Annual Pass versus Tickets?

[supermomva]

We are going to Orlando and staying at the Fountains Dec 17th through Dec 24th..yes, I know, busiest time of year, but only time we can go. Unlike WDW, where more days on your tickets equals less per day....Going through the Universal site, states that more than 4 days, you should get an annual pass. Is this correct?
Also, in part because it's the busiest time of year, would 4-6 days at Universal and Islands of Adventure give us enough time to do both parks justice?
Lastly, what is the best way to utilize the Express Pass? Get the one where you can use it once per day per ride (meaning, you can use it on each eligible ride once per day right...not that you can only use the pass once total per day)...I know there are several rides that are not eligible for the EP too.
Anyone know how much parking is? Thanks!

 

[hydrotony]

Parking is $17 per day. A preferred or premier AP has free parking, a power-pass does not. Power-passes also are blacked out Dec. 19 to 31. The week before Christmas is busy but much less than the week after Christmas.

In between tickets and APs is the 14-day 3-park pass but it doesn't have free parking. Maybe 1 AP and 14-day pass for others so that you get free parking. All combinations are within $30 - $50 of each other, you need to do your math.

Going for several days probably means buying any express pass is not necessary. It can't be used for the 2 main WWoHP rides (FJ and EFG). You should have a lot of time to do everything you want with many repeats of favorites.

 

[supermomva]

Thank you Hydrotony! I appreciate your help Would we be able to fit in all that we want to do with repeats in 3 days? We are thinking of splitting our trip now and doing 3 days at Universal and 3 days at WDW. Thank you in advance!

 

[okienick]

Parking is $17 per day. A preferred or premier AP has free parking, a power-pass does not. Power-passes also are blacked out Dec. 19 to 31. The week before Christmas is busy but much less than the week after Christmas.

In between tickets and APs is the 14-day 3-park pass but it doesn't have free parking. Maybe 1 AP and 14-day pass for others so that you get free parking. All combinations are within $30 - $50 of each other, you need to do your math.

Going for several days probably means buying any express pass is not necessary. It can't be used for the 2 main WWoHP rides (FJ and EFG). You should have a lot of time to do everything you want with many repeats of favorites.

What if you are staying onsite at a universal deluxe hotel? Is parking free there also with an AP?

 

[macraven]

What if you are staying onsite at a universal deluxe hotel? Is parking free there also with an AP?

hotel parking is $20 + taxes per night.
leave before midnight and no charge for that date.

ap only valid for free garage parking.

 

[pixeegrl]

What if you are staying onsite at a universal deluxe hotel? Is parking free there also with an AP?

Nope sorry, the hotels are owned by Loews not Universal so no discount on parking there. Honestly, that's cheap compared to places like DC where we've been charged $30 and up a night for parking. We don't mind it since if we don't bring a car we are not charged extra

 

[Grumpy92]

Dont forget that you also get AP discounts for hotel, dining and merchandise purchases. Parking is free for the park garages only.

Have to say we love staying at the RPR and CBBR is our new fave hotel in Orlando. Parking at the deluxes is $20 a nt and at CBBR $10 a nt.

The US AP is a much better deal then get the daily ticket.

 

[disneylove69]

Also, you lock in the rate forever as long as you don't lapse in renewal. I just got mine and with the discounts, parking, etc. I ended up saving a lot of money on my last trip. March I am going again and was able to get CB family suite for $119 vs. $198 for the rate it is going for non-pass discounts.

 

[macraven]

Also, you lock in the rate forever as long as you don't lapse in renewal. I just got mine and with the discounts, parking, etc. I ended up saving a lot of money on my last trip. March I am going again and was able to get CB family suite for $119 vs. $198 for the rate it is going for non-pass discounts.

wish the rate was locked in forever.
i paid $89 for the preferred ap years back and last April my renewal was $170.xx with tax.

don't know if the flex plan is locked in.