First trip to Universal

[mommanne]

Hi! We're planning on going to Universal for 2 days in late November, and 6 days after that in WDW. I'm trying to find the least expensive way to do this. I'll probably get into Orlando in late afternoon on a Saturday.

I want to do one night at HRH. I was thinking about buying a two day pass to Universal and staying offsite and not doing the park the day of arrival. If I book one night at HRH, can I use FOTL passes on the day of check-in and day of departure?

Also, I checked Triple A rates but they aren't out for this time. Are they typically on the high or low side?

Thanks.

 

[Amity 3]

the express pass feature of your room key begins the moment you check in and expires when the parks close on the day you checkout, so you get the benefit of it your entire stay.

the AAA rates usually are comparable to the FL resident rates, which are on the low side.

 

[mommanne]

Thanks. Is it possible to check in early to take advantage of getting to the park early? Will they store your luggage for you?

 

[Amity 3]

Thanks. Is it possible to check in early to take advantage of getting to the park early? Will they store your luggage for you?

yes and yes. check in and head to the parks, when you get back to your resort, call down and they'll bring your bags up to your room.

and you're not asking for anything over and above, one of the first questions they'll ask you is if you want to check your luggage. they know the express pass is part of the reason you're staying onsite.

 

[mommanne]

That's great to know, thanks so much! In my original question I meant to ask if rates in late November ran higher or lower, rather than if AAA rates ran high or low. I've been reading the board and I see people getting great room-only rates and want to figure out how to do that as it seems to be relatively easy to get discounted ticket rates as opposed to getting a package.

I have a lot of learning to do, obviously. I'm pricing things out in all combinations.

Thanks again!

 

[damo]

That's great to know, thanks so much! In my original question I meant to ask if rates in late November ran higher or lower, rather than if AAA rates ran high or low. I've been reading the board and I see people getting great room-only rates and want to figure out how to do that as it seems to be relatively easy to get discounted ticket rates as opposed to getting a package.

I have a lot of learning to do, obviously. I'm pricing things out in all combinations.

Thanks again!

If your stay is running in to Thanksgiving week, your rates will run higher.

 

[mommanne]

We'll be at Universal on the Sunday/Monday before Thanksgiving and in WDW until the following Tuesday. My son turns 16 on the Monday after Thanksgiving and this is his birthday blowout trip.

I've already cleared it with his school.