Planning trip to Universal Orlando

[robl45]

Hello,

Florida resident here. Very well versed with Disney, have been 9 + times over the past few years. Thinking of trying Universal next year and trying to figure out how to make it somewhat economical so I'm here for some tips. I'm probably going to go for 5 days or so thinking about spring break end of march 2018. I won't even touch the place without express passes and that leads me to staying at the onsite hotels which is fine, but it seems the cheaper of the hotels that offers the express passes doesn't have a water slide which won't work for the kids. I think I read you can hop to the other pools, is that viable? I personally would rather stay at cabana bay I think because the pool area looks the best for the kids however when factoring in tickets and express passes, the prices start to get crazy.

Right now from looking, at the deluxe resorts with express pass, its approx 3700 for the 5 nights at Hard rock or portofino and 3300 or so for the other one without the water slide. It appears that its roughly the same price for tickets and hotel as it is if I just buy hotel and annual passes.

Cabana bay is cheaper but then its 1400 or so for annual passes and 1400 for 5 days of express passes which seems a bit mental to me so maybe i'm doing something wrong.

And it appears I still have to pay for parking at the hotel too?

Any tips anyone has on how to book this, best way to do it, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[scoopmorgan]

I have seen people comment that they buy an AP just to get the discounts on hotel, tickets, etc. You might look into that to see if the value is more in line with your desires. You are definitely able to pool hop. If you choose Cabana Bay- bring your own tubes or noodles.

 

[robl45]

Thats a good point, but do they offer the hotel discount year round for the AP? I see its only until like through august now. I've never stayed on sight at the resorts. Is pool hopping from one hotel to the other a short walk or is it a big hassle?

 

[scoopmorgan]

You can check the rates for your travel dates online. I have been told the code is APH to get the discounted rates. You can check the rates before you purchase the AP to see if it is a good deal for you, or not. As for pool hopping, it depends on where you are staying and which pools you want to access. You can get transport between hotels by boat or bus, but it will take some time. It depends on how your family reacts to those inconveniences to determine if it is a hassle or not, and how much everyone wants to do the other pools, etc. If you call Universal Guest services, they are willing and able to answer your questions.

 

[robl45]

call them, they were slightly less than useless. Apparently I have to wait till end of year to find out about florida residents rates and then see if they actually have them when I'm going. And pay 22 dollars a day for parking which is ridiculous. Disney doesn't charge for parking.

 

[bchbetha]

Re. Parking charge- I'd much rather only pay for parking if I have a car. Disney isn't giving anything away.
Re. Pool hopping- Look at a map of Universal. It's not like sprawling Disney acres. You can walk between everything in tops 15-20 minutes, usually less.

 

[Disney Ron]

call them, they were slightly less than useless. Apparently I have to wait till end of year to find out about florida residents rates and then see if they actually have them when I'm going. And pay 22 dollars a day for parking which is ridiculous. Disney doesn't charge for parking.

robl, everyone pays for parking at Disney resorts whether you have a car or not. That's one of the reasons their hotel rates are so outrageous. At least at UO only those with a vehicle pay for parking.

Also the resort without the slide is the Royal Pacific Resort. I stayed there last year and it's absolutely beautiful. Right next door is the brand new Sapphire Falls Resort which has an awesome pool that your kids would love and it's only about a 5 minute walk away. So stay at Royal Pacific for the Express Passes and walk over to Sapphire Falls for the pool. BTW the Loews resorts at Universal blow most of Disney's away for half the price.

 

[schumigirl]

Yep, RP doesn't have a slide.......yet.

There are blackout dates for reservations. Just keep checking for your dates.

Parking is charged per night. A one night stay give you 2 full days parking. So as long as you leave before midnight on your second day, you're good to go. Parking is hidden in Disney room rates, nothing is free.

Folks who don't have a car appreciate they don't hide it within raised room rates. If you have a car you pay, if you don't have a car you don't pay. Simple.

Land is expensive and Loews don't own the land their hotels sit on. Not ridiculous when you factor that in.

 

[robl45]

I see what you guys are saying but being a florida resident, these rates are honestly quite a bit more than I pay for Disney. I did check out the map and I think that possibly going over to the other pool makes sense as Royal Pacific is right next to the park and cheaper.

We are going over spring break so I'm doubting the rates are going to be better I'm also hoping they fix volcano bay before I go. The reviews I've read say people are getting on one ride.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Yep, RP doesn't have a slide.......yet.

There are blackout dates for reservations. Just keep checking for your dates.

Parking is charged per night. A one night stay give you 2 full days parking. So as long as you leave before midnight on your second day, you're good to go. Parking is hidden in Disney room rates, nothing is free.

Folks who don't have a car appreciate they don't hide it within raised room rates. If you have a car you pay, if you don't have a car you don't pay. Simple.

Land is expensive and Loews don't own the land their hotels sit on. Not ridiculous when you factor that in.

I am intrigued by your use of the word "yet" when it comes to the slide...some inside scoop maybe?

 

[Disney Ron]

I am intrigued by your use of the word "yet" when it comes to the slide...some inside scoop maybe?

Yes I am intrigued also. One of the only things that bothered us with our stay at RPR last year was that the kids were disappointed with the lack of a slide. We are staying at HRH this year only because we actually have a cheaper room than RPR is offering for our dates, plus we wanted to try a new hotel, but we love RPR.

 

[schumigirl]

I am intrigued by your use of the word "yet" when it comes to the slide...some inside scoop maybe?

Lol.......no inside scoop from me I'm afraid.........