Best way to handle my situation?

[wagman67]

Okay, so I would like some advice on the least expensive and most beneficial way to do something.

We are out of state residents and have been going to Universal for vacation for the last 9 years. I got wise a few years ago and started planning for two years by buying annual passes and scheduling our trips to bookend the start and end of the passes…and booking both years with the AP rates onsite…saves megabucks.

So, I have already booked our HRH room, for May, with the AP rate and I would like to know the best way to get the passes. We will just be getting the new Seasonal Passes.

I could easily just buy the passes and have them ready to go, but I am trying to milk the best deal possible, which that might be. So here are some questions I have to help me figure this out.

When do we actually have to show our APs at the hotel? Is it during check-in or check-out?

If I buy a 4 Day Park to Park Ticket, what would be the upcharge to make it a Seasonal Pass?

When do I have to upgrade the ticket…before, during or at the end of the 4th day?

If I upgraded to the Seasonal Pass on the 4th day, when does the Pass expire…a year from the first day of the ticket…or a year from the day I upgraded?

Ideal scenario: I show the AP, that I upgraded to on the fourth day, at check-out, and I have three extra days to plan with for next year.

So, ideas?

 

[damo]

No, the AP would expire one year from the first day of your tickets that you upgraded.

You can definitely upgrade your 4 day tickets at the end of your stay (need to show the pass before you check out if they even ask for it). Seasonal AP is $284 and 4 Day gate tickets are same price. So there will be no cost to upgrade. If you purchase your tickets online they are $264

 

[wagman67]

Good information to know.

Since there would be no benefit to upgrading later in the trip, then it seems best to go ahead and purchase beforehand...which brings up another question:

When do we think the next price increase will happen?

Thanks

 

[damo]

Good information to know.

Since there would be no benefit to upgrading later in the trip, then it seems best to go ahead and purchase beforehand...which brings up another question:

When do we think the next price increase will happen?

Thanks

Volcano Bay will be opening soon. I wouldn't doubt some restructuring would be going on and possibly some price adjustments. It is impossible to tell.