Big news on Fastpass+ from Disney

[shalom]

Whoooa! Seriously? You're not making that up?

Those aren't typical rates for AoA or CR, are they? Why so high for those dates?

Disney rates are insane, but not quite that insane. Rack rate for AoA those dates is lower than that for regular rooms, although higher than that for the family suites. Contemporary only tops $1000 a night if you're club level or above during holidays like Christmas or New Year's Eve.

But the underlying point is true; you get a much better room for your money at Universal than at Disney.

 

[JDUCKY]

Whoooa! Seriously? You're not making that up?

Those aren't typical rates for AoA or CR, are they? Why so high for those dates?

Spring Break?


Nope...see my post below
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[JDUCKY]

I just did a quick random check for 4-4 through 4-10. Portofino Bay (most expensive) at Universal is $327/night while Art of Animation is $336/night. If you think those two hotels are comparable in the least then there is probably no sense in discussing it.

But I could stay at Contemporary for $1,300/night during that same time.

I was referring to the $19.99 (uh...sure, good luck finding a date where it's that cheap) to $59.99 EXTRA cost PER PERSON, PER DAY to add Express to a ticket.

EDIT: Also, those Disney resort prices include the minimum 4-day tickets. Does that Universal hotel cost include tickets?

 

[Laketravis]

Spring Break?

In April? Not sure... ours is the second week of March in Texas.

 

[mejo]

Why do people not going to Disney ever again bother coming here? Yes, we get it, you don't like FP+ and Universal is better. But paying for a hotel room for a fastpass is SO much better..

 

[vicki_c]

I just did a quick random check for 4-4 through 4-10. Portofino Bay (most expensive) at Universal is $327/night while Art of Animation is $336/night. If you think those two hotels are comparable in the least then there is probably no sense in discussing it. But I could stay at Contemporary for $1,300/night during that same time.

I don't deny that Disney rates are crazy, but at least use facts to make your point.
AoA is $175-208 during that time and the Contemporary is $465-$513 I think.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Except I could never spend a week on Universal property - I could spend a week at WDW and not even come close to seeing everything.

Why wouldn't you stay? You could schedule your 3 FP+ rides for the evening at WDW after enjoying the FOTL pass and early entry at Universal. There would still be time for lunch, pool hopping or putt putt golf if you wanted. You could head over and have dinner on Disney property, hit your rides (and based on lines, jump on a few more) and then stay for a parade and fireworks.

 

[DVCJones]

Ive never been so teased before in my life. I saw the thread heading getting and thought Disney is going to change Fast Pass+ they are listening and read it and realized it was all the a tease. Its such a tease lol

Me too! I fell for it hook line and sinker. Totally enjoyed the laugh though. Good stuff!!!!

 

[Mad Hattered]

I don't deny that Disney rates are crazy, but at least use facts to make your point.
AoA is $175-208 during that time and the Contemporary is $465-$513 I think.

I apologize. I screwed up and didn't realize that it included the tickets. I have been shamed and will now await my punishment.

 

[btk2333]

Why wouldn't you stay? You could schedule your 3 FP+ rides for the evening at WDW after enjoying the FOTL pass and early entry at Universal. There would still be time for lunch, pool hopping or putt putt golf if you wanted. You could head over and have dinner on Disney property, hit your rides (and based on lines, jump on a few more) and then stay for a parade and fireworks.

I'd have to drive (refuse to- I"m on vacation) or take a taxi (crazy expensive) from Universal to Disney property- I love having Disney chaffeur me around. Does Universal have a DME equivalent? I don't think so but I honestly don't know. Additionally, if I were staying off property I would be unable to schedule my 3 FP+ rides for the evening without being at the park early in the day. I also do much more than the three FP+ rides in a day at a WDW park. It's hard to RD WDW if you're staying at Universal.

At Universal Studios there are literally 0 rides that I am interested in riding (I've been there- not interested in returning until new HP is completed) and Islands of Adventure (while it has two of my favorite roller coasters) is still only a half day park. I would much rather stay on property at WDW than on property at Universal because of the whole package- granted I would not pay $1300 to stay at the Contemporary, but I never have.

My last WDW trips were:
1/31-2/4 (current): Coronado Springs $140/night
12/7-12/10: Pop Century $90/night
11/8-11/11: Port Orleans Riverside $150/night
6/14-6/17: BWV $260/night
6/11-6/14: POFQ $190/night

Looking at those prices I would gladly book them vs. the Universal resorts. Those are all discounted rates, POR was cast member, the rest were AP rates. General public rates are generally 5-10% worse than AP rates but even adjusted up I'd rather stay at any of the WDW resorts for that price than the Universal resorts.

 

[vicki_c]

I apologize. I screwed up and didn't realize that it included the tickets. I have been shamed and will now await my punishment.

LOL. None needed. For this infraction. Others remain to be determined, I'd better go back and read more of your posts.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I'd have to drive (refuse to- I"m on vacation) or take a taxi (crazy expensive) from Universal to Disney property- I love having Disney chaffeur me around. Does Universal have a DME equivalent? I don't think so but I honestly don't know. Additionally, if I were staying off property I would be unable to schedule my 3 FP+ rides for the evening without being at the park early in the day. I also do much more than the three FP+ rides in a day at a WDW park. It's hard to RD WDW if you're staying at Universal.

At Universal Studios there are literally 0 rides that I am interested in riding (I've been there- not interested in returning until new HP is completed) and Islands of Adventure (while it has two of my favorite roller coasters) is still only a half day park. I would much rather stay on property at WDW than on property at Universal because of the whole package- granted I would not pay $1300 to stay at the Contemporary, but I never have.

My last WDW trips were:
1/31-2/4 (current): Coronado Springs $140/night
12/7-12/10: Pop Century $90/night
11/8-11/11: Port Orleans Riverside $150/night
6/14-6/17: BWV $260/night
6/11-6/14: POFQ $190/night

Looking at those prices I would gladly book them vs. the Universal resorts. Those are all discounted rates, POR was cast member, the rest were AP rates. General public rates are generally 5-10% worse than AP rates but even adjusted up I'd rather stay at any of the WDW resorts for that price than the Universal resorts.

I think that can best be summed up by the bolded. It makes perfect sense then. Discounts are awesome, I agree. We stayed at RPR for $85/night in September. The AP rates are pretty sweet there. But then, we like their rides.

We usually have a car because we drive to one of the coasts so we can stay a night or two on the ocean. We just figure....when in Rome. We live a long way from an ocean. But that is just our touring style. I'm not saying you are wrong and I wasn't trying to call you out. I was just trying to show that it can be done.

 

[Mad Hattered]

LOL. None needed. For this infraction. Others remain to be determined, I'd better go back and read more of your posts.

I can give you the cliff notes version - I am not a big fan of FP+.

 

[over50visits]

I apologize. I screwed up and didn't realize that it included the tickets. I have been shamed and will now await my punishment.

For your punishment, you are only allowed 3 FP per day, and only one of them is for a headliner attraction. You also can only have them for one park.

The rest of us, however....oops

 

[TLSnell1981]

I can give you the cliff notes version - I am not a big fan of FP+.

Ditto!

 

[mamabear0222]

Not really a valid comparison. The G:mail system didn't cost anyone an arm and a leg as a user while it was being tested. However, a trip to Disney certainly does. And while all of this "testing" is taking place, some people's expensive Disney vacations are being ruined.

I'm not sure why everyone keeps saying vacations are being ruined. I'm going in a few weeks with no prebooked fastpass and I plan on having a great time. It's all in how you see it I suppose. I for one wouldn't even bother going if I felt my vacation would be ruined. Why bother?

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

 

[Angel Ariel]

I'm not sure why everyone keeps saying vacations are being ruined. I'm going in a few weeks with no prebooked fastpass and I plan on having a great time. It's all in how you see it I suppose. I for one wouldn't even bother going if I felt my vacation would be ruined. Why bother?

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

I believe the previous poster may be referring to those vacations where people have literally spent hours at guest relations or their hotel's concierge due to technical problems associated with the MBs and FP+.

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say ruined, but I know my vacation would be a lot less successful (in terms of relieving stress, being relaxing, etc) - if I had to spend a lot of time getting technical problems fixed.

 

[Laketravis]

I apologize. I screwed up and didn't realize that it included the tickets. I have been shamed and will now await my punishment.

That picture brought back memories of 3rd grade at St. Mary's.....

For penance, you must say three Hail Mickeys.

 

[btk2333]

I think that can best be summed up by the bolded. It makes perfect sense then. Discounts are awesome, I agree. We stayed at RPR for $85/night in September. The AP rates are pretty sweet there. But then, we like their rides. We usually have a car because we drive to one of the coasts so we can stay a night or two on the ocean. We just figure....when in Rome. We live a long way from an ocean. But that is just our touring style. I'm not saying you are wrong and I wasn't trying to call you out. I was just trying to show that it can be done.

While the rides certainly make a difference- we are here right now and may not ride any rides (wife is pregnant). We are here as much for the food and atmosphere as anything this trip. We would never do that at universal resort. It's important for everyone to find out how their family vacations the best and what they like to do. Universal is a great option for a lot of people- I was just saying why it's not really an alternative to Disney for us- if anything it's a one day add on.

 

[Donnainnj]

I apologize. I screwed up and didn't realize that it included the tickets. I have been shamed and will now await my punishment.

You did not screw up, those are the rates without tickets. It just happens that a regular room was not available at AOA, only the suite, and I am guessing the CR room was at least MK view and CL. (I just checked and the current option for those dates only included a 2br suite., so over $2000 a night) Oh and that is with the current discount that does not require a ticket purchase. (all prices with tax for Disney)
Donna