Need some help

[trips44]

Ok, so i have been reading these boards for about a week and planning our first trip to orlando. Huge HP fans. Family of 5. 3 boys ages 12-9-7. Were just in beginning phases of planning. Were thinking a 10-14 day trip. Plan on leaving around June 22 +/- 2 days. What do I do?

1. I want to stay onsite; only for unlimited express pass but it seems expensive, (Im not happy about all the nickel and diming Im reading about onsite either). Im thinking maybe a night or two, but 2 nights onsite cost as much as 5-6 at other places. I am thrifty but I want to make sure we all have as great time as possible. is it crowded at this time?

2. Want to visit IOA, US, Sea World, legoland, and thinking in june we might need water parks, is it hot there? Were in Phila Area temps around 80 or so in June.

3. Looking at these flex passes are they worth it? How about go orlando card?

4. Im sure many more questions will pop up, but I gotta run right now. I'll keep posting. FWIW I am really glad I stumbled on this board, I've learned a lot.

 

[damo]

Ok, so i have been reading these boards for about a week and planning our first trip to orlando. Huge HP fans. Family of 5. 3 boys ages 12-9-7. Were just in beginning phases of planning. Were thinking a 10-14 day trip. Plan on leaving around June 22 +/- 2 days. What do I do?

1. I want to stay onsite; only for unlimited express pass but it seems expensive, (Im not happy about all the nickel and diming Im reading about onsite either). Im thinking maybe a night or two, but 2 nights onsite cost as much as 5-6 at other places. I am thrifty but I want to make sure we all have as great time as possible. is it crowded at this time?

2. Want to visit IOA, US, Sea World, legoland, and thinking in june we might need water parks, is it hot there? Were in Phila Area temps around 80 or so in June.

3. Looking at these flex passes are they worth it? How about go orlando card?

4. Im sure many more questions will pop up, but I gotta run right now. I'll keep posting. FWIW I am really glad I stumbled on this board, I've learned a lot.

1. Yes it is busy in late June. Remember that you get two full days of early admission and unlimited express for each night's stay.

2. Yes, it is very hot and humid in late June.

3. You'll have to do the math with the flex ticket to see if it is worth it for you.

4. Ask away!!!

 

[Best Aunt]

Huge HP fans. Family of 5. 3 boys ages 12-9-7.

Remember WWoHP is just one section of one of the theme parks -- and all 3 of the rides there cause motion sickness.

What type of rides do your kids like? That will impact how much park time you need.

For example, at Disney World last year, one of my nieces asked about each ride, "Is it dark? Is it scary? Will I get wet?" If the answer was yes to any of those questions, she ruled out the ride. Needless to say, I did not suggest going to Universal. Her question would have ruled out almost everything at both of the parks there except the stuff she would have deemed too babyish.

Look at the ride descriptions and think about what your kids like.

Also, I think you can check in early in the morning for a one-night stay. Your room might not be ready, but you can leave your bags with bell services. I think you can get any benefits (early admission, express line access, etc.) for that day and for the next day. Some of the regulars on this board can tell you for sure. So if you can get your family up early enough, you can get two days of benefits for the cost of one night's stay. (You would have to be out of the room by check-out time, but again you could leave your bags with bell services.)

 

[trips44]

Good advice so far. Thank you.

I am leaning towards 2 nights at RPR; does that mean 4 days early and 4 days unlimited FOTL passes? maybe 1st and 2nd; depending on flight but probably 2nd & 3rd or at end. Were thinking 10-14 day trip because its our first time there; I'm thinking flex passes give you the best bang for your buck, 14 day unlimited visits. Do the parks become mundane or boring after a few days? That's why I'm thinking the go orlando card too; more options, but not the big parks.

5. Whats this citywalk I keep reading about? is that for kids too? Without the pass do you have a "cover charge" so to speak at each place?

6. Is the kids eat free a good value; is this only for 1 day per ticket? I was reading somewhere about a VIP card for dining, anyone have experience with that? or am I better just getting coupons from the airport, visit orlando, etc?

7. Anyone been to Nickelodeon hotel? Is that a day in itself? I was looking at the 3*-3.5* star partner hotels they seem nice, any input? Are the traveler reviews real

8. Do I need a rental car or is the transportation provided by the hotels, onsite etc, adequate? I was also reading about some unlimited trolly anyone know anything about this?

Now you understand the title for the post I am so confused and have only been reading about the options for a week. This is our first real family vacation outside of the jersey shore. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

[macraven]

Good advice so far. Thank you.

I am leaning towards 2 nights at RPR; does that mean 4 days early and 4 days unlimited FOTL passes? maybe 1st and 2nd; depending on flight but probably 2nd & 3rd or at end. Were thinking 10-14 day trip because its our first time there; I'm thinking flex passes give you the best bang for your buck, 14 day unlimited visits. Do the parks become mundane or boring after a few days? That's why I'm thinking the go orlando card too; more options, but not the big parks.

5. Whats this citywalk I keep reading about? is that for kids too? Without the pass do you have a "cover charge" so to speak at each place?

6. Is the kids eat free a good value; is this only for 1 day per ticket? I was reading somewhere about a VIP card for dining, anyone have experience with that? or am I better just getting coupons from the airport, visit orlando, etc?

7. Anyone been to Nickelodeon hotel? Is that a day in itself? I was looking at the 3*-3.5* star partner hotels they seem nice, any input? Are the traveler reviews real

8. Do I need a rental car or is the transportation provided by the hotels, onsite etc, adequate? I was also reading about some unlimited trolly anyone know anything about this?

Now you understand the title for the post I am so confused and have only been reading about the options for a week. This is our first real family vacation outside of the jersey shore. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

if you stay onsite for 2 nights, you are allowed the early entry and unlimited usage of the express lines for 3 days in the park.
when you check out on day 3, you are entitled to the hotel perks until the parks close.

the free transportation that the hotels provide are from your onsite hotel to Sea World, Wet and Wild and Aquatica.
If you go offsite other than the above places, you could walk to International drive to use the trolley line, rent a car for the day, taxi or private car service to explore other things in Orlando.

i don't feel the meal deal is worth it.
it is limited to 3 restaurants in each park.
it begins around 11:00 and does not include breakfast or beverages.
the meal deal ends 30 minutes prior to park closing.

check out the menus for the places that the meal deal is allowed.
if you find the menus are what your children would eat, determine the price if it would be worth it for them.

 

[damo]

Good advice so far. Thank you.

I am leaning towards 2 nights at RPR; does that mean 4 days early and 4 days unlimited FOTL passes? maybe 1st and 2nd; depending on flight but probably 2nd & 3rd or at end. Were thinking 10-14 day trip because its our first time there; I'm thinking flex passes give you the best bang for your buck, 14 day unlimited visits. Do the parks become mundane or boring after a few days? That's why I'm thinking the go orlando card too; more options, but not the big parks.

5. Whats this citywalk I keep reading about? is that for kids too? Without the pass do you have a "cover charge" so to speak at each place?

6. Is the kids eat free a good value; is this only for 1 day per ticket? I was reading somewhere about a VIP card for dining, anyone have experience with that? or am I better just getting coupons from the airport, visit orlando, etc?

7. Anyone been to Nickelodeon hotel? Is that a day in itself? I was looking at the 3*-3.5* star partner hotels they seem nice, any input? Are the traveler reviews real

8. Do I need a rental car or is the transportation provided by the hotels, onsite etc, adequate? I was also reading about some unlimited trolly anyone know anything about this?

Now you understand the title for the post I am so confused and have only been reading about the options for a week. This is our first real family vacation outside of the jersey shore. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

5. Cover charge is just if you go into the clubs later at night. Citywalk has shops and restaurants and a theatre and two mini golf courses.

6. agree with macraven on this one...you can see menus in the food sticky on the other universal forum here on the disboards


7. check out the orlando hotels forum on the disboards for help on the Nick hotel. Unfortunately the search function isn't working here right now.

8. transportation isn't necessary. You have to pay $17/night if you bring a long a car to the onsite resorts.

 

[macraven]

damo, the price went up, well, at least for my October stay.



Self Parking $18 + tax/night


Valet $25 + tax/night



the above for parking charges at the onsite hotel.

 

[damo]

damo, the price went up, well, at least for my October stay.



Self Parking $18 + tax/night


Valet $25 + tax/night



the above for parking charges at the onsite hotel.

Geez louise, it is almost getting to be a monthly increase!!!

 

[macraven]

Ok, Were thinking a 10-14 day trip. Plan on leaving around June 22 +/- 2 days. What do I do?

1. I want to stay onsite; only for unlimited express pass but it seems expensive, (Im not happy about all the nickel and diming Im reading about onsite either). Im thinking maybe a night or two, but 2 nights onsite cost as much as 5-6 at other places. I am thrifty but I want to make sure we all have as great time as possible. is it crowded at this time?

going in the above time period, it will have crowds and probably will be hot.
not as hot as August, but still will be uncomfortable for your family if you are not used to Floridian summers.

staying onsite allows you to return to your hotel to take a break from the heat.
you can enjoy the pool or spend time in the lobby, your room, dining at Jakes, etc.

I'm staying 11 days this year at rph and feel it is very much worth the costs.
the convenience of not having to rush for anything, the 10 minute travel time from the park/city walk back to the hotel keeps me from wasting my time.

my vacations are totally relaxing.
i can completely unwind from life and clear my mind.
i can enjoy everything i wish in the hotels, parks, city walk.

if your main goal is to only hit the parks for the rides and potter, staying onsite will be worth it during a crowded time period.

you will not have the frustrations of long line waits, you can avoid rain, heat by doing activities at your hotel or visit the other 2 hotels / pool hopping, dining.

you can have an hour break from the parks with your family without missing out on any of the rides by using the express lines.

without being able to snag room discounts with the AP, some of the room prices can be costly. no doubt about that.

but, i see it as the money is worth it in the long run.
peace of mind and total relaxation on a vacation can't be bought but can be accomplished by staying where it is most convenient for you.

if staying off site (due to room costs) and having to follow a strict schedule,
is better for your family, do a breakdown of how the two compare financially.

if the difference between the two is affordable, then try to consider staying onsite.

doing the parks for 2 days might be difficult if you are staying offsite.
no early entry, no free unlimited usage of the express lines.
you will need to study the park layouts and have a plan to do both parks in your 2 day visit.

it can be done, but you need to plan ahead.

 

[trips44]

My Bad; I'm thinking either the 3 park pass or flex pass. both give unlimited visits to IOA & HP and the flex includes SW parks in 14 day period. This way we could come and go as we please for up to 14 days. And if we drive we only pay 1 parking fee per day? Unless I am way off base on my interpretation of these. Am I?

As others have said and my thinking was it is hot and humid in FLA late June; so I am thinking we will definitely take advantage of the water parks/pool; maybe in afternoon when theme parks seem to be most crowded.

Am I correct in reading HP allows no universal passes anyway, and it seems like the more popular rides are all like that is that accurate?

Does anyone know if the partner hotels are on priceline? hotwire? and the partner hotels include early admission don't they?

I am crunching numbers, I do want to stay onsite for at least a night or two I'm trying to justify it in my mind. Im gonna keep a notepad so I can write my questions as I'm doing the planing and Ill come back here for accurate info.

Thank you for your help thus far. I am sure I will have more questions as I anxiously await my visit Orlando book, program or what ever there sending me.

 

[macraven]

My Bad; I'm thinking either the 3 park pass or flex pass. both give unlimited visits to IOA & HP and the flex includes SW parks in 14 day period. This way we could come and go as we please for up to 14 days. And if we drive we only pay 1 parking fee per day? Unless I am way off base on my interpretation of these. Am I?

As others have said and my thinking was it is hot and humid in FLA late June; so I am thinking we will definitely take advantage of the water parks/pool; maybe in afternoon when theme parks seem to be most crowded.

Am I correct in reading HP allows no universal passes anyway, and it seems like the more popular rides are all like that is that accurate?

Does anyone know if the partner hotels are on priceline? hotwire? and the partner hotels include early admission don't they?

I am crunching numbers, I do want to stay onsite for at least a night or two I'm trying to justify it in my mind. Im gonna keep a notepad so I can write my questions as I'm doing the planing and Ill come back here for accurate info.

Thank you for your help thus far. I am sure I will have more questions as I anxiously await my visit Orlando book, program or what ever there sending me.

i'm sure some of the partner hotels are on priceline.
but, you have to book a package with universal resorts reservations in order to get the early entry for the parks.
packages are room and park tickets.

i have not personally found the packages to be the best deal.
there are charges each time you make a change on some of the package deals. cancellation is different from making a room only ressie for one of the 3 onsite hotels.

if you stay onsite, you can use the free hotel shuttle to SW, W & W, and aquatica.
it is not an hourly shuttle but schedule times for the offsite places.
you sign up for the free shuttle in the hotel lobby the night prior.

if you drive, you pay the parking fee for the hotel once.
the charges begin at midnight for the 24 hour period.
this way, you won't have a parking charge for the hotel on the day you check out.

flex tickets i have read about.
i have not studied them as i have the AP since 2003.
my info on the flex tickets are based on what i have read on the websites.
i'm sure there are other posters who can give you better info on them than i can.

no express line for FJ or Ollivanders.
express lines for the hippograpf and dueling dragons.
(sorry, i'm stuck in a time warp with the original name of that coaster..)

No express for the RRR at the studios.
one more ride is on the no express line list.


if you start your trip at the darkside on a tuesday or wednesday, and stay off site for those two days, you would get a decent amount of park rides/shows done.
then move onsite for one night. (Thursday perhaps)
check in at 7:00 am so you can obtain the picture express pass and do early entry that day.
the next day, do early entry again.

this way, you will accomplish the parks and what is in it quite well.
you won't have the line waits using the express.
what you did in the parks on the days you stayed offsite, you can do again with the express pass.

friday/saturday have higher room rates at the onsite hotels.
if you can plan around the days you will be at the darkside, try to avoid weekends. hotel cost more and parks are more crowded.

 

[fizbobunny]

Why not get a preferred ap for one ember of your party. then you may get room discounts, free parking (not at onsite hotel though), dining discounts and merchandise discounts.

 

[macraven]

i just looked for ap rates for that period in June and didn't find any.

of course that can change, so the op should check frequently if they would pop up.

 

[trips44]

9. is the park to park with unlimited universal express pass the same unlimited universal pass I would receive at an on site hotel?

 

[damo]

9. is the park to park with unlimited universal express pass the same unlimited universal pass I would receive at an on site hotel?

Yes.

One thing I see that I'm not sure has been answered is about partner hotels. You only get early admission by staying at a partner hotel IF you purchase a package through the universal website that includes your tickets.

 

[Duchie]

We're looking at traveling in early June and have decided to add Universal to our trip this time. Are there crowd prediction sites that are accurate that we should reference?

if you stay onsite for 2 nights, you are allowed the early entry and unlimited usage of the express lines for 3 days in the park.
when you check out on day 3, you are entitled to the hotel perks until the parks close.

Thanks for posting this. One of the big questions we had was if you were entitled to use the express lines all day on the day that you check out, and if I'm reading this right, the answer is yes.

Yes.

One thing I see that I'm not sure has been answered is about partner hotels. You only get early admission by staying at a partner hotel IF you purchase a package through the universal website that includes your tickets.

So in order to get early entry into HPW, you have to book through the Universal site? And you have to book both hotel and tickets? Because I was reading on their website about all the benefits of staying in one of the partner hotels, and this isn't listed anywhere on there. I even looked under Terms and Conditions and it doesn't say anything.

Are there ever any discounts offered for the resorts?

 

[macraven]

We're looking at traveling in early June and have decided to add Universal to our trip this time. Are there crowd prediction sites that are accurate that we should reference?

later June will start to bring in the vacation crowds.
i generally check the UO site for the express passes to determine what type of crowds are predicted.
weekends always bring crowds to the parks in the summer

Thanks for posting this. One of the big questions we had was if you were entitled to use the express lines all day on the day that you check out, and if I'm reading this right, the answer is yes.

guests are allowed all hotel perks until midnight on the day they check out.
once you officially check out of the hotel, you can not use the charge back to your hotel account.
any purchases will need to be done with cash or credit card.

early entry and unlimited usage of the express lines on check out day is a fantastic hotel perk!

So in order to get early entry into HPW, you have to book through the Universal site? And you have to book both hotel and tickets? Because I was reading on their website about all the benefits of staying in one of the partner hotels, and this isn't listed anywhere on there. I even looked under Terms and Conditions and it doesn't say anything.

all onsite hotel guests are given the early entry to the park.
those that have booked an offsite hotel Package thru Orlando Resort Vacations, are given early park entry. (this is simliar to a travel agency.)


a package is booking a hotel room with park tickets included for each day of your stay.


packages have possible fee costs and a different cancellation policy.
each time you make a change to your package reservation that you made thru the travel agency, you incur a fee.
packages are available for onsite and offsite 'partner' hotels.

if you book your onsite hotel stay thru the online site, Loews wbsite or by calling reservation, there are no fees for changes.
cancellation policy is 5 days out by 6 pm est time without any fees applied.


i feel you can save some money by purchasing your UO park tickets from other legit vendors.
many do buy the UO park tickets direct from UO for convenience purposes.


any one that has booked with a package thru UO or staying at one of the 3 onsite hotels, are allowed the one hour prior to officially opening time, into the park, IOA.
Parry Hotter will be open to those guests for early entry.
no other sections of the parks will be open until the official opening time.

exception could be spiderman ride during summer dates.
this was done last year but i do no know if it has continued.
i believe it was open for spiderman last october when i was there.
my life has been a blur recently and i can't find my notes from the past trip for details.

i'm sure another homie will reply to the spiderman section if it has continued to stay open during EE.


Are there ever any discounts offered for the resorts?

yes.
AAA rates can be obtained by calling reservations.
AAA rates are not listed on the UO website.

Military rates can be obtained by calling reservations.

general public promo now is Stay More, Save More.
for some dates, a 3 day stay is required to qualify for this public rate.

APH for pass holders.
dates are released gradually throughout the year.
I think the ap rates are out for up thru part of June.

floridan rates for residents.

i always book with the best code that is available for my dates then call and modify my room rate when APH codes are known.

 

[trips44]

10. I'm seeing some pretty good deals from various "timeshare" companies, some even include tickets. Anyone have experience with any of these companies. Do not reply here I don't want to clog up this forum with timeshare promos; please PM me your timeshare experiences only. Thanks.

 

[macraven]

k

 

[Duchie]

Aaaaah that makes sense - I figured I was reading something wrong. We're looking at staying at RPR, I think. We aren't going to do a package, though.

Right now the UO site has 2-day (3rd day free) tickets for $119.95. The park-to-park ones are $139.95. Those rates are cheaper than what I saw on UT. The restriction is that they have to be used by June 17, which is fine for us. Are there any other legit vendors that might be cheaper?

yes.
AAA rates can be obtained by calling reservations.
AAA rates are not listed on the UO website.

Military rates can be obtained by calling reservations.

general public promo now is Stay More, Save More.
for some dates, a 3 day stay is required to qualify for this public rate.

APH for pass holders.
dates are released gradually throughout the year.
I think the ap rates are out for up thru part of June.

floridan rates for residents.

i always book with the best code that is available for my dates then call and modify my room rate when APH codes are known.

We're only staying 2 nights at RPR, then staying on DVC points for the rest of our stay. We don't have AAA right now but I'd consider joining if the discount on the room was significant enough. Any clue if it would be worth it?