Premium Annual Pass Question

[las3888]

I would like to buy the premium annual pass after researching it online. If buying through Universal's web site, I see an option to pick up my tickets at a kiosk at the park. Do I get some kind of confirmation that I can print out? I am interested in this pass in part because of the free parking. If I don't have the pass yet, the first time I go, have you been able to still park free by showing something to the parking gate?

Any info is appreciated!

 

[AlexandNessa]

Hi yes, it's easy. You do get a confirmation number. You need the credit card with which you paid to slide into the kiosk to access your tickets. Punch in the confirmation code, and you'll get tickets to get you into the parks, and then you'll have to have your AP processed at guest services (smile for the camera!).

Don't forget to use the Burger King Coupon code to get your second year free!

Sorry I can't help you with the parking question.

 

[Joline]

We just purchased these and opted to get them at the Park rather than have them sent. I, too, was wondering about the first time parking. I have emailed Universal but no response as of yet. Now, not to sound stupid, but what is the Burger King Coupon Code that was mentioned???? Thanks much.

 

[Joline]

Well, just got that response fom Universal ref the parking question which I have copied below. Not really what I wanted to hear!!!

Your Universal Orlando annual pass benefits kick in upon activation.

Once you obtain your plastic photo ID that can be scanned by the parking attendant, your free parking will begin.

 

[tarmand]

Would Annual Passes get you free parking at the resorts also?

 

[highlander447]

Unfortunately no u must still pay parking at onsite hotels

 

[las3888]

Well, just got that response fom Universal ref the parking question which I have copied below. Not really what I wanted to hear!!!

Well, that's kind of a bummer. I am on the fence about buying this pass, so I will have to think about it some more.

Now, not to sound stupid, but what is the Burger King Coupon Code that was mentioned???? Thanks much.

There is a special promotion right now - buy an annual pass and get a 2nd year for free. This is the pass that offers the free parking at the parks. If you go to mousesavers.com and find the section on Universal, they have the discount code you need to plug in and get this deal. It's not exactly a free year because an annual pass is regularly like $119 or something, and this premium pass is $169, but you do get 2 years, plus the free parking and some discounts in the restaurants and gift shops.

Thanks all for your answers! I will mull this one over for a while. We don't go to Universal ALOT, but are ready to go this coming trip so we will need to do something for passes.

 

[Eclpz314]

Better hurry if you want the 2yr for 1 deal. You must purchase them by 5/31/04 which is tomorrow!! Good luck!

***OOPS! You've got a whole month to decide! Sorry!

 

[las3888]

Better hurry if you want the 2yr for 1 deal. You must purchase them by 5/31/04 which is tomorrow!! Good luck!

Either you meant 4/30??? or I have been asleep for a month!!! (JK)

 

[phamton]

If you go to the park an hour before closing, parking is free. So if the park closes at 7:00, be there at 6:00 to get your pass. Sometimes there is free parking 2 hours before closing.

 

[tinaluis]

The purchase by date is May 31, 2004.

 

[las3888]

Excellent tip, phamton! Thanks!

 

[Jennylen]

Las3888: The 2 for 1 AP deal last til end of May, not April. I posted the following on different area and hope this info will help a bit:
-----
1. Need BurgerKing Coupon on 2 for 1 deal? - I went to 2 BurgerKings at Orlando, coupons are at the counters.
2. Get Free Parking on first day? - Here is how I did it: Go to the park around 8pm (or 1-2hr before closing) and there is no parking attendant, I drove through and parked my car in garage (no attendant, no parking fee), then go have my photo taken.
3. I also found these many times at WDW: no attendant to collect parking fee if you go after 8-9pm. I have AP and it covers parkings.
4. ExpressPlus at Universal is $30 for current season (varies per season, demand).
5. Wait time at Unversal last week: no too bad, approx. 10-20 min. many shows or rides, less people in the mornings.
6. Waiting time at Universal last early July (03): 40min + for many many rides/shows

Also, your AP gave 20% discount on photo they took for you if you decide to order/buy beside other discounts.

 

[las3888]

Thanks Jennylen for all that info! I was wondering about the Express Plus pass....is it good just for one day? Do you buy it the day you go? Are there any discounts or advantages to being an AP member and getting an Express Plus pass? I recall the last time we went it was offered but I think we went later in the day and found they were sold out - at least that's what I recall.

Also, as far as purchasing the AP online with Burger King coupon, they post the coupon number that you need on mousesavers.com. Do I physically need a coupon then to process my AP once I get there?

If we do the AP, I think it's a great tip that you can go and park later in the PM when there is no parking attendant. That's probably the way to go.

I'm not sure how the crowds will be when we go...we are leaving at the end of this month and will be down there over Memorial Day, then several days after. We go often at this time of year, but I don't recall the crowds around this time. I know at WDW, it is heavy the weekend itself, but it quiets down after the holiday.

Thanks again for the info...

 

[Eclpz314]

Oops!! Sorry about the confusion with the "purchase by" date. Guess I'm more excited about our upcoming vacation than I thought!

 

[Jennylen]

I wouldn't spend the money on Express Plus if there is not much crowds. You can purchase them after entering the park, or at the gate (before entering). We purchased them last summer inside the park because crowds were so bad (July 4th), we did not purchase them last month of our trip. I will say they are expensive if you have group of people. Hope the month of May is fine - Spring break is over. Express Plus is only good for one day, and allow only ONE express entry PER attraction - had date printed on express plus card (they will scan it when you use it at express line). AP member don't get discount on ExpressPlus purchase (I asked them last month).

If you purchase AP on-line, no coupon needed to get your official pass. You will need it if get them at the gate or AAA office (orlando) (American Automobile Association $5 cheaper, $164.95 instead of $169.95 pls tax).

 

[Brianhog]

In response to an earlier post the 2 for 1 really is 1 year free if you are buying a true annual pass. They do have something called a power pass for around 109 but it has blackout dates thru out the year and is not a true 365 day pass with the free parking and other discounts.