Need some help. What is the CHEAPEST time of year to go to Universal Orlando?

[brocklesnar69]

For my next trip to Orlando, Im doing 7 days at Universal, then going to WDW for 12 - 15 days. What I wanted to do is go during Value season (At Disney cause it's cheaper). I want to know when Universal has a Value season, and if it is during Disney's Value season. I was hopeing I could make an overall "Value" vacation, when the On site and/or Offsite hotels are cheapest at US. That way I can do "Value" at US and "Value" at WDW.

Cheaper is the way to go for me

 

[brocklesnar69]

Anybody...

 

[AlexandNessa]

You can get an idea of seasonal rates here:

http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_hrh_rates_seasonal.html

http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_rpr_rates_seasonal.html

http://www.universalorlando.com/ht_pbh_rates_seasonal.html

For 2007, the value dates were: Jan 4 - Feb 15; Aug 19 - Oct 4; Nov 25 - Dec 20

 

[rodkenrich]

Usually, during the winter season with a Fan Club card discount.

 

[robvia]

That's a lot of days to be visiting the parks. Some people visit for a week and "hang out" but I can't see someone staying for 3 weeks. I'd reduce the number of days visiting and stay onsite at Universal. 4-5 nights will be plenty, most only need 3. The other thing you want to do is put Universal at the end of your trip, because once you stay onsite and have FOTL, you'll be spoiled.

February is a great month to visit because all the rides are working, crowds are light, and temps are 55-75. It feels like walking around indoors. Most people don't visit in February because they're paying off Christmas credit card purchases.

September is also a great month to visit because the kids are back in school and the parks are a ghost town, yet there is still summer weather.

 

[motofox4]

just curious, i'm gonna guess the answer is no, but anyway - does universal offer a less expensive ticket during their "slow" or "value" season, without staying on-site, i mean ticket only???

 

[keishashadow]

At WDW, 'value season' differs by resort category (esp. the Deluxes); if you plan on renting DVC points - it's even more confusing.

No self-professed U expert am i but, it appears as though along with seasonal/historical rates; Loews will offer lower prices on the rooms depending on reservation in-hand....keep checking rates, they can drop.

When I priced it out, Sept seems reasonably priced; as well as Jan & 1st week in Feb.

As to the question re discounted tix, it seems as though U always has a new promo on the horizon; although the $85 current offer is a winner

 

[Lisa P.]

Desiree, there are several reasonable options, depending on when you plan to go (2007 vs. 2008, holidays, etc.).

For example, the "power pass" is an annual pass for ~$120 plus tax, with the peak/prime/busiest times blacked out:
2007 Dates: January 1, April 2-7, July 1-8, December 23-31
2008 Dates: January 1, March 17-23, June 29-July 6, December 21-31

With advance purchase online, you may get a 2-park, 7-day pass through Dreams Unlimited, AAA or Universal, with no expiration dates, for $85-$86 plus tax.

Online at Costco.com, there's a 2-park, 3-month pass (while supplies last) for the same price plus membership or 5% surcharge but it must be activated by 12/31/07.

These are all for the two Universal Orlando parks only and they do not include parking ($11/day). Staying onsite for the line-skipping privilege is certainly far less necessary in low season. HTH.

 

[brocklesnar69]

September seems like a good month.

 

[keishashadow]

September seems like a good month.

except for the pesky hurricanes that can rumble through.

we visit in June (even though it's officially still storm season); just saw that August, Sept & Oct. are the most prone historically.

fyi, the free dining promo @ disney (late Aug & Sept) was originally designed to fill the parks up again after 2 whoppers went thru in a month's time.

while i'm sure all will be well; just thought I'd mention it.