Epcot or Universal Orlando - 1 day

Question

Going to Orlando for work but have 1 day in advance to do a park. Been to Universal years ago with kids but husband never been so thought we'd do a day there. He's been to Universal Hollywood with me. Thinking maybe Epcot would be a better idea since we are in our 60's and I use a scooter and we're not ones for thrill rides. Already booked a hotel right outside Universal for early morning start and staying with company at a hotel in Universal so was gonna drop bags there early morning. But if going to Epcot before meetings is it better to book a hotel closer to there and see if I can leave bags after checkout, pick them up and then Uber to work hotel? Any tips for cheap tickets for 1 day?

Answer

It sounds like you have a few options to consider for your one day in Orlando, and it's great that you're planning ahead! Based on your preferences and circumstances, here’s a breakdown to help you decide whether Epcot or Universal Orlando would be the best choice:

Epcot: - Epcot could be a fantastic choice if you're looking for a more relaxed, immersive experience without thrill rides. The park is known for its beautiful gardens, pavilions showcasing different cultures, and unique experiences like the World Showcase and the innovative exhibits at Future World. It’s a great park for those who want to take it easy and explore. - The park is very accessible for guests with mobility aids like scooters, and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery, so it should be comfortable for you to get around. - Since you're staying near Universal and Epcot is about a 20-minute drive away, you could consider booking a hotel near Epcot for the day, which would allow you to easily drop off your bags before heading to the park. Some hotels around Epcot, like the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin or nearby resorts, may allow you to store bags before check-in or after check-out. You could also try calling ahead to confirm if this is possible. - After your day at Epcot, you can easily take an Uber to your work hotel near Universal, making it a smooth transition without having to worry about your bags.
Universal Orlando: - Since you’ve been to Universal Hollywood and you mentioned you’re staying near Universal for the morning, this could be an easier option if you prefer to stay close to your accommodations. Universal has a lot of exciting attractions, but many of them do involve thrill rides. However, there are also areas that are less intense, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the various themed lands that provide a more immersive experience without the need for roller coasters. - Universal is also quite accessible for scooters, though it can get crowded, so it might be a bit more difficult to navigate the park at times compared to Epcot. - Since you already have a hotel near Universal, you can easily drop your bags off and head straight to the park. If you’re looking to spend just a day there, this might be the most convenient option.

Hotel Options and Baggage: If you decide to go to Epcot, I recommend contacting a hotel near the park and asking if they can store your luggage after check-out, especially if you’re planning to visit before your work meetings. Most Disney resorts will store luggage for you, even if you aren’t staying there, but it’s always good to confirm in advance. If you decide on Universal, you should have no trouble leaving your bags at your current hotel before heading out to the parks.

Cheap Tickets: For one-day tickets, your best bet for discounted tickets is to look for promotions on official ticket websites or third-party resellers like Undercover Tourist, which often offers a small discount. However, make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable source to avoid any issues at the gate. Keep in mind that both Epcot and Universal often run special offers, especially around the time of your visit, so it’s worth checking for any package deals or discounts. You can also consider buying tickets directly from the parks if you’re unable to find good deals through third-party sellers.

Final Tips:
- If you prefer a more laid-back day, Epcot is your best option. It’s relaxing, scenic, and very accessible.
- If you’re more into experiencing themed areas and shows (and are okay with some thrill rides), Universal could be a fun choice.
- Make sure to contact your hotel about baggage storage, so you’re not lugging bags around all day.
- For discounted tickets, keep an eye on promotions or use trusted ticket sellers like Undercover Tourist to save a bit of money.

Epcot or Universal Orlando - 1 day

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