OK - I'm feeling guilty, but I need some info

[Hawk]

We are feeling somewhat guilty. For the first time ever, we are planning on making a visit to US & IOA on our upcoming trip to WDW. My two oldest boys are 19 & 15 and have been to WDW many times. My 7 and 2 year old are still ardent fans.

(If I screw up the terms - sorry)

I plan on allowing the boys to stay onsite so they can have the express pass feature. My understanding is that this feature is like an all day "fast pass" at WDW. They would visit a park(s), stay overnight and then go back to the parks(s) the next day. Mom, two youngest and myself would go over on one or both days, but stay at WDW. (we have rental car).

Questions:

1. What type of passes/tickets for the boys and us? We want to be able to go to both parks? (can we do it?)

2. Are the room rates reasonable, are there codes, discounts etc.?

3. Are there rides for the 2 & 7 year old children?

4. How early can the boys check in so that they can use their express ticket feature?

Thanks for any information you can give me.

Hawk a.k.a. Benedict Arnold

 

[the Dark Marauder]

(1)Two day/two park, unless you find a better ticket deal. That ticket lets any unused days stay on for a long time.

(2)Fan Club and Entertainment rates are usually low. How to get those discounts, I'm not 100% sure, but other board members can help.

(3)Yes. Height determines many things. The 2 y/o can do anything in Seuss Landing, Storm Force, P-Flyers (if 36"), Flying Unicorn (if 36"), plus all the play areas (obviously ). At USF, the 2 y/o can do anything except MIB, BTTF, and Jimmy Neutron (stationary seats are available at Jimmy). If he's 36" he can also do the Woody Coaster.

As for the 7 y/o, it depends on his height. As long as he's at least 44", he can do anything in either park, except for 3 attractions. If under 52", he wont be able to ride Doctor Doom's Fearfall. If under 54", he wont be able to do either Dragons or Hulk.

(4)Not entirely sure. I've seen some trip reports where people check in fairly early.

This info should help.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

To help answer the questions DM was unsure about:

Have your kids check in the hotel ASAP. Their room may not be ready but they can get their room keys (which provde the FOTL). But I have checked in at 8:00AM before...but another time we had to call back around lunch time or a little later, but we already had our room keys and were using the Express feature (yes it's just like an "all day Fast Pass").

Also, Fan Club cards are issued from employers to their employees. Your company can apply and this is the only way to obtain a Fan Club Card...Universal does not give these out to individuals. If your company has applied and has this benefit, take advantage of it.

Entertainment rates you get from the Entertainment Book (huge book of coupons some school use as fundraisers) which you can purchase online. Books are expensive, but it's a good investment. You can save up to 50% off hotel rooms...am I correct??

 

[damo]

Phone the hotel or Loews and ask what discounts are available. Book the cheapest one and then get whatever card is necessary (fan card, AAA, Entertainment, whatever...). Also try expedia, hotel kingdom and travelocity for very good deals.

 

[highlander447]

I may be wrong but do u not have to be 21 or over to stay in room without adult I know this is the case for anyone in Uk booking a holiday in Orlando but perhaps its just a travel agent thing

 

[kreativks]

You are correct guests must be 21 and its not just a travel agent thing.

Take care
Kathy

 

[crazyme5kids]

Why don't all of you stay over night too so you can enjoy the benefits of FOTL? I am not kidding you will love it especially with younger children! My 2 and 5 year olds had a blast at Universal/IOA. Yes there are plenty of rides they can go on. Make sure you take your 2 year old on ET, it was my daughters favorite. Heck why not stay two nights and check out the pools too?

 

[Hawk]

Thanks a bunch for all the info. I am sure to have more questions as time gets nearer and I learn more on this board.

Hawk.