Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I would at least do three days in WDW. We did IoA in half a day, and other than WWoHP, I missed Disney.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip It partly depends on your preference in attractions. If you are into thrill rides, Universal is way ahead. The Studios has Rockin' Rocket and The Mummy. The Rocket queue isn't themed much, but the Mummy is pretty good. While not thrill rides, I think both Disaster and Twister are well done... Twister is a very unique attraction. IOA has The Hulk... very good theming in the queue, not much on the ride itself. Dueling Dragons has an outstanding queue but again the coaster itself isn't themed much. Spiderman has a so-so queue but the ride is terrific. The queue at HP's Forbidden Journey and ride itself are probably the best I've ever experienced. Poseidon's Fury isn't a thrill ride, or even a ride... it is a walk though. But it also is very well done... I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I'd pass on Dr. Doom's Fearfall... I've been on far better drop rides. I've just mentioned what were highlights for me... there are many more attractions at Universal that I enjoyed. I spent two full days at Universal and would have liked more. I would plan on at least two days there. YMMV
Originally Posted By xrayvision I really enjoy both WDW and Universal resorts in Orlando. I stay both on and off property at both resorts. For my visit last month, I stayed off property and did not feel like a second class citizen at all when visiting WDW parks. NextGen was partially in effect, which I only noticed when entering the parks when cast members were "trying" to herd guests through a separate turnstile entrance if they possessed passes attached to their Disney hotel key. I personally didn't really care which turnstile I used to enter the parks. I just chose the turnstile with the shortest line available for me to use. Most folks were ignoring the cast members' directions to use a different turnstile for onsite guests and were just following the masses towards open turnstiles. Regarding how much time to spend at the parks, I do suggest that you do visit WDW. I'm sure you'll have a great time. I'd spend at least 3 days at WDW, 2 days at Universal (one day per Universal park really is all you need) and 2 days resting at your resort or going to the beach. Or, if you really like Sea World, spend one day resting and one day at Sea World, It's nice to have at least one day of rest just to give your feet a break from all that walking and just to have time to relax. You want to feel rested at the end of your vacation and going to a theme park is fun but it's not necessarily all that relaxing. If you're wondering how to do WDW in three days, I would do Day 1 at Magic Kingdom, Day 2 at Epcot, Day 3 Morning at Studios to ride Rockin and Tower before the crowds arrive and Day 3 noon (or 1pm) to 5pm/close to enjoy DAK. Or, do DAK first then Studios second if you want to see Fantasmic at the Studios at night (or Studios has later hours). Regarding which parks are more expensive, WDW is more expensive for me. WDW annual passes are definitely more expensive than Universal annual passes. And, food can be more expensive at WDW. Parking and souvenirs are about the same price at both resorts. However, Universal can be pricey if you decide to buy an Express Pass to bypass the ride lines as Universal does not have a complimentary Fastpass system like WDW (unless you stay onsite at Universal which onsite hotel guests get the Express Pass and early admission as part of their room stay). But note, the Universal Express Pass does not include express access to the popular Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey attraction and the Express Pass only offers you a one time access to the express per participating attraction, unless you purchase an unlimited Express Pass for an additional charge. Many of the popular rides at Universal do offer Single Rider lines that can be used to bypass lines for no additional cost. Single Rider lines are offered for the Amazing Spiderman dark ride, Men in Black Alien Attack dark ride, Revenge of the Mummy coaster, and a few other rides that I think Universal has notated on their website. Tri-Wizard Challenge coaster and Hulk coaster may have Single Rider lines too...I just cant remember off the top of my head. If you're not sure if you should buy an Express Pass, they are sold both inside and outside the parks. So, you can enter the park and take a look at the lines to see how long the lines are. And, if you decide that you do want an Express Pass, some of the larger gift shops inside the parks sell them, as well as kiosks located inside the parks. You don't have to buy them at the front gate. The only thing some folks may caution you on is that the cost of the Express Passes do increase based on expected park attendance and number of Express Passes already sold for that day. So, it may cost more if you wait to buy your Express Pass as park attendance and Express Pass sales increases....but, I still wait because I may get inside the park and see that the lines are pretty manageable and I don't need to spend any money on an Express Pass. The only time I buy an Express Pass in advance is if I'm going to Universal on Christmas week or Easter week and KNOW it's going to be REALLY REALLY crowded, in which case I buy my Express Pass early to get the lower cost and to make sure I get my pass as they do sell out of them on those days. So, at least 3 days at WDW, 2 days only at Universal, and 1-2 days of rest/beach/waterpark/shopping or whatever is what I humbly suggest.
