What would you tell a Disney Veteran / Universal Rookie?

[ImJustHere4TheMouse]

Hi folks,

I'm doing some pre-pre-pre-planning for our next trip. The previous times, we've stayed at WDW, usually at POP, with times at CSR and ASMu. Never once did we consider (or attempt to leave) WDW property.....

....until now.


Now, with TWWoHP, mixed in with my own curiosity for the area, we're going to do Universal as well.

With us being Disney Vets and Orlando/Universal Virgins, ......well, I'm kinda stumped. What advice would you have for me as far as resorts, dining, etc, outtside of the big wide "world"? (I know this sounds somewhat general, but I think you know what I'm asking...)

 

[damo]

My advice is to stay onsite for at least two nights to enjoy all there is to offer. That will entitle you to early entry at WWoHP each morning as well as unlimited express passes for each day.

There are great restaurants at the hotels, Citywalk and parks. You won't be attempting to leave either!

 

[GingerJay]

Definitely stay on site if you can- that is by far the best advice; the skip the line pass is the best thing ever! Then, you can just relax and tour at your leisure since you won't have to worry about beating the crowds or running for fastpasses.

Universal/IOA doesn't take as much planning as WDW so it's a pretty easy - just get up in the morning and go.

Also, you might want to look at getting a park hopper- the two parks are really close together and its super easy to walk from one to the other and revisit your favorite rides Have fun!

 

[Metro West]

Don't go to Universal and try to compare everything to Disney. Both resorts are different so if you go with an open mind, you will have a great time. If you go expecting Disney, you will be disappointed.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Definitely stay on site if you can- that is by far the best advice; the skip the line pass is the best thing ever! Then, you can just relax and tour at your leisure since you won't have to worry about beating the crowds or running for fastpasses.

Universal/IOA doesn't take as much planning as WDW so it's a pretty easy - just get up in the morning and go.

Also, you might want to look at getting a park hopper- the two parks are really close together and its super easy to walk from one to the other and revisit your favorite rides Have fun!

Totally agree with the above. Stay on site! Even though we did not care for PBH very much, being on site was totally worth it. Having the unlimited express pass was awesome and made our trip so much more enjoyable. Even with the huge crowds in Mid July, the longest we waited in line with the pass was 10min. Early entry into HP was also a huge plus....we were able to do all of the rides, shops and butterbeer by 10:00 AM.

I am a very big WDW planner, know exactly which rides to go on at what time. US does not take much planning with the pass, just able to walk around with out much planning.

We did not purchase the park hopper, but it would be very easy to walk to both parks and enjoy them both in one day.

 

[Owlpost23]

Take the words stress,worried,upset,concerned,nervous,etc.,out of your vocabulary! OH,and ADRS!Just enjoy your time there and have a great vacation!!!

 

[melissac]

Take the words stress,worried,upset,concerned,nervous,etc.,out of your vocabulary! OH,and ADRS!Just enjoy your time there and have a great vacation!!!

We went last Oct 2009 for the first time and the above quote is dead on. We have spent many of days at Disney and have planned, planned, planned. With Universal there is very little of that. Pick you hotel and what park on what days and that is about it. Never had a problem getting in to eat anywhere and no ressies made. Much less stressful at Universal