Does anyone ever visit Universal while using DVC points?

[Uncleromulus]

Wouldn't dream of staying at Universal when we can stay at OKW with our points.
We always have a car, so once every 3-4 years we'll visit Universal and see what's new. AS for IOA--went once and won't be going back.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We usually visit US/IOA for at least 1-2 days during our DVC stay. My older teen loves the Uni parks---we also enjoy them. We actually found them cleaner than the WDW parks on our last visit there.
Last year, while staying at BWV, we actually spent a full day at Discovery Cove too. We always have our car since we drive down.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

I would recommend visiting the US/IOA as they are nice parks. But, I think the better way to do this is to use your DVC points Sun-Fri and move to a US/IOA Hotel for the weekend (Fri/Sat Nights) when the DVC Points are highest which will save you a significant amount of points. Also, by staying on site at US/IOA Resorts you can use your hotel key as a speed pass to avoid the lines which may be longer on the weekends. I believe Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific all offer this benefit, ask about it when booking or visit their website.

You can rent the saved points to cover the US/IOA Resort costs or just pay cash and use your saved points for an additional Sun-Fri DVC trip. If you decide to stay at US/IOA, I'd recommend the Hard Rock Hotel as I stayed there last August and have nothing but good things to report.

 

[erikthewise]

Now if someone would just post a point chart for the USO resorts...

 

[Richyams]

During the days of the Golden Handcuffs(free passes), we spent 72 day at OKW, 70 of those days were spent in the parks. Even though we have Fl Res seasonal passes, our extended family doesn't. Our trips since have been about half in WDW and half off site. We have spent about 10 days in USF and IOA over our last few trips. Its much cheaper and everyone can afford their tickets.

 

[Pluto4Pres]

IMHO Spiderman is the best ride in the world. US/IOA is not DW, but it's worth the trip. Get the 2-day park hopper. Buying them ahead of time from AAA is probably the best deal.

 

[LIFERBABE]

We love WDW but we have friends and family that may not want to spend $1000 on park hopper passes, so US/IOA is a nice alternative. They can get the 5 day US pass ($89) or the Annual Power Pass for $99. US/IOA is a destination resort, so they are usually thrilled to be there. They may do 1 day at MK.
So even if our guests are on a budget trip, we have deluxe accomodations and theme park admission.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

That 'other park' while at DVC..... Oh my.
I suggest that an exorcism be performed on all DVC villas where members have visited that 'other park'.
We must ensure the evil spirits are driven from DVC...

MG

 

[jimh13432]

FYI - we leave tomorrow AM for Member Homecomings. We are also picking up the USF 2-year Annual Pass ($169) and will be exploring Universal & IOA during the non-MH period of our eight day vacation. Disney could take a lesson from USF.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Originally posted by BostonDisneyKid
But, I think the better way to do this is to use your DVC points Sun-Fri and move to a US/IOA Hotel for the weekend (Fri/Sat Nights) when the DVC Points are highest which will save you a significant amount of points.

Please don't flame me, but to me this just defeats the purpose of having PREPAID vacation accomodations (DVC) if you are moving and paying another hotel cash when you already have points. I can understand it if you want the express pass at US/IOA and you believe it is worth adding the extra expense for that privilege. I DREAM of a day when membership with DVC would mean fast passes for the whole day at WDW!! Combine that with a great discount on APs and WOW!! Okay....now back to reality....

 

[MiaSRN62]

Please don't flame me, but to me this just defeats the purpose of having PREPAID vacation accomodations (DVC) if you are moving and paying another hotel cash when you already have points.

Yeah......BUT.......you can always save those weekend points for yet another trip down to WDW/DVC ! No flames here.....just another viewpoint.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
Yeah......BUT.......you can always save those weekend points for yet another trip down to WDW/DVC ! No flames here.....just another viewpoint.

Granted, that assumes you do not already own enough for the trips you wish to make. I'm glad we all have options. That's what I like best about DVC, the flexibility they give members so we all can indulge ourselves the way we like best!