Can I buy my tickets closer to my trip?

[scrapbookmom]

Hi everyone. My family (me, husband 2 teens) and I are making our first visit in Feb. 2017. After finishing a cruise on the 18th, we are planning to head over to US for 2 nights, from Saturday until early Monday morning (7 am president's day). I have done a lot of reading trying to understand the ticket policies etc. since we have never been. So far, we are planning to stay at RP for 2 nights and purchase 1 day park-to-park passes. We plan to enjoy the resort, city walk, etc. Saturday and utilize the early admission, express pass and spend the full day in the parks on Sunday. My question is, can I book the RP room only and then purchase tickets closer to my trip and still have the included express pass benefits of staying at RP? I ask because it is A LOT of money (over $1700) for the above itinerary and the balance is due right after Christmas. We really want to stay at a hotel with the EA and express pass option (the cost of staying at CB and purchasing express pass separately is nearly identical so we would rather stay at RP). If I buy the tickets later, (either from universal website, undercover tourist, etc.) will I still have the early admission and express pass option included or must it be purchased as a package while booking RP to get the benefits? I hope I am making sense. I know I can add the express pass on to the ticket, but will it be included because I am booked at RP already? Thanks

 

[FishyMom]

You can buy your tickets whenever you like. Early entry & express pay will still be available, as you get them as part of your room reservation. It doesn't matter when or where you buy your tickets. Whatever works best for your budget. Have a great trip!

 

[schumigirl]

When you book to stay in one of the 3 hotels that offer EP it doesn't matter where or with who you book it.......you will still get EP.

Tickets for the parks are a separate entity.

When you check in to RPR you will be issued with room keys for everyone on your booking.......you take these to the booths over to the side and put each room key in one at a time and get your picture taken......this will issue you with your EP with your dates etc on it.........

Tickets for the parks are entirely separate.

Have a read of the RPR sticky in the posts above...........load she of info on the hotels in them.

 

[macraven]

You can buy the park tickets at the hotel

Attraction desk in the lobby sells tickets

one day tickets are not discounted no matter where you buy them

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes, book room-only. There's rarely a need to book a package, which you're obviously comparing it to. Unless you have a unique Harry Potter package like when a park opens or it's the Celebration of Harry Potter, when you might get a cool invitation or a Hedwig plush, packages don't give you anything that room only doesn't.

EP comes with the room no matter how you book it. Early entrance is obtained with your (ticket and) room keycard from all onsite resorts.

 

[scrapbookmom]

Thanks everyone for your answers. I will definitely go ahead and just book the hotel. You guys are great!