Getting Started

[wljet]

We have been DVC members since '99.
We know how to purchase air in advance,How to shop at the outlets.
Publix vs.Goods etc.
What we are having problems with is coming up with our own Combo plan that takes into account our desires to go to Universal one day,
Epcot one night,
MGM,one day.
MK 2 days and Blizzard Beach one day.
We know that there is no "Combo" but I'm sure that We are missing something beyond AAA or entertainment books.

Should we get a Park Hopper or 5 day pass?
Is it cheaper for sometime in. the future to over buy?
For instance,2 day Universal ticket or longer Hopper pass with Disney.
We like Hoppers so we could go to epcot for dinner or pop into a different park if plans change.
Thanks for the help!

 

[lovelyk68]

Hi!

I would suggest, if you haven't already, that you check out the Universal boards for more info on Universal. Also, do you plan on returning to Disney/Universal within the year after you trip? AAA is offering a special on their Universal Annual Pass right now. It is $109.95, which is just a little more than a two-day pass.

When we visit Universal, we usually stay onsite to take advantage of their express access. Onsite hotel guests can use their hotel key to enter the express lines for rides and shows.

As for the Disney tickets, if you can afford to buy a 7 day-plus over a 5 day-plus, I would. The park days and plus options will never expire and you will have locked it at today's prices.

Happy planning!

 

[wljet]

Thanks,
Those are very good suggestions.
How about another,which Universal Hotel is best to "stay"over,
I don't know if we will but to take advantage of the perk we might.
I'll check the boards but wonder who out there has rented a room for the express purpose of "line busting"?
Which hotel would be fun for taking breaks or a swim rather than best for overnight?

 

[lovelyk68]

I think that more and more Disney fans are splitting their stay to take advantage of the express pass. We have only stayed at the Portofino Bay and it was very lovely. We paid $129 p/n (deeply discounted rate, not available this year) and the amenities are what you would expect in a 4 or 5 star hotel. We were there on Thanksgiving and the Friday after and I cannot stress how nice it was to bypass 75 minute lines and have a 5-15 minute wait.

I think the most fun hotel is the Hard Rock. We went and visited while we were staying at the Portofino and my family asked why we weren't staying there. They have a cool pool with underwater speakers and a very lively, party-like atmosphere.

The second best thing about the Universal hotels is price. There isn't a true value hotel like the Allstars, but for the price of a moderate, you can stay in a 4-star hotel. There are discounts for those that have the card from the entertainment book and you don't need it before you book your room. Again, I would check-out the Universal boards, because there is alot of info there about the discounts available.

Let me know if you have anymore questions!

 

[lovelyk68]