Which DVC property to stay for Universal/SW trip only?

[Td1290]

Thinking about doing a Universal Studio/ Sea world trip this summer. Which DVC is closest to those parks? Would rent a car.

 

[Cajun28]

Thinking about doing a Universal Studio/ Sea world trip this summer. Which DVC is closest to those parks? Would rent a car.

I would think either SSR or OKW. I believe they are the easiest to get onto I-4 from and you can park close to your villa. An added plus is they have water transport to DTD if want to do a little shopping there.

 

[DeadHead]

I believe that Saratoga Springs would be the closest. Are you renting the car at the airport? If not, you could book at the Boardwalk or Beach Club and get a rental car from the Swan or Dolphin (I can't remember which one has the car rental agency). Hope this helps.

 

[rillsung]

We did Universal for 3 days on our last trip. SSR was very convienent.

 

[castleri]

I might consider renting my points and staying at one of the Universal hotels to get the front of the line advantage if you are not planning any Disney Park days. Then you wouldn't need a car except to get to SW and maybe there are shuttles from US to SW. If not I would pick either SSR or OKW as both are close to I4 and as DTD. OKW would also be the least points for the stay.

 

[stopher1]

We did a trip much like the one mentioned by the OP in 2009, except ours was 2 days at SW, no US and we stayed at SSR. While we didn't actually do any Disney parks, we did venture over on our "down day" in between the SW days and enjoyed hanging out at AKV for a little bit, and played some minature golf at Fantasia Gardens. Having the car was great. We were in Congress Park too, so the exit was right there close to Hotel Plaza Blvd, and the quick access to/from the 4. Now the kids are asking to do the same kind of thing with 2 or 3 days at US, and we'll probably stay at SSR again for the easy access.

 

[jpolak]

I might consider renting my points and staying at one of the Universal hotels to get the front of the line advantage if you are not planning any Disney Park days.

That's what I'd do.

 

[Carl'n'Ellie'sDad]

SSR would be a good choice. You can access I4 via Hotel Blvd or, if memory serves, continue north on buena vista past The Disney call center, and you can get on I4 via 535, which is a long detour, but avoids the congestion of Hotel Blvd.

Renting a car is probably a good idea - my wife had our daughter at Port Orleans for a convention that had an evening at Universal. She said that cab fare was $50 each way.

We're actually doing a "split stay" of two days at Universal to take advantage of the front-of-the-line privilege. My wife said the waits *in October* were terrible, as hotel guests would hop off and hop right back on the rides.

 

[thepops]

and the summer would most likely increse those crowds!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Personally I'd pick a resort that I really liked and worry less about the location. Some are a little longer drive but it's not going to be 20 or 30 minutes more. Probably 5 or 10. I attended a convention at Universal and stayed at VWL. It was an easy drive and took approx 20-25 minutes. Sea World would be less than that.

We've spent a couple of days at Universal in the past year and as long as you arrive early the crowds were not a problem. HP is the worst but there isn't front of the line available for the ride so staying onsite doesn't help with that. It would for other rides though.

 

[jmhazlett]

I might consider renting my points and staying at one of the Universal hotels to get the front of the line advantage if you are not planning any Disney Park days. Then you wouldn't need a car except to get to SW and maybe there are shuttles from US to SW. If not I would pick either SSR or OKW as both are close to I4 and as DTD. OKW would also be the least points for the stay.

We also do this. The Hard Rock Hotel is our favorite. Walking distance to both parks.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I would pick AKV.

You don't have to go to the park, the park comes to you!

 

[buzz5985]

I might consider renting my points and staying at one of the Universal hotels to get the front of the line advantage if you are not planning any Disney Park days. Then you wouldn't need a car except to get to SW and maybe there are shuttles from US to SW. If not I would pick either SSR or OKW as both are close to I4 and as DTD. OKW would also be the least points for the stay.

I would suggest this also - I believe that Part 2 of the last Harry Potter movie will be coming out and should increase crowds this summer.