Basic Questions From A First-Timer

[CurtisCandy]

Hi, Folks...

This past August, we went to Universal for the first time. We were staying at Disney's CB Resort, but set aside 2 days to explore Universal.

This year, my son wanted to go back for his 16th birthday celebration, but I have a few, probably very basic, questions regarding staying onsite at Universal.

We plan on staying at Royal Pacific from August 24-28. Universal's website is unclear about several things, though...

-- The 3-day pass that's included is for any 3 days of our trip, correct? I'd hate to have the passes start on the 24th, which is essentially a travel day for us, as we won't be getting in until about 6pm.

-- I see the deposit is $50 per guest, but I don't see when the balance is required. Is it by 45 days out or can it be paid upon arrival?

-- The Express Unlimited for the rides is included for all 3 days of the ticket, right? The way the website is worded in places, it almost seems as if it's for one day, and they want you to pay for the others.

Thanks very much in advance for any answers, tips or advice! I'm sure between now and August I'll be back to bug you guys with more questions.

 

[macraven]

sounds like you want to book a package since you listed the $50 deposit per person.
if that is the case, yes, the remainder of the total costs needs to be paid in full many days out.
not sure if it is 45 or 30 days out but check the UO website for that tidbit.

when you stay on site at the deluxe hotels, your hotel key card is used to create your photo id express pass.
that is what is used for the express lines in the parks.
this is a hotel perk for the guests, it has no correlation to park tickets.

rpr, hrh and pbr are the 3 deluxe hotels that give this perk to all registered guests.
the ep useage ends at park closing on the day you check out of the hotel.
stay one night onsite and recieve 2 days of free unlimited ep.


suggest you price out everything separate and compare a package to ala carte.
packages have rules and penalties.
anytime you make a change to them, you pay a fee.


come back and bug us anytime.

 

[CurtisCandy]

Thanks VERY much, macraven! I knew you guys would have the answers!

And also thanks for the heads-up on the potential penalties and the idea of comparing them to ala carte. I'm gonna go do some more research right now.

 

[damo]

Packages just make things more complicated. If you purchase separately, you pay one night's deposit and the rest upon checkout. You can cancel without penalty up to 5 days before arrival. You can get discounted tickets from undercover tourist or maple leaf tickets. Like Mac said, express passes are good from the morning of arrival til the end of day of checkout.

 

[CurtisCandy]

Thanks a lot, Damo!... After I read macraven's post I went back to check on things if purchased ala carte, as he suggested, and wow you guys are right! I would never have guessed that there would be perks to buying individually, as opposed to a package, so I'm really glad you guys have steered me that way.

My family and I are Disney nuts, so I think I have their system of doing things so ingrained that it never occurs to me to try different tactics elsewhere. I'll definitely check out Undercover Tourist and Maple Leaf Tickets, as well. Thank you.

 

[macraven]

Unless there is a special package where you do come out ahead financially, avoid them

Checked and saw a post where the penalty charge for making changes to a package was $50

Sign up on the UO site and be on that list to receive emails/promotions
There are times special pins are listed to the subscriber for deep room discounts

On a side note, I use a Mac and my name is Raven

Come on back if you need more help

 

[disneycruisedreams]

Hijacking a bit if that's ok... Disney nut also here trying Universal for the first time. Booked room only (tix from UT) going in 21 days... Do we need to check in online or confirm ressie?

 

[macraven]

I always check in person

You should have received a confirmation email within two days from booking
Not an issue if you haven't but you can call the 800 number and have it resent
If you wish

No need to contact the hotel in advance
Just show up on check in day
For some reason you are delayed and it is 11:00 pm, do call the hotel so they are aware you will be checking in late

 

[disneycruisedreams]

Thank you. Booked with DU so I have confirmation #.

 

[macraven]

Great!
Now you are all set!

 

[Squirlz]

I always check in person


No need to contact the hotel in advance
Just show up on check in day
For some reason you are delayed and it is 11:00 pm, do call the hotel so they are aware you will be checking in late

I had to do this twice last week because of a mechanical delay. First it looked like it might be 11 before we arrived, then it turned into 2 AM!! When I called the 2nd time and asked for the front desk I was asked if I was a registered guest. I said "I hope to be if they can get this **** plane off the ground!"

 

[macraven]

That had to be a horrible experience with your flight delay!!

I have heard other stories of flights having set backs which creates headaches for the traveler

If you find out you will be delayed, call the hotel front desk
They will hold your room until you do arrive