We just got back from WDW a few weeks ago and heard a lot of great things about US and IoA, so I'm starting plans for next May's vacation. Any advice would be very helpful since this will be our first time there.

First of all, we have six kids. Their ages will be 17, 12, 6, 5, and 4 year old twins.

We definitely want to stay at one of the resorts. We're leaning towards the Hard Rock. Anyone have an opinion about that one or a recommendation about another one?

Is a 5 day stay long enough to see everything and possibly spend some time at Sea World?

Any idea how the crowds are compared to the crowds at WDW? We were there from 5/14 through 5/19 and the busiest days seemed to be Saturday and Tuesday. Is it the same way at US?

And the last one (for now) should we reserve one day (or possibly stay an extra day) just to stick around the resort?

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Kristin

Well I can't help you on the Hard Rock question or US, since we didn't go to either place on our visit. We did do everything we wanted at IOA in one day however.

Spiderman is awesome and Dudley Do Right is the wettest log ride I've ever been on. But we really didn't have a need to go back after the one day. We stayed at WDW and went to IOA on one of the days we took a break from Disney.

Hard Rock Hotel is wonderful. They have CD sound systems in the rooms, and you get a CD sampler on check-in. They also have a great pool, with an underwater sound system.

ccola67
we frequent IOA/US so I will try and answer your questions as best I can.
first of all May is a fantastic time to go. as you probably know the weather is warm, but not hot. as the kids aren't out of school yet the crowds are very managable. max wait time will be under 20 min. but then by staying at one of the hotels you max wait time will be nothing.

the length of stay you are planning is a bit long for just the two parks. I would suggest 3 days max. unless you have a car.

you can get some great buys on tickets. right now AAA is offering a five day pass for the price of two days. also there is an orlando flex ticket that will give you five days of unlimited admission to not only IOA/US, but also seaworld and wetn and wild. as I recall the price of the flex ticket was very reasonable.

as far as the Hotel goes. Hard rock is a great hotel, we have stayed at it twice. the older kids will probably like it well enough, but from our expierence it is not all that kid friendly. you may wish to consider the royal pacific. it seems to be a near perfect cross between an adult and a kid hotel. the pool area is great, for kids it is far better then the one at the hardrock.

as far as sticking around the resort for a day. unless your looking for a down day other then the pool there really isn't a whole lot to do. even city walk can be seen quickly unless your into clubing. with the parks closing most nights at 7 we found we had plenty of time to enjoy the pool and other stuff at the hotel.

weekends will be more crowded then week days, but then again with the front of the line access you will have lines don't really mean that much.

have fun

I have to admit, staying at the Hard Rock is selfish on my part. I really want to stay there, but I also really want to take my kids on this trip. I have so much fun watching them.

I was thinking that if five days is too long, maybe we should spend a couple of the days at WDW since we'll be so close. Any idea if we'd have trouble finding transportation? Since there's 8 in our family, renting a car is extremely difficult. Even a mini-van only holds 7 people.

Thanks

I know that the 5 day pass for the price of a 2 day pass expires 5 days from the first use, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if it has to be purchased and used by a certain date. Could I buy them now and use them next May?

Thanks,
Kristin

Hard Rock for one or 2 nights as a convenience would be fine, but I also did not find it to be very kid-friendly. I can't imagine staying there more than 2 nights with kids. We were not particularly fond of Portofino - too rich for our blood, but many people like it. One nice thing about Hard Rock is that you can easily walk to the parks along the waterway.

I'd be careful about buying promo-rate tickets in advance...

There are dozens of town car companies and shuttle services in Orlando. Dozens.

I know that the 5 day pass for the price of a 2 day pass expires 5 days from the first use, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if it has to be purchased and used by a certain date. Could I buy them now and use them next May?

Thanks,
Kristin
As I've wondered the same thing, I just called the Universal 24 hour cutomer support number. The 5 for 2 tickets they sell online only for $94.95 have no time limit before the first use according to the person that answered. Presumeably, it's the same with the ones from AAA. If you can see the tickets at AAA before buying, it should be easy to confirm. I was also told the price and website offer have no set expiration date, but could change or vanish at any time.

We're going in July, and were thinking Hard Rock, but are now leaning towards the Holiday Inn Suites at the main entrance. It's walking distance from the parks, and a lot more space for the $$$$$. The "anytime fastpass" (Universal Express) is a sweet perk if you're in one of their hotels, but I think we can see everything of interest in 2-3 days without it. I at a a Hard Rock Cafe....once. Most people there looked like they wouldn't recognize hard rock if it leapt out of the radio and kicked them in the head, but maybe that's just me.