OKW or Universal Hotel

[Princess Merida]

Hopefully I’m posting this on the right board. We are planning on heading back to Orlando in October. We got Universal AP last month and there is a discount for October hotel stay. Low budget for this trip so looking at Endless Summer. However, we also could rent points and stay at OKW for a similar price (we used all of our 50% borrowing privileges on our contract this year). We haven’t stayed on property at Universal anywhere and also haven’t stayed at OKW. If any of you have I would love to hear your thoughts negative or positive for either resort. Thanks!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I wouldn't rent points right now. Not unless you could find a confirmed reservation that fit your needs for $5-8pp and you are absolutely comfortable being down the cash if you cannot travel.

 

[Princess Merida]

That’s definitely something to consider. I would definitely only book through an owner that would be willing to move if necessary and had points that extend a little further out in case we had to move trip. Or maybe I should look for points transfer instead. Have you stayed at either of these hotels?

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I think logistically, if you're going to go to Universal only, stay there.

I also think that renting points is risky right now, since the cancellations are much trickier than a cash stay.

 

[BillPA]

Staying at Universal has the head of the line perk, a BIG plus to stay there. I would take advantage of this perk and stay at Universal.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Staying at Universal has the head of the line perk, a BIG plus to stay there. I would take advantage of this perk and stay at Universal.

This is true, although when I was doing research earlier this year for August (now canceled), the Express Pass only comes with resort stays at their top tier resorts: Portofino, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific. Some of the others (all?) had the extra morning hour included, but not the express pass.

I'm not sure what the current status is on either the express pass or the extra hour with all the Covid changes.

 

[Princess Merida]

I've decided to book at Universal. Thanks for your thoughts!