How much does it cost and When is the best time to go?

[BeckWhy]

Might consider Universal over Disney.

There are two of us going, either 2 or 3 days in the park. How much does your trip normally come to (including tickets, transportation, admission tickets, hotel, etc)?

We are probably looking for a cheaper hotel, in a good vicinity of Universal, and something that's nicer and safe.

Also when is the best time to go?

 

[Patch'sD]

I would recommend late August as Most of the US has gone back to School. Parks are not as crowded and parks are still operating at summer hours. I highly recommend that you stay on site. As an On-Site Guest you are allowed Unlimited Express Pass Entry which allows you to by pass the lines. This allows you to take a nice easy going vacation, you don't have to rush to get to the park early. Staying On-Site will cost you about an extra $ 100.00 per night. On Site Hotel Rooms can be gotten for about $ 160 per night for the Royal Pacific up to $ 230 per night for the Portofino Hotel. This is witoh the Annual Pass Discount. An Annual pass can be purchased for $ 200. A regular two Park/Two day pass will cost you $ 100.00. The Annual Pass reduces the room ratby 1/3. I would plan on Spending about $ 30 to $ 40 per person on food, snacks and drinks. We rented a car this time and it was about $ 220 for six days.

 

[Foladar]

I would recommend late August as Most of the US has gone back to School. Parks are not as crowded and parks are still operating at summer hours. I highly recommend that you stay on site. As an On-Site Guest you are allowed Unlimited Express Pass Entry which allows you to by pass the lines. This allows you to take a nice easy going vacation, you don't have to rush to get to the park early. Staying On-Site will cost you about an extra $ 100.00 per night. On Site Hotel Rooms can be gotten for about $ 160 per night for the Royal Pacific up to $ 230 per night for the Portofino Hotel. This is witoh the Annual Pass Discount. An Annual pass can be purchased for $ 200. A regular two Park/Two day pass will cost you $ 100.00. The Annual Pass reduces the room ratby 1/3. I would plan on Spending about $ 30 to $ 40 per person on food, snacks and drinks. We rented a car this time and it was about $ 220 for six days.

If you were go to this route, the AP can be paid monthly as well. I believe it's 14.97 per month or so, and $180 if you pay the lump sum I believe. Onsite hotel rooms can be as low as $129 at RPR, upwards of too much at PBH. You can go and use an alternative choice: 5 days for $99 and staying offsite, there was a hotel across the street for $45 a night, wasn't bad at all, looked nice, and was a good sleep. We went in February, empty as ever. Not too warm either.

 

[robvia]

February is a great month to visit, as the place is a ghost town, and all rides work. Temps are 55 for the low, 75 for the high. In the morning, I usually wear two t-shirts or a light jacket, and by the afternoon, it's perfect weather.

As to saving money, here are the offsite properties.
http://www.nogodforme.com/offsite.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/hiltongardeninn.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/Amerisuites.htm
There are other hotels on I-Drive. It's a good idea to rent the car, even if it means paying for gas and parking. The convience factor far outweighs the cost, especially when you can visit a grocery store and stock a cooler.