Which first WDW or HPW

[susanv]

Planning a vacation for the family and not sure whether to end with Disney or Universal. Last time I was at Universal was 16 years ago. We are big into Disney however over the last two months Potter mania has hit our house. Suggestions?

 

[macraven]

I do both parks on my trips to Orlando and always start with Disney.
I change hotels from onsite Disney and relocate to Universal hotels.

I do a fast pace when at Disney and a slower pace at UO.
This makes the ending portion of my vacation relaxing so I can return home and not need days to recover


At Disney I use the busses all the time.
Once at UO, everything is walkable

It is easy to go at a slow pace at UO and see everything in the parks.
Maybe your family will enjoy doing the parks at a slower pace at UO if you do it last.

 

[bchbetha]

Disney first. FYI- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a section of Universal and IOA. You need park to park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express, which I recommend. Some people think WWOHP is its own park so just wanted to mention that.
Universal is much more relaxed than Disney and that’s why I’d choose to visit it 2nd.

 

[susanv]

Yes, this will be our first time actually focusing on rides at Disney. DVC, so always felt like there was time to see everything later. We have always taken it easy, done Character meals and one or two rides a day. Now they are older and want to get in as many rides as possible. Good idea, taking it easy at Universal. Was planning on staying on site for a few days and then we could head back to the room and pool if we need to. Thanks!

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

We had our trip in February. We did WDW for 7 nights first, as there is waaayyy more walking involved and planning. Then we switched to Cabana Bay Resort and did 4 nights there, with 2 US/IOA days. Those days were waaaayyy more relaxed. We didn't have EPs, but we were there during a "slower" time of year.

 

[keishashadow]

Yes, this will be our first time actually focusing on rides at Disney. DVC, so always felt like there was time to see everything later. We have always taken it easy, done Character meals and one or two rides a day. Now they are older and want to get in as many rides as possible. Good idea, taking it easy at Universal. Was planning on staying on site for a few days and then we could head back to the room and pool if we need to. Thanks!

Suggest booking one of the onsite properties that offer FOTL.

Lol that your kids let you ‘get away’ with just a few rides a day @ WDW even as repeat DVC guests. Use your FP+ and am EMH perk, then hit the pool late afternoon for a compromise

U is so much more than ‘just’ HP (which we do love from books forward btw). Check out the height requirements at U to avoid disappointment with what the kids can ride.