Has anyone stayed at Universal to save on weekend points?

[ranthony]

Thinking this may be a good option in a few years as I have some avid Harry Potter fans.

Just looking for reviews/advice as to how staying on-site at US has worked for DVC members.

I know they have the FOTL passes for on-site guests so that is really a big perk!

 

[Muushka]

We have stayed at all 3 USF properties several times. And yes, the weekend too! We love their hotels. You can walk to the park or take a launch.
Portofino Bay is a beautiful resort, Royal Pacific is nice and Hard Rock is our favorite. But the price to stay there has gone up quite a bit since we have been there, but the FOTL cannot be beat. Enjoy!

 

[starbox]

We have stayed at all 3 USF properties several times. And you, the weekend too! We love their hotels. You can walk to the park or take a launch.
Portofino Bay is a beautiful resort, Royal Pacific is nice and Hard Rock is our favorite. But the price to stay there has gone up quite a bit since we have been there, but the FOTL cannot be beat. Enjoy!

We will absolutely do this when HP opens!!!! I've been to US/IOA twice and am not a big fan - but I've got to see HP!!!!!!

 

[ADP]

I've done this before...Stayed at USO on the weekend to conserve DVC points. I should mention that USO does charge higher rates for their onsite resorts on the weekends. It's hard to say how much more, but they do. In most cases its cheaper to stay during the week.

The Hard Rock Hotel's pool is awesome!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Us too!!! That's the plan

We like Universal and Sea World too and always stay on site at USF. The convenience to their parks and FOTL cannot be beat. We will work it out so that the Universal park of our trip is on the weekend to save on points!

 

[RLRDA]

We will absolutely do this when HP opens!!!! I've been to US/IOA twice and am not a big fan - but I've got to see HP!!!!!!

I have to agree....US/IOA has never held any appeal for me. We did go once a few summers ago and my feelings were validated. I will return though since it's something the boys will like to experience again....especially HP! I just kept wishing I was at WDW!

When is the HP attraction supposed to open?

 

[spiceycat]

2010.

only stayed at Royal pacific - for FOLT - but mother and Spicey loved it so much we just spend the weekend there.

that was probably Spicey favorite place.

royal pacific to me seems closer to IOa (where HP will be) - so that will be choice.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

We stay at the US/IOA resorts annually, mainly on the weekends. Originally we stayed there for FOTL access and to save weekend points. We have stayed at all 3 but our preference is HRH.

spiceycat - royal pacific to me seems closer to IOa (where HP will be) - so that will be choice

Royal Pacific is definately closer as the side exit comes out next to the far side of margarittaville and is a short walk over to IOA.

 

[Muushka]

2010.

only stayed at Royal pacific - for FOLT - but mother and Spicey loved it so much we just spend the weekend there.

that was probably Spicey favorite place.

royal pacific to me seems closer to IOa (where HP will be) - so that will be choice.

Awww, Spicey is your beloved kitty (who, I know, passed away), right?

We stay at the US/IOA resorts annually, mainly on the weekends. Originally we stayed there for FOTL access and to save weekend points. We have stayed at all 3 but our preference is HRH.



Royal Pacific is definately closer as the side exit comes out next to the far side of margarittaville and is a short walk over to IOA.

I did not know that! I was thinking 'No Way! HRH is closer!' See, you learn something new everyday!
Wish I had known that when we stayed at RPR .

 

[spiceycat]

Awww, Spicey is your beloved kitty (who, I know, passed away), right?

yea he is gone! but never forgotten.

do you still get a good discount on the rooms with us/ioa annual pass?

or is AAA discount better these days?

 

[Muushka]

Sorry, it has been a few years since I stayed there. But back then AP discount was great. I never paid more than $129, those were the good old days.......

 

[Disneyhappy]

All the time! We have Univeral APs (only $99 renewals). We love the Universal resorts and front of the line access. We try to do Universal after a WDW stay because FOTL access really spoils you. Two different experiences. We love both. But I must say that Universal is more economical vs WDW resorts (not DVC).