Worrying about the details

[smwf71]

I am a Disney junkie, but we're planning for Universal this trip. Staying at a Fairfield Inn offsite. I have a few questions.

1. When is parking free (after 6, I believe). Is this also true for March 29th during Mardi Gras and Heart?

2. If we never activate our Uni passes, will they be good forever? Biggest concern here is oldest will be ten in Aug. We did the seven days for $85 through AAA. I am concerned if we would decide to wait, we may have to somehow upgrade her ticket (although, when we bought them adult and child were the same price)

3. And, the age old question - will my three year old be happy here?

Here's a look at our schedule:

3/29 - arrive in Orlando 11:30 AM, rent car, check in, eat, Target trip, go to park after 6 to activate tickets if parking is free and maybe catch the Mardi Gras parade - or maybe even go earlier if we're settled. Skim park - get familiar with layout.

3/30 - DAK for the day

3/31 - early arrival at USF or IOA - dedicate the day to these parks

4/1 - Disney Waterpark

4/2 - MK day

4/3 - USF or IOA all day

4/4 - Disney waterpark

4/5 - last day - check out - day at USF or IOA - leave for MCO by 4ish

* We want to eat at Rainforest Cafe, Margaritaville, Pat O's, Pastamore - can I make ressies in advance at any of these places?

Thank you all for your help!!!

 

[bopper]

Why do you want to be in the park in the morning, and then leave for Disney water parks? Do you think it will be a problem to take your kids from one perfectly good theme park just to shuttle them to another? Why not stay at Universal for the day and then go to the water park another?

 

[smwf71]

Good question - that may be what we'll really do - I just know we won't have FOTL and I was thinking it may get too busy in the PM. What do you think?

 

[smwf71]

bump for the night crowd

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I wouldn't worry too much about that. If you arrive early, you'll have a head-start amongst everyone entering the parks. Since the park is laid out in a circular motion, there's really only two ways you can go. Most people hit Shrek and Jimmy Neutron first since they're right at the park entrance. I think you'd be fine getting to the park before opening, riding and even repeating attractions that will get busier later on (I can't imagine doing Mummy less than twice..) and then leaving the larger capacity stuff and shows for later.

I'd say you definitely want to arrive at the water parks early too. It's so much more enjoyable when you can grab a good spot for chairs, the lines are short, the sun isn't too hot, etc.

I definitely say different days for Universal and the water parks.

 

[ky07]

If you have an idea what you want to do and ride you should be fine cause last year we went in june and stayed offsite and got there when the parks opened and did what we wanted and we usually left at 1 or 2 pm but we did have the 7 day 2 park tickets and mainly devoted all our time to universal and this year we will be there in july and are staying 2 days offsite and three days onsite and if at all possilble thats what I would suggest to stay at least a day on site and you will get 2 days of fotl.

 

[pixeegrl]

If you activate your 7 day tickets on the 29th won't they be expired by the 5th? That's 8 days 29,30,31,1,2,3,4,5 Just a thought...

 

[smwf71]

A very good point about the # of days - thank you!!! I think we may stay out of the chaos on the 29th and just wait 'til Mon the 31st to start doing Universal. Sat we may do a Target run, swim at the hotel, get settled and try to eat at Big River Grille at the Boardwalk. We ate there a few years ago and really liked it.

What do you think?

 

[keishashadow]

A very good point about the # of days - thank you!!! I think we may stay out of the chaos on the 29th and just wait 'til Mon the 31st to start doing Universal. Sat we may do a Target run, swim at the hotel, get settled and try to eat at Big River Grille at the Boardwalk. We ate there a few years ago and really liked it.

What do you think?

have u read any recent reviews of Big River Grille?

we were disappointed the last time we ate there...even more crowded; think they squished more tables inside ; food was adequate at best.

we are dead tired when we do a WP, way moreso than from any park; not sure if i'd try & combine them into one day...let us know how it works out for you!