Orlando - only 2 days
 

Any recommendations for only 2 days in Orlando - with two kids (ages 12 & 14)??? Where to stay? What to do? Have been to Disney once when kids were 3 & 5. Never went to Universal Studios or Sea World. Thanks.

I prefer Sea World myself.

EPCOT is worth a day.

Universal's Islands of Adventure has a lot of coasters & thrill rides, if they are into that.

Universal Studios is a lot of fun too.

What is your hotel budget? Universal has hotels but they aren't cheap - they might enjoy the Hard Rock Hotel.

"Horizons by Marriott" gets rave reviews in Orlando. Go to the "Discount Hotels" button on the lower left side of the screen at www.mapleleaftickets.com. The Radisson Worldgate Resort rate is very good through this site and they have free shuttles to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld.

I forgot, Animal Kingdom is wonderful too is you aren't looking to spend time with the mouse.

I would stay at a Universal property, you get head of the line pass, it is a quick walk or water taxi ride. You can leave your luggage off in AM go to park and check in later. Same goes with checking out, you can leave your luggage on site and go to park for day.

We stayed at Pop Century (got a very good rate, 87/night or something with AAA.) Loved Epcot and Magic Kingdom (and I'm 23!) though I heard great things about the other Disney properties as well. Mostly, the Disney transportation - bus, Monorail, etc. - were absolutely fantastic and very quick and zero headache.

If they are teens who like thrill rides, definitely go to Islands of Adventure. As GrannieM says above, there are great benefits for staying on-site at Universal. It would also probably be most cost-effective if you buy the two-day combo ticket for Universal and Islands of Adventure.

If you plan to do Sea World instead, consider the Sea World / Discovery Cove combo ticket. It's expensive (like everything else) but includes a lot (lunch, equipment rental, etc). These parks are more about sea animals, snorkeling, and beaching.

Have Fun!