Just bought Universal APs again

[we"reofftoneverland]

Just spent the $5k and bought Universal again. Haven’t had Disney APs or even gone to the theme parks beyond Moonlight Magic since pre covid. That’s a lifetime and a hard shift for us Disney lovers. Been a serious park hopper since I was a kid in the 80s. Thought long and hard about it. Disney APs verses Universal APs. And we’ve had a few not so great experiences at the Disney resorts over the last year, so in the end we are just tired of being disappointed. Also tired of Disney’s dismantling of Disney. All the kids and DH voted Uni anyway. I was the only hold out and it was probably just sentimentalism on my part. Looks like we’ll be staying a lot in our favorite Universal resort over the next 18 months— SSR lol!

 

[RuntheMouse]

We’re renewing our WDW APs next month, again. Just got back from a magical trip after Labor Day. We had a great experience at BWV, so great I spoke with the manager about it. I still find it very Disney.

Enjoy Universal, seems like the right fit for your family.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

I live in perpetual jealousy of people who live closer to the parks. For our upcoming trip, we spent $2k on Disney Tickets, and $1k on Universal tickets. Another $300-$500 and we could’ve bought APs for both.

But then we would’ve ended up spending another $8k on airfare, lodging, transportation, and excessive food costs to use those APs!

Enjoy your Universal days!

 

[keishashadow]

Just spent the $5k and bought Universal again

$5k buys a lot of U tix, big family?

We never offered a family vote for fear of a coup.

Other than Covid shutdown, Can’t remember last time we didn’t have both WDW & U APs in hand.

U AP rates took a rather big bounce this year IMO, even factoring in the 3 month bonus promo they added (likely due to pushback on the price hike)

Renewal cost for us as of today’s rates:

Mine -Pref $504+
DH -seasonal $340+ or power $380+

Not sure why I’m dragging my feet on renewal this year as two combined are in same ballpark as one WDW AP

Just back yesterday, had a great split trip. Definitely enjoy the Disney vibe/parks more other than HHN

Not a fan of being a day guest at U. Expensive to park without Pref pass.

We save the DVC points and book Loews. Usually, can grab a decent rate, especially if willing to Forego the EP properties

heading down to U for Columbus Day weekend with family for HHN, eagerly looking forward to it

Still undecided whether to let ours go after next trip until 2024 haunt season begins, since we have some older one day tix on hand in case the urge would strike to drive up

Not helping with decision that we are thinking of doing DL for first time since 2019 next September

For our upcoming trip, we spent $2k on Disney Tickets, and $1k on Universal tickets. Another $300-$500 and we could’ve bought APs for both

Have u considered the option to squeeze two trips out of one set of APs, the 2nd in the 12th month?

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

$5k buys a lot of U tix, big family?

We never offered a family vote for fear of a coup.

Other than Covid shutdown, Can’t remember last time we didn’t have both WDW & U APs in hand.

U AP rates took a rather big bounce this year IMO, even factoring in the 3 month bonus promo they added (likely due to pushback on the price hike)

Renewal cost for us as of today’s rates:

Mine -Pref $504+
DH -seasonal $340+ or power $380+

Not sure why I’m dragging my feet on renewal this year as two combined are in same ballpark as one WDW AP

Just back yesterday, had a great split trip. Definitely enjoy the Disney vibe/parks more other than HHN

Not a fan of being a day guest at U. Expensive to park without Pref pass.

We save the DVC points and book Loews. Usually, can grab a decent rate, especially if willing to Forego the EP properties

heading down to U for Columbus Day weekend with family for HHN, eagerly looking forward to it

Still undecided whether to let ours go after next trip until 2024 haunt season begins, since we have some older one day tix on hand in case the urge would strike to drive up

Not helping with decision that we are thinking of doing DL for first time since 2019 next September

For our upcoming trip, we spent $2k on Disney Tickets, and $1k on Universal tickets. Another $300-$500 and we could’ve bought APs for both

Have u considered the option to squeeze two trips out of one set of APs, the 2nd in the 12th month?

Our first ever trip to universal was right after covid lockdowns when we bought our first universal annual pass. We did not get the renewal price this time unfortunately. We let our Universal APs lapse last year because we assumed we would get Disney APs next go around. We took two cruises last year and did not think we could fully use an AP. Two adults, three kids, but for pricing it is 5 adults. I agree the price has gone up dramatically at Universal and it would have been cheaper for us to get Disney passes . We got the premier pass with 3 parks. We thought about getting one premier and 4 at a lower level, but we love the 4pm+ express pass. We also love the universal hotels and prices and will probably supplement with them. We did last time. We have stayed at adventura, cabana bay, and dockside. We haven’t done any of the higher end hotels yet. We have to try them sometime when our oldest is not with us to have a group of four. Of course the kids like dockside the most lol. We really, really love universal. It reminds me of those days at Disney when there were extra magic hours at night. Something about the upbeat excited vibe where everyone is just so happy. I don’t feel that at Disney post covid. When we have been to moonlight magic, everyone around us is complaining and they all seem unsatisfied. Things feel unorganized at Disney now. And then at the disney resorts and restaurants it seems like most of the staff is just over it. It is a bit bittersweet for me because it feels a bit weird to be so alienated from Disney. It was such a large part of our lives for so long. Funny, but our youngest has more emotional ties to universal because he was just the perfect age when we first went. All of our kids really love Harry Potter. Our oldest used to be a huge marvel fan but says Disney has destroyed it with their new agenda. I just hope Disney gets a new executive team and turns the ship around.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I live in perpetual jealousy of people who live closer to the parks. For our upcoming trip, we spent $2k on Disney Tickets, and $1k on Universal tickets. Another $300-$500 and we could’ve bought APs for both.

But then we would’ve ended up spending another $8k on airfare, lodging, transportation, and excessive food costs to use those APs!

Enjoy your Universal days!

I agree with @keishashadow that it might be worth it for you guys to use the APs on two trips. Especially at universal right now they have 18 month APs— ending very soon! You can buy them and not activate them indefinitely.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Have u considered the option to squeeze two trips out of one set of APs, the 2nd in the 12th month?

That’s the problem… the extra $500 spent to go with APs will easily create $10k in spend on an extra trip!

My DD6 wants to go to Paris (don’t know why, but she’s really focused on it), we want to take her for a N’awlins Easter Parade, my 89YO Mom has a big birthday coming up (in another state), and we might have to go for a family visit and wedding in Singapore and Bali this summertime. I’m pretty sure no amount of creative financing would make an additional Disney trip a smart move in 2024.

But the year after, I’m gonna plan for a Disney cruise, short WDW visit, and then another WDW trip later that year.

 

[keishashadow]

Of course the kids like dockside the most lol

Thats so funny but, kids are honest and know what they like!

My kids are adults. It used to be champagne & caviar taste until they had to start paying the bill.

GD loves BWV, portofino & cruising on the RCCL oasis ships over DCL. Latter works for me as even higher overall prices, it’s far less on RCCL to point we can add in Disney time on same budget

When we have been to moonlight magic, everyone around us is complaining and they all seem unsatisfied. Things feel unorganized at Disney now. And then at the disney resorts and restaurants it seems like most of the staff is just over it.

Seriously, seems a large contingent of members using it as a whine fest. Not sure what they expect! With all the effort/hoops to actually attend, they should just skip it entirely

Was nice to talk to several local, retired members at the one this month. They seem to really appreciate the event, as many said they are out priced on APs

 

[keishashadow]

Especially at universal right now they have 18 month APs— ending very soon! You can buy them and not activate them indefinitely.

I thot 15 months. 18 def would be a tipping point for us to renew as it would get us thru 3/25.

I do expect epic universe park will be a $$$ in whatever format At they sell tix.

U AP prices will surely soar in price. Conversely, maybe WDW will offer some deals

 

[Chuck S]

Granted, there are a few things I'd like to see at Universal...I haven't seen Harry Potter or even Islands of Adventure. The last time I was there it was just the original park, and I was underwhelmed.

I have two solo trips planned during the next year, as no one in my normal travel group can go at this time. I will wait until other can go before going back over to universal. And I will renew my Disney Sorcerer Pass. in the meantime.

Just after COVID, I did have a pretty abysmal large group trip to Disney. But, that was due MOSTLY to the fact that it was over Thanksgiving Week, but that is when everyone could travel. I warned them to no avail. 11 people, crowded parks, trying to meet up for meals and such....OK in the slower times of year, NOT during a really busy week, especially when Genie+ was a new thing and crashing regularly. Haven't used it since.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I thot 15 months. 18 def would be a tipping point for us to renew as it would get us thru 3/25.

I do expect epic universe park will be a $$$ in whatever format At they sell tix.

U AP prices will surely soar in price. Conversely, maybe WDW will offer some deals

Sorry! You are right it is only three months extra- 15 months. I am curious about Epic pricing too. And it will be interesting to see if Disney does do anything to lure people back when Epic opens. That could be the moment for Disney APs. Lol

 

[Skywalker3]

Enjoy the year of Universal. We have APs for both Disney and Universal this year, but whew, Universal definitely followed Disney's lead on prices. This year, only I have the preferred AP, 2 of us have the power, 1 has seasonal. Before 2022, we generally only did one or the other park on an Orlando visit. Like do Disney APs, get 2-3 trips on that, then take a break, and usually go to Universal on that off years. (couple times did do 1 day at Universal, but those were rushed.) I very much like staying in the Universal bubble so I don't know what our future DVC trips will look like. With limited vacation time and funds, I want to start spending the money anywhere else but Orlando. We've done very few family trips anywhere else.
we're planning 2-3 days there in a few weeks. Universal has really upped their special events game. I am a convert to HHN, and doing one night there. Mardi Gras is so much fun, and they also do such a fabulous job at Christmas.

 

[zavandor]

Granted, there are a few things I'd like to see at Universal...I haven't seen Harry Potter or even Islands of Adventure. The last time I was there it was just the original park, and I was underwhelmed.

I have two solo trips planned during the next year, as no one in my normal travel group can go at this time. I will wait until other can go before going back over to universal. And I will renew my Disney Sorcerer Pass. in the meantime.

Just after COVID, I did have a pretty abysmal large group trip to Disney. But, that was due MOSTLY to the fact that it was over Thanksgiving Week, but that is when everyone could travel. I warned them to no avail. 11 people, crowded parks, trying to meet up for meals and such....OK in the slower times of year, NOT during a really busy week, especially when Genie+ was a new thing and crashing regularly. Haven't used it since.

You should really give it a go. I think the only attraction still standing is ET, everything else has changed. Universal has opened one new attraction a year lately, there have been a few duds (Fallon and Fast and furious) but also some masterpieces.
And if you like water parks, Volcano Bay is way better than the Disney parks.
Also, time your visit with HHN, it's a great event (if you buy at least an Express pass, otherwise it's torture).

I personally like them both, for different reasons. And I cannot wait for Epic Universe.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Just spent the $5k and bought Universal again. Haven’t had Disney APs or even gone to the theme parks beyond Moonlight Magic since pre covid. That’s a lifetime and a hard shift for us Disney lovers. Been a serious park hopper since I was a kid in the 80s. Thought long and hard about it. Disney APs verses Universal APs. And we’ve had a few not so great experiences at the Disney resorts over the last year, so in the end we are just tired of being disappointed. Also tired of Disney’s dismantling of Disney. All the kids and DH voted Uni anyway. I was the only hold out and it was probably just sentimentalism on my part. Looks like we’ll be staying a lot in our favorite Universal resort over the next 18 months— SSR lol!

How long is the drive, on average, with normal traffic?

 

[Upatnoon]

How long is the drive, on average, with normal traffic?

It's about a 30-minute drive. Then you have to park, go through security, walk through Citywalk and arrive at the gates.

I generally count on an hour to get where I want to go. If it is less, great! If it is longer, I am not surprised.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

How long is the drive, on average, with normal traffic?

It's about a 30-minute drive. Then you have to park, go through security, walk through Citywalk and arrive at the gates.

I generally count on an hour to get where I want to go. If it is less, great! If it is longer, I am not surprised.

It can be 12 minutes. Plug it into maps. It usually takes us between 15-20 minutes. Their parking is incredibly easy and links right to the parks and their security is a walk through.

 

[RanDIZ]

Just spent the $5k and bought Universal again. Haven’t had Disney APs or even gone to the theme parks beyond Moonlight Magic since pre covid. That’s a lifetime and a hard shift for us Disney lovers. Been a serious park hopper since I was a kid in the 80s. Thought long and hard about it. Disney APs verses Universal APs. And we’ve had a few not so great experiences at the Disney resorts over the last year, so in the end we are just tired of being disappointed. Also tired of Disney’s dismantling of Disney. All the kids and DH voted Uni anyway. I was the only hold out and it was probably just sentimentalism on my part. Looks like we’ll be staying a lot in our favorite Universal resort over the next 18 months— SSR lol!

Completely understand where you’re coming from. This is our last year being disappointed by Disney dismantling the magic that got them where they are today. When a company as large as Disney and the cash cow that it was loses almost half its value, that’s usually a clue. Don’t fix something that’s not broken. We look forward to Universal and the many additions coming in the future. Disney is in the rear view mirror!

 

[keishashadow]

It can be 12 minutes. Plug it into maps. It usually takes us between 15-20 minutes. Their parking is incredibly easy and links right to the parks and their security is a walk through.

That’s a best case scenario as to drive time, highly dependent of traffic, time of day & where your resort is located inside WDW.

was there for two weeks beginning of the month, our days @ U were all onsite, using their transport which is generally excellent (With the exception of later in evening during HHN).

Have talked to locals, therein was the issue so far in September…the lines to enter the parking lot on HHN nights started to build much earlier in the afternoon.

Reports of 2 pm, which is unusual. those locals i know with multi day passes, said if they didn’t get into the line to park before 4 pm, knew they would unlikely be able to get into a scarezone before the parks closed.