Best/ Cheapest way to do US/IOA ?

[caroline1851]

I've mastered Disney vacationing at a good price, but now want to plan a trip to Universal and don't know, in general, the best deal that's typically possible. I'd be looking to go during a slower time of year (November or early Dec). I don't want to wait in huge lines so want to do the fotl pass.

What's overall, in general, the types of deals that are offered? if any.

thanks!!!!

 

[mesaboy2]

I'll let the ticket experts answer your main question, but if you go during the times your suggesting then you won't likely need or want the Express pass.

 

[damo]

Staying onsite is the best way to do it. If you are planning to stay for a few days, check out getting an annual pass because the room discounts are awesome.

The preferred annual pass is $229. Check rates for your dates by entering APH as the code when you check prices at www.loewshotels.com

 

[IndyJammer]

Staying onsite is the best way to do it. If you are planning to stay for a few days, check out getting an annual pass because the room discounts are awesome.

The preferred annual pass is $229. Check rates for your dates by entering APH as the code when you check prices at www.loewshotels.com

What Damo Said! My only addition is make sure that you check All 3 Universal Resorts. When we went last month, Portofino Bay was over $100 cheaper per night with the APH rate - and it is generally the most expensive of the 3!

(And we just bought 1 AP and got regular tickets for the rest of the crew)

 

[damo]

What Damo Said! My only addition is make sure that you check All 3 Universal Resorts. When we went last month, Portofino Bay was over $100 cheaper per night with the APH rate - and it is generally the most expensive of the 3!

(And we just bought 1 AP and got regular tickets for the rest of the crew)

good idea...here is the link to all three hotels at once


http://www.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR

 

[nilseks]

If you happen to have a Chase Visa rewards card, you can get passes for $5,000 points each. If you convert the points, it's a significant savings over paying out of pocket. We have done this for our past 2 trips, essentially not paying a dime to go to Universal for the 4 of us. Last time we went was the week before Halloween 2010. It was absolutely PACKED at Disney but we basically walked onto most of the Universal rides, with the exception of the HP stuff. Lines were very minimal compared to Disney, I don't think the express pass would have made any difference.

 

[Zim]

Another thing you might want to do is peruse their website, get on their mailing list and take any surveys they email you. I don't know which did it, but I got a pin code, along with quite a few other people on the board here for really great deals for their on-site hotel rates.

Even though I already got the room rate set, I may still opt to get one non-Florida resident Annual Pass too. I figure if we go this year in November, and then plan to go next year late September / early October for HHN 2012, it will cover me for two years, get a % off all the other tickets we need for both trips and get reduced prices on the HHN tickets.

 

[teachingmyown]

I consistently find the best prices on tickets at UndercoverTourist.com

When comparing ticket prices remember to include sales taxes and shipping (both of which are already included in UT's prices.)

We also save a lot of money by staying in one of the bijillion timeshare condos in the Orlando/Kissimmee area.

 

[caroline1851]

If you happen to have a Chase Visa rewards card, you can get passes for $5,000 points each. If you convert the points, it's a significant savings over paying out of pocket. We have done this for our past 2 trips, essentially not paying a dime to go to Universal for the 4 of us. Last time we went was the week before Halloween 2010. It was absolutely PACKED at Disney but we basically walked onto most of the Universal rides, with the exception of the HP stuff. Lines were very minimal compared to Disney, I don't think the express pass would have made any difference.

I only have the Disney Chase Visa Rewards card. That won't work, i bet. I think the rewards are only Disney, but i should check anyway.