On the verge of crying....help

[Dalton5]

Ok, here's my problem. We will be at wdw the week of May 11. I was planning on buying the Universal buy 2 get 1 day tickets. Went to local grocery store and bought$550 in gift cards (fuel rewards given). I didn't know that I had to use them at the gate and not online. We won't be there to buy them until the 12th. Promotion says deal ends on the 9th I just called and was told repeatedly that I would still be able to buy the "buy 2, get 1" deal at the gate on the 12th. But even if I can I will lose the 20% online discount! right?

Does anybody know if this is right????? If not, I guess we will only get the 2 day park to park (hoping for the chance of D.A. Soft opening). What is the gate price for that?


Ughhhhh......let the tears commence

 

[ziravan]

Doesn't sound right. Gift cards should spend like cash, or at least like a debit card online. I would keep calling until SOMEONE can figure out how to process a gift card payment by phone.

Explain your situation and give them a chance to fix it, repeat as necessary until they do.

 

[Dalton5]

That's what I thought...I will keep trying. Thanks

 

[damo]

They need to be used at the resort. This issue has been brought up a few times before.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Gift-Card-FAQs.aspx


There's no way there will be soft openings that week, so you won't be missing out on that. Often, for the promo rates, there is no difference between the online and the gate price. Call and ask if there is a difference between gate and online price for that ticket but my suspicion is that there will be.

The two day/two park ticket at the gate is $195.99 for adults. I would assume that it would be the same price for the two day get one free ticket if they are still allowing you to buy it on your dates.

You could save by not buying the park to park ticket.

 

[Dalton5]

They need to be used at the resort. This issue has been brought up a few times before.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Gift-Card-FAQs.aspx


There's no way there will be soft openings that week, so you won't be missing out on that. Often, for the promo rates, there is no difference between the online and the gate price. Call and ask if there is a difference between gate and online price for that ticket but my suspicion is that there will be.

The two day/two park ticket at the gate is $195.99 for adults. I would assume that it would be the same price for the two day get one free ticket if they are still allowing you to buy it on your dates.

You could save by not buying the park to park ticket.

It's my own fault for not researching this better. I just assumed that I could use the gift cards like I did for Disney.

Oh well, if there doesn't seem to be a snowballs chance of soft opening then I will probably just buy 2 days of base tickets. I'm thinking that with the predicted lower crowds we should be good with doing everything we want to do this way.

Thanks for the input!

 

[freediverdude]

Hmm, that's interesting that you can buy a Blue Man Group ticket over the phone with a gift card, but not anything else.

 

[Bluer101]

Hmm, that's interesting that you can buy a Blue Man Group ticket over the phone with a gift card, but not anything else.

Yes, by calling. This is due to limited seats and show times.

 

[Maytrix]

Why not just buy the tickets online and use the gift cards for groceries, fuel and other normal stuff you'd need to buy? You won't get fuel rewards for it, but are the fuel rewards on $550 really worth more than the discounts on the tickets?

And have you looked into returning the gift cards?

 

[Dalton5]

Why not just buy the tickets online and use the gift cards for groceries, fuel and other normal stuff you'd need to buy? You won't get fuel rewards for it, but are the fuel rewards on $550 really worth more than the discounts on the tickets?

And have you looked into returning the gift cards?

They are Universal gift cards and are non-returnable so unfortunately I have no option except to buy my tix at the gate.

 

[kittengal13]

If you're going for 3 days could you maybe use the gift cards to pay for meals, souvenirs, soda etc? And use your spending money to buy tix now

 

[EMom]

They need to be used at the resort. This issue has been brought up a few times before.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Gift-Card-FAQs.aspx


There's no way there will be soft openings that week, so you won't be missing out on that. Often, for the promo rates, there is no difference between the online and the gate price. Call and ask if there is a difference between gate and online price for that ticket but my suspicion is that there will be.

The two day/two park ticket at the gate is $195.99 for adults. I would assume that it would be the same price for the two day get one free ticket if they are still allowing you to buy it on your dates.

You could save by not buying the park to park ticket.

Here is what I do not get. Why would anyone spend $195.99 on a 2 day/2 park pass when for $199.99 they could get an annual Power pass? Spend $4 more and you get an annual pass. If you're lucky, you can come back within 12 months with no ticket cost.

I understand that the Power Pass has blockout dates, but the OP isn't traveling during those times.

 

[plannermom]

Here is what I do not get. Why would anyone spend $195.99 on a 2 day/2 park pass when for $199.99 they could get an annual Power pass? Spend $4 more and you get an annual pass. If you're lucky, you can come back within 12 months with no ticket cost. I understand that the Power Pass has blockout dates, but the OP isn't traveling during those times.

A 2day 2 park pass is actually 176 on the universal website?

 

[jsh1975]

A 2day 2 park pass is actually 176 on the universal website?

I got my 2 day 2 park passes from USSSA for $115 each. Not sure of the travel dates selling now but its worth a look.

 

[bumbershoot]

Why not just buy the tickets online and use the gift cards for groceries, fuel and other normal stuff you'd need to buy? You won't get fuel rewards for it, but are the fuel rewards on $550 really worth more than the discounts on the tickets?

And have you looked into returning the gift cards?

If you're going for 3 days could you maybe use the gift cards to pay for meals, souvenirs, soda etc? And use your spending money to buy tix now

These posters had the same question I had. Or suggestion.

A 2day 2 park pass is actually 176 on the universal website?

But if the OP really wants to use the GCs, it doesn't seem she *can* get the online price. So looking at the gate pricing is appropriate.

 

[plannermom]

These posters had the same question I had. Or suggestion. But if the OP really wants to use the GCs, it doesn't seem she *can* get the online price. So looking at the gate pricing is appropriate.

I need a lightbulb image!

Got it!

 

[ehides]

Ok, here's my problem. We will be at wdw the week of May 11.

Stupid question, but do you happen to be staying at one of the onsite hotels for your visit? If so, you could use the gift cards to pay for your hotel bill ...

 

[damo]

OP, one thing you mentioned in your first post was the "20%" discount. Just so you know, it isn't 20%, but $20/ticket. Not sure if that makes you feel any better since it is probably about the same amount, but just for your own calculations. The Power Pass is the same amount and if you are considering another visit in the next 12 months, that would be a viable option. The Power Pass will also give you a 30% discount on the onsite hotels but you can't travel during peak times.

 

[Dalton5]

OP, one thing you mentioned in your first post was the "20%" discount. Just so you know, it isn't 20%, but $20/ticket. Not sure if that makes you feel any better since it is probably about the same amount, but just for your own calculations. The Power Pass is the same amount and if you are considering another visit in the next 12 months, that would be a viable option. The Power Pass will also give you a 30% discount on the onsite hotels but you can't travel during peak times.

Thanks for the info. I will look into the power pass (maybe I can talk DH into another trip). Otherwise I think I will just use buy the two day base ticket and use the remaining GC amount on food and souvenirs.

THanks everyone for the suggestions. I have just told myself "stop fretting dummy! you're going to Universal and Disney! It's all good!"