Need Help Buying our First Annual Pass for Universal

[LavaMama]

My family has gone to WDW for decades but we know very little about Universal. We previewed Epic in the spring and loved it so now we are planning to visit Epic 2-4 times a year.

We want APs, primarily to get discounts on Epic tickets, dining, shopping, etc. Once we have the passes, we expect to begin visiting the other parks too.

About us:

• Out of state
• 2 Adults, no kids.
• No car to park, we'll use a ride share
• We typically stay 7 - 10 nights at a time and take things slow, alternating park days with resort days.
• No plans to visit Volcano Bay
• Universal Rewards Visa cardholder
• We'll be staying DVC so no hotel needed.

I think I'm between the 2-Park Premier Pass and the 2-Park Preferred Pass, leaning towards Premier because of the Express Pass. UO sells a 3 park EP that includes Epic. Do you know if the AP EP benefit includes Epic? What would you recommend?

Also, are there an sites for discounted annual passes?

 

[DL1WDW2]

I have not renewed yet but I am hoping Universal offers their premiere pass to include EPIC soon . I expect many are also holding out for new year holiday money to make their purchase.
Currently, their Premiere AP does have an after 4:00 p.m. express pass benefit at US and Islands of Adventure.
Also the USO Visa has a very nice lounge inside the Universal Studios I think it opens daily at noon and is located just to the right as you would be entering .
I liked having their AP and WDW AP for visits… Universal does have fantastic holiday celebration and also Mardi Gras Parades that are incredible

I think their AP also offers one entry for their Halloween Parties .

 

[tony67]

No AP with Epic as PP said and sadly I am not sure one is coming as soon as we would like it - maybe Epic tickets with a larger discount. No one really knows. I want to be wrong. Personally I expected it by now.

The Premier is a good option with express after 4PM, but that depends on what hotel you are staying at. RP, HR and PB include unlimited express pass already so not really much of a benefit. I think the food discount is also slightly higher and you do get the free HHN Ticket.

I went with the preferred pass for the convenience of the food discounts - you get the same discount with the Universal Rewards visa but that does not work with mobile order so its a real hassle. They have fixed that for Epic and its automatic, but US and IOA you have to show the card and ask for the discount so you cant mobile order. I expect they will fix that eventually as well - it cant be all that hard. Also the HHN ticket is worthless if you have a multilight HHN ticket - you cant give it to someone else for example.
And you wont be taking advantage of the parking benefit so not a big benefit there.

Still I am always tempted by that after 4 express no doubt. When I renew I'll probably go back to the Power Pass.- I can always upgrade it if I am going during one of the blackout dates - but there are not many that I can see.