stay at Loews Royal Pacific ($279 + tax), purchase 1-day/1-park tickets via undercover tourist for $312). Most expensive option, but will have Express Pass for the park.

Option 2: stay at Holiday Inn close to park ($90 + tax), purchase 1-day/1-park tickets and add on the Express Pass option for $25.99 per person.

Option 3: stay at Holiday Inn close to park ($90 + tax), purchase 2-day/1-park tickets ($468). Do not purchase the Express Pass add on since we will be going over a 2-day period. (This option means we will leave IoA around 2 or 3 pm to drive to Tampa as we are meeting friends for dinner in Tampa).

Option 4: stay at Holiday Inn close to park ($90 + tax), purchase 1-day/1-park tickets ($312), do not purchase Express Pass add on.

Help! What option is recommended? How crowded will the park be in early April? Anyone know how much time it will take to drive from Orlando to Tampa on a Friday around 3 pm? (I know, I'm already dreading the traffic...)

Thanks!

 

[IdesOmarch]

I kind of doubt early April will be crowded enough to really need the fast passes, but the others that live in the area will know more than me on that. But keep in mind Universal has plenty to do for young kids too, IOA is my favorite park, but Universal is awesome, not sure you may want to try and do both, if possible, if not, then I would recommend IOA if you can only do 1 park.

 

[PacificNWJo]

Thanks! Perhaps others can reply as well?

 

[Metro West]

I agree with Ides and the thing to remember is...

Unless you're going at a very busy time, do not purchase Express Plus passes ahead of time. They are non-refundable and date specific. It's good that you might be budgeting for them but just make sure you wait.

As far as the drive from Orlando to Tampa on a Friday afternoon, all I can say is...

That stretch of I-4 has been under construction for years. I would allow 3-4 hours just to be on the safe side...it could be a lot less than that but it's better to get there early than to push yourself.