Disney World? St. Pete's Beach?

mandypants90

So, we are spending the first week of our honeymoon at a resort in Florida. Second week we plan on spending a few days between Disney and Universal (Hogwarts ) I haven't been to Disney in like 10 years, does anyone have any specific things they'd recommend doing, or any cost saving tips? We are staying in a non-Disney hotel, but it offers perks like free shuttle to and from the parks. 
Also, any recommendations with St. Pete's would be great too  

CMGragain

https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Walt-Disney-World/dp/1628090669/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487271140&sr=8-2&keywords=Guide+Disney+World


https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Universal-Orlando-2017/dp/1628090626/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487271222&sr=1-1&keywords=Guide+Universal+Orlando

ernursej

Mouse Savers provides some information.

https://www.mousesavers.com/walt-disney-world-vacation-discounts-and-deals/

These forums can be good for information on what to do and how to make the most of your day.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/

 

Heffalump

mandypants90 said:

So, we are spending the first week of our honeymoon at a resort in Florida. Second week we plan on spending a few days between Disney and Universal (Hogwarts ) I haven't been to Disney in like 10 years, does anyone have any specific things they'd recommend doing, or any cost saving tips? We are staying in a non-Disney hotel, but it offers perks like free shuttle to and from the parks. 
Also, any recommendations with St. Pete's would be great too  

If you haven't been in 10 years, expect big changes at both.  We last visited Universal a few years ago (after WWoHP opened, but before Diagon Alley), but I have spent more time at Disney.

Keep a close eye on the Disney Parks (official) Blog, and secondary sources like Touring Plans that are sometimes more candid than the party line (and publish things before Disney officially announces them).  With all of the work at Animal Kingdom (Pandora: the World of Avatar) and DHS (Star Wars, Pixar), it can be hard to keep up with what is now open, what is opening soon, what is down for refurbishment, and what is permanently closed. 

I'm a big fan of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, because their info is really comprehensive and up to date.  If you haven't been in 10 years, expect more to be different (FastPass+, Magic Bands, My Disney Experience, the online ADR system) than the same, so I would almost research it as if you were going for the first time.

Mouse Savers (mentioned above) is a good resource, as well as DisBoards.  DisBoards also has a good podcast that covers a lot of breaking WDW news for planning your trip.

BellTowerBlues

I never recommend using the hotel free shuttles unless they have regularly posted hours. Most pick up at several resorts/hotels, drop off far from the entrance, and pick up before the parks close so you miss the evening entertainment. You might find Uber or a car rental easier then trying to work around the hotel shuttle schedule. 

There have been a TON of changes in the past few years. Mousesavers, DisBoards, and YourFirstVisit are the sites I recommend to newbies. Keep in mind that you do not need park tickets to visit Disney Springs or any of the resorts, and they have some great restaurants. You might want to check out park hours and try for a dining reservation at Citricos, Narcoossee's, or California Grill about an hour or so before the fireworks.

Disney and Universal just raised their ticket prices so you may want to check out authorized resellers like Undercover Tourist or AAA as they might still have some tickets left at the old prices. For Universal, make sure you get park-to-park tickets if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express.

As for St. Pete, definitely go to the beach...though I personally think Clearwater beaches are nicer, but I may be a bit biased. You aren't that far from Busch Gardens. If you are into sports at all, there are a number of professional teams in the area including ice hockey and rugby.