early arrival

[BeLLaNoTTe]

I recently booked an onsite stay at universal. However we have to take an early flight out due to the airline pricing; we arrive at 8:30 in the morning. I am concerned that we will have too much time between check in at the hotel and the time we arrive at MCO. Does anyone know if the hotel allows early check in? And if they don't do you have suggestions of what we can do to waste time before we have to head back to the hotel? This will be my first time staying at US and any help/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[goofie4goofy]

It will take you time to the resort, even though the plane arrives at 8:30, you still have to deplane, get your bags and get to the resort. You can check in, get your FOTL passes, if your room is ready they will check you in, if not you are welcome to go to the parks. The bell desk will hold your bags for you on a cart in the lock room until your room is ready. You might want to pack a change of clothes amd make them easy to reach if you want to change. The check in desk will take your cell phone number and call you when your room is ready. However I don;t think your room charge will work unless they actually check you in, I am speaking from experience. Your FOTL will work. So pre check in, go to the parks and have fun!!

 

[Metro West]

It will take you time to the resort, even though the plane arrives at 8:30, you still have to deplane, get your bags and get to the resort. You can check in, get your FOTL passes, if your room is ready they will check you in, if not you are welcome to go to the parks. The bell desk will hold your bags for you on a cart in the lock room until your room is ready. You might want to pack a change of clothes amd make them easy to reach if you want to change. The check in desk will take your cell phone number and call you when your room is ready. However I don;t think your room charge will work unless they actually check you in, I am speaking from experience. Your FOTL will work. So pre check in, go to the parks and have fun!!

That sounds like the plan!

 

[rpbert1]

There is some on here who drive down and arrive at their resort about 7:30 so they can get their room keys, go have breakfast and then go to the parks for opening.

 

[BeLLaNoTTe]

THANKS That sounds like a good idea. I didn't know the FOTL passes would work if you weren't checked-into the hotel. But thats great to hear...i was worried i would be in limbo..lol. Would any of you suggest renting a car for the week that i will be down there...or should i just call car service to take us to places outside of universal?

 

[jgiants21]

It sounds like a plan to arrive early and check in for the passes. We are arriving late the night before and staying offsite for the night. Checking in at Hard Rock the next morning.


I was wondering how early we could check in on June 11. I think 7:30 should work out fine. Thanks for all the great info and keep it coming.

 

[goofie4goofy]

THANKS That sounds like a good idea. I didn't know the FOTL passes would work if you weren't checked-into the hotel. But thats great to hear...i was worried i would be in limbo..lol. Would any of you suggest renting a car for the week that i will be down there...or should i just call car service to take us to places outside of universal?

I suggest renting. a few times we went to Seasons 52 for dinner (which is about 2 miles away) and the cab fare was outrageous and it was a real pain in the ***! The least expensive place to rent a car is Dollar Rent a car. They are located in the Holiday Inn on Universal drive, 3 minutes away, however a shuttle will come and pick you up for free. Don;t be tempted by the Hertz Rent a car in the lobby, it;s convenient, but VERY expensive for the same cars. We always follow up our trip at USO by renting a car when we check out then driving to Captiva. I always find Dollar to be great - last year we had a brand new Mustang convertible with 20 miles on it. Go to the Dollar rent a car website and check it out.

ALso, if you want to visit a restaurant at another USO resort, the valet guys will drive you there and back for free (just tip the guy).

 

[MRS AR]

Our flight in May was also bumped up several house, and when I called to check something else about our reservation, the front desk told me they would give me access keys to the club (we have club level rooms already) and we could grab some breakfast or waters before going to the parks and they would take care of the luggage for us.

 

[BeLLaNoTTe]

I suggest renting. a few times we went to Seasons 52 for dinner (which is about 2 miles away) and the cab fare was outrageous and it was a real pain in the ***! The least expensive place to rent a car is Dollar Rent a car. They are located in the Holiday Inn on Universal drive, 3 minutes away, however a shuttle will come and pick you up for free. Don;t be tempted by the Hertz Rent a car in the lobby, it;s convenient, but VERY expensive for the same cars. We always follow up our trip at USO by renting a car when we check out then driving to Captiva. I always find Dollar to be great - last year we had a brand new Mustang convertible with 20 miles on it. Go to the Dollar rent a car website and check it out.

ALso, if you want to visit a restaurant at another USO resort, the valet guys will drive you there and back for free (just tip the guy).

Thanks for the advice..i will surely check out the Dollar Rent a car website...When you rented a car, did you have a pay for a spot at the hotel, or were you allowed to park for free?