FOTL Dilemma

[pplasky]

Please help. We already have room reservations for our vacation 8/19-8/23. We are planning on going to US/IOA from the 20th-23rd(only until about 3 the last day, since our flight leaves at 6). We may go for a couple of hours on the 19th as well, depending on how tired we are. I was looking into buying Express Passes for Sat and Sun, thinking those two days would be quite busy, but can't fathom paying an extra $40/pp(there are 5 of us) for one days use. I can get a room for $234 at RPR even though we don't need it and that would give us two days of unlimited express passes for the weekend, still alot of money. Wondering if we take it easy, and just get free express passes in the morning for busiest attractions, will four days be enough time to enjoy the parks. My children are smaller, so we will not be able to do hulk, dueling dragons or Fearfall regardless. All thoughts are appreciated. P.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

As I understand it, the parks are starting to slow down mid to late August. I checked rates at the HRH for around that time and was quoted $199 for weekends, $169 weekdays. Tha was the AP rate, I believe.

The nice thing about having a room on site is, well, having a room on site. Either RPR or HRH would be an easy walk from the parks for a power nap to get out of the heat for awhile. Not to mention access to the pools at all three hotels, even after checking out on Sunday.

 

[robvia]

Exactly, the school calendar has shifted even earlier this year. Broward schools go back on August 8th. They used to go back in late August, but they've changed it.
I wouldn't worry about the FOTL. With 4 days, if you show up early each morning, you can do the major attractions first thing, then slow down. By the afternoon, the kids will be tired, or you can head to the play grounds where they will get wet.

 

[pplasky]

As I understand it, the parks are starting to slow down mid to late August. I checked rates at the HRH for around that time and was quoted $199 for weekends, $169 weekdays. Tha was the AP rate, I believe.

This is part of the reason I think I shouldn't spend the extra money. We already have a place to stay, so the room is strictly for FOTL access. If the crowds are decreasing, 4 days may be enough to just "go with the flow". I don't have an AP, so $210.96 + tax or $234.00 is the best rate I could get.

 

[Bruce in PA]

Hi pplasky -- I'm interested in following up on the room rate you quoted for Universal. $234 before taxes is the best I've found, but your post shows a $210 base rate and $234 after taxes...can you send me in the direction of that rate?

thanks!

 

[AllieKat]

I personally think that 4 days would be enough time to explore both parks. The first time I went to IOA was in 2002. We only had one day to spend in the park. We got there when they opened and stayed until they closed (9am-7pm). We utilized their Express Pass system. I believe we did everything except Storm Force Accelatron (don't care for rides like that), Pteranodon Flyers (didn't have a child w/us), Eighth Voyage of Sinbad (we were always in the wrong place at the wrong time), Flying Unicorn (no interest at the time) & One Fish, Two Fish (I felt a little silly going on that one).

I think IOA is a very well designed park and the attractions aren't spread out really far apart. I think 4 days would be adequate for you & your family. I'd think you'd be able to get in all of attractions that you'd want and have plenty of time to enjoy the play areas with your children.

 

[pplasky]

Hi pplasky -- I'm interested in following up on the room rate you quoted for Universal. $234 before taxes is the best I've found, but your post shows a $210 base rate and $234 after taxes...can you send me in the direction of that rate?

thanks!

That is the rate for AAA members. You can get it through their office or travelocity.

 

[Bruce in PA]

But that is for "one room, one night, one person." Since there are five of you, how are you going to get the extra room keys?

 

[pplasky]

But that is for "one room, one night, one person." Since there are five of you, how are you going to get the extra room keys?

They allow five people in a room. Everyone would have their own key. Although, I have decided not to do this. I hope the crowds will be slowing and the extra money could buy a nice dinner and souvenior for each of us.

 

[Foladar]

They allow five people in a room. Everyone would have their own key. Although, I have decided not to do this. I hope the crowds will be slowing and the extra money could buy a nice dinner and souvenior for each of us.

If you were to get the hotel, they charge $25ish extra per person after 2 adults.

 

[Bruce in PA]

That's true for adults. But kids under 17 (or 18, can't remember the exact age) stay at no extra charge.

Checked again on the AAA rate quoted by pplasky and confirmed it.