Best way to book a universal trip for 6 days

[RogueJayhawk]

We are planning our 3rd trip to universal next May. The dates are arriving mid day on May 25th and leaving on Saturday May 31st. These dates are set in stone because we are driving to Fort Lauderdale to catch at cruise on the 31st. Is it just best to book a vacation package through Universal or is there a better way. We will stay at Royal Pacific because we want the express pass. Any help would be appreciative. We are also considering sea world as well. Thanks.

 

[Metro West]

We are planning our 3rd trip to universal next May. The dates are arriving mid day on May 25th and leaving on Saturday May 31st. These dates are set in stone because we are driving to Fort Lauderdale to catch at cruise on the 31st. Is it just best to book a vacation package through Universal or is there a better way. We will stay at Royal Pacific because we want the express pass. Any help would be appreciative. We are also considering sea world as well. Thanks.

It's usually cheaper to do hotel and tickets separately and there aren't any penalties if you would need to cancel or change for some reason.

 

[RMulieri]

It's usually cheaper to do hotel and tickets separately and there aren't any penalties if you would need to cancel or change for some reason.

agree...Pkgs often have penalties with them.Booking a room only you can cancel without penalty till right before

 

[macraven]

many think if they book a package, they will come out ahead.

not always so.



buy your tickets from maple leaf or undercover tourist.
you'll find them cheaper than buying from UO.

packages have too many penalties.
every change to it will cost you $50.

cancellation is 45 days out.
payment in full due 45 days out.

room only allows cancellation on the 6th day out with a complete refund.

hotel key, park passes, express pass are all separate tickets.
they are not combined for any hotel guest.

 

[kohlby]

Agree - also keep your eye out for discounts. We got a coupon code mailed to us after it had been booked for a while. All it took was a phone call to save us an extra couple hundred dollars! In the past, there were times when I booked but the rate fell - so I called and they changed it to the lower rate. So, watch the prices but book as soon as you find one you think is fairly good - and keep watching prices. (And get on mailing lists to increase the chance of getting mailed a code).

 

[Lewisc]

One exception. Packages which include a stay at a partner hotel generally include early entry into Harry Potter. Booking the same hotel through any other source won't give you that amenity.

You need to compare the cost of the package with the cost of booking the hotel and tickets separately and decide if the extra cost is worth it.