That sounds about right so with tip it was about $1100 for the day per family (we were with friends and so could split the cost). Much tougher call if not splitting the cost. However, it was indeed “important” for the success of the vacation - it was a holiday weekend and crowded and the new reservation systems mentioned above were not in place - plus we used points for hotel which saved me $2500 and because we were with kids and another family who isn’t into food/wine the food costs were far lower than other trips.
Doing it literally doubled the number of rides we went on over the course of the trip - also added a significant quality of experience because I hate waiting in lines, let alone for 45-60 minutes for a short ride (I won’t go at all to restaurants that don’t take and honor reservations). It saved probably 7-8 hours of time - made us feel like we hit the great rides, made it less tiring and oppressive to be in a crowded park…
That said we are not theme park people and while my 9yr old son really liked it as a new experience, I’m guessing that he will likely never ask us to go back and we may not go back for a couple years (to do Universal) if we go back at all (he prefers golf, tennis, beach type vacations as do my wife and I). I was terribly underwhelmed with much of what was there - so out of date compared with what they could do given new technology - seemed like 90% of it hasn’t changed in decades and probably 30-40% really needs a facelift - quite frankly I was very surprised but perhaps they realize that they can spend on capex slowly because they still get the crowds. So, we may not be the right people to ask about what is necessary to enjoy the experience. People who are far more into and experienced with theme parks might feel much differently.
Dan,
I am with you as far as type of vacation meaning that this will likely be my one and only trip there.
Not a huge fan of theme parks but my kids are 9, so if there is any time to ever do this, it’s now.
Then back to the beaches and mountains for vacation!
Not sure the $2000 button is working at my end…I keep pressing it but nothing happens…
Though I do like the idea of the Express Pass at Universal.
Blair,
I have read online that 2 days is just right as far as doing Universal studios.
Sounds like doing both parts in a day would be rushing.
But then again there are people out there who hike multiple mountain summits in a day!
This is really important advice…do not turn this into the Bataan death march because you’ve spent a lot of money and need to wring every last bit of “fun” out of your day.
Kids love half days then the pool.
Don’t feel the need to cram it all in over 12 hours.
Yah just read it’s 1900 for up to 10 people…
well if you get 3 families to go together, making it 700/day per family, it’s not too bad…
but man dropping 2K per day for a family of 3 would be brutal
Chris - not trying to debate onsite vs offsite but I completely agree with this point. When our kids were young we really, really appreciated having a resort pool that was a quick walk or a monorail ride away. When they were really young maybe even a nap. Then the ability to head back out for an hour or two
I think one of the most interesting things at Disney is watching the meltdowns. People feel they have to do everything and they push their kids hard. I understand Disney can be an expensive undertaking but Chris’ advice should be taken to avoid these meltdowns.
Absolutely do not push with kids. And, better to start in the parks early and end back at the pool for wind down before dinner. Depending on how hot it is, could do morning at the park then back to the pool and a bit more at the park late afternoon before eating dinner in the park. I would hate to be wading through long lines in 90 degree heat with young kids… Of course, it depends on how many days you have and what you want to do. We had 5 days which quite frankly is a lot and so felt no pressure. Only did 5 because of the SPG 5th night free when booking on points.
We also really enjoyed going to one of the water parks. I was skeptical at first about a 1/2 day there but the kids loved it…and when we went it was much less busy than the parks and so very short to no lines. Kids also really liked the mini golf.
Agree 100% re making sure you don’t overdo the forced march thro the parks. The guide gets you in early, before the parks open, which is a huge plus. We went from ride to ride without queuing and prebooked a sit down lunch to make sure the girls got a proper rest. We always finished by 2/3pm absolute latest and headed back to the hotel so the girls could relax and play in the pool.
Second the point re the water parks too. They were really fun and a great break between days in the parks.
The 2k is a big nut but you will not regret it. It will dVe you 3-4 days and make the 2-3 days you do spend infinitely more enjoyable.
Do you go based on a preplanned route? or is there total flexibility
i.e. i want to ride this thing over and over and over, they’ll just keep putting you at the front of the line?
or is it like you preset ride A, B, C, D, E… and they take you in that order?
Besides skipping lines, what other value do they add (i.e. help you watch a kid here and there? help you with restaurant lines? etc)?
I’m glad we’re done with Disney. $2K for a guide for a day?
We were fortunate that the few times we went to Disney properties, we were given front of the line passes due to my son being on the Spectrum and unable to wait in line. I was flabbergasted to find out that independent guides with issues of the type similar to my son hired themselves out to able-bodied families to skip lines (despicable) and that Disney ended the practice.
Even without hiring a guide, be prepared to open at least one vein for he visit.
They’ll do whatever you want in terms of route. We booked certain parks for certain days but beyond that it’s up to you and the guide. If you/your kids like a particular ride you just ask them to take you round again. We did that several times. They were very happy to look after one or both of our kids whilst the rest of us did a ride. This was actually very valuable. They check as you go around where the biggest queues are either for rides or food but you should always or ebook a lunch to avoid queuing anyway. NB the food is truly appalling and you will be horrified. However, there’s really no alternative and you are trapped by the need to refuel the kids. I actually lost weight whilst I was there because I simply couldn’t eat anything!
PS the first time we went we used a tour firm run by a college friend of my wife. They specialise exclusively in disney holidays. PM me if you want her details.
Ok - so I plan to stay at a deluxe hotel at Universal, probably Portofino.
Main reason is to get the free Express Passes - with four of us, it seems to make sense.
For Disney World, I plan to stay on site - won’t have a car.
Anyone have any opinions deciding for moderate versus deluxe hotels?
For example, Coronado versus Yacht Club resort.
Can’t speak to those 2 hotels. We stayed at bayside towers the first time and at it was pretty new/nice. Second time we stayed at the waldorf which was much better value and very nice. Also inside the park but obviously not a Disney property snd not on the monorail route.
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