Onsite at Universal?

[disneydolphin]

We are debating whether to stay onsite at US this year. We stayed onsite at WDW two years ago and liked the convenience this offers.

I believe that if you stay onsite you get to the front of the queue's?

Ive seen an offer, if you stay for four nights, then you get two tickets free. Obviously i would then have to buy separate tickets for my two children, but this seems like a good deal.

We belong to the AA here in the UK. Also ive read about this Loews card, which offers free gifts and possibly upgrades. Can i do both of these things together?

Last question: If i dont book the special offer, stay for four, play for free, does the nightly rate include admission into the US/IOA or is that separate?

We're looking towards staying at Universal 3 maybe 4 nights, then 6-7 in Regal Palms villa (to explore Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale,Miami etc, then the remainder of 14 day holiday onsite at WDW. Either PORS/FQ or CBR we think!

Any tips regarding any of this more than welcome.

 

[Frances999]

I've made use of the stay 4+ nights and get 2 free tickets for our trip this August! They were also doing BOGOF on 5 day tickets, which meant I only needed to pay for 2 more to get four more tickets for our party.

If you use the AAA discount, you will not be able to claim the 2 free tickets. I worked it out, and based on you staying four (or more) nights, the value of the two free tickets outweighs the discount offered by AAA. So, it is cheaper to pay rack-rate and get the free tickets.

If you do not make use of the Stay Four, Play for Free offer, then the nightly rate is "room only" and includes no park admission for any of your party. This must be purchased separately.

However, the invaluable front-of-the-line access is offered free by the room only rate. Upon check-in, each member of your group will be given key cards to show at the EXPRESS entrance to each attraction - allowing you to bypass the regular lines. This perk is worth the rack rate alone in peak season and is truly BRILLIANT!

I would say go for it. Each of the hotels are meticulously themed and we just love the atmosphere of the HRH. The rooms are spacious and modern, the pool is incredible (largest in Orlando, underwater music, great slide) and best of all it is just a couple of minutes walk from the parks and CityWalk. For us, no Florida holiday would be complete without a stay at Universal Orlando!

If you have any other questions, post away, but I say you should go for it! I don't think you will regret it one bit.

 

[disneydolphin]

Thanks for such a quick reply Frances999,

It does look really good.

Is it best to book through Universal Studios themselves do you think?


So all guests staying onsite at US get the FOTL passes. Cool.

Im off to do some more planning.

 

[Frances999]

Yep, all guests staying in one of the three onsite hotels receive the unlimited express access and onsite priveledges.

I have booked directly through Universal this time, but last year I used www.hotelplusportal.com as they had a cheaper rate. I don't think it really matters who you book with......but others have said that the best way for Universal to honour room requests is to book direct.

Have fun planning!

 

[disneydolphin]

I have been playing around with dates and tried to cost the HRH for 4 nights from 17 Aug to 21 Aug. However in the final price break down it lists four adult passes for the parks, when i thought you only got two adult tickets on this plan?

Reckon i must have done something wrong.

 

[kevin harrison]

I'm staying at the HRH for 14 nights in September. I got a king suite for $229 using my Loews platinum upgrade and this includes the stay for 6 nights and get 2 4-Park Orlando FlexTicket's included also.

Combined with the FOTL perk I reckon I have a bargain!!