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[Ann2]

Planning my next Disney adventure and was considering trying Universal as well? How does it compare? Is it a one day trip or should you allot more time?

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Ann2

Planning my next Disney adventure and was considering trying Universal as well? How does it compare? Is it a one day trip or should you allot more time?

Hm, I don't know alot about Universal because every time I go to Disney I never have enough time to do all my Disney things! I'll vet you will get lots of answers soon, though. Hope you have fun, whatever you decide to do!

[albino_pygmy]

Depends on when you go. For the most part, you can do most of the attractions at both parks in one full day. However, I would suggest at least 2 days there to give yourself some time to see all the shows and attractions, and do a little exploring in the parks, because they are really well themed and full of cool things to see and do. If you stay at one of their on-site resorts, your room key can be used as an express pass (like FP) or else, you'll have to purchase an express ticket at the parks to use this perk. If you're able to, I would suggest to stay on site for a weekend and enjoy!

[Gin7274]

I've never been anywhere but Disney.

[aurora_ca]

I am planning a trip to Disney World for my honeymoon 05/03-05/10 and I just bought the vip tickets for 05/04/09 which allows us to move to the front of the line. The tickets were about 50 dollars per person more than the regular price ticket. My future husband has never been to Universal or Disney so we are planning a great trip. Or I should say I am planning a wonderful trip.

[albino_pygmy]

For those who've never been, should plan a trip to Universal, and make sure you do your homework before you go and just keep thinking that it's not Disney but you'll still have a fun time there anyways, because I said so

[scottjs]

I have been to Universal Hollywood. Had a great time. Its not WDW but not bad. I loved ET(Yea its been a while). Have fun

[jhoshowski]

We have always wanted to try Universal, but we find it impossible to pull ourselves away from Disney on our Disney trips. My mom wanted the whole family to do a 4 night cruise on the Wonder this November, so DH and I decided to take our boys and spend a couple of days at Universal afterwards. It gives us a solid week of vacation - perfect timing!!

[Shell_of_the_South]

Let me summarize our experiences with Universal Orlando - AWESOME! I was a die hard Disney fan with reservations about going over to Universal, but after our first trip, I was hooked! I love it. The parks are beautiful and clean, particularly IOA, and the thrill rides there can't be beat. Must dos: Men in Black, the Mummy, Shrek 4D, Jaws, Disaster at US; Hulk, Spiderman, Dueling Dragons, Jurassic Park, Cat in the Hat at IOA. IOA has terrific theming that rivals any Disney park. I've always found the Team Members at Universal to be very friendly. Universal has some of the best shows too, particularly Terminator 3D and the Horror Make Up Show. The only area where Universal falls short is the dining. We just eat counter service and don't plan a lot of sit down dinners while we are there.

I've heard a lot of people say they have done both parks in one day, but I honestly think you need at least 2 days. If you're like us, you will want to ride your favorites over and over, and you can't do that in one day!

The Universal resorts are on par with Disney deluxe resorts. You can easily walk to both parks from any of their 3 onsite resorts. All 3 have outstanding pools and amenities. But the best perk: all Universal onsite hotel guests get "front of the line" access at the theme parks - just show your room key to the attendant at the ride entrance and you are allowed in the "Express Pass" line - which is similar to a FastPass line. However, Universal charges for their Express Pass which shortens the wait in the Express Pass line considerably. We pretty much walk straight onto most attractions over and over.

A Universal vacation is much more relaxing than a trip to WDW - don't get me wrong--I still love Disney, but Universal is da bomb in our book!

[albino_pygmy]

Originally Posted by Shell_of_the_South

The only area where Universal falls short is the dining. We just eat counter service and don't plan a lot of sit down dinners while we are there.

You should give Mythos a shot. They're open a short time during the day, but yet you can still walk right up and within about 10 minutes be sitting at a table. As far as counter service goes, I suggest Cafe 4 or Thunder Falls Terrace for IOA, and Monsters Cafe or Cafe La Bamba for USF. Also, don't forget to pick up some Moose Juice or Goose Juice at Seuss Landing in IOA, or a milkshake at Schwab's Pharmacy in USF

[Colexis Mom]

We've allowed 2 days for USF/IOA. It was fun, but I think it will be better when the kids are bigger (more thrill ride oriented)!

[chezp]

We've allowed two days for Universal in the past - I wouldn't think one day would be quite enough for a first time visit. : It's very different to Disney, but has a lot to offer visitors.

[RobDVC]

If you want to see most everything that USF/IOA offer, two days is the minimum amount of time you need there.

[Clare loves Stitch]

I have been to univeral and IOA Florida and universal Hollywood. I love universal... I prefer the rides at universal there bigger and more like thrill rides.
as long as you bare in mind that its not disney.
its not as cutsey (which i love) but I personally love the contrast as i love bigger rides
for me its important to to both as i feel they really compliment each other.

[jimmymac]

US has very cool rides. You can do both parks in 1 long commando, but if you really want to enjoy them give it 2 days. Portofino is at least equal to the best of the WDW Deluxes. The parks are well themed, very clean and deefinitely worth doing. Spiderman, Dueling Dragons and The Hulk Coaster are the best rides in Orlando imho. And you can't beat the front of the line privilege you get when staying on site