First time since 2011, What's New - I Need Help Planning!!!

RMichael21

RMichael21

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hi everyone! This summer (we're planning on sometime during the week of the 24th of July) we'll be in town and hoping to spend a day at Universal and two days at Disney. The last time we were at Universal was 2011 (this was also our first and only trip there so far), so not everything is new, but I understand there's tons of new stuff to see and do and both parks.

From what I gathered, news thing will be:
  • Simpsons Land
  • Diagon Alley
  • Hog warts Express
  • Despicable Me
  • Transformers
  • Spider Man (it was down for our day in IOA in 2011)
  • Skull Island
  • Ripsaw Falls (closed for refurb after the fire in 2011)
Please let me know of any things that I missed.

Also, some things about hotels. We're thinking of staying at the Marriott World Center (we've stayed there before and we love it). However, we'revthinking of staying onsite at Universal (we stayed at Royal Pacific in 2011) for the free express pass and early entry because we'll be there for just one day. Disney is off limits as its WAY to expensive for us at the moment. Which hotel is the best option and which would save us the most money? Also, is the early entry for both parks or just Universal and is it just 1 hour? Should we stay at the Marriott, how long is the commute to Universal? We'd be taking a taxi, so would they drop us off at City Walk and we'd walk to the parks?

In addition, my family is happy when there's good food, so what are the best restaurants. We'll definitely be eating at Mytho's, as we loved it when we ate there in 2011, but we weren't to impressed with the options at USF.

Finally, what's the best day of the week to visit? I believe we'll be splitting up our 3 days either from the 23rd to the 25th (Saturday to Monday) or the 24th to the 26th (Sunday to Tuesday). We want to save MK for the least busy day, so Uni for the second least busy day would be perfect.

Thanks for the help in advance!
 
danpam1024

danpam1024

Well-Known Member
In July, there is no "least busy day" anymore. And without Express Pass- well good luck. Pick what you REALLY want to see and stick with it. Eat at City Walk, there's really nothing bad there (except Margaritaville- but most people seem to like it). To make the most of it, go early and stay late.
 
matt9112

matt9112

Well-Known Member
Diagon ally is so emersive I would argue spending a decent amount of what little time you have there. It truly lives up to the hype. And you HAVE to try butter beer ice cream from the parlor. To die for. Simpsons to me was Meh. If you are a big fan of the show you willike like it. I did find transformers very enjoyable as well.

Good luck have fun.
 
BubbaQuest

BubbaQuest

Well-Known Member
Cabana Bay would be the cheapest Uni hotel option, but no Express Passes only Early Morning Access. This might be an option if you don't plan on doing repeats from the previous trip. Express Passes will help the most with Despicable Me and Spiderman. I haven't heard if it will work on Kong yet.

Otherwise, Royal Pacific is usually the least expensive option with Express Passes.

Early Morning Access will only be for one park and only for an hour, but it is still a great benefit as you can easily do a least one ride and shopping that would otherwise take 1.5 hours once the park opens.

Not sure of the cost difference between the Marriott and Royal Pacific, but if you think you will have some time outside the parks, being a water taxi ride from CityWalk is a great perk for food and drinks in the evening.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
 

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