Universal Dilemma

[DisneyShelley]

If possible, I would amend your reservation at POR to shorten it by two nights and check in for those nights at a UOR hotel.
I don't see the point of paying for both hotels, the saving will pay for your time at Uni and probably the taxi fare too.

I've looked into amending the hotel but it isn't an option available now. The UOR Hotel is a late decision we have made after looking into Universal in more detail. We would definitely factor the 2 hotels into our next Orlando visit.

 

[DisneyShelley]

Uni doesn't require quite (anything like!) the same forward planning as WDW and has so much going for it. As long as you have a rough idea of park layout and have those EPs, you'll be great and will have a fab time. We got so much done each day by being at the park for opening and using the EPs. Enjoy!!

WDW is very intense but enjoyable. EPs were the deciding factor on us booking a hotel there. We have been to WDW in August before so know how manic it can be , getting the most out of all the parks is important.

 

[DisneyShelley]

I notice that you guys are from the UK. So one thing to remember is August here is brutally hot. And it appears that you guys will be checking in early and then hitting the parks. So it may be a good idea to head back around 3ish and get your room and hit the pool.
Are you guys Potter fans? Because I can suggest a plan for real Potter fans.

That's right Disneyhead71, end of July/August. It seems we have made the right choice by booking a hotel .
Our daughter is a Potter fan , we are a bit behind the times and frantically watching the films/reading the books to catch up. It will be a wasted opportunity that so many people would like otherwise.

 

[BrerJon]

Uber and Lyft offer significantly better rates and service than Mears. It's not even a debate.

Not quite true. It is when comparing to a Mears private taxi, but the Mears shared shuttles from Disney resorts to Universal are $21 return per person, which is much cheaper for one or two people than $80 on a return Uber. The difference diminishes with larger parties, but the shared shuttle should always be considered by those on tighter budgets to see if it makes sense.

 

[Tony Perkis]

Not quite true. It is when comparing to a Mears private taxi, but the Mears shared shuttles from Disney resorts to Universal are $21 return per person, which is much cheaper for one or two people than $80 on a return Uber. The difference diminishes with larger parties, but the shared shuttle should always be considered by those on tighter budgets to see if it makes sense.

Uber or Lyft uses a shared shuttle service as well. At least in Dallas they do. It's still cheaper.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Thank you , is there a reason why you would recommend Lyft or Uber taxis ? The only company that I have heard good things about is Mears.

Uber isn't really a taxi company. It's a bunch of randos who use the Uber network to freelance themselves.

 

[BrerJon]

Uber or Lyft uses a shared shuttle service as well. At least in Dallas they do. It's still cheaper.

In Orlando Uber is subject to local legislation that requires minimum fares to be on an equal playing field, which as far as I can tell makes them more expensive than elsewhere in the country, although I'm not sure how closely those rules are adhered to.

Also I don't think Uber does run regular scheduled theme park shuttle services. I find it hard to believe that if I'm staying in the All-Stars and want to go to Universal tomorrow morning I can be sure there's going to be an Uber shared shuttle running charging me ten bucks each way, as Mears do.

If Uber is charging ten dollars to get from Disney to Universal, I will definitely use them in the future, but this is the first I've heard of it.

 

[JoeCamel]

UBER select (full size car) in orlando is $3 base plus $2 per mile and $3 in fees so at least as much as Mears but without the same insurance or screening

Using their app it is $36 - $47 one way for a full size car from Universal to MK

 

[Disneyhead'71]

That's right Disneyhead71, end of July/August. It seems we have made the right choice by booking a hotel .
Our daughter is a Potter fan , we are a bit behind the times and frantically watching the films/reading the books to catch up. It will be a wasted opportunity that so many people would like otherwise.

Ok, here is how "Real" potter fans do it. Beeline to Diagon Alley as soon as you can get in the park. Gringott's first, because Harry had to go there first to get galleons. Ride Gringott's, after the ride go to the teller and change money. Then off to Ollivander's to get a wand. Then Madam Malkin's for a robe. Explore the rest of Diagon Alley. Then take the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. Ride Forbidden Journey. Get a Butterbeer at the Hogshead. Take HE back to London. At this point the Universe is yours to explore.