WWYD August 2018 trip question

[BreezysMom]

We are booked to stay on site at WDW from 8/8-15. DH and DD got to experience HP on a 3 day Universal trip last summer but are really insistent about returning.

Do we tack on a night before or after our WDW stay and stay on site for EP and all that comes with on site or should they just do a day trip in the middle of our WDW stay?

the cost of transportation for either option will be additional.

Is the EP really worth it for the two of them when they probably will spend most of their time in DA.

To be clear, whatever day they do Universal, I will be hanging by the pool. I’m not into HP. Don’t flame me.

 

[wagman67]

It should be less busy the week of the 15th, vs the week of the 8th. It is totally up to what your family wants to do, but you may just want to book an extra day at the end. If the two of them don't mind lines, then you can stay anywhere and not worry with EPs. If they want EPs, then the current lowest rate for an onsite hotel that comes with EPs is $284...remember, that includes EPs for everyone in the room...for 2 days (assuming a single night stay), the full day you check in and the full day you check out. So, if you are feeling froggy, you could make a two day park visit with EPs...and only stay a single night.

 

[bchbetha]

Stay there. Don’t day trip. Bubbles are nice. Let them have as many days as they’d like too. Some families really do prefer the dark side...

 

[bchbetha]

Uber or Lyft are only like $15 one way. Probably not worth stressing about with trip planning budget considerations.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

Before I give my opinion, my family finds Universal to be FAR SUPERIOR to WDW, so don't flame me, lol.

That said, there are still some great rides and IPs at Disney that I enjoy. If I knew the bus transportation would get me to the parks and back in about 10 minutes each way, and I could have nearly unlimited FastPasses, I might change my mind, even though not every ride is for me. I have never seen Avatar, but I could spend an hour or two checking out Pandora and appreciate it for what it is.

Also, there are some great pools at Universal resorts, and you can pool hop.

So, my vote is to add a day on site at Universal, you get 2 days of EP with that. The HP rides use EP now, so that will help them. Go with them - spend a few hours in the parks. If you hate the rides, at least you didn't spend a bunch of time waiting in lines. Go back to the Universal pools and hang out.

I understand that many feel the same way about WDW as I feel about Uni, but neither is all bad or all good. Give it a try. No harm, no foul.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I always vote for onsite, if you can swing it financially. Even if you only want the pools, they are very well done (better than most of the deluxes at Disney - maybe better than the moderates), and you could walk or take a boat to City Walk for shopping or meals.

Even if you aren't a HP fan, the theming and rides at Universal are so immersive, that I think it is worth visiting. As DD has gotten older, our trips focus much more on the Universal side than the Disney side.

 

[glocon]

I too would suggest onsite. And also would suggest trying the parks with the ep- it’s such a different trip that way- you might enjoy if even for a few hours. The pools and resorts are great!
Or you could resort hop just to check them all out- it’s free and interesting...

 

[schumigirl]

Would agree with the consensus..........stay onsite to get the EP.

The benefits of EP shouldn’t be underestimated.......even in a so called quieter time, they can be worth their weight in gold!

When we go we have a mix of quieter days and busy days.........EP is always appreciated........wouldn’t be without it...........