To Do This or Not To?

[AgentB911]

So here's my delema...and a nice one to have in my opinion!

We arrive at MCO on November 12th. Unfortunately, there are only two direct flights a day out of PIT to MCO. We don't really like to fly, and don't want any stops. We just want to get there quick! So, we have to fly out at the but-crack of dawn! We will arrive at MCO around 8:30 AM. Originally, we planned on staying at ASM. Having a full day with nothing to do, I was planning on surprising my girls (DW and DD) with a day at Universal. Since free dining was announced, we've upgraded to CBR. So now my delema is do we spend the day relaxing and soaking up all CBR has to offer, or do I still suprise them with a day at Universal? Help me decide!

Thanks!

 

[flynnibus]

single day at uni is a big expense. but well worth it.

I would weigh a 3rd option of adding another day to your tickets. then no need to sit around and avoid the parks.

If it's not a financial burden.. I'd go for the uni surprise.

 

[ppodangel]

Go for the Universal option! I'm sure your DW and DD would love that surprise! You can soak up CBR later on!

 

[littleroo]

I as well fly out of PIT in the wee morning hours. We just drop everything at bell service and take off for Epcot! We are packing my DS swimsuit on our carry on so if he wants to jump in the pool at POFQ, he can for an hour. We arrive at 9 am. I figure by the time we actually get to the resort it will be every bit of 11am. We will also be tired from the excitement and early arrival at the airport so we plan on going to bed early this night.

I don't know how many days you are going for but there is never enough time in DW for me! Whatever you decide, I hope you have a blast!!

 

[Mongomil]

Another option is a water park. It's a good place you can either hit everything they have to offer or just sit back and relax and enjoy the day in a lazy river. But to do Universal on a flight day I think would wipe you out to start your vacation. Then you might be playing catch up the rest of the time.

 

[Joshua&CalebDad]

It sounds like you are going to have a very early morning. Depending on the age of your DD, your best bet might me to rest and relax at CBR and then hit the parks the next morning after a relaxing day by the pool.

 

[flynnibus]

Another option is a water park. It's a good place you can either hit everything they have to offer or just sit back and relax and enjoy the day in a lazy river. But to do Universal on a flight day I think would wipe you out to start your vacation. Then you might be playing catch up the rest of the time.

I said the same thing to at first, and then double checked his post and saw he's going in November. Not the best water park weather

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I fly out of PIT in the early AM, too. Something to think about, you may not be able to actually get into your room that early, so I would drop everything at Bell Services and head out to a park and save Universal for a day in the middle of your trip somewhere.

 

[sarajo]

Get the extra day on your ticket and get to the parks!

 

[AgentB911]

Thanks yinz guys for all the great tips and responses!

A little more info: We are staying for 8 days/7 nights. This will be our 3rd trip. We usually use our first and last days as "relaxation days." Water parks are just not for us...not a big fan of them. Adding an extra day isn't necessary, as well as taking a mid-day break. We tried, at my insistance,on a mid-day break once. I passed out as soon as we were in the room, while my girls were just bouncing off the walls wanting to go back to the park. Decided we'd never waste the time on a break again. LOL

We fully expect our room to not be ready as check in isn't until 3 PM. We always pack what we need for the day in our carry ons, since we will be utilizing the DME, and will not have a car.

One thing I didn't think of...as littleroo pointed out...even though we land at 8:30, we probably won't arrive at CBR until 11-ish. Add the time it takes to check in and take a cab to Uni, it might be noon or later. Then spending the rest of the day at Uni after having been up since 4 AM...well this might not be the best idea ever. What we've done on our past visits after check in is usually hang out pool-side, get acclimated with our surroundings, and when we do get the "itch" (which we will!) we hop on a bus and go shopping at DTD. As much as I want to visit Uni, I'm thinking hanging out at CBR and/or DTD on our first day might be the best option...stay tuned!

 

[flynnibus]

what will also help drive the decision.. check the park hours. Uni has very early closing times at different parts of the year. Don't spend $100 a head if you will only be there from 12-6pm, etc.

 

[plaz10]

We always get the early flight out of PIT (I think ours leaves at 6:05 am in September) - we usually head to the parks for lunch and then we park hop or whatnot until the day is over. I recommend going to DtD or just lounging at the resort and exploring. This may be what we do this trip as we've never been to POFQ before and we will want to "take in our surroundings" when we arrive.

 

[sgtmgd]

Lots of sage advice here...Id add that if you can afford a jaunt to Universal its worth it..but Id highly recommend buying their express pass ..this will save you a ton of time and allow you to see most everything

Of course adding a day to your Disney tix as mentioned above is more cost friendly

 

[disneygirl76]

So here's my delema...and a nice one to have in my opinion!

We arrive at MCO on November 12th. Unfortunately, there are only two direct flights a day out of PIT to MCO. We don't really like to fly, and don't want any stops. We just want to get there quick! So, we have to fly out at the but-crack of dawn! We will arrive at MCO around 8:30 AM. Originally, we planned on staying at ASM. Having a full day with nothing to do, I was planning on surprising my girls (DW and DD) with a day at Universal. Since free dining was announced, we've upgraded to CBR. So now my delema is do we spend the day relaxing and soaking up all CBR has to offer, or do I still suprise them with a day at Universal? Help me decide!

Thanks!

How long will you be at Disney? If you are taking your only day at the resort, then you might want to stay and play at CBR. I personally don't care for Universal, well, the non Island of Adventure part. I went in the 90's and then again over 10 years later and it was nearly the same. That being said, I can't wait to go back to IOA, but only for the Harry Potter part. I digress... If its your only time at the resort, I would resort time.

 

[minnielaw]

I agree on resort relaxation time or even popping over to the new Art of Animation resort to check it out and maybe have a meal in the food court. I think Universal may be a bit much for the first day with such an early start.