Woohoo! We are planning our first trip to US/IOA!!!

[jdragr]

I am so excited. We are planning our first ever trip to Orlando. We will be staying in the Hilton Grand on International in a 2 bedroom villa. We will be there April 13th - April 19th. Now for my questions:

How far is that from US/IOA?

We are driving so the 13th and 19th would be travel days. About a 10 hour drive...any suggestions on what to do that day if anything?

So that gives us 5 days in the parks? Can we do SeaWorld too? If so, how many days for each?

And, I think I know the answer for this one. I think most of the spring breaks will be over. How would crowds be at that time?

My kids don't even know. They are going to be so thrilled!!!!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I can't answer all your question unfortunately. Never heard of your hotel but it sounds really nice. I might look it up on TripAdvisor.

You can definitely do Sea World though. I think you'll only need a day for that. You'll definitely want to give Universal and Islands their own day and maybe another to park-hop and do your favorites.

Universal doesn't expect the crowds to be too bad for your dates. You can tell because the Express passes are a reasonable price ($19.99 each).

But get to the parks early and have a plan (there might be mad dashes to The Simpsons Ride since it will just be opening then) and have fun!

 

[Metro West]

I am so excited. We are planning our first ever trip to Orlando. We will be staying in the Hilton Grand on International in a 2 bedroom villa. We will be there April 13th - April 19th. Now for my questions:

How far is that from US/IOA?

We are driving so the 13th and 19th would be travel days. About a 10 hour drive...any suggestions on what to do that day if anything?

So that gives us 5 days in the parks? Can we do SeaWorld too? If so, how many days for each?

And, I think I know the answer for this one. I think most of the spring breaks will be over. How would crowds be at that time?

My kids don't even know. They are going to be so thrilled!!!!

If the Hilton Grand is located over near Sea World, it's really nice. My parents stayed there a couple of years ago with RCI and loved it. It's about 15 - 20 mins from Universal...very close.

I think five days would be plenty of time to do Universal and Sea World with at least one day each. Don't forget about Aquatica which is now open and located across the street from Sea World.

After a 10 hour drive, I would just relax and get settled before heading out to the parks.

If the Express Passes are $19.99 during that time, the crowds should not be an issue.

Hope that helps and let us know if you need any other help.

 

[jdragr]

If the Hilton Grand is located over near Sea World, it's really nice. My parents stayed there a couple of years ago with RCI and loved it. It's about 15 - 20 mins from Universal...very close.

There are actually 2 Hilton Grand Resorts in Orlando. One is called Hilton Grand SeaWorld and the other is called Hilton Grand International Drive. We are staying at Int'l Drive so I'm guessing it isn't the one that you stayed at. Maybe I can do a google map to figure out the distance.

I think five days would be plenty of time to do Universal and Sea World with at least one day each. Don't forget about Aquatica which is now open and located across the street from Sea World.

I had thought about a water park but didn't know if I would have enough time. I'm thinking 1 day for US, 1 day for IOA, and 1 day for SW. Right??? Then I guess we could do 1 day at a waterpark. And still have another day for a down day or back to one of the parks. Which water park is your favorite?

After a 10 hour drive, I would just relax and get settled before heading out to the parks.

Good idea...might just swim and have a nice dinner.

If the Express Passes are $19.99 during that time, the crowds should not be an issue.

Wonderful news!!!

Hope that helps and let us know if you need any other help.

Everyone here has been so helpful and nice. You are all probably going to be sick of me by the time April 13th gets here.

 

[Metro West]

Everyone here has been so helpful and nice. You are all probably going to be sick of me by the time April 13th gets here.

Nah...we won't get sick of you...we like to help newbies.

Looking at the Hilton website, the one my parents stayed in was the one on I-Drive...it backs up to the Premium Outlet Mall.

 

[jdragr]

That is the same one we are staying at then. Jut googled for a map and found out it is 9.9 miles from Universal and 4.2 miles from Sea World. Sounds like a great place to stay.

 

[Metro West]

That is the same one we are staying at then. Jut googled for a map and found out it is 9.9 miles from Universal and 4.2 miles from Sea World. Sounds like a great place to stay.

You will love it...they were still building when my parents were there...very nice indeed.