Best Universal Studios Strategy for a DVCer

[hankt10k]

Hi everyone. As DVC members we have been visiting WDW at least once each year for many years. Finally, we’re ready to take the plunge. By that I mean that we have never been to Universal Studios and want to give it a try. I’ve been scanning this forum and found some great info. I wanted to ask some questions (my apologies in advance as I’m sure many of them have been answered multiple times) specific to our planned trip.

We’re planning to arrive at WDW on Saturday, March 26, 2011 and depart on April 6. This, I think, will be the heart of spring break time. We’re currently booked the entire stay using our DVC points.

And now for the questions.

1. Number of days at Universal – Our first fundamental decision. Is two days enough? Should we go with three as the crowds are likely to be heavy?

2. Ticket options – I’ve read about base tickets, express options and VIP tickets. The ability to use FOTL really appeals to us and the ability to use it multiple times on your favorite rides is a great feature of the VIP ticket. But the cost of the VIP ticket is really high (there will be 3 of us). So high that staying onsite at Universal might actually be cheaper albeit less convenient for us. What would you see as our best option here?

3. FOTL strategy – Many posters recommend waiting till you’re in the park to assess whether or not you really need FOTL for that day. Would you expect it to be a given for the time we will be there? More importantly, do they stop issuing FOTL at some point (thinking Fast Pass experience here)? This might be important to us as we are not morning people and will likely arrive at the parks around 11 AM.

4. Best days of the week – I’m thinking mid-week days would be least crowded but don’t know if it will make much difference during spring break time. Any suggestions?

5. Transportation – We’ll have a car so no problem getting there. What’ the daily parking cost at Universal?

Guess that’s all for now. Would appreciate any guidance and advice.

Thanks,
Hank T.

 

[Purseval]

1. Number of days at Universal – Our first fundamental decision. Is two days enough? Should we go with three as the crowds are likely to be heavy?

Go with 2 and you can always upgrade your tickets if you decide on a third day.

2. Ticket options – I’ve read about base tickets, express options and VIP tickets. The ability to use FOTL really appeals to us and the ability to use it multiple times on your favorite rides is a great feature of the VIP ticket. But the cost of the VIP ticket is really high (there will be 3 of us). So high that staying onsite at Universal might actually be cheaper albeit less convenient for us. What would you see as our best option here?

If you can get a room for a price that is competitive with your express passes then by all means go for the room. Remember that 1 room day will get you 2 days of unlimited FOTL plus early entry. So if express passes are $30/person/day and you can get a room for $180 or less you will come out ahead with the room. As for being less convenient, I don't see your logic on that point. You don't have to actually stay there (though it may make for a nice afternoon swim/nap break) all you have to do is check in, pick up your room keys and check out the next day. Since you don't want to stay there overnight is will actually be cheaper for you to park at the parking garage than at the hotel so what you would do is drop the family off at the hotel, check in and let them go get in line while you move the car to the garage and meet them at the park. Once you experience unlimited express you may get spoiled, so be careful

3. FOTL strategy – Many posters recommend waiting till you’re in the park to assess whether or not you really need FOTL for that day. Would you expect it to be a given for the time we will be there? More importantly, do they stop issuing FOTL at some point (thinking Fast Pass experience here)? This might be important to us as we are not morning people and will likely arrive at the parks around 11 AM.

I've never seen express passes sell out. That doesn't mean it never happens, it just doesn't happen very often.

4. Best days of the week – I’m thinking mid-week days would be least crowded but don’t know if it will make much difference during spring break time. Any suggestions?

Attendance patterns at Universal are basically the same as they are at WDW. If you are familiar with crowd patterns there use it as a guide.

5. Transportation – We’ll have a car so no problem getting there. What’ the daily parking cost at Universal?

$14 though that may change at both Universal and WDW, they both just had price rises.

 

[Coach81]

nice job, Purse!

 

[MrShiny]

I would very much recommend doing WW in the afternoon/evening. Much less crowded! If driving in, you can even park for $3 after 6.

If driving in any other time, you might want to valet, although I'd avoid he upcharge for the red carpet service - it is supposed to avoid lines getting your car, but I didn't encounter any!

The best part about valet is you only walk through City Walk, not past the rest of the garage. A big difference!

When we went WW was packed, but the rest of IOA was really uncrowded - much less than Disney at the same time.

 

[hankt10k]

Thanks very much for the responses.

MrShiny, I'm not familiar with City Walk. Is the big difference you refer to meaning that it's closer, more convenient, etc.? Also, do you recall the cost of valet parking?

Thanks again,
Hank T.

 

[xApril]

Thanks very much for the responses.

MrShiny, I'm not familiar with City Walk. Is the big difference you refer to meaning that it's closer, more convenient, etc.? Also, do you recall the cost of valet parking?

Thanks again,
Hank T.

Citywalk's closer to Universal, so it's more convenient.

My mom got valet when she accompanied my family and I to the park last week. She paid $22.

 

[Purseval]

I would very much recommend doing WW in the afternoon/evening. Much less crowded! If driving in, you can even park for $3 after 6.

I don't understand this strategy at all. Are you saying you should hold off on your visit that you paid a full day for until a couple of hours before closing? Why wouldn't you go in the morning, go on all the rides that WWOHP visitors aren't on then go on WW later on? If you paid to park in the morning you don't have to pay again at night. Would you pay for a full day at MK to see the Haunted mansion?

The best part about valet is you only walk through City Walk, not past the rest of the garage. A big difference!

A minimal difference in a full day of walking. If you are intimidated by the walk from the garage to City walk then a day's walking through the parks will seem like torture.

 

[La2kw]

We are DVC members also, but we always stay onsite at Universal. Just like WDW, the experience of staying onsite is so much better than staying offsite. If you are staying at WDW and driving to Universal, you are staying offsite. The Universal resort experience is a great break from WDW. Be prepared to be pampered at Loews, unlike anything you've experienced at DVC. Also, Universal offers AAA discounts on food and merchandise, unlike WDW.