Where do I even begin?

[Mom2J&J]

I consider myself a Disney semi-pro, but have no idea where to begin planning a trip to Universal for my family this summer. Please point me in the right direction, please and thank you.

M

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

Book one of the hotels that offers free Express Passes. Breathe and relax, because that really is the planning done.

 

[bobafemme]

Knowing / accepting your budget / number of days.
If budget allows for a premier resort, take advantage so you get the express pass (shortest line). See stickies on the Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay Hotel
Read up on stickies with the Annual Pass if you are going to be there for 3 or 4 days. It could save you money on hotel (look at the hotel rates stickies, too).

if the above is out of budget, consider other on-site hotels and read their stickies.

I've gotten so much out of the stickies on this board over the years and am very grateful for the helpful moderators and members.

 

[macraven]

I just edited what I wrote as bobafemme said it better than I did.

 

[cfoxga]

Take a look at https://www.disboards.com/threads/how-i-plan-a-universal-trip.3794121/ to see how I schedule a trip...

 

[Mom2J&J]

Thanks for everything - wish we could stay in a premier resort, but we really need the space of the 2 bedroom suites.

 

[Bethany10]

Thanks for everything - wish we could stay in a premier resort, but we really need the space of the 2 bedroom suites.

check out connecting rooms. That’s the route we’re taking with our teens this summer.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Thanks for everything - wish we could stay in a premier resort, but we really need the space of the 2 bedroom suites.

Take advantage of Early Park Admission, which is included with all onsite stays. There are frequent busses between the parks and Cabana Bay and Poolside/Dockside, so it’s super easy to rope drop. Unlike Disney, Universal is so compact that it’s easy and fast to get between the parks and the budget hotels. got back from Cabana bay, and I don’t think I waited more than 5-10 minutes for a shuttle the whole time, even at closing.

Familiarize yourself with the app. You’ll want to check wait times and showtimes.

Currently, Hagrid’s motorbike adventure is the most popular ride in the park, and doesn’t take express pass, so you have the same chances of riding it as someone staying Club Level at Portofino. You’ll either rope drop it during EPA or catch a virtual queue spot at one of the drops (usually 4 times a day). Velocicoaster will be open this summer, too, and I expect there will be similar madness trying to get on it, but again, express pass won’t help.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Before your trip, make a list of everything you want to do (rides, shows, places you want to eat, places you want to shop). Each day, make a list of what you want to do. Having a plan for the day is helpful. You do not need to plan day by day months in advance. The Universal Website is helpful for information on specific rides, shops, shows, places to eat. The forums here are incredibly helpful as well.

If you want to buy a book, this is the one I found incredibly helpful. I used an older edition for a trip I took a few years ago and it was fantastic. https://theunofficialguides.com/product/the-unofficial-guide-to-universal-orlando/

 

[cschaaf]

Go in with the thinking that Disney and Universal are two different experiences - not better or worse, just different.

Park hopping at Universal is so easy that there is rarely a day where we don't hop.

If you need extra space, you may want to consider an annual pass to get a good room discount then book 2 at one of the premiere resorts. They are pricey for sure, but you'll get so much value out of an EP... particularly if it's a busy time.

 

[Claudia1]

Honestly, contact Dreams Unlimited. We are primarily a Disney family (3-5 times per year since the early 80's; DVC, APs, etc...) but our family is liking Universal now, too. Planning a week at Universal is much different and DU could even save you money. They know how to get better rates and can tell you all you need to do and plan. We used them a couple of years ago and it was perfect. They understood that my questions were asked thru a WDW mindset and broke it down for me.

We have Universal seasonal AP's now and go 1-2 times/per but when it comes to more than quick or day trips, I will work with them to get the best scenario for our family. The Universal booking site is not as easy to navigate as MDE. I felt like I was getting more bang for my buck to use them and their experience.