FL Resident with too many questions

[Experiment_626]

Greetings all!

My family and I are huge Disney fans with FL Resident APs for Walt Disney World. While I have been to Universal several times in the past, none of the rest of my family has ever been at all, and I haven't been in the last five years.

I'm finally on the brink of convincing my wife that we need to make the occasional trip to Universal, so I've been researching prices and need a little more information to answer her inevitable questions.

Those attending would be myself, my wife, and our two boys ages five and one.

1. I'm looking at the choice between the 3-day, 2-park ticket and the FL Resident Power Pass. The first option is $120 for adults and $110 for our older boy. I doubt we'd us all three days in one trip, but this pass is good for six months with blockout dates. The second option lists a cost of $160 on the Universal web site -- is there no reduced rate for a child's pass?

2. I reviewed the blockout dates and I don't believe they'd be a problem for us. However, how much does it cost to park at Universal, and what level of pass would we need to park for free? Depending on the answer, I might consider getting one upgraded, higher-level pass to save on parking.

3. Is there an easy-to-use web site that will allow me to see which rides have height restrictions, and what those restrictions are?

4. If we did choose the two- or three-day pass and then decide we'd like to have some sort of annual pass instead, will Universal do a prorated upgrade as Disney will?

5. What's the deal with Universal Express? I know this is their version of Disney's Fast Pass, but isn't there more than one tier at Universal? I think I recall hearing that they have a free version as Disney does, but also the option to pay for a version with greater privileges (we will not be staying onsite). What's the story?

6. Finally, we have a Guest Assistance Card at Disney. Does Universal offer something similar, and if so, where would we go to get it? Does Universal require any evidence that you need a particular type of assistance, or do they just ask what your issues are and then give you a card to help you del with those issues (again, as Disney does)?

Thanks!

Scott

 

[Metro West]

I'll try to answer this as easy as I can....

Get one Preferred AP and the rest Power Passes so you can take advantage of the discounts and free parking ($15.00/day) the Preferred AP gives you. There is no child's rate on the annual passes...they are already discounted.

There is a GAC card just like Disney. Go to Guest Services and they will take care of you.

There is no longer a free Express Plus pass...they were discontinued in 2005 or 2006. The only EP you have now are the unlimited Express that comes with staying onsite and the EP you purchase which is only once through the line.

You can upgrade your tickets to APs before they expire...just like Disney.

The main website will show you the height requirements on all attractions at both parks: www.universalorlando.com

Anything I missed?

 

[Experiment_626]

I'll try to answer this as easy as I can....

Get one Preferred AP and the rest Power Passes so you can take advantage of the discounts and free parking ($15.00/day) the Preferred AP gives you. There is no child's rate on the annual passes...they are already discounted.

There is a GAC card just like Disney. Go to Guest Services and they will take care of you.

There is no longer a free Express Plus pass...they were discontinued in 2005 or 2006. The only EP you have now are the unlimited Express that comes with staying onsite and the EP you purchase which is only once through the line.

You can upgrade your tickets to APs before they expire...just like Disney.

The main website will show you the height requirements on all attractions at both parks: www.universalorlando.com

Anything I missed?

I think that covers most of it -- did I read right that Express Pass is priced differently according to time of year and/or how busy the parks are?

Scott

 

[Bluer101]

1. I'm looking at the choice between the 3-day, 2-park ticket and the FL Resident Power Pass. The first option is $120 for adults and $110 for our older boy. I doubt we'd us all three days in one trip, but this pass is good for six months with blockout dates. The second option lists a cost of $160 on the Universal web site -- is there no reduced rate for a child's pass?

There is no discount for any of the annual passes for children.

2. I reviewed the blockout dates and I don't believe they'd be a problem for us. However, how much does it cost to park at Universal, and what level of pass would we need to park for free? Depending on the answer, I might consider getting one upgraded, higher-level pass to save on parking.

Parking is $15 per day. Click here for details.

3. Is there an easy-to-use web site that will allow me to see which rides have height restrictions, and what those restrictions are?

Please click here.

4. If we did choose the two- or three-day pass and then decide we'd like to have some sort of annual pass instead, will Universal do a prorated upgrade as Disney will?

The full ticket price will be put towards the purchase of the annual pass.

5. What's the deal with Universal Express? I know this is their version of Disney's Fast Pass, but isn't there more than one tier at Universal? I think I recall hearing that they have a free version as Disney does, but also the option to pay for a version with greater privileges (we will not be staying onsite). What's the story?

Express pass is an add cost on to each ticket or day to allow you one time entrance to the Express pass line. Normal wait under 15 minutes. If you stay onsite, you get unlimited Express pass for everyone in the room.

6. Finally, we have a Guest Assistance Card at Disney. Does Universal offer something similar, and if so, where would we go to get it? Does Universal require any evidence that you need a particular type of assistance, or do they just ask what your issues are and then give you a card to help you del with those issues (again, as Disney does)?

I don't know about assistance card but CLICK HERE for info on Universal's website.

 

[Bluer101]

I'll try to answer this as easy as I can....

Get one Preferred AP and the rest Power Passes so you can take advantage of the discounts and free parking ($15.00/day) the Preferred AP gives you. There is no child's rate on the annual passes...they are already discounted.

There is a GAC card just like Disney. Go to Guest Services and they will take care of you.

There is no longer a free Express Plus pass...they were discontinued in 2005 or 2006. The only EP you have now are the unlimited Express that comes with staying onsite and the EP you purchase which is only once through the line.

You can upgrade your tickets to APs before they expire...just like Disney.

The main website will show you the height requirements on all attractions at both parks: www.universalorlando.com

Anything I missed?

Man, Metro beat me too it. I need to type faster.

 

[Metro West]

I think that covers most of it -- did I read right that Express Pass is priced differently according to time of year and/or how busy the parks are?

Scott

Express Plus pass prices are based on the anticipated crowd level for that day. If it's expected to be a light day, the price is lower and it goes up from there.