Disney VS Universal

Hi we are off to Orlando for the first time as a family in April 2010.
There will be 2 adults an 18 year old a 15 year old and a 9 year old.
The 9 year old isn't too keen on big rollercoasters, but loves Waterparks, the other 2 are happy whatever we choose. The question is... Is it worth getting tickets for Disney or Universal? I personally think the Universal waterparks look better, and some of the rollercoasters/attractions look better at Universal, but I would also love for them to experience Disney USA style, can anyone tell me if they really think its worth us going? We dont want to try and ram to much in during the 2 weeks we're there, but we dont want them to miss out either! Help!!! any advise gratefully received.
Also is it best to get your tickets before you go or when your there? If its best to get them beforehand which website is best?
Thanks!

One of your questions is easy to answer. Buy your tickets from the link above for Orlando Park Tickets, great value for money and so easy to use. You get the actual tickets not vouchers which you have to queue to excahnge and you can get them delivered in the UK, US or pick up in the US.

Your other question Universal or Disney is harder to answer. As we go most years we do have times when we don't visit Universal or Disney but we know we will do it the following year. Universal only has the one water park, unless you are thinking of getting the Orlando Flex ticket which also includes Sea world and Aquatica. I like the fact that you are not pushing yourself to do too much in the 2 weeks, it is nice to have some time relaxing and shopping.

You also need to think about yourselves, I personnally can't take too much of the big roller coasters at Universal, but can handle most of the disney rides, my stomachs tolerance seems to get worse with age.

There is also a much wider variety with Disney as you have 4 parks rather than 2. You could get the 5 day ticket which includes athe water parks and some other options.

With the 9 year old son it could also be worth considering a visit to Kennedy Space center.

One answer would be tickets for both. 2 days is enough for Universal if you ask me but at Disney there is so much variety within the parks. Buy the tickets when you can before you go as you will be protected from any future price increases.

I agree that you should buy the tickets from the link above, they are very good value and you get the best customer service. You can buy the tickets well before your visit which saves you some money closer to the time.

Universal, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld and Aquatica are a must for us on each family visit. Aquatica is a good place to relax inbetween the busy park days. Harry Potter World opens in 2010 so at least you can say 'been there, done that'.

For us, when our kids were growing up they did not want to visit Magic Kingdom (think it was a 'street cred' thing as they were at a certain age. However, if you can it is worth even a quick visit (if you buy a hopper ticket) as it is worth seeing.

Very wise to be pacing yourself during your visit. Sometimes it is just too much to fit into 2 weeks.

My husband and I like Universal and Seaworld better. It's a matter of personal taste but it goes further than that.

Our reasoning is: we don't get to spend that much time in Florida, and you don't want to do parks every day. Well, maybe you do, but it is exhausting, and you'll need a vacation to recover from your vacation. Plus there's a lot to do apart from the parks. We're taking our kids (10 and 13) to Florida for the first time, we might as well do something they have never experienced. We've taken them to Disneyland Paris many times, we don't think it would be THAT different to be worth the expense of money and above all time. Time is the critical issue. We'd take them to Disney if we had time to spare, but even then we'd start with things they haven't experienced in Paris: Epcot for example.

So for us it's going to be: Universal and IOA, Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. Within 12 days it's already a lot to do. We remember last time we went we wished we had spare time to go back to Seaworld and also a couple of attractions at Universal. This time we'll be able to do so if we want.

That said, if we had the time and the money (Disney parks ARE expensive) we would do everything. It's all a matter of priority.

Oh ,and my kids agree with Sundowner, they would give an arm to do Harry Potter, maybe a good reason to start saving money for a 2010/2011 vacation [msnwink].

The opinion in our family is that for teenagers the rides at Busch Gardens, Islands of Adventure and Universal are more thrilling but they still love going to Disney for the magic and enjoy Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Everest, Space Mountain.... the list goes on. Favourite waterparks are Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. They're are rides at all these parks for those that don't enjoy rollercoasters. Hard choice to call as there is so much - and why people come back [msnsmile]

If you're not looking for big rides IOA is a miss. My vote would be Disney as you get the variety of the 4 parks; relaxation at a choice of 2 water parks and nobody seems to do a theme park like Disney for the overall visitor experiance. Customer service at Disney is fantastic which cannot be said about Universal! We went August/September and enjoyed Aquatica but would imagine it would be quite manic at busy times. Busch Gardens is also definately worth a visit. Our children were 15,13 and 8 at the time. I went of with the littley whilst DH and kids went on the big rides. Lots for everyone. Walkie talkies very handy for the times you split off. Saves just hanging around waiting til they're off.

The first time we went we got a flex ticket (Universal) and just paid at the gate for Disney's Magic Kingdom just to see what it was like. Truth be told Disney was very busy as it was a Saturday with the firework display and we did expect it to be busy but after an hour I wanted to leave. After we sussed the fast pass tickets it became more bearable and the display was well worth it.

The second time we went we did all the Disney parks ( a super duper hopper multi flexi discount saver family plus ticket[msnwink]) and did IOA and US paying on the gate.

Had a fantastic time both times.

Don't expect to do all the rides in all parks in two weeks but expect to have a great time.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Neil Swift
The first time we went we got a flex ticket (Universal) and just paid at the gate for Disney's Magic Kingdom just to see what it was like. Truth be told Disney was very busy as it was a Saturday with the firework display and we did expect it to be busy but after an hour I wanted to leave. After we sussed the fast pass tickets it became more bearable and the display was well worth it.

The second time we went we did all the Disney parks ( a super duper hopper multi flexi discount saver family plus ticket[msnwink]) and did IOA and US paying on the gate.

Had a fantastic time both times.

Don't expect to do all the rides in all parks in two weeks but expect to have a great time.
[/quote]

Can you get such a thing as a family ticket now?

Claire

We have not seen any family tickets for over 20 years. If you have particular parks you need to visit, email or DM me as we have some great offers at the moment and can usually taylor a package which the UK wholesalers cannot do.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:

Can you get such a thing as a family ticket now?

Claire
[/quote]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by clairemca
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Neil Swift
The first time we went we got a flex ticket (Universal) and just paid at the gate for Disney's Magic Kingdom just to see what it was like. Truth be told Disney was very busy as it was a Saturday with the firework display and we did expect it to be busy but after an hour I wanted to leave. After we sussed the fast pass tickets it became more bearable and the display was well worth it.

The second time we went we did all the Disney parks ( a super duper hopper multi flexi discount saver family plus ticket[msnwink]) and did IOA and US paying on the gate.

Had a fantastic time both times.

Don't expect to do all the rides in all parks in two weeks but expect to have a great time.
[/quote]

Can you get such a thing as a family ticket now?

Claire
[/quote]

Yeah sorry Claire I was trying to be funny about how many different tickets there are[msntongue]

[/quote]

Can you get such a thing as a family ticket now?

Claire
[/quote]

Yeah sorry Claire I was trying to be funny about how many different tickets there are[msntongue]
[/quote]

Hi Neil,

That's ok, I think a family ticket would be a good idea!

Claire