How awful it is to stay off-site?

[tamaraten]

Here is an option that I'm not sure you have considered. The annual pass rate for Royal Pacific for your nights is $129/night. An annual pass is $229 with a yearly renewal rate of $149. You should be able to book two rooms for your family with one pass. You will then get a discount on food and merchandise as well as multiday tickets for the rest of the family.

Wow, Damo, what a great idea, thank you. I hadn't thought of the annual pass because since we live overseas, it's not that relevant. But if we could buy one pass and book the rooms for so much less, that would be a huge savings.

Forgive my ignorance (I've only been to WDW once and this is our first time at Universal), but is the annual pass a year-to-year thing from the date of purchase, or is it only within the calendar year of January 1st to December 31st?

Also, where can I find out for sure that I can buy the park tickets at a discount with the one annual pass?

thanks so much for the original thought!

 

[tamaraten]

My last couple of trips have been on-site since it was just me and two of my kids. I have to say that staying on-site beats staying off-site by a large margin, but when you have more than 5 people you really have to weigh the cost.

OP, another thing you can look into is staying off-site and getting express passes for one day if the parks are crowded. They will allow you to use the express line for one time for each ride (excluding Harry Potter). While it is an extra expense, its not as expensive as staying on-site with a party of 6.

Thank you Darcy, I'm considering that as an option - I just think it would be so frustrating to be able to go only once per ride. That's why I'm also considering the on-site option splurge. A big part of this is that we live abroad and don't get the chance to come often, so we can't really afford to waste a lot of time in line (especially since we're there only 4 days in total).

 

[tamaraten]

Well me and my family have never gotten to stay onsite but have never really had a major issue with lines. We learned early that go early(like be at gate when they open) and have gotten most of the rides in by noon and then have a slow afternoon of shows and so on.

I would like to recommend a motel near universal if you haven't gotten on already. This motel is a suite and sleeps 6 and with the size of your kids u should be fine with the room. the motel is Lexington suites and it looks like that the room right now is 69.00 a nite. it also has full hot breakfast in the mornings. and what i liked it had a private shuttle to the park. So, you are saving the 14.00 a day to park.
Hope this helps.

Here's some info on the hotel.

http://www.lexingtonhotels.com/index.cfm

7400 Canada Avenue
Orlando FL 32819
Telephone 407-363-0332

Thanks Oliver. I just tried to check out their website but it was not possible to see the rooms or the set-up. I'll try again. Thanks for the suggestion - It looks like a great deal - even if we do it for the night before a possible stay on-site which I'm still debating!

Can you tell me in the meantime, how the configuration of a room for 6 would be bed-wise? Is it a suite or do they just have 2 queen sizes and a couch or something like that?

 

[oliver200137724]

Thanks Oliver. I just tried to check out their website but it was not possible to see the rooms or the set-up. I'll try again. Thanks for the suggestion - It looks like a great deal - even if we do it for the night before a possible stay on-site which I'm still debating!

Can you tell me in the meantime, how the configuration of a room for 6 would be bed-wise? Is it a suite or do they just have 2 queen sizes and a couch or something like that?

If you go to tripadvisor and type in "Lexington suites near Universal" and it has pictures of the hotel. Ok, just keep in mind that this hotel is older but for the price i think it will be well worth the money. Now some of the reviews are not the best but you know as reviews go that a person that is use to a 4 star hotel and tries to stay in a 2 star hotel will sometimes really dog a hotel. GL.

 

[damo]

Wow, Damo, what a great idea, thank you. I hadn't thought of the annual pass because since we live overseas, it's not that relevant. But if we could buy one pass and book the rooms for so much less, that would be a huge savings.

Forgive my ignorance (I've only been to WDW once and this is our first time at Universal), but is the annual pass a year-to-year thing from the date of purchase, or is it only within the calendar year of January 1st to December 31st?

Also, where can I find out for sure that I can buy the park tickets at a discount with the one annual pass?

thanks so much for the original thought!

The annual pass gets activated when you enter the park for the first time and is good for one year after that. You can purchase other tickets at the ticket booth by showing the annual pass or you can probably purchase them at guest services when you pick up your pass. Before you purchase the pass, make sure you call the hotels and book your rooms. You don't have to have the pass in order to book.

Here is the list of discounts:


Theme Park Discounts
10% savings on 1-day and 15% savings on multi-day theme park tickets (up to 6 people per day)
Free admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras, Summer Concerts and Holidays
Special discounts on separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
10% savings on select VIP Tours. Call 407-363-8295 to book your VIP Tour. Dates subject to availability.
10% saving at select Universal Orlando restaurants (excluding carts and alcoholic beverages)
10% saving at Universal Orlando owned & operated merchandise stores and carts (excluding Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Coin mint and Mystics of the Seven Veils).
15% savings at Lucky Eye Jewelry and U Name It
20% savings at Hollywood Jewelry
Special $30 pricing on a 10-minute reading at Star Souls (Psychic Readings and Henna Tattoos)
"Enjoy Your Face" painting discounts
$2 off $8, $10 or $12 face painting designs
$3 off $15 face painting design

Above benefits cannot be combined with other discounts, offers, or promotions. Discounts subject to change without notice.

Universal Citywalk® Entertainment Complex
20% savings on the CityWalk Party PassSM(up to 4 people per day)
AMC Universal Cineplex 20 - $ 2.00 off admission on highest ticketed price (After 4pm)
Save 10% on Blue Man Group Tickets at the box office (up to 6 guests) Discount cannot be applied to previously purchased ticket
Merchandise
10% savings at: Airbrush Wizards, Cigarz at Citywalk, Cinnabon®, The Endangered Species Store®, Fresh Produce®, Get Wired, Hair Wraps (on hair wraps only), Hart &Huntington Tattoo Company® (merchandise only), The Island Clothing Co., Katie's Candy Company, Quiet Flight® Surf Shop, Starbucks® Coffee, TCBY® and Universal Studios Store®
Restaurants
Bob Marley, A Tribute to FreedomSM - 10% savings on food and beverages (excluding alcohol)
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. ™ Restaurant & Market - 10% savings on food and beverages (excluding alcohol) and 10% savings on merchandise
Hard Rock Café® - 10% food & beverages (excludes alcohol) and 10% savings on retail sales at the Rock Shop.
Jimmy Buffett's ® Margaritaville® - 10% savings on merchandise, food & beverages
Latin Quarter™ - 10% savings on food & beverages (excludes alcohol).
NASCAR Sports GrilleSM - 10% savings on food & beverages (excluding alcohol)
NBA City - 10% savings on food and beverages (excluding alcohol); one free interactive game card per Passholder; one $3.00 off merchandise voucher (per party); Priority seating is included (excluding holidays &special events)
PastamoréSM - 10% savings on food & beverages (excludes alcohol), plus kids (ages 3-9) eat free for dinner (with the purchase of an adult entrée limit 1 for up to $6.95)
Pat O'Briens® - 10% savings on food & beverages (excludes alcohol
Red Coconut ClubSM- 10% savings on food & beverages (excludes alcohol)
the grooveSM - 2 for 1 domestic bottled beers

Above benefits cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers or promotions. Some venues require 21 or older for admission. Valid photo ID required. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. Benefits subject to change without notice.

Additional Discounts
On-Site Hotels at UNIVERSAL ORLANDO®

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel®, Loews Royal Pacific Resort:
Save up to 30% off room rates 1at each on-site hotel. For reservations/availability call 1-866-PASS-4-FUN or visit www.universalorlando.com
10% discount2 at Mandara Spa® at Portofino Bay Hotel (products not included), call 407-503-1224 for appointments.
Save 10% at the following restaurants3: Trattoria del Porto® at Portofino Bay Hotel, The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, Islands Dining Room and Wantilan Luau at Royal Pacific Resort. Call 407-503-DINE to receive discount.

Based on availability. Some blockout dates and minimum stays apply. Advanced reservations required. Special Events and Holidays excluded on all hotel offers above. Food and non-alcoholic beverage only, alcohol excluded. Must present Preferred Pass to receive discount.

WET 'n WILD® - ORLANDO Water Park
Save $20.00 on a regularly priced Annual Pass (not valid with the purchase of a Weekday Annual Pass. Limit 6 per passholder)
Save 25% on a regularly priced all-day admission to Wet 'n Wild – Orlando (valid for Passholder only; blockout dates apply). Call 1-800-992-WILD for more information.
Save 10% in the Breakers Beach Shop (excluding sundries)

Please present your Preferred Annual Pass to the Wet 'n Wild Guest Services window located at the park entrance.

Other Passholder Benefits
Free self-parking‡ each time you visit or pay 2 hours of valet parking and get the rest of the day free (Valet excludes New Years Eve, Mardi Gras nights, July 4th and HHN nights; subject to availability)
Preferred Self-Parking Discount – Preferred Passholders just pay the difference between the posted self-parking price and the regular preferred self-parking price. Parking Rates

 

[tamaraten]

The annual pass gets activated when you enter the park for the first time and is good for one year after that. You can purchase other tickets at the ticket booth by showing the annual pass or you can probably purchase them at guest services when you pick up your pass. Before you purchase the pass, make sure you call the hotels and book your rooms. You don't have to have the pass in order to book.

Here is the list of discounts:


Theme Park Discounts
10% savings on 1-day and 15% savings on multi-day theme park tickets (up to 6 people per day)

Does this mean that I can buy ONE annual pass, and then buy a 3 day park pass (or whatever number of days) for the rest of my family (husband and 4 kids) at a 15% discount? That is amazing.

If I did understand that as above, then if I do buy a 3-day pass, can I upgrade it on my 3rd day for a 4rth day also with the discount?

And you mentioned to book the rooms before getting the annual pass, but don't you need the annual pass to get the discount on the room, or did I misunderstand something?

Also would my annual pass be my entrance to the parks? I mean, is it a physical ticket like a regular park ticket or does the pass just allow me to get another thing (ticket, card, whatever) to show at the entrance?

thank you again so much for your help.

 

[tamaraten]

You don't have to have the pass in order to book.

I just checked and see what you mean, but the hotel does require the annual pass to be shown when you check-in. Which brings me to the question of how to do that when we're arriving at 7 a.m. or thereabouts. We would be arriving on Dec. 4th really late (around midnight), staying at an inexpensive hotel near Universal, and then checking in the next morning on the 5th to the RPR. How could I show them the annual pass at that point without having picked it up at the park?

(I'm sorry for all of the probably very basic questions!)

 

[Lou Holtz]

You could just tell them you don't have the pass yet and they will allow you to come back later and verify that you are an AP holder.

 

[damo]

I just checked and see what you mean, but the hotel does require the annual pass to be shown when you check-in. Which brings me to the question of how to do that when we're arriving at 7 a.m. or thereabouts. We would be arriving on Dec. 4th really late (around midnight), staying at an inexpensive hotel near Universal, and then checking in the next morning on the 5th to the RPR. How could I show them the annual pass at that point without having picked it up at the park?

(I'm sorry for all of the probably very basic questions!)

If you purchase it online, all you do is show the front desk your print out. Or, like Lou said, tell them you have to purchase it. They will just have you show it to them later. We have been staying at the resorts for over 10 years and I think in all those many, many times we have only been asked to show the annual pass once. So, they may not even ask you. It isn't something to worry about at all.

 

[CarrieR]

It sounds like you're getting things sorted out, but just for some added input --

My BFF & I went to Universal last year, the same week (Dec 6-13, I think were our dates.) Our first day at the parks was Mon, and we had week-long passes, we planned to stay there all week. We got there early, but not typically at rope drop (due to shuttle schedule) and took midday breaks most days if not every day. It was so quiet that by our midday break Wednesday, BFF was on the phone with Disney, ordering MNSSHP tickets. We were DONE at Universal. We spent Thursday tooling around the resorts, at the party, Friday at DHS, and then split Saturday between a few rerides at Universal and DTD.

Some of that is park preference, but a lot of that is the rides. We hiked back to (then-) Dueling Dragons, I had my pick of rows without a wait, got off and immediately hopped on the other side -- maybe a one-train wait. This was midafternoon, after we had done all of US. Tuesday was significantly busier, but still a pretty light day; the "talk" in lines is that everyone at US/IoA on Tues had been at Disney on Monday, lol! The fact that I do single rider on most adventuresome rides helped a lot that day... but Weds was back to dead.

Obviously the HP expansion will have some effect, but going into our trip I had been seriously considering a night on-site at Universal. In retrospect, I'm super glad we saved the cash, especially since we paid in the neighborhood of $35/night for our room! We stayed at the Four Points across from Wet N Wild, via Hotwire, had a shuttle to both Universal and Disney (albeit at limited times.) We could also walk to US, but we only did that once, since it was a somewhat long (and hot!) walk.

It's anecdotal and could change year-to-year, but I wouldn't stress not having FOTL.

 

[tamaraten]

Here is the list of discounts:


Theme Park Discounts
10% savings on 1-day and 15% savings on multi-day theme park tickets (up to 6 people per day)

Does this mean that I can buy ONE annual pass, and then buy a 3 day park pass (or whatever number of days) for the rest of my family (husband and 4 kids) at a 15% discount? That is amazing.

Also, is it correct that I wouldn't be able to buy the park tickets on-line with the annual pass discount, but rather I'd have to buy it at the entrance?

If I did understand that as above, then if I do buy a 3-day pass, can I upgrade it on my 3rd day for a 4rth day also with the discount?


Also would my annual pass be my entrance to the parks? I mean, is it a physical ticket like a regular park ticket or does the pass just allow me to get another thing (ticket, card, whatever) to show at the entrance?

thank you again so much for your help.

 

[damo]

Does this mean that I can buy ONE annual pass, and then buy a 3 day park pass (or whatever number of days) for the rest of my family (husband and 4 kids) at a 15% discount? That is amazing.

Yes

Also, is it correct that I wouldn't be able to buy the park tickets on-line with the annual pass discount, but rather I'd have to buy it at the entrance?

You may be able to do it over the phone. I don't know of any way to buy the tickets online with the annual pass discount.

If I did understand that as above, then if I do buy a 3-day pass, can I upgrade it on my 3rd day for a 4rth day also with the discount?

Not sure about this but I think it would be true.

Also would my annual pass be my entrance to the parks? I mean, is it a physical ticket like a regular park ticket or does the pass just allow me to get another thing (ticket, card, whatever) to show at the entrance?

thank you again so much for your help.

The annual pass is the same size as the regular ticket. It is your entrance to the parks.

 

[tamaraten]

Yes



You may be able to do it over the phone. I don't know of any way to buy the tickets online with the annual pass discount.



Not sure about this but I think it would be true.



The annual pass is the same size as the regular ticket. It is your entrance to the parks.

Thank you, again, for your wonderful advice.

I think I am going to go the AP route and stay on-site hopefully. If that works out, I'm back to my original question of how many days to spend at Universal (it's different now with the on-site I guess). I have four days in total (we're leaving on the fourth day). I think we'd do 3 nights at Universal hotel (1st night at an inexpensive hotel) but does this mean we should stay the whole time at the Universal Parks? Is two days enough at Universal or should we do 3 and not rush? And what about the fourth? (I feel like I keep asking same questions, sorry, I just can't decide!)

Again, thank you to everyone.

 

[damo]

I think three is the perfect length. One day at each park and then the third day to do the favourites from each park. You can also easily do 4...you just don't spend so much time at the park each day. You sleep in each day and really have a relaxing vacation.

If you are going to go the AP route, you should call this week and get things booked because the number of AP rooms is limited. Make sure you tell them you need connected rooms with the kids.

 

[tamaraten]

I think three is the perfect length. One day at each park and then the third day to do the favourites from each park. You can also easily do 4...you just don't spend so much time at the park each day. You sleep in each day and really have a relaxing vacation.

If you are going to go the AP route, you should call this week and get things booked because the number of AP rooms is limited. Make sure you tell them you need connected rooms with the kids.

YOU ARE SO THOUGHTFUL!!!!! Damo, how do you have time to answer everyone's questions????? Thank you for thinking about my kids and the connecting rooms!

So here's my next question, should I buy the 3 day park tickets and wait until I'm there to see if we want an upgrade to a 4-day? Or should I buy a 4 day now? Is there a benefit to doing it in advance?

I'm also wondering again, about the AP, since it said in one of the places that in order to use APH discount, you have to buy tickets at the gate. How can I find out how much those tickets are (at gate) so I can compare if it's better to buy at gate with APH discount or maybe on-line with some other deal?

And, can you really sleep-in that way? That sounds perfect. You mean we wouldn't have to get there for the opening hour with all the Harry Potter going on? That would be ideal for my kids. After reading all the threads though on the crowds and the lines, I couldn't imagine being able to sleep in! And I don't want to sound like a general on vacation waking everybody early!

 

[damo]

When I first started out here on the boards, people were so extremely helpful that it made our trips perfect. I will never forget the looks on the faces of my family the first time we flashed our room key and then proceeded to walk past everyone in line. It was priceless. It has been our destination of choice and has provided us with so many great memories. If we here, on this board, can help out others in the same way, it makes us feel good.

You can call the annual pass phone number to arrange to order your annual pass and your other tickets. They will Fed Ex them to you I believe. I am not sure where you live, so delivery may vary. I think this is the number 1-866-PASS-4-FUN for annual passes and info.

Remember to book your rooms first before you order your annual pass, just to make sure that your annual pass is going to be worth it.

I would do one morning of early entry and that would probably be enough. The crowds should be very low when you go and I think you will be able to do everything with pretty small lines.

My kids never wanted to get up early on vacation either. That is one of the reasons why we love USF so much. It is actually a really relaxing vacation.

Updating to a 4 day should be quite inexpensive. You certainly can wait if you want since there is no benefit to doing it early.

 

[tamaraten]

When I first started out here on the boards, people were so extremely helpful that it made our trips perfect. I will never forget the looks on the faces of my family the first time we flashed our room key and then proceeded to walk past everyone in line. It was priceless. It has been our destination of choice and has provided us with so many great memories. If we here, on this board, can help out others in the same way, it makes us feel good.

You can call the annual pass phone number to arrange to order your annual pass and your other tickets. They will Fed Ex them to you I believe. I am not sure where you live, so delivery may vary. I think this is the number 1-866-PASS-4-FUN for annual passes and info.

Remember to book your rooms first before you order your annual pass, just to make sure that your annual pass is going to be worth it.

I would do one morning of early entry and that would probably be enough. The crowds should be very low when you go and I think you will be able to do everything with pretty small lines.

My kids never wanted to get up early on vacation either. That is one of the reasons why we love USF so much. It is actually a really relaxing vacation.

Updating to a 4 day should be quite inexpensive. You certainly can wait if you want since there is no benefit to doing it early.

Are you getting tired of me saying thank you??? Thank you anyways, so much, for all of the wonderful tips, advice and info.

I will keep you posted on final decisions!

 

[momblanch]

FWIW...we just returned today, staying off-site/no express pass. With the exception of Friday, we had very short lines (15-20 mins or less at both parks for almost every ride including FJ). The longest line we encountered was for Olivanders, and waited until early Sun evening and had only a 30 min wait. We spread our trip out because we had 14 day passes, but 3 days is about right.

 

[tamaraten]

FWIW...we just returned today, staying off-site/no express pass. With the exception of Friday, we had very short lines (15-20 mins or less at both parks for almost every ride including FJ). The longest line we encountered was for Olivanders, and waited until early Sun evening and had only a 30 min wait. We spread our trip out because we had 14 day passes, but 3 days is about right.

thanks momblanch for the update. Hope you had a great trip.

 

[mollybeasley]

I don't think it matter for your week, especially if you'll be there on a Sunday.Look at the trip reports for people at WWOHP this week. Your week will be just as slow as it is now. Maybe slower. People are getting right on FJ as long as they arrive early. Even if they're not staying onsite. I looked into it for Dec 12 and it would cost 500 minimum for two rooms. The only benefit for HP is to be able to enter 45-60 minutes earlier. The advantage disappears after that.

If you could swing it, I think it would be better to add more days to your trip.