HUGE announcement from Universal

[Bob P]

This press release was just sent out this afternoon:

NEW UNIVERSAL ORLANDO "EARLYBIRD EXCLUSIVES"

TICKET PROGRAM AND VACATION PACKAGES OFFER GREATER VALUE FOR EVERYONE BOOKING IN ADVANCE



Up To Seven Days Unlimited Admission for Less Than A

One-Day Disney Park Hopper



ORLANDO, Fla. - Universal Orlando announced a powerful new ticket program today that offers consumers greater value and more flexibility than ever before.



Called EarlyBird Exclusives, the new program includes significant advance-purchase savings on everything from single-day tickets to a newly created multi-day ticket to vacation packages. And consumers can take advantage of the new program whether they buy from Universal's website (www.universalorlando.com), other online sites, AAA locations or other professional travel agencies and tour operators.



The centerpiece of the EarlyBird Exclusives program is a powerful, new multi-day ticket. The new ticket - which becomes Universal's primary advance-purchase multi-day ticket - allows all consumers up to seven days unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure for $85. That means everyone has the flexibility to come and go as they please to both Universal theme parks for up to seven days - for less than the price of a one-day Walt Disney World ticket with a Park Hopper option.

 

[Henlady]

Hmmmmm, interesting - very interesting. Might be enough to lure me away from Disney for an impromptu trip.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

This press release was just sent out this afternoon:

NEW UNIVERSAL ORLANDO "EARLYBIRD EXCLUSIVES"

TICKET PROGRAM AND VACATION PACKAGES OFFER GREATER VALUE FOR EVERYONE BOOKING IN ADVANCE



Up To Seven Days Unlimited Admission for Less Than A

One-Day Disney Park Hopper



ORLANDO, Fla. - Universal Orlando announced a powerful new ticket program today that offers consumers greater value and more flexibility than ever before.



Called EarlyBird Exclusives, the new program includes significant advance-purchase savings on everything from single-day tickets to a newly created multi-day ticket to vacation packages. And consumers can take advantage of the new program whether they buy from Universal's website (www.universalorlando.com), other online sites, AAA locations or other professional travel agencies and tour operators.



The centerpiece of the EarlyBird Exclusives program is a powerful, new multi-day ticket. The new ticket - which becomes Universal's primary advance-purchase multi-day ticket - allows all consumers up to seven days unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure for $85. That means everyone has the flexibility to come and go as they please to both Universal theme parks for up to seven days - for less than the price of a one-day Walt Disney World ticket with a Park Hopper option.

One question. What is a Universal, and, why would I want to do that?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) That is indeed a HUGE deal.
2) If you do Universal for 7-days, that is about $15/day after tax
3) Holey-Smoley.

 

[Lostgirlz]

Universal is a theme park owned by the movie studio Universal studios. They did such films as Twister, Men in Black, Back to the future and so forth. They have Islands of Adventure which is super herol related with Rollercoasters and other thrill rides, the Main universal side has Men in black ride, Twister, back to the future ride and so forth. It basically revolves around movies Universal has made and turned them into thrill rides. I have heard Universal Orlando is pretty good if you like a different type of theme park. You can check it out on their website and it shows some demo vids of the thrill rides.

 

[B'rer Karen]

But is there really enough to do in those two parks to keep you busy for 7 days? I think not. It still is a good deal if you want to do both parks and even have only one day to spend. I don't think in the past you could get a one day ticket to both parks so that's good.

 

[Princess19]

Finally, someone cut us a break! That sounds like an AMAZING deal. I will take full advantage of that.

 

[Ready to go in Ok]

One question. What is a Universal, and, why would I want to do that?

 

[4lilpoohs]

It's a great deal if you don't have kids. The other deal with the free kids tickets was better for us. UGH I should have bought them!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Thank you for the information!

 

[elastigirl]

But is there really enough to do in those two parks to keep you busy for 7 days? I think not. It still is a good deal if you want to do both parks and even have only one day to spend. I don't think in the past you could get a one day ticket to both parks so that's good.

I agree. Universal is not a 7-day destination. But they have to do something to compete with MYW pricing.

Currently, when you can make a 5-day park hopper a 7-day park hopper for a family of for for $16, it's quite a hit to the wallet to spend $252 ($63 per person) to go to Universal for a day. Even now, unless guests want to spend considerable time off Disney property, and have the means to (DME creates a somewhat captive audience), it's still going to be expensive to do *both* resorts in a week-long vacation.

 

[Fast Pass]

I guess Universal is really hurting for customers. Great Deal though.

 

[flortlebap]

Are you missing something? You can do both Universal and IOA in a day and a half, tops. And there's not much you'd want to go back and see, either.

Plus it's not that good. We're going to both on our 14 day trip, although I must admit I'm not sure why.

It smacks of desperation to me!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Are you missing something? You can do both Universal and IOA in a day and a half, tops. And there's not much you'd want to go back and see, either.

Plus it's not that good. We're going to both on our 14 day trip, although I must admit I'm not sure why.

It smacks of desperation to me!!

Different strokes for different folks. It smacks of incredible marketing to me. I LOVE Universal Orlando. I actually think they did the "movie park" concept far better than Disney did.

Besides - what difference does it make if you can see it all in less than 7 days? You're now able to get in for LESS than what you used to pay for a 2 day ticket.

 

[disneypookies]

Universal and IOA are great parks. They might be on the slower side since they sent out a mass mailing of free tickets to randomly selected Florida residents. Along with a huge deal.

They gave me one free admission to both parks for one day, and 6 extra tickets for $35 each. That's great if you ask me. Also, you can purchase up to 6 premium annual passes at Florida Residents rate, and get this. GET THE SECOND YEAR FREE! I was so stoked, we're going this weekend and purchasing the annual passes to take advantage of this. 2 Years for the price of one

Time to move to Florida folks.

 

[klwdisney]

One question. What is a Universal, and, why would I want to do that?

good one!!! although im sure that's exactly why they're doing this "special" promotion.

 

[btuftee]

Somehow this just seems like Universal is slipping further into the "second-tier" status when compared with Disney. Back when IOA first popped up, I would have considered Universal and Disney to be comparable in status, if not scale, since Disney has always been the giant in total number of rides, shows, etc.

If I want unthemed rollercoasters and dirty parks I can go to my local Six Flags! I don't think Universal quite got that.

 

[metsfan11]

WOW! This is a reason for me to go to Universal after I vowed to stay away for a few years due to financial restraints. WOW! I am shocked.

BUT! I really don't like how they compared their ticket prices to Disney's. I know Disney ticket prices. EVERYONE traveling to Orlando knows Disney's ticket prices. This made me think of that Universal commercial with the "If I see another princess I'll puke". But still, a GREAT deal.

 

[Dznefreek]

Islands of Adventure which is super herol related

not quite
IOA is:
Marvel Super Hero Island
Spider-man ride (3D, moving simulator ride, AWESOME!)
Dr. Doom's Fear Fall
Storm Force Accelatron (Tea cup like)
Hulk Coaster

Toon Lagoon:
Dudley Do Right's Rip saw Falls (like Spalsh)
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges (like Kali Rapids)
Me Ship:The Olive (like Donald's Boat)

Jurasssic Park:
JP River Adventure
Camp Jurassic Play Area
Pteranodon Flyers
Jp Discovery Center

The Lost Continent:
Flying Unicorn (Kiddie Coaster)
Dueling Dragons (Fire and Ice)
Poseidon's Fury
Sinbad Show
Mystic Fountain (similar to PUSH at MK)

Seuss Landing:
Car-o-seussel
One Fish, Two Fish (Dumbo like ride)
Cat in the Hat ride
Seuss Trolley Train
If I ran the Zoo - interactive area

 

[MPierce]

For some reason, I don't think WDW is going to match this offer.