Hi! We're planning a Universal/Disney trip Nov.8-18. Can Universal/IOA be seen in just two days? Planning on staying at Portofino and Wilderness Lodge. Have never been to Universal or IOA. Have already done lots of research on Disney (Deb Wills and Disneyinfo sites are fantastic!), but there doesn't seem to be nearly as much out there on Universal. Also, of the three waterparks at Disney, please suggest the best one for an 8 yo and 12 yo daredevils. Thanks!

Hi Sheila,
My husband & I just got back from week in Orlando with his family (including a 4 & 6 year old).
His father & sister went to Universal one of the days that we were there & were finished with the park in a little over 1/2 a day. I am sure that they didn't do everything that there is to do there, but I still don't think that it would have taken them 2 full days to do it all. I have no idea what you mean by IOA (sorry), so I can't really help you on that one.
We all went to Blizzard Beach while we were in Disney & that was pretty good for all ages. We have not been to any other water parks there-its not really our thing!
You might want to check ahead of time with Disney to see which water parks are closed/open during the time that you are there. Sometimes Disney closes a specific water park to clean it. Before making definite plans & then being disappointed, I would get that info from Disney.
If I can be of any other help, please email me at my address.
Amy

Yes, Universal and Islands of Adventure (IOA) can be done in 2 days. Each park pretty easily fits into a day, although if the kids like rollercoasters they may want to go back to IOA for more! But you will definately be able to see everything once, especially at that time of year (good choice, btw).

Disney water parks - I think Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are equally good, but Blizzard Beach is newer, so maybe it has some some better bells and whistles that I don't remember. They won't be disappointed with either of them. You mention 3 Disney water parks, is River Country still open? If this is the third, I would definately head to one of the other 2 with your daredevils. River Country is nice, but tame compared to the others!

While I am sure Amy had some direct experience with the closing of one of the water parks, I have to admit I find it a little strange. Disney is an incredibly well-oiled machine, they are too good at business to ever turn away paying customers for something as routine as cleaning. Those parks are open 365 days a year, and are generally spotless. Maybe they undergo some typw of once-a-year maintenance, but even then I doubt they would close all day. Perhaps there was a problem while Amy was there! I know poo-poo in the lagoon will cause an evacuation, but even that is for a limited time (and, no, they don't announce why you are getting out of the lagoon!).

Have fun and let us know what you all like best!

This is in response to Kim's message above.
I have been to Disney World almost every year for the past 5 years & there has always been 1 water park closed during each of our stays.
For example: on our last vacation there, Typhoon Lagoon & The Universe (in Epcot) were both closed for whatever reason. We knew this ahead of time because we always check on-line or with Disney directly to find out what rides or water parks may be closed while we are there - so we are prepared.
When we went last May, River Country was closed for whatever reason also. (& so on & so on...)
This has been our experience with water park/ride closings in the past. I don't know if we've just been unfortunate in the past or what, but that has been our experience.
Just wanted to give Sheila some heads up advice, especially since she was inquiring specifically about water parks.
I do however agree with Kim that Disney is an "incredibly well-oiled machine....", "...& are generally spotless..."
I believe this is how Disney keeps their reputation of being clean & well run. I also think that Disney knows how easily water parks get dirty & how important it is for them to keep them clean & sanitized, not only for their reputation, but for health reasons.
As far as them turning away "paying customers" - they have done it to me at least 3 times that I can remember.
Has anyone else had these experiences??
Hope this helps!!!
Amy

Sorry-I forgot to say in my previous post that both water parks I mentioned above were closed, not only for one day, but for the whole week we were there! Thats why it is sooooo important to call/inquire ahead of time so you are prepared!
Kim, sorry to ruin your high opinion & expectations of Disney, but even they have some minor flaws! Its no big deal, but it does happen-even if it is "a little strange" of Disney to do!

In any case Sheila, have fun & enjoy!
Amy

Hi Shelia

We have been to Universal Studios twice, and we were able to do everything in about 1 day or 1/2 the day due to how crowded the park may be. Considering the time you are going it should'nt be crowded so maybe 1/2 a day would suffice. Now, if you have kids, it may take 1 full day. The first time we went it was me & hubby. We went in September, no crowds at all. We were able to do everything (except Hanna Barbara Land- no kids) in 1/2 a day. Now when we went again we took my sister-in-law and her 2 kids during Easter Break, and it was CROWDED!!! It took basically all day due to long lines. We still had a GREAT time!! Just as a little note this was my FAVORITE park!!! Island of Adventure wasn't open we went went in April. We are going again in February and this time we are planning to do Island of Adventure and Universal Studios hopefully in 1 day. I'll let you know the outcome.
Jan

Amy is right. I plan on being at Disney in Feb and I recently saw a memo stating that Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were both going to be closed for a period between Jan and Feb. Not just a week either. Now I don't know if I really would have went at this time of year due to low temps. Maybe this is why they close at this time of year.
As for what park is better I prefer Typhoon Lagoon over Blizzard even though it is older. Blizzard is different - ski lifts and the snow look, but I felt the lazy river ride at Typhoon was better and they have a spot to snorkel and the lines weren't as long.

Universal can IOE can be definitely be done in two days. IOA is a blast!
Have fun!

Thank you so much, everyone! Everyone's input really helped out a lot. I appreciate the time that you all took to give me advice and share your experiences. Thanks!

I knew I should have checked my facts before making an across the board statement like that - my apologies! I have since checked the Disney site, and according to them Blizzard Beach is currently closed for renovations, and will remain closed through Feb 19. No such closing scheduled for Typhoon Lagoon however, apparently this isn't even a yearly event, perhaps every other year with Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach switching each year? Additionally, both TL and BB close for 2 days a week between 2/20 and 4/1, but they are not closed on the same days. Apparently the only Disney park that has a seasonal closing is River Country. River Country is closed much more often than the other parks, but it really isn't comparable to the other water parks. I wasn't aware it was even still open!

Rides are certainly closed at different times, I never meant to indicate that they were not! Amy's advice to check the website was excellent, especially if you have a certain ride you are dying to get to!

Enjoy your trip!

I have a memo stating that Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both closed Feb 1 - 19 and will both open back up
on Feb 20 due to REHAB. River Country is seasonally closed all month except Feb 27 and 28. Best Best is to check ahead of time.

You can easily do Islands of Adventure in one day, Universal in one. They have a 2-day pass (you may be able to get discount from AAA or another source) to both parks that saves a few bucks. Each park is separate admission unless you get the 2 or 3 day passes. With an 8 & 12 year old they will probably want to ride the thrill rides again - Incredible Hulk & Dueling Dragons roller coaster, Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls, Spider-Man virtual reality ride. DO ride the Cat in the Hat at least once. It is just precious & the whole family will enjoy it. You ride thru the story. Tell your kids it is NOT just for little kids, they will like it.
DEFINITELY with the ages of your kids go to Disney Quest for an evening or a day, they will LOVE it. It was the favorite place my 12 year old went last year.

great universal information at usfinfo.com

Thanks everyone!

My husband and I are going to stay in Disney & want to take one day and head to Universal. We are going in may-no kids. Can we do both Isl of Adv & Univ Studios in one day if we get there at opening? Or is it best to pick just one Universal park of the two and do just that?

Sheila,
I've been to Disney World 15 times in the past 20 years, so let's see if I can help .... you can DEFINITELY do Universal in 2 days. One note - if either of your kids is afraid of fire, there is a LOT of it in Universal Studios' main park (Jaws, Twister, Earthquake, etc. all have massive explosions!) Islands of Adventure is more roller coasters, etc., so the daredevils will like them. And in November, you really won't have to worry about lines. I was there this July and barely waited for anything.

As for the water parks - BLIZZARD BEACH!! Typhoon Lagoon is great, but I wasn't liking all the leaves in the water. Also, Blizzard Beach has MUCH taller slides (there's a 7-story vertical drop - long lines, but your kids should LOVE it). Plus, there's a toboggan race everyone will love - fast and competitive. It has everything TL has, but also some extras. ONE IMPORTANT TIP!! Bring sandals or flip flops with you, because the ground gets very hot. They run sprinklers (again, the well-oiled machine), but it gets VERY hot in some areas.

For Disney, my 4 "don't-miss" suggestions are:
MAGIC KINGDOM - Splash Mountain is worth the wait. You will never see another log flume like it.
EPCOT - the nighttime laser show in the World Showcase (and the Showcase itself)
ANIMAL KINGDOM - Journey to Extinction!!
MGM STUDIOS - The Rock 'n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and the Fantasmic light show - MGM is amazing!

One final final suggestion - do the Disney parks. A lot of people plan to spend one day in each park, but trust me, your kids (AND YOU!) will be wanting to make some return trips.

Sorry for the length! Enjoy your trip to the happiest place on earth!!

-Kara

Sheila,

Lucky you! You should have a blast. We did IOA during its sneak preview last May, IT IS AWESOME!!! Do not miss the Hulk Coaster, Spiderman (unbelievable!!), Fire & Ice (highly recommend waiting for the front row seats), Seuss Landing (eye candy everywhere!). My brother went this fall and suggested that we skip the Triceratops Encounter on any return trips. IMHO, this is the best thrill park around.

I've been to all of the water parks - we had the best time at Blizzard Beach. I'd recommend finding beach chairs far away from the hustle & bustle, so if you want a break from the action, you can relax in peace & quiet. Bring plenty of sunscreen - I've never seen so many sunburns!!! Have fun.

I am planning a trip to Orlando for New Years. I'm debating between going to either MGM or Universal. Which is better for someone in their 20s? Also, which one has more roller coasters? (I'm not a big coaster-rider). Finally, is it warm enough in Florida to swim in Dec/Jan?

Those of us who live in Orlando much prefer Wet 'n' Wild and Water Mania to any of the Disney water parks. So I suggest you consider them as well.

You definitely need a day for each park at Universal, and at least one night for their City Walk! Now that they have two large hotels open at Universal (Portofino and Hard Rock), the lines are longer and you may hit some real crowds.