lots of questions/new to universal

[paper1225]

Hi all I am trying my hardest to schedule a 3-4 night trip to universal for my dd15 this summer.........it is what she really wants and has asked for another friend to come with us.......unfortunately I my dh is not in support since we just came back from spring break (week in florida at beach) and are planning a two week disney trip next summer...........so trying to plan the best I can for less.......So many questions. I have found the HP package on site and been pricing-so if we stay on site we get express for free? Is there any hotel-airport shuttle for onsite stays like disney has? If not what would be the cost of a cab? what if we stay offsite, I could rent a cheap car and buy the hotel pass(understand one ride/day).............If I could make this trip $400/person(inculding airfare), I think dh would not panic as much........dd is willing to take park ticket as bday present, and ready to use report card $$ for airfare/hotel expenses......dd friend will pay for her ticket/hotel and airfare....all I have is transportation, my ticket/hotel and food for all.....help!! ANY and ALL advice is welcome

 

[bubba's mom]

I have found the HP package on site and been pricing-so if we stay on site we get express for free?

Is there any hotel-airport shuttle for onsite stays like disney has?

If not what would be the cost of a cab?

what if we stay offsite, I could rent a cheap car and buy the hotel pass(understand one ride/day).............

Sorry to say, I don't know much about the HP packages...I usually book everything a la carte (1 because it's cheaper and 2 because we have APs)

If you stay at RPR, HRH or PBH, your room key is your Express Pass...unlimited (cept for FJ) all day, every day you are there.

There is no comped transportation like Disney. I don't think a cab is more than $50, but it depends on the time of day/traffic. You could arrange a taxi thru Mears ahead of time.

Keep in mind, if you rent a car, and stay onsite, you have to pay to park it at the hotel...that's why it's usually cheaper to take car service or taxi vs renting car.

Once onsite, you won't have to leave to eat...Lord knows there are PLENTY of eatin places in and out of the parks.

 

[MinnieTink]

I am in the planning phases too... I am no expert on Universal but I too have found that it is cheaper to book separately. I looked on Mousesavers and saw that the rate thru Lowes (the company that owns the onsite hotels) had a better rate, and also the tickets thru Undercover Tourist (when you sign up for the Mousesavers newsletter) were QUITE a bit cheaper! Let me know if you find any bargains, I'm still lookin'!

 

[klwdisney]

Do you have to stay onsite? Im looking into an inexpensive trip this year too and we are new to this as we are regular disney goers. Im really interested in the Doubletree that's at the entrance to Universal that the DIS recommends. You can get like an $89 rate and it's walking distance or they have a free shuttle to the Universal Parks and Sea World and I think Wet N Wild. Tiffany Towncar is another idea for transportation to/from the airport. And check Mears' website. Looking at sites like Orbitz or Hotwire might get you a great hotel deal too! Check Undercover Tourist for discount tickets too or try AAA too. I tend to find that purchasing everything separately works out to be a little cheaper most of the time. Good luck!!

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

make sure that you ask if your hotel has parking fees on or off universal property. If I remember correctly the doubletree just out side of universal charges for parking.

Kimberly

 

[damo]

make sure that you ask if your hotel has parking fees on or off universal property. If I remember correctly the doubletree just out side of universal charges for parking.

Kimberly

Yup. Daily charges apply $12 self/$16 valet

Hyatt Place Universal has complimentary parking.