Just Back and a few take aways

[lizzilou]

We just went last week and it was crowded. We didn't have EP but did have EE. We only used EE two out of the three days and then on our last day waited for rope drop at Universal at 8:30am, so we could ride Despicable Me without a 60-90 min wait. Single rider lines were a huge help with crowds on some rides. With three days of park to park we got to do everything but just barely since we tried not to do any lines longer than 30 min wait times listed. I had two littler kids with me, 3 & 5, and waiting in line with them can be torture.

 

[goNDmay9]

I had two littler kids with me, 3 & 5, and waiting in line with them can be torture.

^^ THIS!! My 3 year old loved the Flight of the Hippogriff - but the 60 minute wait was grueling. It was right after that huge thunderstorm on Wednesday and the ride opened back up with only one train running.

 

[keishashadow]

Do you think they will remove the Express Pass perk from one of the hotels as they are getting to the point where the Express queue can't cope?

No I do think they need to revisit how many express passes they are selling
Have been onsite many times near sellout pre HP. Since then during peak times many of the express pass wait times have been unacceptable imo

 

[soma151]

I just don't see the rewards of staying on site? The cost is more then double? FOR WHAT?

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I just don't see the rewards of staying on site? The cost is more then double? FOR WHAT?

At the three deluxe resorts every person in the room gets a free unlimited express pass for the length of stay (which looking at July dates, can be up to $140 per day per person), and access to early entry for Harry Potter. Cabana Bay guests don't get express but they also can attend early entry.

Other that that, there's also the bonus of ease of access to the parks and CityWalk. The hotels are all really lovely as well. I've stayed at RPR and PBR and really enjoyed both.

 

[keishashadow]

I just don't see the rewards of staying on site? The cost is more then double? FOR WHAT?

more than double what?

The PBH, HRH & RPR are deluxe resorts. At the risk of having my mouseketer ears stripped, I'd argue that Loews' resorts (especially the Portofino) top several of the Disney deluxe offerings as to 'luxury', this without considering the FOTL perk for the parks.

it does depend on the time of year/conventions, etc. as to onsite pricing at Universal Loews properties. However, I have often seen RPR price out less than Disney moderates, when AP discounts are available.

 

[Disney Khi]

I just don't see the rewards of staying on site? The cost is more then double? FOR WHAT?

We stayed at Cabana Bay in a family suite in February for $99/night with an annual pass discount. A regular room was even less expensive. We didn't need express pass because crowds were so low, and we could still do early entry. I think that's a pretty good deal.

 

[ellemenohpee]

We have APs and were there on Wednesday and Thursday, staying at Portofino Bay for the Express Passes. We arrived Wednesday at around 11, checked in, and were at the parks by noon. Really, the only thing we waited a "long" time for was the Minion ride - about 20 minutes as opposed to a 45 minute regular wait. Everything else was less than 8 minutes (although we didn't ride Rock It). We even got on Forbidden Journey with a 20 minute wait at about 6:30 PM and we entered IOA at 8:30 AM on Thursday, got my DH and nephew on the Hogwarts Express line and they rode the first train to Diagon Alley and had less than a 15 minute wait for Gringotts. It couldn't have been easier.

In fact, the worst part is that we usually stay at Cabana Bay or similarly priced hotel, and now DH says he will "never go back", so it's going to be way more expensive to visit in the future.

 

[RMulieri]

I just don't see the rewards of staying on site? The cost is more then double? FOR WHAT?

You get 3 beautiful DELUXE resorts ( and I prefer them to what Disney considers deluxe), they are ALL within walking distance or they each have their OWN boat transportation to the parks.You get early entry and for each guest in your room you get the UNLIMITED express pass.Well worth the cost and honestly,it has costed me LESS than what I pay at Disneys Beach Club,Boardwalk ,Poly or Contemporary resorts

 

[kbelle8995]

Universal's Deluxe can be pricey but compared to what Disney charges for their deluxes they are a steal. They are also really beautiful and classy resorts

I've stayed at Cabana Bay and Royal Pacific and have grown to like both hotels greatly.

 

[Bluer101]

I just don't see the rewards of staying on site? The cost is more then double? FOR WHAT?

I'm perfect for this answer.

We are there all the time (try for once a month or more) and there is more to the 3 deluxe than getting unlimited express.



All three resorts are just stunning and feel right at home.

Conveniently close to all the action. Take a short walk or hop on a water taxi and you are right in the middle of fun and food.

I will throw in unlimited express pass.

So close to the fun that multiple breaks are easy to do.

Pool hopping.

Resort wide charging.

No real planning required (adr's and touring schedule) hey it's a vacation not WORK.

Totally relaxing and laid back.

Priority seating

Early entry if you want.

Merchandise delivery back to your room.

Loews you first program, more you stay the more perks you get.

Main thing for us, relaxing!

Feel fee to add more.

 

[larslovesyou]

Do you think they will remove the Express Pass perk from one of the hotels as they are getting to the point where the Express queue can't cope?

We were there this past weekend, Express Pass worked like a charm! Most rides were walk on, a few were a 5 minute wait. The only ride we waited for was DM, at 20 minutes...but compared to the 100 minute posted wait time– I'll take it!

Just to add, we thought EE was a complete waste! It was more crowded during EE at Hogsmeade, that it was the rest of the day. We arrived at EE just before 8 am ( when it opens) and the lines for FJ were already 45 minutes. Shops were jammed packed as well. We came back to Hogmeade around 7 pm and it was empty! FJ had a 20 posted wait, but was walk on, all the shops were almost empty and, of course, the weather was much more tolerable at night!

We had no problems with the Metal Detectors either. Thanks to the DisBoards, we were well prepared for the rules. I could see that it completely blindsided ALOT of people. DH wore a belt and when he beeped, he would just tell the staff, and they let him through. All the team members working the metal detectors we experienced were very friendly. Lockers were easy to use, and never had to fight a crowd, we just went to whatever locker section had a open screen. I noticed a lot of people all crowding around the first locker section though...

 

[kbelle8995]

Can I just say that there are pluses to staying at Cabana Bay. Yes there is no express passes. But there are times of the year when you don't need it. Unfortunately not summer, christmas or Spring break. It is just a beautiful bright and sunny resort.

And that early entry into the park is nothing to sneeze at. HP (Gringotts and FJ) don't take express pass and those are the big draw in those sections.

 

[soma151]

Thanks every one, i was thinking more of the Disney on site hotels? Looks like i need to look into UO resorts a little more? We are going last week of April ( that can change). We where going to do a 10 day trip but others have told me 7 would be fine that time of year? Its really only 5 because two days are travel days. So we where going to do 3 at Disney and 2 at UO? At first i was looking at staying on site and not rent a car, but after looking at how you get to and from each park and the cost of on site hotels, it seem like a much better deal to get a off site hotel and drive to the parks? We have 15 in are group. This all seems like soooooooo much work for a vaction? I am not really a planner i just want to go and have fun. I guess that is why we don't do the Disney thing very often.

 

[pcstang]

I would suggest you stick with your 10 day plan, especially with 2 of the days being travel days. That leaves you 8 days to do the parks. If you stick with 5 or 6 days of parks you will get two down days to relax and enjoy your resort or other great things Orlando has to offer. If you do 7 days, 2 for travel and 5 for parks, you will need a vacation afterwards!

 

[kbelle8995]

Thanks every one, i was thinking more of the Disney on site hotels? Looks like i need to look into UO resorts a little more? We are going last week of April ( that can change). We where going to do a 10 day trip but others have told me 7 would be fine that time of year? Its really only 5 because two days are travel days. So we where going to do 3 at Disney and 2 at UO? At first i was looking at staying on site and not rent a car, but after looking at how you get to and from each park and the cost of on site hotels, it seem like a much better deal to get a off site hotel and drive to the parks? We have 15 in are group. This all seems like soooooooo much work for a vaction? I am not really a planner i just want to go and have fun. I guess that is why we don't do the Disney thing very often.

I would check out the Disney resort threads. If you have 15 in your party than yes Disney is going to be quite pricey. Disney is also something where you do have to know what you are doing. Research if nothing else. You've got a great start by coming here on the Boards. Check out more of the Disney planning section for tips on those parks. There are some wonderfuly hotels in the area that can have larger family groups.

With Disney it has gone more toward planning far in advance, you can still have a good time as long as you are flexible.

I prefer Universal these days in part because theres a lot less planning in advance involved.

 

[soma151]

These boards and you guys have been very helpful, i have to remember this is a vacation. The only reason we are going to Orlando and not just go to Disneyland is UO. We have only been to Disneyworld one time over 20 years ago, my kid was 12 and the poor thing was so sick she didn't even leave the room for 8 days. We had just done a 30 day trip to Belize and Costa Rica and she got fever and poor thing just about died. Now she is 32 and has given me 4 grandchildren so i really want to make this a trip of a life time. But now we have my niece and her kids coming and the manger of my store and his kids. The budget has gone from $10k to $30k…My first home was only $28k….lol…So now i will look at all the UO hotels? I am starting to see the reason to stay on site? But last time we stayed on site and it still seem to take a hour to get to the parks? If i remember right? You couldn't just walk to every thing like Disneyland.

 

[godisneyboat]

Do you think they will remove the Express Pass perk from one of the hotels as they are getting to the point where the Express queue can't cope?

As so many have said, no, they wont remove the Express Pass...........but what no one has mentioned, this is driving the cost of the deluxe resorts up even more.......expect the price point to get near a Disney deluxe price for the high demand periods.......but at least at Universal you do get the Express pass.......I would never consider paying the price at Disney for a deluxe just for a place to rest. A total waste of money.....but as long as people pay it they will keep raising the price point to see where they are having empty rooms.

 

[soniam]

@soma151
Look into using an Orbitz/Cheap Tickets discount code, especially for the Universal hotels. Also, the Uni AP gives lodging discounts and is way cheaper than you would think. Be sure to post on the board for any questions. There are an amazing number of very friendly and knowledge people here.

 

[soma151]

Yes thank you all so much you all have been just great. The more info i get, the more changes i make…lol..I see this will be lots of planning and changing before i book every thing?