Orlando Vacation Question

ThisModernLove · January 2013

DH and I are planning our next trip to Orlando for our anniversary. We went for our Honeymoon and spend 5 days at Disney staying at the Contemporary. When we go next time, I want to spend a couple days at Universal - specifically for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

We enjoy Disney and it's conveniences including food, shuttle, parkhopper, etc. We're not oposed to staying offsite but I'd like to take advantage of the dining plan and shuttles as it helped a lot last time.

What would be your recommendation on hotels? Should we stay at Disney and then move for the other three nights, two days? Should we stay off site entirely? etc. We're open to suggestions!

Thanks!

summergal1229 · January 2013

My sister and I stayed on property at Walt Disney World a few years ago and then we ended up getting a hotel on International Drive. It seemed easier to stay on I-Drive to go to Universal as the hotels offer shuttles to Universal Studios. We ended up walking to Universal Studios which was a mile from our hotel on I-Drive. I agree Disney has great dining plans and the shuttle service is awesome especially from the airport and back. You and your hubby could do maybe three or so nights at Disney and then the other few days do Universal and Islands of Adventure. I am not sure during what time period you are going, as March and Easter get busy do to the spring breakers. Universal and Islands we were able to do in one day each but since they added the Harry Potter attractions, you may want to allot more time.

KellyPixie · January 2013

If you were going to move hotels for the Universal part of your vacation, id check out the Universal hotels. It doesnt seem completely worth it to me to move to some of the other hotels because you arent gaining many perks and might have to get transportation to the parks anyway. All of the Universal hotels are really close to the Universal parks and have a water shuttle included. They also include the Express Plus Pass UNLIMITED which might be nice since it sounds like you will want to do most of the popular rides. Just one more thing to take into account- if you are getting the dining plan at Disney would you use the extra credits that you would be paying for even though you would be spending a few days at Universal? I just dont want you to pay for credits and not use them because youre not there (in which case you could also do a room-only reservation at the end of your stay and not include the dining plan, and make it a continuing reservation so hopefully you wouldnt have to move rooms.) I hope that all made sense!

ThisModernLove · January 2013

Thanks for the responses! I keep looking into it and there seem to be a couple hotels on the I-drive that have shuttles to both Disney and to Universal so maybe that could be the way to go. I'm not very wild about switching hotels and that's a good point about the dining credits. As much as I love the Disney resorts, I also want to see all that Orlando has to offer.

gracie2762 · January 2013

You can do both Universal Parks in one day. I would stay at Disney and just drive to Universal and any other non-Disney parks.

lizabishop011 · January 2013

Even if you are on a budget, I still think that staying on property at one of the Disney hotels is the best way to go. Price wise the Disney resorts are comparable to anything else in the Orlando area, and the advantages arranged for Disney resort guests are worth the cost.

ThisModernLove · January 2013

I do love staying at the Disney resorts and would honestly prefer that. Do you recommend calling a taxi or something to go to Universal? I think we may need two days there. We're going in mid-October.

summergal1229 · January 2013

http://www.guide2disney.com/blog/2009/01/26/monday-mouse-mail-universal-studios/....

Here is a link to a site for shuttle service from Disney to Universal Studios. Also, my sister and I took a bus from International Drive to Disney World. I think we had to transfer twice but there is a bus that goes to Disney. Also, there is a trolley that runs down I-Drive and you can catch it. It takes you up and down I-Drive. It just depends on where you are staying!!

KellyPixie · January 2013

A taxi would probably be $25- $30 each way, depending on what area of Disney your hotel is. I have had a lot of clients who use Mears Transportation to get btwn Disney and Universal. Its $19 per person round trip and you just call the day before to set up a pick up, then call about 90 minutes before you want to go back to set up the return. They will pick you up right at your hotel and have a few options for times each way.

Louise06 · January 2013

The last time we went we rented a house and had our own pool and spa. It was great and cheaper than staying at Disney.

smange10.10 · January 2013

I agree with PPs in regards to staying on Disney property. I feel that the perks offered far outweigh everything else. The cab ride to and from Universal isn't terrible - albeit, not cheap. It's about $75-$100 roundtrip. Most non-Disney hotels do offer shuttles to and from both parks, but you're on their schedule, not yours.

waltersj08 · January 2013

I'd recommend staying on Disney property. Their properties are definitely nicer & have a better atmosphere than anything you'll find on I drive. I'd recommend just renting a car for the two days you go to universal. There's a rental company on property that will bring a car to your hotel. It may be about the same price as a taxi, but in my opinion it'd be worth it not to have to spend any time waiting for a ride, etc. Plus you'll have some freedom if you want to make any stops on the way too/ from universal.

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