Worth the trip?

[Pirate1+Princess4]

Planning to drive from Ohio to FL. Outside dates are October 18 - 26, 2014. Family of 7: 2 adults, boy (14), 4 girls (12). It's a two day drive with an overnight each way. We just don't do "straight through".

Park hours are limited, as we won't be doing HHN. Calendar shows Monday and Tuesday are non-HHN dates, so we could be there all day those days. We think we'll take a break and come back later in the day, but we never do. We just trudge on.

We did Universal in LA summer 2012. Kids enjoyed the rides but were underwhelmed on Backlot Tour, except for earthquake and King Kong. 3 of 5 will ride anything and everything. 2 avoid dark and upside down, but are fine to wait or find something else.

HUGE HP fans, which is the whole reason for the trip. I WON'T do summer or spring break due to crowds and heat. I just don't want to spend premium dollars to stand in long lines and sweat to death. This is rare timing for us to be able to go in October and not miss much of school.

I'm not sure when we could go if we don't go October 2014. With my aversion to school holidays and heat, and kids getting older and busier with extra-curriculars, this may be the only chance.

Thoughts? Suggestions on what to do in addition to Universal? For short stay would on property be better choice for the Express Pass thing?

Thanks so much.

 

[Maytrix]

You answer one of your questions. Stay onsite - lines are so short when you do. Just stay at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay - the new Cabana Bay Beach club hotel doesn't have express passes.

And remember, the night you spend in the hotel, you get the express the day of and the day following. So 1 night gives you 2 days. So figure out how many days you'll spend at universal and stay onsite only to cover those days - you could stay elsewhere if you are going to visit any place else. Although rooms are more reasonable that time of year.

I'd suggest may 1 night for the adults at HHN. Do the RIP tour - well worth the extra and you'd see everything in 1 night.