Basically 1st time at Universal

[lovetotravel07]

We haven't been at Universal Florida for 15 years! So this is basically the first time. I'm sure all of this has been addressed before, so Thank You in Advance for your patience.

We are a family of four. Our daughters are 21 and 18. Our 21 is a Harry Potter Addict!!!

We are going to Orlando in December. We are staying in a Disney Vacation Club Villa, (can't change that)! My older daughter and her dad are going to spend one whole day together probably just in the Harry Potter section. On a 2nd day (may or may not be consecutive) the 4 of us are going to Universal, maybe both parks if that is feasible in one day.

My question is best tickets to buy and best place/way to buy them. (ie, 2-day ticket for 2 of us, etc.) Also, if you are not staying in a Universal Resort, I believe you can still purchase an Express Pass but it's a lot more, is that worth it.

And, transportation wise, should we just book Mears Transport Bus to and From Disney or just get and drive a rental car?

Appreciate any comments/help/experiences!!!

 

[damo]

Are you going in early December or during Christmas vacation? If you are going in early December, you won't need express passes at all. Rental car is probably the easiest way to go. Cab will cost you at least $30 each way. Mears can make stops along the way and waste your time. It doesn't really matter where you get tickets. Online is fine. If you aren't sure what to get, you can just get a base ticket and then upgrade at the parks if you decide you want to spend more time or visit both parks.

 

[cds62]

Having been to the Disney/Universal area many times I would highly recommend renting a car for your stay. It will enable you to stop at a grocery store and get some food for your villa and more importantly to get to Universal.
Check online for discount codes (Mousesavers.com) as well as through stores like SAMS, Costco or BJ's. The price of a rental car will probably be the same amount as a taxi would cost you.

 

[CPA_ESQ.]

Honestly I don't think they will be spending all day in Harry potter section - it is not that big (3 rides, one counter service place to eat, and 3-4 shops)

Express pass is worth it - we were able to see everything in Universal in 4-5 hours and we only missed 3 shows.

I use AAA to buy the tickets -

 

[lovetotravel07]

Thank you all! We are going mid Dec.

 

[lovetotravel07]

Anyone else have any comments/suggestions?

 

[i*heart*minniemouse]

Check online for discount codes (Mousesavers.com) as well as through stores like SAMS, Costco or BJ's. The price of a rental car will probably be the same amount as a taxi would cost you.

We found discount tickets in our local Costco. 3 days to use any time between now and 12/2013 for $135 (or something close to that amount). 1 day=both parks in the same day. The only expiration is 12/2013...the days do not have to be used within a certain time frame of first using them. We thought it was a good deal.

Barb

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Mid-December is the perfect time to head to the parks. I'll just say enjoy and make sure to take advantage of the early mornings and near-closing times for Harry Potter.

 

[lovetotravel07]

Anthony, since mid-december is the perfect time, I don't need to purchase the express pass? That costs a lot more.

If we only have 2-days is the multi-park pass worth it?

 

[2tink4u]

Check the web site now for availability of express pass and cost. Yes they are totally worth it. Go to Harry Potter first. Be at the Park 45 min before opening to park and walk to the gate. The pref. parking is also worth it. Do HP first through regular line than again through single rider and then travel around using express pass for waits greater than 15min. Anything you were able to ride without using your express you can go back and ride again without waiting. Call it fun insurance. You'll be insured to have a great time.

 

[damo]

Anthony, since mid-december is the perfect time, I don't need to purchase the express pass? That costs a lot more.

If we only have 2-days is the multi-park pass worth it?

Don't worry about express passes right now. We always tell people to wait until they actually get into the parks and experience the lines before they buy a pass. The passes can be purchases at many places INSIDE the park. There is no need to purchase them in advance since they are day specific.

You can also do the same with the tickets. Go to the parks first. If you find you want a multi day ticket then, go to guest services and they will upgrade your ticket to whatever you need.

Don't fret about tickets. They are so simple to change or obtain once you are actually at the parks and should be the least of your concerns.

 

[torinsmom]

Well, you could pay for one night at the cheapest onsite and then not stay there. I think it is around $250 and you could get the unlimited express for all 4 of you, instead of just one per ride and it would be for the day you check in and the day you check out. You could also use the room as a place to crash mid-day if you needed a break(use the pool, etc).

Otherwise, if it is an uncrowded time, just get there at opening and have a plan. We went in June 2009 without Express and were able to get a lot done in the first 2 hours at opening. From what people are saying, mid-December is a lot less busy than that.

Marsha