another ticket price increase? really?

[johde]

We just met with some family friends last Friday night and explained the current Orlando situation to them. We are meeting at the end of the week to help them buy the 6 park Flex ticket, book one night at Royal Pacific to get the FOTL for two days, their hotel on Int Dr near Seaworld, the hotel on the beach in Clearwater near BG...and a rental car. Or they could have just gone to FL and stayed onsite and done Disney.

Before finalizing on the 6 park Flex Ticket, you may want to see if buying the Sea World and Universal tickets separately might work out better. Busch Gardens has some competitively priced packages that bundle the hotel with tickets to Busch Gardens and Seaworld (you may need to upgrade to add Aquatica at the park) along with either all day dining or FOTL tickets as a bonus depending on the package. That could be married to the 3 park Universal/Wet and Wild 14 day unlimited ticket that Undercover tourist sells to match the ticketing on the flex pass. It might not be any cheaper but it's probably worth a look.

You do realize that rare doesn't mean only? Also there are multiple Magic Kingdom's in the world, not just Disneyland in California. The comparison was between WDW and Universal, not Busch Gardens, Hershey Park, Six Flags, etc..... Will all theme/amusement parks be inserted to help bolster your point or will you stay on topic?

Sent from my IPad using DisBoards.

Yes I know there are now 6 "castle" parks, MK in FL, and DL in California, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Where you felt, EPCOT and AK were rare, to me at least MK is the rare one. WS could also possibly be considered rare. While I didn't quote the posts directly, several previous posters were complaining about Universal having 2 while WDW had 4. Going to the Flex ticket evened the count up at 4 theme parks and 2 water parks. And before you ask, yes I know the water parks and more add on includes Mini Golf, Golf, Disney Quest, and Disney's WWS as "and more" options.

 

[reginaastralis]

Lifetime Florida resident here ... and I can see the differences between the theme parks here first hand.

My dd and I have been AP holders for the past three years, and last year was the real kick in the teeth when they did away with children's prices for AP's. This would have been our last year with the discount (she just turned nine) ... but getting that hit last year was really hard. The $25 increase per AP this year seems like cake walk.

DD and my boyfriend are both aiming for Universal passes this year. She's just an inch too short for two of the rides there. I was on board to get the passes in November or so, after the expansion had time to sink in, but looking at the prices ... it's almost $100 cheaper for us to get passes to Universal than Disney, and that includes FOTL access (after 4) While this may not sound like a great deal for some, to us it's awesome because we usually tour after school anyways, so we wouldn't arrive in Orlando to around 3. And the kicker (and this one is actually in our favor) is that Universal is offering 15 months for the price of 12 until April. Even if we take the summer off, we're not really "losing" anything in this setup.

I'm so torn, because I've always been a Disney girl. Universal needs some serious TLC in certain aspects of the park (I love the theme of Fievelland, but other than kids from the 1980s, who even remembers that mouse?) but I can honestly say Universal has put some serious effort (and money) into their park. I can honestly say, I think I'm going to end up losing this battle.

And, to the poster discussing Busch Gardens, I'm really curious to see what they do now that they've been sold. They've been putting some money into ride development, but there are times that that park is a general hot mess. They are the low cost denominator in the theme park business however, with their refillable drinks and popcorn buckets, they are considered a bargain to my friends. Of course, as a Florida resident, you have the option to "buy a day and come back all year" ... but you also have to pay for your picture with Elmo, something I'm shocked Disney hasn't figured out how to work into their system.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Before finalizing on the 6 park Flex Ticket, you may want to see if buying the Sea World and Universal tickets separately might work out better. Busch Gardens has some competitively priced packages that bundle the hotel with tickets to Busch Gardens and Seaworld (you may need to upgrade to add Aquatica at the park) along with either all day dining or FOTL tickets as a bonus depending on the package. That could be married to the 3 park Universal/Wet and Wild 14 day unlimited ticket that Undercover tourist sells to match the ticketing on the flex pass. It might not be any cheaper but it's probably worth a look.

Thanks, johde. I will make sure to check out the different options available that you mentioned before they commit to it. I just want them to get more bang for their buck than what they are used to.

 

[johde]

Lifetime Florida resident here ... and I can see the differences between the theme parks here first hand.

My dd and I have been AP holders for the past three years, and last year was the real kick in the teeth when they did away with children's prices for AP's. This would have been our last year with the discount (she just turned nine) ... but getting that hit last year was really hard. The $25 increase per AP this year seems like cake walk.

DD and my boyfriend are both aiming for Universal passes this year. She's just an inch too short for two of the rides there. I was on board to get the passes in November or so, after the expansion had time to sink in, but looking at the prices ... it's almost $100 cheaper for us to get passes to Universal than Disney, and that includes FOTL access (after 4) While this may not sound like a great deal for some, to us it's awesome because we usually tour after school anyways, so we wouldn't arrive in Orlando to around 3. And the kicker (and this one is actually in our favor) is that Universal is offering 15 months for the price of 12 until April. Even if we take the summer off, we're not really "losing" anything in this setup.

I'm so torn, because I've always been a Disney girl. Universal needs some serious TLC in certain aspects of the park (I love the theme of Fievelland, but other than kids from the 1980s, who even remembers that mouse?) but I can honestly say Universal has put some serious effort (and money) into their park. I can honestly say, I think I'm going to end up losing this battle.

And, to the poster discussing Busch Gardens, I'm really curious to see what they do now that they've been sold. They've been putting some money into ride development, but there are times that that park is a general hot mess. They are the low cost denominator in the theme park business however, with their refillable drinks and popcorn buckets, they are considered a bargain to my friends. Of course, as a Florida resident, you have the option to "buy a day and come back all year" ... but you also have to pay for your picture with Elmo, something I'm shocked Disney hasn't figured out how to work into their system.

I've been going to Disney since 1976 and only going to Universal since 2001. And in the relatively short time I've been going to Universal, I've seen massive changes to the park. Rumors on another board have a major change to Kidsville and the Fievelland area in 2017 after the expansion of Jurasic Park and the New King Kong Ride. But that's all Rumors. Disney has it's own areas themed to what's now "blasts for the past". At Disneyland in California they have Gadget's go coaster, from Chip and Dale's rescue Rangers. Like I mentioned before I like all of the parks. My next trip is going to be mostly Universal/Sea World and Busch Gardens but I'm still planning on 1 day at Disney off of an existing no expiration ticket. Then, on my next vacation I'll flip things, Most of the time at Disney and 1 day at Universal.

Also, so far, I've made 3 trips that involve Tampa and Busch Gardens, 2 during the Anheuser Busch's ownership and once shortly after InBev spun off the parks. At least right now, on it's own, they seem to be doing a good job installing new rides and themeing them well. Not to Disney standards but good. My home parks are Kings Island and Cedar Point in Ohio. Kings Island especially has gone through several owners and has had it's ups and downs. Cedar Point, really doesn't do themeing very well, but they build some of the top rides in the country.

If you don't know, Universal also has a refillable cup and popcorn bucket program. I bring my cup I purchased 6 years ago back each trip for the reduced price refills and store them in the free lockers while riding.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

WRONG! Please try again.

Actually those prices were correct.

Now yes you can get them cheaper by spending more money on staying in a UNI hotel or have a annual pass.........but lets use your figure.$179.00. This just demonstrates the fantasy so often posted here that UNI tickets are always so much cheaper then WDW.

The bottom line is all companies charge what the market will pay. It has been reported that when the opening of the new HP happens this summer the 1 day, 2 park tickets are going up another 16%.

Lets not forget all the extras of wdw, of just being on property, even just to visit. The many choices in the 16 hotels, unique theming, golf courses, 4 parks, 2 water parks, campground, boats, monorails, balloon rides, horse back and many, many other smaller attractions. Many of these attractions, hotel restaurants, are free to explore and try, and are covered partially by parks ticket.

Frankly I could never see the argument of saying its all WDW or all UNI and other parks. Your vacation is your own and everyone is different. their is a lot to see in Orlando and prices vary. However remember you get what you pay for. The pricing methods are designed to get you to spend as much of your money as possible................that's ALL the companies/parks!


So folks I strongly suggest you do your own price checking and what you and your family wants from your vacation.........

AKK

 

[dwight16]

Also who ever is going to sea world should be ashamed of themselves. Everyone should watch Blackfish on netflix and if you have a heart you never will step foot in that park again. Also everyone here will justify what we like to spend money on until we are blue in the face does not matter if prices go up or down. I am a Disney person and will defend it until I am blue in the face won't step foot in universal expect for once every 5 years. That's me and I am sure everyone posting might have similar feelings either way.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Also who ever is going to sea world should be ashamed of themselves. Everyone should watch Blackfish on netflix and if you have a heart you never will step foot in that park again. Also everyone here will justify what we like to spend money on until we are blue in the face does not matter if prices go up or down. I am a Disney person and will defend it until I am blue in the face won't step foot in universal expect for once every 5 years. That's me and I am sure everyone posting might have similar feelings either way.

What about the dolphins at Disney?

 

[dwight16]

What about the dolphins at Disney?

the documentary was about killer whales and how they are kept and what happened to the trainer killed in Orlando and what sea world tried to do in order to get out of telling the truth.

 

[ArwenMarie]

the documentary was about killer whales and how they are kept and what happened to the trainer killed in Orlando and what sea world tried to do in order to get out of telling the truth.

Yes, I know, I saw it.

Just saying that Disney keeps dolphins in captivity. Dolphins in the wild travel 40 to 80 miles a day, they aren't doing that at Epcot Google "free the disney dolphins" not such a happy story for the dolphins

http://www.freethedisneydolphins.org/p/about-dolphins.html

 

[faneuil]

The poster was mistaken when they said you had to pay $136 and an additional minimum price of $180 for the express pass. The $180 includes a 2 park ticket AND unlimited express pass.

I could buy (2) adult 3 day park to park Universal tickets for $294 tax included. The same tickets (3 day park hopper) at Disney is $688 tax included. With that difference in price I could book one night at a Universal hotel (and still have money left over) and get two days of Unlimited Express Pass included.

I wasn't WRONG, I just didn't make it clear.

The prices I listed were for the park-to-park ticket AND express pass. Not just express pass.
I was typing fast.

So yes, during the holidays, a park-to-park, one day ticket, with express pass is well over $200 at Universal.

Sorry.

 

[Rip]

DAM! over $200.00 a day...................I am not a big fan of FP+, but those folks complaining had better take a look at those prices!.

AKK


AKK

There is a relatively easy way around that, buy 1 annual pass ($279 with an annual renewal rate of $157) and stay onsite at the AP rate (generally $150-$250/night). Not only will you have unlimited express for the duration of your trip, you get up to 6 park tickets at a 10% discount and a 10% discount on most food and merchandise.

 

[damo]

I wasn't WRONG, I just didn't make it clear.

The prices I listed were for the park-to-park ticket AND express pass. Not just express pass.
I was typing fast.

So yes, during the holidays, a park-to-park, one day ticket, with express pass is well over $200 at Universal.

Sorry.

Or you can buy a 3 day park to park ticket that includes unlimited express for $280. That makes it under $100/day.

 

[Rip]

I could do without the buses. Universal Orlando is a lot closer to the Disneyland complex as far as layout is concerned. So you don't need the buses, you can walk, or take the boats. The AP rate is without question a better value at Universal right now (about the price of a 3 day Disney base ticket for the power pass, and actually has good discounts)

Being local to Orlando (so this is from a local's point of view), we go to Disney fairly often, but not as much lately because of the FP+ lines, but letting the pass lapse this year, and go to the parks on cast member friends maingate passes whenever they invite us once
or twice a year.

Watching and visiting all the Orlando parks over the last 15 years has been very interesting, Disney had a lot of momentum going into the early 2000s, but really has slowed down since 2008 or so.
Universal came out running with Islands of Adventure in 99, but died down quite a lot until Harry Potter. Since Potter Universal has been on an absolute roll. We still enjoy both, and it may eventually switch around again toward Disney but probably not until the end of the decade.

I think the change in ownership is the biggest reason for the huge upswing in growth at Universal. Given Comcast's record of customer service I was extremely nervous when they bought it, but they have the resources and have committed the resources to make Universal a bona fide destination resort and not just some place you take a day or two from your Disney vacation to visit.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

There is a relatively easy way around that, buy 1 annual pass ($279 with an annual renewal rate of $157) and stay onsite at the AP rate (generally $150-$250/night). Not only will you have unlimited express for the duration of your trip, you get up to 6 park tickets at a 10% discount and a 10% discount on most food and merchandise.

My later posts pointed out that there are ways around it.

The point is UNI prices are going up............and all the parks twist their pricing system to get the most money possible. All the parks when you start buying multi day and annual passes make it considerable cheaper if you want to lay out the money and if your going to be staying that long, or if your able to come back another time.

Uni little twist is making you pay for express pass at various levels and higher at holiday times, if your not staying.


All companies are going to charge what the market will pay.

AKK

 

[faneuil]

Or you can buy a 3 day park to park ticket that includes unlimited express for $280. That makes it under $100/day.

Multi-day at any resort is always a better deal, for sure.
At the time, a few of us were comparing one-day tickets with hopper options.

I wish Universal would up the prices of their annual passes just a little bit, and include express pass. I know you can get it with the premium one, but that's still just after 4pm.

 

[ucfknight]

the documentary was about killer whales and how they are kept and what happened to the trainer killed in Orlando and what sea world tried to do in order to get out of telling the truth.

If you believe everything in that documentary is the gospel truth you would have to be fairly gullible. It certainly wasn't a movie designed to present all facts in the case and let the viewer decide how to process them. The movie had a clear agenda and only showed the things and interviews it thought would support that agenda.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Also who ever is going to sea world should be ashamed of themselves. Everyone should watch Blackfish on netflix and if you have a heart you never will step foot in that park again. Also everyone here will justify what we like to spend money on until we are blue in the face does not matter if prices go up or down. I am a Disney person and will defend it until I am blue in the face won't step foot in universal expect for once every 5 years. That's me and I am sure everyone posting might have similar feelings either way.

You need to do more research. Blackfish is propaganda and full of lies. Disney has animals in captivity also.

Sent from my IPad using DisBoards.

 

[Rip]

Also who ever is going to sea world should be ashamed of themselves. Everyone should watch Blackfish on netflix and if you have a heart you never will step foot in that park again. Also everyone here will justify what we like to spend money on until we are blue in the face does not matter if prices go up or down. I am a Disney person and will defend it until I am blue in the face won't step foot in universal expect for once every 5 years. That's me and I am sure everyone posting might have similar feelings either way.

Given that at least two of the trainers directly involved with Blackfish have publicly stated that it is biased and misleading and that the director intentionally misrepresented them and edited the film in such a way as to take much of it completely out of context, I'll give it a pass.

 

[Rip]

My later posts pointed out that there are ways around it.

The point is UNI prices are going up............and all the parks twist their pricing system to get the most money possible. All the parks when you start buying multi day and annual passes make it considerable cheaper if you want to lay out the money and if your going to be staying that long, or if your able to come back another time.

Uni little twist is making you pay for express pass at various levels and higher at holiday times, if your not staying.


All companies are going to charge what the market will pay.

AKK

But again, at least with Universal you are getting MORE each year rather than less.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

But again, at least with Universal you are getting MORE each year rather than less.

Well that is highly debatable and everyone has their opinion. The starting point makes a big difference.

I am sure we would not agree and that's ok, to each their own opinion.

AKK