Early entry-WWHOP only? Right?

[LUVIOA]

This is somewhat disappointing for those of us that stay onsite. Between the 3 onsite hotels, there are a very limited number of rooms compared to how many rooms are in all the partner hotels. This seems to be a big change from last year. We went one week after opening and it was very nice. This year we are going July 4th and were looking forward to the same crowd level. After reading this, I'm bummed our crowd will probably be 3 times the size

 

[Suzanne74]

This is somewhat disappointing for those of us that stay onsite. Between the 3 onsite hotels, there are a very limited number of rooms compared to how many rooms are in all the partner hotels. This seems to be a big change from last year. We went one week after opening and it was very nice. This year we are going July 4th and were looking forward to the same crowd level. After reading this, I'm bummed our crowd will probably be 3 times the size

I agree. I can not believe Universal is allowing this. I think it is the biggest perk to staying at their hotels. Plus IMO, it will be too many people at the early opening. Not sure if I even want to spend the money to stay onsite now. My main reason was the first hour.

 

[damo]

This is somewhat disappointing for those of us that stay onsite. Between the 3 onsite hotels, there are a very limited number of rooms compared to how many rooms are in all the partner hotels. This seems to be a big change from last year. We went one week after opening and it was very nice. This year we are going July 4th and were looking forward to the same crowd level. After reading this, I'm bummed our crowd will probably be 3 times the size

These packages have always been available but very few people seem to take advantage of them. Most offsite people only go for one day here or there and don't want to be purchasing an entire package with multiple nights.

July 4th last year was quite the zoo and probably will be again this year.

 

[damo]

Just for thought you get in early if you book a umiversal Partner hotel as well. Just did same. : ) without Harry Potter Package

That's what I thought too but apparently there are some unadvertised perks that no one seems to know about. I was corrected on the Transportation and Disney Theme Park boards for saying the same thing but apparently everyone can get early entry these days.

I just called Universal to confirm this. You have to purchase tickets as well and do it through Universal Vacations. Just booking an offsite partner hotel without booking tickets as well (Getaway or Harry Potter package) won't get you early entry. There is also a minimum number of nights necessary.

 

[Bluer101]

I just called Universal to confirm this. You have to purchase tickets as well and do it through Universal Vacations. Just booking an offsite partner hotel without booking tickets as well (Getaway or Harry Potter package) won't get you early entry. There is also a minimum number of nights necessary.

That good to hear.

I have a question about how they know who is allowed in for early entry. I know hotel guest since you have your room key, but the offsite packages?

 

[tinydancer09]

They probably have a ticket for the breakfast they are attending. Obviously if they have a ticket for breakfast they're allowed in early, right?

 

[fairyprincess88]

That good to hear.

I have a question about how they know who is allowed in for early entry. I know hotel guest since you have your room key, but the offsite packages?

I was at a Partner hotel on the Potter package. For early entry our park tickets were marked with a code on the back. This code is what the TM's checked to see if we were to recieve early entry.

 

[dfriia]

I did the Harry Potter package with an offsite hotel and early entry in December. We did buy the park tickets with the package. Our park tickets had UPRV printed on the back and that is what allowed us early entry.

 

[eeudj]

I am staying at the Holiday Inn express Universal across the street ( a moderate partner hotel), according to the Universal employee I booked the package through as long as you even buy one ticket through them you get the early entry perk for each day admission. I went ahead and bought the Orlando Flex pass plus, which will give me early entry for 14 "park hopper" days to IOA, Universal, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Aquatica. Hot breakfast each day, city walk pass for 14 days, and three days express pass (2 park) ticket came out quite a bit less than staying at the most economical on-site property. We will be staying 8 days. I just checked my confirmation letter and yes it is all there. Hope it turns out great. My family is use to staying onsite at Hard Rock but this year we want to see a bit more of Orlando and this works good for us. Hope this helps ...

 

[macraven]

I just called Universal to confirm this. You have to purchase tickets as well and do it through Universal Vacations. Just booking an offsite partner hotel without booking tickets as well (Getaway or Harry Potter package) won't get you early entry. There is also a minimum number of nights necessary.

this is what i was always told.
glad you called damo and posted the 411.