Orlando-Tampa Trip "Staying in a disney hotel?"

[hyyyper]

Ok, here's thing. before the EastCoastTrip i'd like to visit Orlando and Tampa. Now i've got a few things lined out, but there are still some questions.

 

The things i know for sure:

 

Parks to visit:

Disney (all 4 parks)

Universal (both parks)

Busch Gardens Africa

 

Time of travel: late jluy/early august

 

Questions:

Is it possible to do two disney parks on one day?

Is it possible to do both universal parks in one day?

What's the best transportation between Tampa and Orlando (bus, taxi, train, plane)?

Can i get from the airports to the parks with public transportation?

 

 

Could you guys help me out?

[dj snow]

Is it possible to do two disney parks on one day?

It depends on your approach to the parks. If you just want to get rides on the coasters and get out, then I'd say "yes" if those two parks are Animal Kingdom and Studios. Magic Kingdom and especially Epcot I'd say "no" to. (Epcot has no coasters and is limited on thrill rides, but to see that park and to really understand it demands a day. Magic Kingdom tends to always be packed compared to the other parks, so it's a good idea to give it extra "insurance" time.)

Is it possible to do both universal parks in one day?

Yes, especially if you're focusing on the major rides in each park and even more especially if you pay the upcharge for Express passes (or stay at an on-site hotel).

What's the best transportation between Tampa and Orlando (bus, taxi, train, plane)?

If you won't be renting a car, there are bus options available. If you can get to SeaWorld, there's a bus (I believe it's free) that travels between that park and Busch Gardens in Tampa. There's also a bus that departs from several hotels and the Universal resort. In either case a reservation is recommended/required.

Can i get from the airports to the parks with public transportation?

There are lots of bus operators that provide this service. If you have a reservation at a Disney hotel, you can use their Magical Express service, which is free. You get a free ride to your hotel on the bus, and the service also grabs your bags from the belt and transports them to your room, automatically. (Not sure how the bags part works if you're arriving on an international flight.) Again, a reservation is required.

[mavalasko]

Oo this is very cool because I'll be doing a similar trip with friends between the end of August/early September for 8 days.

 

I've never been to Busch Gardens before but I've read on numerous hotel websites that there is a free shuttle service to Busch Gardens. However I think this is only the case if you are staying at a Universal partner hotel and most of them hold a minimum check-in age of 21. I think it's around a little over an hours drive.

 

I've got two questions..

 

a) about getting two parks done in one day; USO & IOA. If you were to try and get them done in the same day, which park would you attack first? I'm thinking IOA as the lines would fill up quicker there and USO really only has The Mummy as their headlining crowd magnet. I'd survive standing in line for an hour or so to ride it. Still, it'd be good to get the pro's thoughts on this.

 

 

b) what would the crowds be like at the end of August/start of September for all Orlando parks?

[Groteslurf]

For the WDW historic attendance figures, you can look at Allearsnet.

 

With an express pass, you'll probably be able to do all attractions in 1 day in IOA & USO. But still, I suggest to foresee 2 days for the Universal Parks.

If your not into shows, you can combine Seaworld with one of the Disneyparks.

Even if you have been in DLP, you should not skip the Magic Kingdom : the atmosphere and street animation is times better than in DLP. Even if it is only for a few hours, don't skip it. Make sure you are at entrance just before opening time for the best opening of a themepark I've ever seen.

We did the Studios + Epcot on 1 day and the MK + Typhoon Lagoon on 1 day. Go to the waterparks at openingtime and you can do all rides in 1 or 2 hours time. If you go in the afternoon, you'll be queueing most of the time.

[hyyyper]

Ok, next question

 

Staying in a resort at disney itself, the Extra Magic Hours and the free transportation stuff. Is it worth paying $82 a night for that, or should i just go for the $19 cheap hostel?

[RaptorBoyASU]

Honestly, if you're spending a couple days at the Disney parks, I think it's worth it. You save on the airport transfers, you can go back to your room whenever you need (the shuttles from most hotels run a limited timetable), and you get extra hours in the parks (though I would suggest you go to another park once those hours are up, the early crowd mixes with regular crowd to get quite busy).

 

Especially if it's more than just you going, since you pay per-person on airport transfers.

 

BTW, not sure how decent the hostels in Orlando are. I would look for a cheap hotel instead. You can probably get one insanely cheap at that time of the year.

[Gav]

I've never been to Busch Gardens before but I've read on numerous hotel websites that there is a free shuttle service to Busch Gardens. However I think this is only the case if you are staying at a Universal partner hotel and most of them hold a minimum check-in age of 21. I think it's around a little over an hours drive.

My suggestion is to get a SW/BGA 2 park pass, or a 5 Park Flex Ticket, the shuttle is included in those passes, otherwise you can still use it for $10.

See https://secure.mearstransportation.com/MearsExpress/BuschGardens.asp

[Teacups Make Me Sick]

Oo this is very cool because I'll be doing a similar trip with friends between the end of August/early September for 8 days.

 

I've never been to Busch Gardens before but I've read on numerous hotel websites that there is a free shuttle service to Busch Gardens. However I think this is only the case if you are staying at a Universal partner hotel and most of them hold a minimum check-in age of 21. I think it's around a little over an hours drive.

 

I've got two questions..

 

a) about getting two parks done in one day; USO & IOA. If you were to try and get them done in the same day, which park would you attack first? I'm thinking IOA as the lines would fill up quicker there and USO really only has The Mummy as their headlining crowd magnet. I'd survive standing in line for an hour or so to ride it. Still, it'd be good to get the pro's thoughts on this.

 

 

b) what would the crowds be like at the end of August/start of September for all Orlando parks?

 

for question B...

 

Go in the begging of September. Preferably the second week. Kids just got back to school therefore most parents arent going to yank them out to go on vacation. The only people that are in these parks are people with infants....which is great b/c they occupy the kiddie rides. dont go in August...still a bad time IMO.