Making first time plans for Universal Studios

[pampam]

and this is what I think I want. I'm planning on staying at US Leows Royal Pacific for 3 or 4 nights, getting a discount with the stay more, play more rate. I'm thinking of getting a special 2 day park to park ticket with the 3rd day free. Then, taking a taxi to WDW for the rest of our vacation. Does this sound like a good plan?

I was originally thinking of getting an AP and using it for the discount at US resorts, but I understand the discounts only apply if one has the premium AP, and I'm not sure I want to put out that kind of money for theme parks I may not enjoy.

We usually just go to WDW, and stay on site for our vacation, but I'd like to give US a try. Has anyone got any advice or suggestions for a newbie?

 

[Lynne G]

Welcome pampam,

We did that exact plan this summer. 4 nights at the Portofino and 10 nights between the Yacht and Wilderness Lodge. I had a rental car though.

First remember, unlike Disney, no free ride from the airport. Lots of us use a town car or rent from the airport to Universal, to WDW, to airport. You have to cost out what works for you for transportation.

Book directly with the hotel or on the hotel's website. If you see a better rate than the SMSM rate, you can call the hotel and switch to the lower rate if available. They are great about that. When it gets a little closer to your dates, use the code APH to see if any annual pass discounts are available. It will show if they are.

And, finally, you only need one power pass to get the annual pass rate for the hotel. That price is not much more than the 3 day park to park. If you pay for the preferred, you get discounts on food and items. No need to get the Premiere unless you want those additional benefits. I have the preferred. Check the benefits of each online at Universal's website. If you enjoy yourself, the renewal rate is much lower for annual passes.

Have a great time. My family enjoys the relaxing days at Universal and the use of the 3 onsite hotel's unlimited express pass.

The Royal Pacific is a very nice hotel.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[nkereina]

We always do all Disney trips but wanted to incorporate US/IOA this time. After lots of research, we've decided to do this:

6 days/5 nights at Disney. On our check-out day at Disney, we'll stay as long as we want and do whatever we want, heading over to Royal Pacific when we are ready - whether that's at 2pm or 10pm. We'll check into Royal Pacific, spending 4 days and 3 nights there. But since our arrival day is going to be a Disney day, we're really only have 3 day at US/IOA. From what I have read, this is ample time. On our last day, we'll catch a cab to the airport at our leisure.