Need some help w/planning our trip

[redsaid]

I have pushed our trip off for financial reasons for 2 years now.

I just got off the phone and this is what I have booked. I would appreciate it if you could help me out with some questions and other points of view from veterans.

(Not sure about driving or flying but right now thinking that driving is the way we are going to need to go). Trip 2 adults 2 kids 8 & 5.

HIFS 11/19 & 11/20 (should be free with points)

PopCentury 11/21-11/26 Preferred $485
UPH 11/21-11/26 2 adults & 2 children $1120.38

I figure that we will start with Universal or whatever outside stuff we are going to do during our 2 nights at HIFS.


Question ~ UPH vs other hoppers/passes. Is this the best choice? I do like the idea of being able to go basically anywhere for the time we are there but I am sure there are drawbacks that I am unaware of?

Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any help or ideas

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I would skip the UPH and go with a PH or PHP. Although the UPH would allow you to do anything anytime you may not have enough time to do and see everything. You need to make a plan of what you want to see & do then figure out which pass works best for you. The PH & PHP are less expensive than the UPH.

The only feature that you will be missing by going with the PHP is admission to Disney Quest.

Another thing to consider is that if you do not use a day on the PH or PHP it will still remain on your pass and you can use it in the future. For the UPH it is a use or lose it system.

4 day Park Hopper would cost $775.32 (advance purchase)
5 day Park Hopper would cost $881.82 (advance purchase)
5 day Park Hopper Plus 2 would cost $994.78 (advance purchase)

 

[TonyS20]

I tend to agree that UPH are not a good value. I would create a tentative daily schedule and do a comparison. Do you plan to visit DisneyQuest (DQ)? Water parks? Do you want to have a "down day" to visit the pool and Downtown Disney? With the UPH, I would feel compelled to spend every moment of every day at the parks in order to get my "money's worth". That is not the case with PH/PHP. Also, PH/PHP do not expire so they could be used on future trips.

Good luck in your planning!

 

[redsaid]

Thank you for the replys.

I am leaning towards not sending the check for the UHP's. I thought I read that Disney Quest is better for older kids, my 'will be' 5 yr old will probably do better doing other things.

I believe I am going to try not to plan to much for this trip. I need to figure out the line between under and over planning.

We will have Sunday through Friday (day all the decorations will be up and I want to make sure we walk around and see them before we leave). I was going to just decide which park based on EE or basically a park a day for the first 4 days and then figure out where we want to return for the rest. Is that underplanning?

I think the pools will be fine for this trip, the weather may not really agree for the water parks.

Is it worth joining AAA? If I use it for PHP and to see about a cheaper rate for the room? I am not sure how much it costs and need to know if the savings will be worth joining.

thanks again for all the help and look forward to more thoughts!

 

[StephMK]

Someone just posted recently about PHP prices - the cheapest ones I've seen are from the NC/SC office - sorry I don't have a link but it's around here somewhere. We just got a notice from AAA to join - they are offering $49 for 2 of us for a year, they might have member deals if you call? Plus there are a few good ticket brokers that have good prices. Also check out mousesavers.com - there is a good comparison of ticket types & lots of budget tips too.

Since you're going during Thanksgiving, it will probably be busy & I'm getting the experts here will advise making some plans so you can hit your "must see" attractions.

Have fun planning!

 

[redsaid]

Thank you for the information, I guess I should call my AAA. I just hope that the savings I can get will be worth the price of the membership.

Maybe if I call CRO maybe I can get an additional discount on rooms? That with the PH or PHP should cover the cost of the membership, I hope.

Thanks again