WL. AKL, & Universal hotel...too much?

[maggie1]

We are planning a trip for 2 weeks and are going to split stay akl and wl...after reading about lines at universal/ioa I am wondering if we should stay on site at universal for a couple of nights? My son will be 5, so we won't spend a lot of time at universal/ioa, but the comments I've read about 2 hour lines make me nervous. Anyone have advice? Are lines at universal that bad in May? Thanks for your help!

 

[eljojo]

We are doing 7 days at BWI and 2 at Universal. We're anxious to try the FOTL!! We've gone to Universal & IOA twice in May and the lines are much shorter than at Disney - the park employees aren't quite as nice, but the rides are great (especially if you have older kids!).

 

[ktglads]

I love the Universal hotels, not just for the FOTL, but the convenience and theming. You can take a 10 minute walk from the gate and be in your room. I love that. If you have an entertainment card, call Loews and see what kind of rates you can get. The FOTL is rather awesome as well. You can have a very nice relaxed pace and not have to worry about express pass window times or having to wait an extended time in line.

 

[leighe]

Next summer we are doing 8 nights at BCV and then 4 at one of the Universal Hotels. I am really excited since I have never been to Universal. I've heard great things about the hotels but haven't decided on one yet.

 

[puffkin]

I don't think it is too much. It will be like 3 mini vacations.

For our 2 week honeymoon in June/July, we are doing the 4 night Wonder cruise, then spending 3 nights at the Royal Pacific (mainly for FOTL since it will be July 4th weekend) then we are tranferring to WDW for 6 nights. Right now, we have the entire six nights booked at the WL (Poly is my dream resort, but even with the AP discount, the rates were just a tad too high). However, we are checking into WDW on the 4th, so if new AP rates eventually come out for the 5th, we will probably try to get the Poly. So, no I don't think you will regret breaking up your stay among three resorts.

 

[webray]

Definately stay on site at universal..all the universal resorts are like WDW deluxe resorts..with even nicer ammenities. And, you can't beat the front of the line access. Lines can be 90 minutes or longer, especially for the popular attractions. With fotl, always less than 15.

By the way..the employees at universal have always been top notch! Hubby and I joke, saying they stole all disneys good employees away!

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

I've stayed everywhere. Skip WL got this trip.

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

It doesn't sound like too much to me. After everything I've read on the boards here we went from staying 5 nights at a value and 5 nights at HIFS to now this:
1 night - Days Suite Maingate-$51.00
7 nights - AKL- Pool View- w/ bunks- Disney Visa - room only rate
4 nights - Portifino Bay Resort-Deluxe Room-Ent. rate
1 night- Holiday Inn Express Airport West-$41.00

All for jsut a couple hundred more than what we first started at with our budget and not having any discounts or codes.
My kids are very excieted to stay at all the different places and the extras that you get at each place ie... own sleeping area, animals, bunks, FOTL etc...

I ahve not been but I visit here everyday and most people say stay on site for the FOTL and the close proximity to the parks. You can get great rates if you look hard for them.
Good luck, YO

 

[maggie1]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I guess I'll start shopping for rates...I don't have the entertainment card, so I'll hope for an AA discount...

 

[3for Me]

O. K. - We just did this in February and I have to say, that I think three resorts is TOO much - even for a two week stay.

I know others will disagree, but I did not feel like my vacation was long enough this time. Plus all the packing and re-packing - UGGH!

I agree with Fee Fee White - Skip one of the Disney Hotels - TRUST ME!!!

Also, definately stay onsite at Universal - convenient, FOTL - and yes, you will need it - we were there during a "slow" time and it saved us a tremendous amount of time on the more popular rides. Those are crowded year-round.

Another thing - keep checking Hotelkingdom.com for good rates. This is how I got an EXCELLENT rate at Royal Pacific. BTW - you can walk to either park and to City Walk from this hotel.

Good Luck!!!

 

[professorandmom]

The entertainment rate is had by purchasing an entertainment book - currently $10 (check out mousesavers) - then calling for availability (not all dates all the time). OR: I would suggest you call the Universal hotel number and see if the entertainment rates are available at any of the hotels when you need the reservations. If so, then just get the book. Now of course, I don't know anyone who was asked to see their card but that is another thread

FOTL and the transporation for hotel guests is so great that the room rate is worth the time and effort for the two days you get into the parks with FOTL EVEN if you didn't sleep in the room...just my HO
Barbara

 

[AspiringCindy]

Try for the Fan Club rate at Universal Hotels too! A card can easily be obtained from a diser on the US thread!