Do Express Passes Really Work?

[bumbershoot]

It would not surprise me that they really don't mind the one night stays. Once you stay in one of those hotels it's tough to settle for a Disney version the next time in Orlando.

That is SO true. I know that for me (and, I think, my husband and son) if Universal/Loews opened a timeshare that gave the same perks and was the same level of luxury as their Universal hotels, I would sell DVC and buy the Universal/Loews timeshare in a *heartbeat*. (unless, of course, I had already finished paying for DVC, then I'd keep it and buy the new one)

I have already resolved that if we do a split trip in the future, assuming we are out of DVC points and can afford staying at Universal for the whole trip, I would stay at Universal the *entire* time and just commute to WDW. Don't get me wrong, I love OKW and Boardwalk...but compared to even the Royal Pacific Resort, they just don't match up.

 

[bumbershoot]

I am so thankful for this board and I thought there was a min. 3 night stay. I really don't want to stay for 3 nights, one night is totally what I am looking for , thanks so much

To really really clarify, we're talking about booking room-only, not a package. A package is definitely going to have requirements that might not be on room-only stays.

Check this website to see all three onsite hotels at once, and you can put in "APH" as the code (as mentioned earlier) and IF there's an AP rate at that time for your stay, it will show up. If it doesn't show up, then there's no AP rate for your dates at that time. But it will show the other rates, like Seasonal, or Stay More Pay Less, etc.

For a room-only stay you pay one night as a deposit, and the rest is due during your stay.

As macraven and I mentioned, there *are* times when there is a requirement...like you won't be able to book Dec 31st *only*; you'll probably have to stay two or three nights during that time of year. But I would say that most of the year you can easily just book one night.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh dear, I'm going to post again, LOL.

I was just looking on the Loews website to see if I could answer a bedding question, and this is from the FAQs for Portofino.

Q: I realize check-in does not begin until 4:00 PM, but I wanted to use the Universal ExpressSM Unlimited Pass to skip the regular lines before that.
A: Please arrive as early as you like the day of check-in and our front desk agent will be happy to pre-register you and assist you with your Universal ExpressSM Unlimited Pass. The bellman will hold your luggage while you enjoy the parks.

Q: What days is the FREE Universal ExpressSM Unlimited pass that serve as Express Access to skip the regular lines valid throughout my stay?
A: Your Universal ExpressSM Unlimited pass is valid for Express Access (at participating attractions) from the time issued by the front desk until the Universal Orlando theme parks close, the day of your departure.

I just checked, and that is also on HRH and RPR's pages.


So no, they don't mind.

 

[pokee99]

To really really clarify, we're talking about booking room-only, not a package. A package is definitely going to have requirements that might not be on room-only stays.

Check this website to see all three onsite hotels at once, and you can put in "APH" as the code (as mentioned earlier) and IF there's an AP rate at that time for your stay, it will show up. If it doesn't show up, then there's no AP rate for your dates at that time. But it will show the other rates, like Seasonal, or Stay More Pay Less, etc.

For a room-only stay you pay one night as a deposit, and the rest is due during your stay.

As macraven and I mentioned, there *are* times when there is a requirement...like you won't be able to book Dec 31st *only*; you'll probably have to stay two or three nights during that time of year. But I would say that most of the year you can easily just book one night.

You ROCK bumbershoot - thanks for all the info! Unfortunately, for my dates (July 6/7 or 7/8), the APH code does not make a difference in rates.

If I book my one night stay, I have to pay for it up front as a deposit, correct? And if so, if I change my dates or need to cancel, will that full deposit be refunded provided it's prior to their date listed in the cancellation policy? Not sure if I should book now? Thinking rates will go up and availability might get tight (since it's the July 4 weekend), but kinda don't want to tie up my money before Xmas...need that for gifts!

I tend to over-plan, waaay in advance and book lots of hotel options (and car rentals!) until I know my exact plans, and then I cancel what I don't need. I try to avoid putting any money up front, esp. if I can't get it back. Honestly, sometimes I don't know how I keep track of it all!

 

[bumbershoot]

If I book my one night stay, I have to pay for it up front as a deposit, correct? And if so, if I change my dates or need to cancel, will that full deposit be refunded provided it's prior to their date listed in the cancellation policy? Not sure if I should book now? Thinking rates will go up and availability might get tight (since it's the July 4 weekend), but kinda don't want to tie up my money before Xmas...need that for gifts!

Yes, the full deposit would be refunded, provided you cancel inside of their cancellation period. According to my email confirmation for a stay in Feb:

"Cancellation By 6PM EST 5 days prior to arrival".


I totally understand how painful it would be to tie up money. But you're right, it might book up.

Even once you book it, check that site regularly. While I doubt that the APH rate would show up for that time period, anything's possible, and it would be better to be able to snag it OR know what other, later-booking, people are having to pay if the price goes up.


And thank you, you are very sweet.