Both those hotels are so close that I would absolutely book the least expensive one and take that cost savings
@profgrumpy, regrettably, we won’t be in Orlando at the same time as you, much less at Epic, so I have no chance of running into you. I’m disappointed. We are arriving at WDW on 6/25 instead.
This is my favorite way of getting nice things - save in one place so you can splurge in another!
For information
Currently Terra Luna is the cheapest of all the Universal hotels for my dates. Followed by Cabana Bay. And only then Dockside and Surfside.
If you can be bothered, endlessly checking rates will give you better options and prices.
Absolutely! I book and rebook ALMOST as much as you!!
(I just booked my HHN trip! No Epic plans though! )
That is absolutely unacceptable.
I quit my job last week!
Plus, I am still holding out for it to be a part of APs.
That’s my “stance” on it. I’m not going to pay that much per day
Perfect! Now you’ll have loads of free time to visit. Do you want me to find you some quotes for hotel packages?
I’m reading that, although Epic closes at 9pm, Celestial Park including its rides stays open till 10pm.
Oh my goodness Larry
It’s long overdue and all good!
Good to hear
Ok professor, I checked the syllabus like 3 times but I can’t find it. What are the dates for this trip??
Next week!
Arrive 19th, depart 22nd.
Calendar cleared!
Also,
D-day, as we’re calling it, is on Wednesday, the 18th.
Based on my exhaustive viewing of YouTube videos and reading of posts in Facebook groups, I’m beginning to put together the concepts of a plan.
Although I have early entry, I’m really not attracted to the idea of getting to the park before EPA begins. I have no interest in waiting for hours in order to try to shorten an hours-long wait for BATM or MCM, not least because zigging when others are zagging (or is it the other way round?) is always the smarter move.
That being said, there are clear advantages to using EPA. So my thought is that I will aim to arrive at 9.15am — giving the early lines a chance to clear, and then to head to SDR, which is typically not most EPA-ers priority. From there to Darkmoor, which is open during EPA, but also not typically a priority, for Werewolf (first) and Monsters (second). If all goes well, that’s three priority attractions done in the first hour. By this time the unwashed masses will have started arriving, and my zig will be to head to Café Sirène (I’m not writing out the whole thing) for breakfast. I’ve heard of hour-long waits for the (great) food to arrive during peak times, but I don’t expect it to be busy this early. I intend to eat heartily to set me up for the rest of the day. From there to Cosme Acajor to choose a baguette and then to try out some spells, before getting in line for Cirque Arcanus (or the other way round, depending on timings). All this, of course, will allow my petit déjeuner to settle.
What happens next depends on lines and the weather. One option would be to get in line for BATM — this will be especially attractive if the weather is not good (either too hot or too wet). Although lines for BATM seem markedly shorter at night, there is so much to enjoy in the park at night, that I don’t want to miss that because I’m stuck indoors. I am seriously considering bringing my iPad mini and watching a movie while I’m in line.
Thereafter, it will be time to start using my XP with visits to SNW and Berk. I’m not going to make MCM a priority on the first day. I plan on doing Bowser twice: first without XP (to enjoy the line) and without using the VR: because I want to enjoy the sets and the VR aspect gives me Web Slingers and Minion Blast vibes (i.e. too much going on at once while I really have no idea what I’m doing). The second time I’ll use my XP and will give the VR a go. At Berk, I’ll certainly ride Hiccup, but will probably skip Fyre Drill. I want to ride DRR but nighttime seems a better bet for that one. Depending on timings, I may see the Untrainable Dragon, but that can wait until Day 2: I don’t have to do everything on the first day. (I will have XP for it, but I don’t know what advantage that offers.)
From there to Celestial Park for another (this time XP) shot on SDR, and then back to Darkmoor (for rides and probably food, too).
Who knows what time it will be if this all goes to plan. I’ll want to see the fountain show at 9pm, and ride the Carousel when it is at least a little bit dark, as well as Yoshi at a similar time. And, as CP closes at 10pm, if I have the energy I’ll want to get a nighttime ride on SDR before heading back to the hotel.
If this does all work out, I will have used my XP to best effect, and seen all four themed lands and got that initial kid-in-a-candy-store out of my system.
The Day 2 plan is still being formed, but it will focus on taking in details, with Berk in the morning and SNW (Power Up band) in the evening.
Wait a minute… this is an option??? Hmmmm.
We leave the 14th of June, should be at Epic on the 17th or 18th depending on weather. Thank you for watching hours of video for me!