Costco 3-day passes + how many days does it take to "do" Universal

[lemondog]

Hey everyone. We are thinking of skipping WDW this time (GASP!) and trying Universal for a few days during Spring Break. My kids LOVE HP which is the main reason. I have a couple of questions:

1. Our local Costco has 3-day Universal tix for a slight discount. If we buy these and stay at an onsite hotel (we are thinking of Royal Pacific) can we still take advantage of early entry/fastpass benefit, or do the tix have to be purchased along with the hotel to get the early entry?

2. How many days, ideally, does it take to "do" Universal? My parents live about 45-60 minutes from there so most of our vacation we will be staying with them, however we were thinking of staying 2 nights at an onsite hotel just to get the onsite entry advantages, but can we do everything in 2nights/3days?

Sorry for all the newbie questions but we are WDW vets and never done Universal so I feel like I am flying blind.

 

[chimo2u]

I wish I could by those 3 day Costco passes (they are park to park, right??) however, Canadian Costco does not sell them, and I don't know of a Costco near Harrisburg, PA (where my best friend is currently posted with her hubby/Canadian Forces).....she was going to pick some up if she found them, but she can't find them I wonder if these are only sold at select USA Costco's???? are they still the $139.00 price?? If anyone would be willing to pick me up 2 if they are the park to park 3 day Universal Florida Ticket, good until 2013 at least.....I would be willing to pay pal the money....
Wish so much I could find these tickets!
and to answer your question, I think that is the perfect amount of days to tour Universal. We went for our first time last yr. and came in on a Thursday early afternoon (before 12:00).....and toured until Saturday night....by Sat. night we felt we had our fill....Universal side was a tad boring to us, but both my son and I fell in love with IOA!!! so much fun.....and being so close to the parks by staying on site, you can tour so easily and get a lot done!
I am planning on tacking on 3 days again at the end of our Disney October 2012 trip, very much looking forward to exploring both WDW and Universal again!
Marie

 

[damo]

Staying onsite will get you the express access. Tickets aren't tied into the perks.

 

[Bummbok]

The stay on-site express pass is tied to your room key, not the park tickets.

 

[Bluer101]

3 days will be great. Visit each park for 1 day then the last day visit both. Just remember if staying onsite slow down and look at everything and take your time.

 

["Ginger"]

They sell them at my Costco in Baltimore Md. They are $144.99 now. I wish I would have purchased them at $139.