FP+ is now completely worthless if you are staying offsite.

[Suvadoo]

Also, Universal's "fast passes" are more expensive on weekends and peak times. Plus, it does not include Harry Potter. I have a friend who spent the $80.00 each for her sons and when they got to the back, it wouldn't let them skip the HP line and that's why she bought them.

I included the additional cost of the express pass in my post. Also, I did say HP attractions were not included. For a random 3 day pass (not at Christmas), the cost is $200. If you add Express pass the price goes up to $310.

Right now however, Universal is offering a buy 2 day and get 1 day free. I did not include this in my pricing.

 

[Aurora0427]

Last I checked anyone can see the parades along the VERY expansive parade routes. You don't need a FP for any parade. And I wouldn't waste my FPs on enchanted tales with Belle or A&E so I don't consider either of those 'good' FPs.

Seems silly to think that those are the good FPs. I book same day only as a local and get everything I am after within the small window I desire to be at the park for a day. My good FPs are for things like RNRC, BTMR, Buzz, SM, etc.

Silly to you, not silly to those of us traveling with children under 40". Our daughter can't ride RNRC, BTMRR, splash or space. So using a FP on those rides is silly. Just saying.

 

[Suvadoo]

Silly to you, not silly to those of us traveling with children under 40". Our daughter can't ride RNRC, BTMRR, splash or space. So using a FP on those rides is silly. Just saying.

Thank goodness there's a little variety in the FP+'s each of us select.
Can you imagine if everyone wanted the same thing? I'm just glad that you don't really need FP+'s to view the parades or fireworks. I've seem some posts where people had FP+ for fireworks, but when they arrived 30minutes before show time the only places available were in the back. So FP+ for fireworks or parades may not reduce your wait time.

 

[wisblue]

Okay I give up! Disney is a much better price.

Not at all my point, but if you are going to try to make a comparison you should try to be as accurate and complete as possible.

You made the statement about $326 being greater than $310. Similarly, $326 is less than $350 and less than $390.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

I personally think the shows and parades are such a waste of FPs but more power to the people who snap them up like they are gold. Just frees up FPs for others on other rides. I would have used a FP on Belle if I had known it was the only attraction in the park (along with Pirates) where the posted SB time actually was what it said, but a twenty minute wait isn't a huge deal (this was early October).

 

[dsneprincess]

Ok, I'll throw my 2cents in. I have purchased my airfare for Feb, but haven't done tickets or room. I bought the airfare REALLY early for what I usually do and, although we do usually stay on site, I normally book a room within 30 days of arrival & order tickets from UT at that same 30 day mark when I know we are definitely going. This year is especially stressful as we have 4 hour drive to airport through potential snowstorm. Tickets are SW, so can e re-booked, moved, etc. I don't want to tie up big money in Disney Tickets that I may or may not use in Feb, just to get FP+ at 60 days, but I don't think I have a choice this year. Last year, with FP+ prebook, I made at14 days out without a problem, BUT offsite wasn't booking at 30. With the recent 30 day threads, I am thinking of just scraping the whole idea. Add in the UT tickets that some CMs may not bridge(never had a problem before, but my DS just did) and I am further into the why bother with all this STRESS.....it's suppose to be a VACATION, KWIM?

 

[cakebaker]

Not at all my point, but if you are going to try to make a comparison you should try to be as accurate and complete as possible.

You made the statement about $326 being greater than $310. Similarly, $326 is less than $350 and less than $390.

And with my original comments, of which I was accused of twisting the facts- I was simply comparing a single day at WDW with a single day at Universal- knowing that both inflate their prices for a 1 day ticket. Just to be sure I was being more than fair, I didn't even factor in that WDW has 4 parks, compared to Universal's 2.

The response accusing me of twisting the facts, twisted them even more using a seasonal discount Universal is currently giving for 3 days- that is temporary and in no way reflects what most people will pay.

As I said, it's really impossible to compare the 2 parks in any way. But to say that WDW's prices are higher because they factor in FP+ is simple not true.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Ok, I'll throw my 2cents in. I have purchased my airfare for Feb, but haven't done tickets or room. I bought the airfare REALLY early for what I usually do and, although we do usually stay on site, I normally book a room within 30 days of arrival & order tickets from UT at that same 30 day mark when I know we are definitely going. This year is especially stressful as we have 4 hour drive to airport through potential snowstorm. Tickets are SW, so can e re-booked, moved, etc. I don't want to tie up big money in Disney Tickets that I may or may not use in Feb, just to get FP+ at 60 days, but I don't think I have a choice this year. Last year, with FP+ prebook, I made at14 days out without a problem, BUT offsite wasn't booking at 30. With the recent 30 day threads, I am thinking of just scraping the whole idea. Add in the UT tickets that some CMs may not bridge(never had a problem before, but my DS just did) and I am further into the why bother with all this STRESS.....it's suppose to be a VACATION, KWIM?

Stressful is definitely the right word. Can you perhaps purchase non-expiring tickets through Disney ( not sure UT has that option ) itself and book your room only reservation now ? You'd have to pay the one night but there would be plenty of time to cancel and get that back. Good Luck

 

[Laketravis]

For people who enjoy riding certain rides several times in one day, I don't think there is much question that Universal is a better value.

I'll have to keep that in mind, we haven't tried Universal yet.

 

[DisUniversal]

Okay I give up! Disney is a much better price.

Guess you get what you pay for.

 

[Ilovemyprincesses]

Staying on site doesn't mean you will get what you want. I am staying on site and I couldn't get many things I wanted. It is a crappy system. I check every day and still can't get things we want.

 

[Suvadoo]

Staying on site doesn't mean you will get what you want. I am staying on site and I couldn't get many things I wanted. It is a crappy system. I check every day and still can't get things we want.

I think it can really depend on the time you're going and the length of your vacation. If you're going for 2 weeks and staying on site you have a much better chance of getting what you want. Personally, I just don't think it's worth it, but that' s my opinion.

 

[Suvadoo]

Guess you get what you pay for.

 

[StarWarsJez]

No intentional twist at all- I don't think you can actually compare anyway, but the only way to do it fairly is a per day cost. Disney's cost drops dramatically the more days you have.

I agree you can't compare fp+ to ftl but there's no comparison between Universal and what WDW offers either.

To try and compare is pointless. What Universal does in comparison to Disney is apples to oranges in almost any category.

You're telling us not to compare yet you're the one who first made the comparison between Universal and Disney prices!

The OP started the thread to say they were frustrated at the FP+ system - citing some examples that many of us non-Disney-hotel guests have had with it. But as usual the Disney apologists turn it into a circle jerk on why they think Disney is still better than Universal.

This isn't about Universal, it's about disgruntled Disney lovers who dislike the way Disney is evolving. That they would spend $1.5 BILLION on a park admin system to try and squeeze every last cent out of their 'guests' - instead of maybe investing in the park attractions themselves.

 

[Suvadoo]

You're telling us not to compare yet you're the one who first made the comparison between Universal and Disney prices!

The OP started the thread to say they were frustrated at the FP+ system - citing some examples that many of us non-Disney-hotel guests have had with it. But as usual the Disney apologists turn it into a circle jerk on why they think Disney is still better than Universal.

This isn't about Universal, it's about disgruntled Disney lovers who dislike the way Disney is evolving. That they would spend $1.5 BILLION on a park admin system to try and squeeze every last cent out of their 'guests' - instead of maybe investing in the park attractions themselves.

and then the fight started

 

[DisUniversal]

You're telling us not to compare yet you're the one who first made the comparison between Universal and Disney prices!

The OP started the thread to say they were frustrated at the FP+ system - citing some examples that many of us non-Disney-hotel guests have had with it. But as usual the Disney apologists turn it into a circle jerk on why they think Disney is still better than Universal.

This isn't about Universal, it's about disgruntled Disney lovers who dislike the way Disney is evolving. That they would spend $1.5 BILLION on a park admin system to try and squeeze every last cent out of their 'guests' - instead of maybe investing in the park attractions themselves.

True. When you compare the actual value you get for your dollar, Universal comes out on top. In the past five years Universal has added about half a dozen top tier attractions (which includes two new lands) while Disney continues to figure out how to charge more for less.

 

[amg35]

You're telling us not to compare yet you're the one who first made the comparison between Universal and Disney prices!

The OP started the thread to say they were frustrated at the FP+ system - citing some examples that many of us non-Disney-hotel guests have had with it. But as usual the Disney apologists turn it into a circle jerk on why they think Disney is still better than Universal.

This isn't about Universal, it's about disgruntled Disney lovers who dislike the way Disney is evolving. That they would spend $1.5 BILLION on a park admin system to try and squeeze every last cent out of their 'guests' - instead of maybe investing in the park attractions themselves.

Really? Couldn't think of better phrasing for this board?

 

[Suvadoo]

True. When you compare the actual value you get for your dollar, Universal comes out on top. In the past five years Universal has added about half a dozen top tier attractions (which includes two new lands) while Disney continues to figure out how to charge more for less.

But you must admit, Disney is very successful at this new strategy! The Halloween party is sold out. Until people start moving away from the feeding frenzy, Disney has no reason to change their tactics.

 

[amg35]

But you must admit, Disney is very successful at this new strategy! The Halloween party is sold out. Until people start moving away from the feeding frenzy, Disney has no reason to change their tactics.

Well, Halloween parties sell out every year, just since October has more visitors now, more parties are selling out.

 

[DisUniversal]

Well, Halloween parties sell out every year, just since October has more visitors now, more parties are selling out.

Right...and I always enjoyed the Halloween parties, but every year the price goes up and now you get noticeably less...no more mix and mingle, no more family photo included and they seem to be willing to sell past previous capacity so even the enjoyment of a comparatively empty park is greatly diminished. Of course to compensate they offer you the ability to drop $99 on some deserts and the ability to view a parade and fireworks from the exact same spot you could have previously for free.