One day only: Disney World or Universal Studios?

[thegajone]

Hello all,

Been a while...hope everyone is doing well. I am looking for help and can't think of a better place to ask! I am in Florida right now and will be in Orlando for one day only. However that day is totally wide open, so I would like to spend that day enjoying one of these resorts. The problem is we can't decide where to go! So I ask you all for advice. Should we spend the day hopping around the Disney Parks, or opt for Universal Studios instead? Here are some factors to consider:

1. Due to a recent surgery, I have to avoid the intense coasters like The Hulk, Rock N Roller Coaster, etc. I can still handle the likes of Space Mountain, Seven Dwarves Mine Ride, etc.

2. The high temp for Monday (the day I am going) is only 60, which pretty much eliminates any water rides -- a major bummer for sure since Splash Mountain and Ripsaw Falls are quite possibly my 2 favorite rides down there.

3. Money is not a factor, nor is time (other than the fact that, you know, I only have one day lol. But I have no time restrictions on that one day). So park entry cost, food, any type of fast pass system, etc. is within the budget.

4. It's just me and my wife. No kids. We are each 30 years old. She is pretty indifferent to the whole trip but knows I really want to go, so she's being a trooper lol.

5. I am a huge Star Wars fan. I know Hollywood Studios has a revamped Star Wars area but it seems like a work in progress still and content seems limited. I am having a hell of a time finding reviews and other opinions and sources of information on the Web so I don't know what my expectations should be if I choose to go there.

6. I have seen half the Harry Potter movies so I wouldn't call myself a huge fan by any means, but man that place looks impressive from what I've seen online.

7. The last time I was at either park was 2000.

And then I also have a few questions that could affect my decision if they are answered:

1. My biggest concern with WDW is the logistics of getting from park to park with a one day hopper pass. If I chose WDW I would want to visit MK, AK and HS. I just don't know how feasible that is for one day, to go to all 3 of those parks and see everything I would want to see.

2. Another concern about WDW is that I am pretty overwhelmed and intimidated by their Fast Pass system (forgive me if this is not the proper name). Would I even be able to ride the popular rides there? You read all kinds of things about long lines if you choose the wrong Fast Pass rides and the lack of spontaneity with a visit to WDW, so I want to make sure I'm not screwing myself over if go there.

3. I made a comment about water rides before: are there any that I can ride that I might not get too wet on? I'm sure there's not a right answer there as sometimes you can get soaked or be dry as a bone from riding the same ride from one time to the next, but I thought I'd ask anyway. I'm trying to convince myself that I'll be OK if I ride Splash Mountain or Jurassic Falls lol, but at the same time I'm not sure I want to risk being cold and miserable the rest of the day!

I think that about covers all my thoughts and questions, but I'll check back if anything else pops into my head! I understand that it's hard for you to tell me which parks I would enjoy more when you don't know me, but I'm just trying to gather as much info as I can so I can make a proper decision. Thanks for your help in advance!

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[Gabe]

Given your parameters, it seems as if Disney is your better bet.  You can use any of the FastPass+ kiosks located in the parks to make your ride selections (3 at once, then 1 at a time) once you get there.  The popular rides do run out of FastPass slots early, but you can also create an account online at Disney's website, after which you can use your phone (with their free app) to make your selections. Your 3 initial selections must all be located in one park, which I would suggest be the MK, as it has the most number of FP+ rides.  As for Disney transport-aside from a cab to the parks, taking a Disney bus is quickest. Busses go direct from park to park.  Star Wars launch bay at the Studios just opened and I've heard rave reviews.  It's located in the old animation building in the Animation Courtyard portion of the park. As for Splash, sit in the back of the boat if you don't want to get too wet.  I've never been soaked on it in the many times I've ridden it.

 

As for your time logistics in each Disney park, my suggestion would be to begin your day at AK, knock out the few 'adult' rides there (Dinosaur, Everest, Safaris), then head over to the Studios.  Aerosmith is out, so you can do Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours, Tower of Terror and Toy Story.  After that, I'd head up to the MK for the rest of the day and night.  It always stays open the longest. On Monday, AK is open 9-8, HS from 9-8:30 and MK from 9-12a.  Given that schedule and the predicted lines, you'd probably make it to the MK by late afternoon, assuming you were at AK when the rope drops at 9 AM.  It would be a long day, but you could hit the highlights.  Good luck!

[kingsislandfan1972]

Though Disney is a lot bigger, you'll probably get more things accomplished at Universal Studios. But either one is fine.

[jcgoble3]

With regard to water rides: all of the water rides at Universal will leave you completely drenched. So not a good idea in 60°F temperatures (unless you're malem ).

 

As for Disney vs. Universal: for a single day, I'd do Universal, because as kingsislandfan1972 said, you'll probably get more stuff done. Also, the Harry Potter lands are amazing; I saw Hogsmeade in 2012 before I had ever read any of the books or seen any of the movies, or even had any interest in Harry Potter, and was stunned at the level of detail. Now that I have read the books and seen the movies, I want to go back and see it again along with Diagon Alley.

[PyroKinesis]

WDW, end the day at Epcot watching the fireworks.

[The Interpreter]

Universal. Save Disney for the California trip(s).

Can you even get a Disney park hopper on a one day pass?

[kingsislandfan1972]

WDW, end the day at Epcot watching the fireworks.

 

I remember how awesome that was.

[TTD-120-420]

All of the parks are completely dead this time of year, I have a friend in Universal right now who is Snapchatting literally all walkons.

I would of course go with Universal, but if you can't do the more intense rides because of the surgery, I would do WDW as they don't really have any intense rides.

[purdude86]

In general I'd say Universal is easier for a one day trip as the parks are right next to each other and can by an Express Lane pass to let you skip the line on rides if needed (though should be fairly light crowds this time of year). The Harry Potter areas are great, even if you're nto a huge fan the level of detail is great adn teh rides are a lot of fun. 

 

For what you seem to be most interested in Disney might be the better option. I'd follow Gabe's options but might swap Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The rides at Hollywood Studios will line up fast so if you get there early you can knock those out then head over to Animal Kingdom and do the attractions there. But defitnely end the nigth at Magic Kingdom as it's open late and has a good fireworks show. 

most of teh Star Wars stuff sin't opne yet, mostly just the Star Tours attraction that has been there with a few new scenes and teh Launch Bay walkthrough display (which is supposed to be really great itself). Outside of Rockin' sounds liek yu have a lot fewer ride limitations at Disney, and Splash mountain you can generally stay reasonably dry on, especailly to the back. Kali River Rapids would probably be the onyl water ride you'lll need to avoid at Disney. If you go to universal I'd avoid both Ripsaw and Jurassic if you want to stay dry.

[RailRider]

From your first concern about being able to ride intense rides I would visit Disney over Universal.  Also for your love of Star Wars it makes more sense.  Something to think about the parks will be a bit more crowded since Monday is MLK day and most schools are shut down.  I would only consider doing 2 Disney parks and not 3.  Since Magic Kingdom will have larger than normal crowds and AK is not recommended  because it has Extra Magic Hours in the morning which will pull in thousands of extra resort guests.  With that in mind I mind this would be my recommendation for visiting Disney on Monday.  First I would avoid all coasters since you mentioned you are unable to ride them.  Not worth the chance plus it will cut out some big lines and crowds for you.  

 

I would rope drop Magic Kingdom, park opens at 9am I would be at the front gate by 8:20 ready to go.  I would spend most of my day here until about 3pm.  Either catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade or leave at 3pm and catch the bus to the Studios where you spend the rest of the day focused on Star Wars.  You can hit Star Tours, Launch Bay and don't forget the nightly Star Wars Fireworks at 8pm.  Also crowd wise the Studios should be the least crowded park of the day making it much easier to come in later and hit some of the more popular attractions.

 

Your touring strategy within Magic Kingdom will be determined on if you want to ride the classics in Fantasyland or not.  If not I would head straight for Pirates, Jungle Cruise and work my way from Adventureland to the Haunted Mansion then over to Tomorrowland.  If you are wanting to his some of the classics in Fantasyland I would ropedrop PeterPan (SevenDwarfs if you think you can handle it) then Pooh, Little Mermaid, Dumbo, Small World, Haunted Mansion, Pirates and Jungle Cruise.  These are just rough ideas of how I would do things on a tight schedule.  The key will be staying ahead of the crowd that is why it is so important to rope drop the park and hit a ride that within the first 30 minutes of opening will have the largest building line.  See the below touring plans for great additional info and tips.  Josh at Easy WDW makes touring almost fool proof.

 

Here is some suggested reading that will give you a great plan for how to attack the parks.  Also you will need a 1 day Magic Kingdom ticket with Hopper, should be around $165 per ticket.

 

Magic Kingdom Touring Plans  http://www.easywdw.com/easy/magic-kingdom/magic-kingdom-touring-plans-rope-drop-wait-times-and-fastpass-priority/

 

Hollywood Studios Touring Plans  http://www.easywdw.com/easy/hollywood-studios/hollywood-studios-touring-plans-rope-drop-wait-times-and-fastpass-priority/

 

StarWars Launch Bay Touring Strategy http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/new-jedi-training-academy-trials-of-the-temple-signup-star-wars-launch-bay-strategy-chewbacca-and-vader-meet-and-greets-path-of-the-jedi-new-food-options-at-backlot-express-royal-guard-burger-and/

 

Video of the StarWars Fireworks  http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1659478#p1659478

 

Great Review of all the StarWars happenings at the Studios right now http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1656872#p1656872

 

Go luck and I expect a trip report on how Monday goes.od

[Gabe]

Keep in mind that you can utilize your 3 FP upon entering the park you choose (if Disney). At rope drop, I'd head straight for one of the kiosks (just not the ones on Main Street; they'll be packed) and make your selections.  First thing in the morning, you ought to be able to get a time that's fairly close to the time you arrive.  Usually the kiosks are additionally staffed by CMs with IPads, who can also (and usually more quickly) help you with planning. Like Rail said, if Fantasyland interests you, you could FP Pan, Mermaid and 7DMT, then head to the Mansion (just through the breezeway by the Rapunzel cell charging station), which, even with a short wait (prob 15 min by the time you get there), would put you in the window of your first FP in Fantasyland once you're through with the ride.  I'm with Rail, though, in saying skip AK.  Once Avatar opens, it'll be worth going to, but there isnt enough there right now to justify even a few hours.  I'd devote your day to the MK and HS.

[thegajone]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! I think we're going with Universal for a few reasons. First, I think my wife will enjoy those parks more. In her words, "my inner child is dead" lol (again her words, not mine!) and she therefore would have no appreciation for any of the classic rides, or feel any nostalgia while at the park. I'm the complete opposite, but that's ok, opposites attract. Secondly, Disney seems too much like work. People are sharing links and advice on how to get the most out of a Disney experience, which I certainly appreciate and all, but it seems like an awful lot of work and an awful lot of things to keep track of in order to avoid crowds and long lines. I don't feel like running back and forth between rides and kiosks all day and having to show up to certain rides at certain times. I'd rather just show up and enjoy as much as I can at my own pace and on my own schedule, which seems entirely possible at US, ESPCIALLY with Express Passes (if we even need them). Finally, while the Star Wars Launch Bay looks pretty cool, I don't think I'd really be all that excited over what is basically a prop museum. I'm a big Star Wars fan, but not THAT big. I'll certainly want to visit when they finish their Star Wars expansion though.

It still was a tough call overall. I think I like my favorite rides at WDW (Splash, the Safari thing in AK, ToT) more than my favorite rides at US, and I still haven't been since Expedition Everest and the 7 Dwarves Mine Train opened, but I'll try to make it back down hopefully within the next couple years for a proper Disney vacation. The only problems with going to US are 1. I'll still talk myself into riding the water rides which is going to be very cold, 2. I'll still want to come back down once the new King Kong ride opens, and 3. I won't be able to ride the intense rides. But that's ok. There are actually more rides than I thought that will be new to me, so I'm looking forward to those.

Thanks again all for the the help!

[The Interpreter]

Enjoy, Enjoy!

Terp

Harry GOLDEN fan--For 2¢ Plain.

[fryoj]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! I think we're going with Universal for a few reasons. First, I think my wife will enjoy those parks more. In her words, "my inner child is dead" lol (again her words, not mine!) and she therefore would have no appreciation for any of the classic rides, or feel any nostalgia while at the park. I'm the complete opposite, but that's ok, opposites attract. Secondly, Disney seems too much like work. People are sharing links and advice on how to get the most out of a Disney experience, which I certainly appreciate and all, but it seems like an awful lot of work and an awful lot of things to keep track of in order to avoid crowds and long lines. I don't feel like running back and forth between rides and kiosks all day and having to show up to certain rides at certain times. I'd rather just show up and enjoy as much as I can at my own pace and on my own schedule, which seems entirely possible at US, ESPCIALLY with Express Passes (if we even need them). Finally, while the Star Wars Launch Bay looks pretty cool, I don't think I'd really be all that excited over what is basically a prop museum. I'm a big Star Wars fan, but not THAT big. I'll certainly want to visit when they finish their Star Wars expansion though.

It still was a tough call overall. I think I like my favorite rides at WDW (Splash, the Safari thing in AK, ToT) more than my favorite rides at US, and I still haven't been since Expedition Everest and the 7 Dwarves Mine Train opened, but I'll try to make it back down hopefully within the next couple years for a proper Disney vacation. The only problems with going to US are 1. I'll still talk myself into riding the water rides which is going to be very cold, 2. I'll still want to come back down once the new King Kong ride opens, and 3. I won't be able to ride the intense rides. But that's ok. There are actually more rides than I thought that will be new to me, so I'm looking forward to those.

Thanks again all for the the help!

 

Somewhere near dudley, and maybe other places, they have one of those full body family "ovens" for drying off, so if you decide to get wet, you can at least get somewhat dry after. 

[purdude86]

Plus keep in mind all the water rides at US are next to each other so you could marathon them together then do the giant family dryers.

[TOPGUN1993]

I would still ride Jurassic Park River Adventure, if you wish to stay dry.... ask any store for a large plastic bag and put it on your lap during the ride and hold up a park map for the drop.

Works every time

 

oh and Row 4

[thegajone]

Awesome. Sounds like a plan. Glad there's a family dryer nearby. Come to think of it, at CP this past summer my brother and I hit up all the water rides on a day where it couldn't have been any warmer than 60 degrees out (I know I was wearing a sweatshirt anyway) and I don't remember it being that bad. But it's nice to have the dryer as a backup!

[thegajone]

Just left the park after a fun and very exhausting day. I'll try to find time to post a TR by week's end. TLDR version: lots of rides with screens and spin outs. So many screens, so many spin outs.

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