Annual Pass at US (and SW) question(s)

[dayvewc]

Ok,

I'm headed down for 11 days in June, with a focus on visiting US, IoA, and SW. I'm also planning a 4 night trip in November that doesn't really count in my calculations since it will be a Disney focused trip, and then another probable trip next March the week before Easter during spring break.

So, total looking at about 20 possible park days in the next 12 months. I'm pretty sure that it will be more cost effective to buy annual passes than day tickets.

My questions become, then,

1) Does US (or SeaWorld) offer an upgrade from regular tickets? So, if I bought my tickets from Undercover Tourist, could I just pay the upgrade charge from the face value of the tickets? Or, am I just better off buying the AP outright from the beginning?

2) What is the 12 month calendar for the AP's? I mean, if I bought them online today, does that mean I'll have 365 days from today to use them, or does the 365 days start on the day of my first park visit?

3) Looking way far ahead, what kind of renewal window do they have? I know Disney AP's can be renewed from 60 days before they expire to 30 days after. Do US/SW have a similar type window if I decide to renew them going forard?

Thanks for any information!!

 

[2girlsmom]

The 12 month calendar starts on activation at the park with both Universal and Seaworld. I believe you CAN upgrade tickets to annual passes, but I don't really know the process, as we just bought our passes outright. The renewal window is the same as Disney's, from what I recall (florida residents can put on monthly payment and then they just keep renewing automatically until you tell them to stop).

 

[dayvewc]

The 12 month calendar starts on activation at the park with both Universal and Seaworld. I believe you CAN upgrade tickets to annual passes, but I don't really know the process, as we just bought our passes outright. The renewal window is the same as Disney's, from what I recall (florida residents can put on monthly payment and then they just keep renewing automatically until you tell them to stop).

Thanks!! I figured that it would start with activation and the renewal windows would be similar. Just was having problems finding the information on their respective websites.

 

[bumbershoot]

Does US (or SeaWorld) offer an upgrade from regular tickets? So, if I bought my tickets from Undercover Tourist, could I just pay the upgrade charge from the face value of the tickets?

Yes for US.

Don't know about SW.

What is the 12 month calendar for the AP's?

Day of first use (of AP or of ticket you upgrade from) for Uni.

Don't know about SW.


The renewal window...I don't know. I get postcards and letters and emails telling me that my Uni AP is coming up for renewal, and before that date I call them and renew it. (don't bother trying to do it online)

 

[bumbershoot]

Now IF your 2016 trip doesn't include SW (or doesn't have to include it), SW does a "pay one day get the rest of the year free" promo.

It's called the Fun Card and it's on the left side here.

We've done that at the San Diego park, and it's a decent value if going inside of one calendar year is in your plans.

Do make sure (on both sites) that you're looking at the page appropriate for you; non-resident if you don't live in FL, resident if you do.

 

[dayvewc]

Yes for US.

Don't know about SW.



Day of first use (of AP or of ticket you upgrade from) for Uni.

Don't know about SW.


The renewal window...I don't know. I get postcards and letters and emails telling me that my Uni AP is coming up for renewal, and before that date I call them and renew it. (don't bother trying to do it online)

Thanks. I thought probably so, but couldn't find definite info on their websites. I also was guessing that the year started on day of first use, but wanted to make sure.

Now IF your 2016 trip doesn't include SW (or doesn't have to include it), SW does a "pay one day get the rest of the year free" promo.

It's called the Fun Card and it's on the left side here.

We've done that at the San Diego park, and it's a decent value if going inside of one calendar year is in your plans.

Do make sure (on both sites) that you're looking at the page appropriate for you; non-resident if you don't live in FL, resident if you do.

I looked at that, but while I am probably going back in November, I'll be "stuck" on WDW - flying down for 4 nights and not renting a car. So, while I will be back before the year is out, I'm not likely to be where I can easily get to SW. But I will be back next spring, so I'm thinking the AP works better. By my calculations, either 2 or 4 days is the break-even point. All depends on if I can get the platinum pass or just the AP. The platinum pass is on the Florida Visitor page, but keeps mentioning having to show a Florida license - but I'm not sure if that is to get the pass, or to sign up for the EZ pay option. I'm looking at going to CA next June, so if I get the SW platinum late enough on this trip, I'd be able to use it at SW San Diego on that trip, if I go early enough. And San Antonio is only about 10 hours drive away ...

Thanks for all the info!!

 

[macraven]

i get emails 2 weeks out from my UO renewal day for my preferred annual pass.
at that point, a person can call and renew.

you have 30, maybe 29 days after your ap expires to renew.

first time you use the ap is the beginning of the countdown for the year.
use it for park admission and it's valid for the year.