Where to start.... ?????

[caroline1851]

I want to go to Universal and Sea World with dh, ds6 and dd3 next Feb. I dont' even know where to start........
I feel like so much work went into planning my last disney trip...will i need to do as much planning for this?
I know nothing about the hotels, costs, is there a dining plan, is it better to book everything separate or a package deal, is there a package including sea world, what's the average cost for a family of 4.....?

I'm completely overwhelmed.

Where should i start? Will this take as much planning as Disney?

 

[macraven]

I think if you are new to UO, start reading the stickies in the 3 UO forums.
You will find a lot of information there that you didn't even think of asking.

Read some of the trip reports to get an idea of recent family trips at UO

Many of the threads in all the UO forums give you a general idea on the food, rides, activities, etc in the parks and at city walk.


There is a lot less planning for a universal trip.
If you stay on site at one of their hotels, you can get a free bus shuttle to wet & wild, Aquatica, and Seaworld free.

 

[bubba's mom]

Usually Universal is not cheaper as a package (like Disney).

macraven's right...read the stickies...they are full of info

If you are looking for something like the UOG, try this book for Universal http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Orl...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235436673&sr=1-1

It has everything like the UOG does for Disney. Rides, shows, eateries in the park, hotels and City Walk. Covers the hotels and lots of other things...a must read for the first timer.

and, of course, we are here to help

 

[disneyfan67]

I'm going back to Universal in May and planning a trip to Universal is way easy compared to planning a WDW trip. Especially if you stay at one of the 3 onsite Universal/Loews hotels. The room key that gives you the Free Universal Express pass or "FOTL" as it's called on this board, is worth it's wait in gold. I heard about this feature before, but when I experienced it first hand it made touring the parks so easy. Ride what you want to and as many times as you want. Check the rates at the 3 hotels and ask about the AAA rate too. I don't care for package deals myself and like to do things individually and find it cheaper to do so. Just do your homework and find what works best for you. You will also find that this board and "the regulars" on it, are a great resource as well. I learned a lot from them when I went to Universal the first time two years ago.

Read this book below and I recommend it highly. Bubba's mom provided the link for you in her post.

This book saved me a lot of time and was very helpful.