Premier AP vs Preferred AP

[Buckeye Jones]

We are currently planning a late March trip to US, and I'm torn on which AP's to buy. This will be our first time to US, but we are avid Disney goers. There are five of us, and I like the idea of having EP after 4, along the option of staying at a cheaper resort. When at Disney we tend to go in the mornings, pool break in the afternoons, and back to the parks in the evening. The Premier pass works for us in that sense, but is it better to buy a cheaper pass and stay at one of the premier resorts and have EP all day? My kids are 17, 15 and 12.

 

[damo]

We prefer to buy a cheaper pass and stay at one of the premier resorts. Pricing can be excellent with the AP discount.

 

[PurdueTodd]

Right now, new AP are not being sold. You can get 1-10 day tickets and park hopping option at 2pm. Park reservations are required and have to visit reserved park first before using your hopper.

 

[limace]

Right now, new AP are not being sold. You can get 1-10 day tickets and park hopping option at 2pm. Park reservations are required and have to visit reserved park first before using your hopper.

I think this happens once a day on this board . This is re universal, not WDW-universal is selling APs.

 

[PurdueTodd]

My apologies, I see it now.

 

[Erica Ladd]

We got seasonal APs and stay at properties that have EP. I like having EP for the entire stay all day. We are a family of 5 too

 

[Dawn Peterson]

We have a family of 4 and got seasonal passes and stay at hotels with EP. We love HRH the best. Quick walk and fun pool. Perfect for mid day pool breaks. The AP rates are really good. you also get the EP for 2 days (arrival and leave ) so you can mix it with a non EP hotel if you want. They are reasonable priced. Haven’t tried it yet, but we will.

 

[Erica Ladd]

Yes this. Plus it’s so nice to be able to walk to the parks

 

[hhoope01]

You might want to check park hours during your stay. I think for February, US closes its doors about 5 or 6pm most days and IoA closes doors around 6PM. So there might not be much time to use those "after 4pm" EPs.

 

[Buckeye Jones]

You might want to check park hours during your stay. I think for February, US closes its doors about 5 or 6pm most days and IoA closes doors around 6PM. So there might not be much time to use those "after 4pm" EPs.

If the parks close that early in March and April, then we will probably just reschedule it for a later date. I just booked CB for our dates, but I’ll hold off buying our passes until the last minute.

 

[kbelle8995]

I have preferred and frankly love it. I get my discount and free parking. I couldn't justify getting premier.

 

[bobafemme]

I'm not sure how late in March you are going, Buckeye, but the seasonal might be an option if you are done with parks March 26. You can see the black-out dates here https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/annual-passes/blockout-dates
If you are looking at the Premier because the express pass is enticing, you may want to consider sulking daily or near daily on the AP rate page for hotels. We often get good deals that the cost difference between Cabana or similar and Royal Pacific is negligible.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Does the premier pass allow you into volcano bay

 

[Buckeye Jones]

Does the premier pass allow you into volcano bay

If you buy a 3 park premier pass.

 

[only hope]

You might want to check park hours during your stay. I think for February, US closes its doors about 5 or 6pm most days and IoA closes doors around 6PM. So there might not be much time to use those "after 4pm" EPs.

Last year, express started at two on days the park closer at 5 or 6. Dunno about now but it’ll be on the website.

 

[shawthorne44]

Premier is really best for locals who pop-over after work.

 

[Magical2017]

Does everyone in your party need to purchase annual passes in order to get a discount at the premier resorts, or can one person purchase the annual pass and everyone else just get regular tickets?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Just on person in the room needs the AP to keep the AP rate.

 

[Magical2017]

Just on person in the room needs the AP to keep the AP rate.

Thank you!