Disney World and Universal Studios Vacation Help

Question

We're planning a 5 day trip to Orlando during the coming weeks.

2 Children and 2 Adults (family trip). We've been to Disneyworld before and have one day left of our tickets. We were thinking of visiting Magic Kingdom for the day.

After inquiring of Universal Studios, a few people have suggested to go to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando. What is the best way to purchase tickets? Are there any ticket deals? (just tickets no meals please)

What are some other tips on Travellling to Disney and Universal? What are the best rides at each park? Any ways to save some cash?

We've booked a hotel in the Downtown Disney area. What are some restaurants near there that may be affordable yet delicious ( preferably one that offers vegetarian options - 3/4 vegetarians in the family)

Answer 1

First of all, make sure your days left on your tickets are still valid. A few years ago Disney made it so tickets bought after a certain date were only valid 14 days after the first use unless a no experation option was added on to the original ticket price.

If you want to go Universal Studios, you have to know that there is no way both parks can be completed in one day. Go online and find a map of both parks and plot out exactly what rides and attractions you want to do and see so not to waste time if you only have one day to see it all. I believe there are shuttles to take you to and from Universal Studios specifically but Disney does not supply them.

If you're hotel in the Downtown Disney area is a designated Disney hotel then try and use the Magical Express service. It's only for Disney resort guests and they take you to and from the airport free of charge. They also handle all of your luggage so all you need to be responsible for is your carry on. Also take advantage of Extra Magic Hours which on certain days allows Disney resort guest early admission to the parks or late night admission (1 hr morning, 2-3 at night)

Best rides/attractions:

Magic Kingdom- Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, Mickey's Philarmagic, Pirates of the Carribean, Haunted Mansion.

Epcot- Soarin and Test Track.

MGM or Hollywood Studios- Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, Toy Story Mania (new ride) Backlot Tour, Indiana Jones show, Lights Motor Stunt show, Star Tours.

Animal Kingdom- Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, It's Tough to be a bug, Kiliminjaro Safaris.

Good restaruants in the Downtown Disney area are Earl of Sandwich, Wolfgang Puck (sit down or counter service).  

Answer 2

I totally agree w/ the previous answer!

Answer 3

Hello! First of, lets conquer your Universal Studios question. You are better to get a park hopper ticket so you can see both. They're great parks. You can get discount tickets online by visiting their website www.universalstudios.com and sometimes the hotels have cheaper tickets. If you participate in one of their timeshares, you can receive tickets for free. The hotels around the Downtown Disney district (I've stayed at all of them) frequently promote timeshares.

Some great restaurants in Downtown Disney that has all you're looking for is Bongos, Planet Hollywood, and Rainforest Cafe. Near the district there is Shoney's (a Denny's type), Pizzaria Uno, and Outback Steakhouse. If you drive down S. Apopoka Vineland Blvd. you will surely find more places to eat.

Ways to save money: Try to eat breakfast before you get to the park and dinner afterwords. The food in the park isn't that expensive but it is for what you get (example: double cheeseburger and fries no drink $9.00). Disney doesn't offer coupons. To the best of my knowledge the only parks that allows you to bring in your own food are Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach.

Best rides at Magic Kingdom:

Peter Pans Flight

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Pirates of the Caribbean

The tea cups

Universal & Islands of Adventure:

ET

The Mummy

The Hulk

The Simpsons Ride (but don't wait longer than an hour for it)

Hopefully I was able to help some! Have a great time!

Answer 4

As far as Downtown Disney restaurants, avoid Planet Hollywood.  They are busy, loud, and the service is terrible.  The Earl of Sandwich is probably your best bet for a quick bite (the lines get long, but even the locals swear by it, and lots of vegetarian goods)!

Answer 5

Try going to one of the vegetarian or veg-friendly restaurants listed on VegDining.com. Florida is supposedly very vegetarian-friendly, so I wouldn't worry.  

Personally, I'd recommend the Garden Cafe.

Here's the link for Florida; just flip from page to page till you get to Orlando:

http://www.vegdining.com/GetRestList.cfm...

Enjoy the time with the family!

Answer 6

You can get great ticket deals to Universal ordering online from their website.  I wouldn't bother trying to find them anywhere else.  I will disagree with Pink, who said there is no way to cover both Universal parks in one day.  I have done it many times.  But with it being your first time, I would recommend one park a day.  If you really like it, you could go back another day and go to your favorite things in both parks.

As someone already mentioned, are you positive you have one day left on your tickets?  If purchased after 2005, you would have had to purchase the no expiration option.  There's no way to check your tickets online or by phone, unfortunately, only at the parks.  

Best rides at Magic Kingdom:

Splash Mountain

Space Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain

Pirates of the Caribbean

Buzz Lightyear

Haunted Mansion

Universal Studios:

ET

Jaws

Men in Black

a couple of cute shows, check the times guide

Islands of Adventure:

Dueling Dragons

the Hulk

Jurassic Park

Dudley Do-Right

Spiderman, a really awesome ride