Disney 5-Day or Universal 5-Day?

I would go with the idea of everyone else, with staying on Disney property for four day's, and one day over at Islands of Adventure. It's most likely the smartest idea, because you'd be getting the best of both world's in Orlando. Personally, I'm not a fan of Universal Studios, and I think I'm the only one who is really not a fan of the new Mummy attraction. What I would suggest if you do follow everyone else's idea, is to buy the one day park hopper ticket over at Univeral mainly because you get both park's, and are not left bored over at Universal because you can always head back over to Islands of Adventure.

About your question of VIP Tour, my family did the tour while Islands of Adventure was still under construction, but if I remember right, the VIP Tour allowed you to go to the front of the line's of Universal's main attractions. With the ability to cut the line, you as well have your own personal tour guide, telling you about the attraction which is a nice touch as well. I remember the tour being a bit pricey, and not really worth it considering most of the line's were short the day we came but the choice is yours. Hope I helped a little...

If you're gonna stick with staying at Universal, I'd strongly recommend the Royal Pacific, having stayed at all three properties. They're all fine, mind you, and each has a different "feel" - Portofino's is luxury, Hard Rock is a bit of a party place, and RP is more laid back.

The Royal Pacific is the least expensive, has lovely (if smallish) rooms, a great pool, is a close walk to the parks, and every time we've stayed there we've had nothing but fantastic service. We've had free room upgrades twice - last time to the Club Floor, with free food, drinks and 24-hour concierge. Plus a bottle of complimentary champagne when they found out it was our anniversary. One thing you can try - join the Loews First program - at no cost - which will get you expediated check-in/out, free amenities, and a better chance at a room upgrade, although that may be unlikely given the holiday season. The hotel is huge - 1,000 rooms - but they do sell out that time of year. The wife and I already have reservations for the week you'll be in Orlando.

One other thing you should know that may influence your decision - at the moment, it seems Universal is limiting its hotel guests to using their FOTL passes (hotel card) once per major attraction before 3PM. Which means (for now) those 100 rides in a row on the Hulk won't probably happen ...


Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
Thank you...we already made our decision...we wanna do Universal, because of Sea World and Busch Garden's, something my parents haven't gotten to experience before.

Kyle Says: Diamondback was a lot of fun! Made his first time at Kings Island worth it all!

What Website do I go to to Join this Loew's first program?

Kyle Says: Diamondback was a lot of fun! Made his first time at Kings Island worth it all!

Jeff: that's because there are no good deals at Disney. Universal offers that power pass thing, which if you live here is a good deal because you wouldn't want to go on summer weekends anyways. Plus Universal offers 2-for-1 Annual passes periodically. Anheisur-Busch (sp) is still offering a "Fun Pass" i believe, which is like $60 for no blackout until the end of the year to either BGT or SW, and even a passport for both is still pretty cheap. Oh, and I'm pretty sure Sea World is still doing the 2nd day free promotion if you stay in the park until 8 or so. They just hand you a free ticket for the next day because you stayed to watch Mistify.

So what does Disney offer? As far as I can tell, nothing. There's never any promotions, or discounts, even to cast member relatives. There are occasionally Florida Resident discounts run by a 3rd party. It has become my opinion since living here that Disney cares little about giving discounts because they assume people will go there anyways. The only thing to consider is that staying at Disney will get you a) Free Transportation anywhere on the property, and b) Access to the Ultimate Park-Hoppers for the length of your stay. If you don't stay at Disney, they gouge you on one or two-day park hoppers, and the four-day one? $240? You can get an annual pass for $260 last i checked. BS. Oh, and not to mention parking (each park is $10/day).

Now, despite what I've said, I still recommend going to Disney, because overall they have the most entertainment to offer. But if you already decided not to stay there and have already been, you might want to stick with the Universal/Busch combo-pass that I see brocures for. They have a reciprical deal with one another (i know because my dad works at Sea World and can go to Universal for free) and I'm pretty sure there's a pass for SW, BGT, US, IOA, and WnW all-inclusive. Although if your dad's already decided not to drive, you can count BGT out. Anyways, i hope this ramble has helped you a bit. If you want more specific tips on how to avoid paying for stuff, e-mail me.

peace
~me


S:ROS; SFNE. Ride it, and you'll understand.
Actually our hotel gives a free shuttle to all themeparks included in the 5 park hopper pass for Universal, SW, BGT, and WnW I think...anyway heres the rough draft itinerary...

Kyle’s Travel Itinerary

December 26th-January 1st 2004-2005 ·

  • December 26th – Fly out of South Bend Regional and Arrive in Orlando sometime the same day. Pick up already bought 5 park Orlando Flex Tickets that travel agent left with concierge, and go to some amusement park. STAYING AT ROYAL PACIFIC FOR 6 NIGHTS!·
  • December 27th- Wake up early eat breakfast at hotel and then go to one of the universal parks for the VIP behind the scenes tour for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.·
  • December 28th- Get a shuttle to take us too Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida *admission included with ticket*. 1 hour to 1 ½ hour drive down there. Shuttles are available! SPEND WHOLE DAY THERE!·
  • December 29th- Sea World Orlando, spend at least a half of the day there. Then redo favorite stuff at Universal Studios Parks.·
  • December 30th- Go to Wet’n’Wild or to one of our favorite parks. Possibly Islands of Adventure again.·
  • December 31st- Either stay one more night or leave.

Travel Agent needs to book 6 nights at Royal Pacific. Try to get us room upgrades with our new Loew’s membership.And she also needs to find us transportation to Tampa Bay via shuttle or Hotel.

any opinions? *** Edited 8/3/2004 10:11:10 PM UTC by Kyle Fobe***


Kyle Says: Diamondback was a lot of fun! Made his first time at Kings Island worth it all!

BGT was a great time. Kumba's my #1 steel and Montu is CBaby's top pick.
If you still need the info, you can sign up for Loews First at: http://www.loewshotels.com/loewsfirst_application.asp

Or call the 800 number listed for immediate service. Have a blast - maybe we'll run into you down there.


Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
Thank you, we are signed up now! Boy that thing is great....were gonna get about 200 dollars off our room rate. Very good chance you might see me there, We are staying at the Royal Pacific. *** Edited 8/4/2004 12:41:32 AM UTC by Kyle Fobe***

Kyle Says: Diamondback was a lot of fun! Made his first time at Kings Island worth it all!

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