Universal in morning, Disney @ night?

[BAD311]

We're heading to Universal for the first time on Mon-Tues and from what I gather it looks like we could easily knock out each park in half a day or so.

Has anyone been to Universal and the their other park? I know Harry Potter portion is packed, but we plan to get there 8 am each morning and hopefully knock out each park by noon-1pm. Think this is possible? We do not have kids.

We were then going to stay @ Disney for 2 days @ $225 or so, but for $40 more we can get 3 days + 2 days free (5 days total) with Park Hopper so we thought "Hey, we can then hit up Epcot on Monday afternoon/evening, and Hollywood Studios on Tuesday afternoon/evening, THEN spends half a day at Animal Kingdom and 1 1/2 day @ Magic Kingdom."

We haven't ordered our Disney tix yet, but will do so tonight or tomorrow but wanted to know if we could easily do both Universal parks in half a day if we get there early. I hear US is empty and easy to go through. The HP portion at IoA will slow us down, but not if we haul butt to the back of the park @ 8am.

Thoughts?

 

[lilclerk]

If you're just doing the major attractions and no shows, it's possible. Islands of Adventure is very well themed, though, and is a lot of fun to walk around. I wouldn't suggest rushing through there your first time.

 

[MichWolv]

I wouldn't consider either of the Universal parks to be half-day parks unless there are zero lines and you are very picky about what you want to ride/see. Both are full days for me.

You might very well have time for the studios park until dinner time and them making it to a late-night close at MK, but that's about it.

 

[tampabrad]

I was at Universal Florida last week and finished both parks @4pm. We did have Express from staying on property. Harry Potter was packed enough that you had to wait in line to get a ticket with a return time, just to get into the "land."

 

[marni1971]

Both are full days for me.

Indeed. But once they close at 5/6 head back to Disney.

 

[WelshBatman]

Next week especially, don't plan on being able to do Universal in a half-day unless you plan to skip some major attractions. Harry Potter is busy on any day, let alone Easter week. I've seen the line for the Forbidden Journey extend all the way to Jurassic Park river adventure on an off peak week.

 

[SFMarine]

IOA is a full day...there's a lot to see and Universal Studios is less crowded now with HP but it still will be difficult to negotiate in a half day. If you want to get into HP..I'd suggest staying on-site. You'll get in an hour earlier than the public. This was an awesome perk and I was able to ride FJ about 4 times and several other times the next day. If you don't opt for a resort hotel then get there @ 7am and be the first in line.

 

[loveofamouse]

not unless you're skipping alot, including lines. They are both easily full day parks. Don't sell 'em short

 

[vivianjane66]

The whole day!

 

[BAD311]

Crap. I didn't realize I planned our honeymoon for Easter week. *Kicks self in the a__*.

This outta be fun

 

[DizneyPryncess]

Off season, I consider both Universal parks to be half day parks. I've done them both getting there first thing in the morning, and being done by late afternoon. I skip some stuff I don't really like, and in the past I had no kids w/me either.

At Easter time, as it's been said, it's going to be harder to try to do any park in half a day. I have also never been there since Harry Potter arrived, and I imagine that makes things more crowded.

 

[thelookingglass]

Next week is peak season, there is no way you could knock out both parks in a day. You're gonna need to purchase an Express Pass if you hope to come close. Its worth it on a day like next week.

 

[C&D]

First time there: A full day at each park minimum IMO.

 

[captainkidd]

With Express, you could do each park in half a day, but you'd still miss a few things and have to rush. Without Express, no chance of doing each park in half a day.

 

[captainkidd]

Harry Potter is busy on any day, let alone Easter week. I've seen the line for the Forbidden Journey extend all the way to Jurassic Park river adventure on an off peak week.

I don't get it. I really and truly just don't get it. We did it last year and were so underwhelmed. I know we're in the major minority, but the whole WWOHP obsession is a mystery to me.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

To get the full extent of the Universal parks you need a full day each. Sorry, but I won't lie, there is a lot of good things to see in the parks. However, you might get lucky and be able to do the parks from 9am-6pm. I guess then you could go to Disney at night depending on the hours. But don't shortchange Universal, it's a sight to behold

 

[the-reason14]

My friend did this....well kinda. She and her family were at Universal Studios during the day, and they were staying at a hotel near WDW. They were coming back and were too tired to do anything else, so she asked me if I wanted to go with her to a Disney park. So we met at Dtd and hopped bus after bus, two monorails and later made it to the MK. We didn't have a lot of time, but were able to do a lot for the small amount of time we were there. So, if she could do it, then I'm sure you guys can as well.

 

[thelookingglass]

But did she do everything? At both parks? On a peak season day?