1 night at universal - which hotel?

[ZoeBiggs]

Hi all!!
The family and I are heading out to DisneyWorld for 2 weeks in August but want to try and experience Universal too. Playing with the idea of booking one night at one of the hotels although which one is still a tricky choice!! Any recommendations? It's me DH, DD (11), DS (14).

Also, would that mean 2 days of park tickets or one? Does anyone know? Is this the best way to do it or should we just get park passes?

Any suggestions would be great!!

 

[schumigirl]

A one night stay at the 3 deluxe onsite hotels gives you 2 days of Unlimited Express Pass, but does not include park tickets if that is what you asking. You have to get them separate if you are just booking the hotel.

Cabana Bay does not include Express Pass but you do get a Early Entry.

Have a look at the themes of all the hotels and see which one appeals to you all best. They are all lovely.

 

[Magpie]

Express Passes allow you to use the express line for rides - similar to the Fastpass concept. In August you'll probably want Express Passes for everyone, in order to deal with the crowds. Especially with Diagon Alley having just opened.

So, here's what you do:

Look at the cost of Cabana Bay (the moderate) and add in the cost of two days worth of Unlimited Express Passes for four people, at high season rates.

Then look at the cost of a night at the least expensive deluxe resort (that will almost certainly be the Royal Pacific Resort).

Odds are, you'll want to opt for the Royal Pacific for a night.

Here's what staying at a deluxe resort like Royal Pacific will get you:

* Early entry (also a perk at Cabana Bay)

* Unlimited Express Pass for two full days - all you do is show your room key.

* And you'll be easy walking distance from the parks (or you can take a boat).

Now that you've picked your hotel, you'll need to purchase two days worth of tickets. If you have any interest in the Harry Potter stuff, you'll need to purchase Park-to-park tickets. Otherwise, you won't be allowed to ride the Hogwart's Express train between the parks. It's not just transportation - it's also a ride, on which you'll get to see various familiar faces out the windows.

Once you've got your hotel and park tickets, you're all set!

 

[hermionesnape]

http://store.usssa.com/Products/122-universal-orlando-park-tickets.aspx

2 day park to park tickets is the way to go. You get two days of express with your deluxe hotel stay.

The link is the least expensive 2 day park to park tickets I have seen. You need park to park access to ride the new a Hogwarts Express.

You have to join USSSA but it's free membership.

 

[RachelTori]

Great information on this thread - thank you! I am planning a quick trip for myself and DD20. Booked Cabana Bay on the pin offer. Since 1 night at Deluxe will get us 2 days Unlimited Express, I am going to move us for 1 night!

I hope someone here can answer a ticket question for me. WAY back in 2007, I purchased a ticket through AAA: "Universal Orlando Multi-Day Ticket. Universal Studios Florida & Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks. 7-Day 2-Park Adult/Unviersal & Island & CityWalk - ticket expires 6 days after 1st use."

I know how old WDW tickets work, but have no idea what to expect with this one! (If I am able to get 2 days park-to-park from this ticket, I will be happy! )

TIA for any information!


The ticket cost $82.95+tax!! (I still have the receipt!)

 

[pixeegrl]

We purchased the same ticket a few years back and used it August of 2012. They should be fine but you can call and give them the bar code if it will make you feel better and they can check for you

 

[macraven]

Great information on this thread - thank you! I am planning a quick trip for myself and DD20. Booked Cabana Bay on the pin offer. Since 1 night at Deluxe will get us 2 days Unlimited Express, I am going to move us for 1 night!

I hope someone here can answer a ticket question for me. WAY back in 2007, I purchased a ticket through AAA: "Universal Orlando Multi-Day Ticket. Universal Studios Florida & Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks. 7-Day 2-Park Adult/Unviersal & Island & CityWalk - ticket expires 6 days after 1st use."

I know how old WDW tickets work, but have no idea what to expect with this one! (If I am able to get 2 days park-to-park from this ticket, I will be happy! )

TIA for any information!


The ticket cost $82.95+tax!! (I still have the receipt!)

the 7 day pass is still good.
i took my son with me to the darkside this january and had 5 sets of those and the 5 day passes.

guest services checked them out and the 7 day will scan at the gate.
the 5 day would not so i had one of those exchanged in order to use it.

since we were only doing a 5 day trip, used that pass for him and saving the others for another time.


you are good to go with that 7 day pass!

 

[RachelTori]

We purchased the same ticket a few years back and used it August of 2012. They should be fine but you can call and give them the bar code if it will make you feel better and they can check for you

the 7 day pass is still good.
i took my son with me to the darkside this january and had 5 sets of those and the 5 day passes.

guest services checked them out and the 7 day will scan at the gate.
the 5 day would not so i had one of those exchanged in order to use it.

since we were only doing a 5 day trip, used that pass for him and saving the others for another time.


you are good to go with that 7 day pass!

Thanks! Now I just have to figure out all the other details!

 

[macraven]

i'm sure you will figure it out very soon.