Package vs. Separate Bookings?

[coletteh]

Hey there! I am taking my kiddos to Universal in May, and have not yet booked (getting a room does not yet seem to be a problem). I have decided that I do want to stay on property, but am struggling to decide how to do it. On one hand, we could go all out at Hard Rock w/ the HP package and throw in the quick service dining plan for the 3 days we are in-park, OR we could do a Cabana Bay Suite, make b-fast/lunch there, and do one meal out. We're talking about a pretty substantial change in price. It is 3 of us. Is it worth doing Hard Rock (with or without HP package) just for the express pass? Or could we get everything "done" in three days without it? We are near Cedar Point, and are used to 90 minute+ lines, if that makes a difference. I am looking at May 9-11 in the parks, checking in May 8, and out May 12

I would love to know whether any of you think the HP package is "worth it" as well. It includes two meals and a weird photo package (that I don't think my kids would enjoy). If we do skip the whole "package" thing, what is the best way to purchase?

 

[bchbetha]

Book separately at HRH.

 

[wookiebeck]

On the recommendations of everyone here on the boards, I have never done a package. Booking everything separately gives you the most flexibility and you are able to price shop each slot in a vacuum. Once you have a package, there are many change restrictions that would incur an additional cost 'for the convenience'. It is simply easier to have a hotel only rezzie, buy the tickets you want (and upgrade them if you want), and eat when/where you want. We find that choosing what we want off the menu is even cheaper than the 'meal deal'. It just feels better to be in charge of some things I can be in control. Just my two cents.

 

[wagman67]

Just a quick look at your provided information and the website: If you do not mind moving hotels one time:

First, if you think you may want to visit again within the year, you may want to buy Seasonal Passes...if not, then buy at least one Seasonal Pass (about $50 extra...it'll pay for itself) for the following room rates.

Reserve a suite at CB for May 8th ($134/night with APH rate). Reserve a room at HRH for May 9th - 12th ($239/night with APH rate).

Plan to visit the parks for 4 days...9th - 12th.

Currently, you can pay for a 2 day ticket that comes with 2 more days free (they have to be used by May 30th, so you are in that window)...there is your 4 days (for no more than the 3 you planned)...you don't have to stay the 4th day, but it leaves you an option, and you will end up with 4 days of Express Passes with your 3 night HRH stay.

Stay at CB the first night...get up at 6am and go check into HRH (don't take anything with you). They may or may not have a room available then. If they do, you can proceed to move stuff over as you like. If they don't, you can still get your free Express Passes in the lobby (ask the clerk where). They will text you when the room is ready. In the meantime, you can pack up your stuff and get ready for the day and head over for early entry for some HP stuff that doesn't take Express Passes. You can also ask for late checkout. If you get your text before checkout time, just head back to CB and move your stuff to HRH. If you don't get the text before checkout time, just take your stuff to the lobby where they have a place they will hold it for you...then come and get it from there when your HRH room is ready (you can also just take it on over to HRH and they will hold it until your room is ready). On your last day, you can ask for late checkout, again...stay as long as you like in the park...if you plan to be there later than checkout, just have them hold your bags until you are ready to leave...you can stay until the parks close if you like.

 

[bumbershoot]

The meals included in the package can be purchased in your own. And they involve reservations which is weird since both places are quick service and dont take reservations.

Look at hrh on its own and check out the dining thread here for prices at leaky cauldron and three broomsticks. Compare and contrast. Find out more about the photo thing and if it's of value to you. Read about the dining plan you can get with a package vs the stand alone package vs just paying as you go. See what is of most value to your family.

My family won't book unless unlimited express pass is involved. hrh is out oeaat fave deluxe hotel there (we love portofino) but the ep makes it worth it.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

We have always booked separate, but went with a package for an upcoming 7 night stay, because of the Explorer Ticket not being available at this time outside of a package. We have always bought the 3 park unlimited and never went to Wet n' Wild. The thing I love about Universal is no planning, so 5 day 3 park tix brought that into play. It was also cheaper with the Explorer ticket. Now, if Undercover Tourist is ever allowed to sell the Explorer ticket, we will book separate again.

I hope I don't live to regret it...

 

[SpecEdismyLife]

It was cheaper for us to book the SMSM package rate than doing everything separately for our Sept trip. Can we still upgrade those passes (3 Park, park to park) to APs while there or can package tix not be upgraded?

 

[coletteh]

So I think I have decided to opt OUT of the Harry Potter aspect of this package deal officially. One more question, as I am looking for best bet money-saving options. In regards to the unlimited express pass, is that available on the day you check in THROUGH your check out date? for example, if we stay at HRH on the night of the 9th and 10th, and then check out on the 11th, would we still have the ability to use the express pass through close? Because we are only staying that third night so we can get an early start back to Michigan the next morning--I can do that at any hotel in the area, really.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

So I think I have decided to opt OUT of the Harry Potter aspect of this package deal officially. One more question, as I am looking for best bet money-saving options. In regards to the unlimited express pass, is that available on the day you check in THROUGH your check out date? for example, if we stay at HRH on the night of the 9th and 10th, and then check out on the 11th, would we still have the ability to use the express pass through close? Because we are only staying that third night so we can get an early start back to Michigan the next morning--I can do that at any hotel in the area, really.

Yes, we have often stayed 1 night to get 2 days worth of Express Pass. In fact, you can still use the pool all day of checkout and then use the onsite facilities to change and get ready to leave.

 

[bumbershoot]

Express pass is from the moment you check in until park close day of check out. Early entrance is available the same, first day through last day, though first day means you have to be there early. Pools are open to you even after check out that last day.

 

[WonderKid]

How do payments (deposit vs. balance) differ when booking package (hotel, tickets, transportation, meals, other) vs. separate? For a package, it appears that Universal requires a deposit of ~$200 with the balance due 45 days before the trip. How does it work for separate bookings?

 

[wagman67]

How do payments (deposit vs. balance) differ when booking package (hotel, tickets, transportation, meals, other) vs. separate? For a package, it appears that Universal requires a deposit of ~$200 with the balance due 45 days before the trip. How does it work for separate bookings?

When you book separately, each piece has it's own way to pay or deposit. The onsite hotels require 1 night's deposit, which is fully refundable if you cancel more than 5 days out. Transportation is however you book it...plane ride or rental car or shuttle is up to you. Meals: you can just wing it as you go or you can buy dining plans (most here would recommend you winging it, because there isn't much of a discount unless you do it a very specific way, and you are limited). As for tickets, you can buy those at any time, but you pay for them in full at the time...unless you buy Annual Passes that allow a down payment and then a monthly charge until paid off (Power Pass and up).

The other nuance of booking the package is you don't get your money back if you cancel...unless you buy extra insurance. So, if you book a room separately, just to make sure you have one, and purchase the other things when you are more concrete with your plans, you are usually better off. Most of the time, there isn't a huge incentive to purchase a package, except for convenience. That being said, there are times where a package could save you money...YMMV.