Universal hotel question...worth it?

[mep319]

My mother in law reserved her timeshare for us in 2/05 as our Christmas gift. It is our first stay in the Orlando area and not staying in WDW. We are definately doing Universal this time and have 5 days passes. I was considering reserving 2 nites at RPR just for the front of the line access. I hate to wait in lines...would it be worth it just for that...of course we would stay for those 2 nites. I was able to get a rate of $168.00/nite for 2/15-2/17. How are the crowds in February? Thanks!!

[Motherfletcher]

If you already have an off-site place to stay I would stay at RPR the 15th then the 17th so you can have 4 full days of FOTL.

[JessicaR]

I know you said you have your 5 day pass however, if you trade that in for an annual pass you could book the RPR for 119.00 a night and save $ on dining and shopping as well using the AP. An option to consider and if you may return again w/i a year a great value. You would only need to purchase one AP.

As far as the 2 nights at RPR, remember you have access to FOTL the day you check out till the parks close.

All in all the $168.00 rate isnt too bad! Have fun with your trip!

[mep319]

I actually purchased these tickets a long time ago and never used them. It was a special purchase...buy one day get 4 free...but the must be used consectively and expire in 5 days. I don't know if we really will be going for 5 days. Are the crowds large enough to warrant the FOTL access that week in 2/05...when I say I hate lines...I mean hour waits. If the waits are 15-20 minutes I can't see the point. I've always wanted to stay at Universal but of course the other place is free!

[robvia]

Crowds are light in February, it's the best time to go.
You may find a 1 hour wait for Hulk or Shrek in the middle of the afternoon at 3pm, but in the morning, waits will be short. The place will feel like a ghost town the first few hours. One time I went in February, they didn't even have the express pass machines on and everything was a walkon until the afternoon, then it was only 20 minutes at the most.
I wouldn't worry about booking the RPR if you have a place to stay for free. With 4 or 5 days, you will easily see everything. You could probably even schedule a morning to visit SWF.