The Walt Disney World Experience

[Surf Fish2285]

The Walt Disney World Experience

So I have a conundrum! I am currently booked at Walt Disney World in September of this year. I currently arrive on the 30th of August and depart on the 12th of September. I have a huge job on the 13th so I have to be home in the state of California on the evening of the 12th.

During my visit to Orlando I wish to go to Universal. I am currently between a day trip or arriving to Florida on the 27th and staying on property at the Universal Resort. I found that it is more cost effective and would prefer to visit universal prior to my Disney World portion of the trip.

My problem is I worry that if I visit Universal prior to my Disney portion it will take away from my Disney experience. I know the 2 are not quite on the same level, but there is still this 2nd thought on my mind. I posed this problem with my travel party and they all have had the same worry.

I now bring my conundrum to the board. Let’s see what he community thinks. :brick::brick::brick:

 

[DiPSU224]

For me, I would want to go to Universal first as I think I would enjoy it more knowing that I had a whole week at Disney ahead of me. If I were to visit Universal after a Disney trip, I think I would be bummed out that the Disney portion was over and wishing I was still there. That's just me though.

What exactly are you afraid that a few day in Universal will take away from your experience at Disney?

 

[wdwmomof3]

When we do Sea World or any other park, we always do it first. It's just fun before the real fun begins. I would be sick, I tell you sick, if my Disney vacation was over and I was still in Orlando. I would have to skip out on Universal and head back to Disney.

 

[MicheleK]

We also always do Universal/IOA first and save Disney (the best) for last . We always stay at either Hard Rock or Portafino Bay to utilize their Express Pass service (which is unbeatable). Don't worry, Universal won't take away from your Disney experience. Think of it as your "practice" before the big game! :wave:

 

[RiversideBunny]

To me it would be very disappointing to have arrived in Orlando and the first thing to look forward to is Universal.

Go to WDW first and then squeeze in Universal later, if time permits and you feel that you must see it on the trip.

Good luck.

 

[DAKOTADISNEY]

On our next trip I think we're going to take a day in the middle of our vacation to go to Universal. That way we can use Magical Express both ways and get our Disney fix before and after Universal. It's hard for me to get excited about Universal but I think my daughter would really enjoy the Harry Potter rides when they are done.

 

[yankspy]

I would do Universal first. I do not know about you but when I pass through those gates I do not like to leave property until I have to. It also builds anticipation for Disney.

 

[Brwneyedgirl72]

I would start off your trip at Universal, and be excited about that part of your trip. Then you can look forward to and enjoy your Disney week uninterrupted. Just bevcause it isn't Disney - doesn't mean that it will spoil your Disney trip in anyway. Look at it this way - you will have fun no matter what you do - so enjoy and don't over-think things!

 

[IndyDisney]

Our normal trip to Disney included a day or two at Universal interspersed throughout the Disney Parks. Always worked for us without any disappointment on either end. It was nice to break it up like that.

 

[JustPlainBill]

We are doing the same.
We're staying on Universal's property for a few days when we first arrive in Orlando this summer. We'll take in the Universal parks and Sea World enjoy the resort then transfer over to Disney property for the remainder (7 days) of our vacation. Save the best for last, so to speak. It will be our first time ever going to Universal, our kids first time ever going to Sea World. Not sure what to expect really, but I feel better going to Disney last. One time we did Sea World on the last day and it didn't feel right going home, I felt cheated.

 

[pacochran]

I would do it first.

Two years ago we did it the after Disney and were constantly comparing it to Disney, and how Disney would do this, Disney wouldn't do that. Though we enjoyed ourselves we enjoyed Disney much more than Universal.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

If you do Universal first thinking it won't be as good as DIsney...Disney will only be better.

 

[StingraySam]

I would definately go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure first! Then spend the remaining time at WDW. We go to both WDW and US & IOA several times a year and we always look at it as a completely different experiances. I would also highly recommend staying at one of the Universal resorts. I have stayed at all three and have always enjoyed my stays and as MicheleK stated the best part is express pass that is included with your stay.

 

[eroyee]

I agree, go to Universal first and save the best for last. I couldnt stand being in Orlando, either, and not being at disney world when it was time to go home. The kids will love SeaWorld. And the new waterpark, Aquatica, if you like water parks. enjoy your vacation and have a magical trip to WDW.........