Eek. Haven't bought the annual pass yet...

[Akwafunk]

... and we leave tomorrow.

I really meant to buy it, but it just slipped my mind (I started working), my mum came to visit, the holidays, blah, blah, blah.

We're booked into the Royal Pacific on the APH rate, so how on earth do I handle the check in, get the free parking etc without the pass?

And where do I go to buy one?

Thanks so much

 

[Badge]

You can buy them from the Universal Orlando website and then print out the confirmation that you purchased them.

As far as free parking goes, you do not get free parking at the hotels, so that won't matter for you. The hotel parking is $15 (if I remember right) per night that will be added to your bill at checkout. Once your car is parked, there is really no need to move it unless you plan on going out of the Universal area. Simply take the boats to Citywalk. It would be a hassle to move the car just to park it at the free parking area for AP holders. Plus, the walk from the parking area to Citywalk is insane.

If they ask to see your AP at checkin, you can show them your online purchase confirmation. That should be enough for them. If for some reason it is not, they will let you show them the AP at any time before check out. Last year around this time we visiting and the print out was enough.

Also, make sure to get the correct AP! Universal offers three of them. The preferred pass would be your best option. The Power Pass has blockout days and the premier pass gives you a few extra perks (like a free Halloween Horror Night ticket, and free express pass access after 4pm). The premier pass I fell is more for the local visitors that visit a lot. I would stick with the preferred unless you feel like the price difference is worth it for the premier. I would avoid the power pass option.

 

[Akwafunk]

Thank. You. So. Much.

I was hoping a payment confirmation printout would work, but wasn't sure. Going to get that done right now.

Thanks for all the advice - near total newbies here.

 

[Bluer101]

You just need to show an AP at sometime during your stay. You don't need it at checkin.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yep, just ask them when you need to come back. When I checked into PBH last September, she waved off entirely the idea that I needed to come back, but I had the AP within 2 hours (settled in room, off to parks) anyway, so it wouldn't have been a problem if she'd said to show it that evening or whenever.

 

[pigby]

As far as free parking goes, you do not get free parking at the hotels, so that won't matter for you. The hotel parking is $15 (if I remember right) per night that will be added to your bill at checkout.

We have preferred passes and self parking is free (or so I thought)- there is a comparison chart on the US website for all the differences between the types of passes -does the free parking just relate to the parks - it isnt at all clear on the website.

 

[keishashadow]

We have preferred passes and self parking is free (or so I thought)- there is a comparison chart on the US website for all the differences between the types of passes -does the free parking just relate to the parks - it isnt at all clear on the website.

everybody, including those with handicap tag, now must pay to park @ the hotels.

 

[Metro West]

everybody, including those with handicap tag, now must pay to park @ the hotels.