Pricing Universal Tickets....tell me this cant be right?

[angryduck71]

It really does depend on what you like to do. My son spent 3 HOURS in Knockturn Alley one afternoon just...well.. playing. He likes Disney ok, but only parts. Our next vacation, we are spending 7 nights at Universal -- going one day to Disney to do the Ultimate Thrills tour and then see Star Wars stuff and DHS. I asked him what his ideal amount of time in the actual parks is. He said probably 5 days. He wants to ride rides over and over (some of them). He wants to play around at Harry Potter. He loves to sit and watch the magic shadows at Three Broomsticks. He loved chasing ducks in the pool at the Royal Pacific for a whole afternoon. You can't slow down and do some of those things if you're rushing to see the park in a day. Children have their own timetable. I remember at Disneyland, I had a set schedule of things, and he just wanted to play at the characters houses all afternoon. And, you know what, that's the best pictures and best memories we have. If you're an adult, you may want to go faster and just ride, ride, ride. Or, you may want to ride, then chill at the pool for an afternoon. It really just depends on what kind of person you are and what you enjoy. I chuckle every time I see, "am I going to be bored after a couple of days?" How on earth can you get bored? I would love the opportunity to just even sit and relax and read a book by the pool after I've done everything else!

 

[Jonny_Duck]

We certainly consider it a full vacation trip. And there are definitely more and more people coming over and saying the same thing......ok they may not stay 18 nights like we do, but in 2007 when we first went and came on the boards there were many people who would never even consider setting foot in Universal.

Look how that has changed. And quite dramatically changed.

I certainly can't do a full park in one day and we've been exclusively doing Universal since 08. We have no desire to go back to Disney.

Universal for us is amazing value........and with staying onsite with EP it makes it even better.

I personally don't give a flying monkey about comparisons to which is better and will Disney lose out........don't care really........Disney will always do ok. But the good thing is neither parks are going anywhere.

Something for everyone.

I did both parks last Saturday in a single day with express and that was including waiting for Kong to open and go through. It's certainly possible to do depending on what you care to do while on vacation.....I'm not spending hours shopping or dining for example. Could I go the next day and still have fun doing repeats? Absolutely. But I'd say 3 days is sufficient to get all the rides and have some time to stop and enjoy the scenery as well.(Depending on when you travel)

Maybe most never considered Universal, but it does seem like a lot here are adding a cpl days onto a trip to visit and experience these parks. Rather than a full blown 18 days at Universal. That's my point that Universal seems to be HEADING down that path of pricing them out of that ability. It seems like they want ppl to choose one or the other.

This year and next I'll likely be doing both Disney and Universal....But after the annual pass expires it'll be time to choose one or the other. I personally will probably choose Universal, but I'm in their demographic. When you say "something for everyone" I'd sorta kinda agree but the way they are going to strictly simulator rides is a bit scary for some with motion sickness. Going with my Aunt I'm willing to bet she'll skip almost every single ride.

 

[snoopboop]

Had planned on 4 nights at US but Disney is much cheaper

?????

I don't understand why people say this. It's simply not true. Where does this idea come from?

4-day single park Universal ticket = $190
4-day Universal park-to-park ticket = $240

4-day single park Disney ticket = $325
4-day Disney park hopper = $394

With three different "levels" of accommodations onsite at Universal, plus a staggering array of offsite partner hotels and other offsite options from which to choose, it's possible to find a hotel for your Universal stay that is comparable to any Disney onsite or offsite lodging.

So how, exactly, is Disney cheaper? Seriously.

 

[schumigirl]

I did both parks last Saturday in a single day with express and that was including waiting for Kong to open and go through. It's certainly possible to do depending on what you care to do while on vacation.....I'm not spending hours shopping or dining for example. Could I go the next day and still have fun doing repeats? Absolutely.

Maybe most never considered Universal, but it does seem like a lot here are adding a cpl days onto a trip to visit and experience these parks. Rather than a full blown 18 days at Universal. That's my point that Universal seems to be HEADING down that path of pricing them out of that ability. It seems like they want ppl to choose one or the other.

This year and next I'll likely be doing both Disney and Universal....But after the annual pass expires it'll be time to choose one or the other. I personally will probably choose Universal, but I'm in their demographic. When you say "something for everyone" I'd sorta kinda agree but the way they are going to strictly simulator rides is a bit scary for some with motion sickness. Going with my Aunt I'm willing to bet she'll skip almost every single ride.

You did EVERY SINGLE ride and show in both parks in one day?? And waited on Kong?

Sounds like a nightmare day to me. Even with EP.

I don't see Universal pricing folk out of any option if I'm honest. I also think Disney will be going down the simulator route too.........cost effectiveness will drive that. Much easier to fix a screen than a redundant yeti.......lol......

Hope your aunt enjoys it though when you do go.......it's a shame if folks don't at least try some things they've never experienced.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

You did EVERY SINGLE ride and show in both parks in one day?? And waited on Kong?

Sounds like a nightmare day to me. Even with EP.

I don't see Universal pricing folk out of any option if I'm honest. I also think Disney will be going down the simulator route too.........cost effectiveness will drive that. Much easier to fix a screen than a redundant yeti.......lol......

Hope your aunt enjoys it though when you do go.......it's a shame if folks don't at least try some things they've never experienced.

Actually didn't really seem all that busy and I went at a leisurely pace.(Except the mad dash to Kong when I read it was opening) I even met up with Mom and had dinner at NBC grill and that took some time. I didn't do every ride....I skipped the 2 water rides, Barney, and Minions but I also did repeats of ET, Jurassic park and 6 times in MiB so overall if I wanted to do every ride it was certainly possible. Transformers was the longest line as the day went on but I got in on that early and only waited 5 mins. Then again right now they have Beetlejuice gone, Twister gone, Hulk closed, and Disaster gone so once the new rides pop up next year it'll likely be harder if not impossible for a single day.

Obviously I'm experienced enough to know where I'm going and been there enough that I don't have to stop and smell the roses. But I do think currently 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend there.

As for my Aunt...It'd be nice if she could enjoy the rides but she doesn't want to be sick. I never have had motion sickness so I can't empathize but if I did I think I would just tough it out and still ride what I enjoy.

I actually think that Universal has priced itself out for some ppl atm. Obviously some ppl spend more than others on vacation and it all depends just on what you want to do. I don't see prices going down anytime soon, so I'd imagine once they go up again another portion of ppl won't find it feasible to do.

Either way I'm hoping that third park comes to fruition....I'm excited for new things and really would like to see some Nintendo.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

?????

I don't understand why people say this. It's simply not true. Where does this idea come from?

4-day single park Universal ticket = $190
4-day Universal park-to-park ticket = $240

4-day single park Disney ticket = $325
4-day Disney park hopper = $394

With three different "levels" of accommodations onsite at Universal, plus a staggering array of offsite partner hotels and other offsite options from which to choose, it's possible to find a hotel for your Universal stay that is comparable to any Disney onsite or offsite lodging.

So how, exactly, is Disney cheaper? Seriously.

Not sure but if I had to guess I would say maybe they're talking about adding extra days onto Disney tickets as opposed to a new 4 day ticket for either park.

 

[vanjust14]

I just spent 5 days at Universal with express and STILL didn't have time to do everything. Not one repeat ride either! I didn't even see any shows, except for the nighttime cinematic spectacular. There was so much more dining, riding and shopping I would have liked to do! Granted, I like to go back to RPR for swimming during the day. Touring all morning and day in the hot sun is not appealing to me. This was my fourth trip to UO/IOA and 3rd time making it exclusively a Universal trip. I definitely could have used a whole week for sure. I like making it a separate trip than Disney. I usually switch off, one year Universal, one year Disney. The new Harry Potter area was AMAZING! I could have spent more time in there for sure. I would expect more and more people to start making Universal its own vacation once they realize all it has to offer.

 

[cmarsh31]

Stay on site and the cost of EP disappears.

Yes, but staying deluxe at US will probably be more expensive than Stay/Play/Dine in Feb at WDW

?????

I don't understand why people say this. It's simply not true. Where does this idea come from?

4-day single park Universal ticket = $190
4-day Universal park-to-park ticket = $240

4-day single park Disney ticket = $325
4-day Disney park hopper = $394

With three different "levels" of accommodations onsite at Universal, plus a staggering array of offsite partner hotels and other offsite options from which to choose, it's possible to find a hotel for your Universal stay that is comparable to any Disney onsite or offsite lodging.

So how, exactly, is Disney cheaper? Seriously.

Two nights at RPR $650 in order to get the EP. Two nights at POR $400. This is a US trip - wasn't planning on Disney at all, so with the savings we're doing the MNSSHP, cheaper than a full day single park ticket. Plus, with my CC rewards, I can get Disney Gift cards to further offset the cost but nothing equivalent for US. It's cheaper bc to get the EP I HAVE to stay at a deluxe or pay, but I can stay at any level of Disney hotel and get free FPs. Park tickets might be cheaper at US than WDW but the overall cost ends up almost equal - especially once you factor in the cost of transportation to/from MCO for a family of 4. Even renting a car, have to pay to park at US hotels but free at WDW. There are multiple spreadsheets in my life...

 

[damo]

Yes, but staying deluxe at US will probably be more expensive than Stay/Play/Dine in Feb at WDW


Two nights at RPR $650 in order to get the EP. Two nights at POR $400. This is a US trip - wasn't planning on Disney at all, so with the savings we're doing the MNSSHP, cheaper than a full day single park ticket. Plus, with my CC rewards, I can get Disney Gift cards to further offset the cost but nothing equivalent for US. It's cheaper bc to get the EP I HAVE to stay at a deluxe or pay, but I can stay at any level of Disney hotel and get free FPs. Park tickets might be cheaper at US than WDW but the overall cost ends up almost equal - especially once you factor in the cost of transportation to/from MCO for a family of 4. Even renting a car, have to pay to park at US hotels but free at WDW. There are multiple spreadsheets in my life...

Did you check the bundled tickets with express? That can be a much cheaper way to go.

 

[snoopboop]

Yes, but staying deluxe at US will probably be more expensive than Stay/Play/Dine in Feb at WDW

Two nights at RPR $650 in order to get the EP. Two nights at POR $400. This is a US trip - wasn't planning on Disney at all, so with the savings we're doing the MNSSHP, cheaper than a full day single park ticket. Plus, with my CC rewards, I can get Disney Gift cards to further offset the cost but nothing equivalent for US. It's cheaper bc to get the EP I HAVE to stay at a deluxe or pay, but I can stay at any level of Disney hotel and get free FPs. Park tickets might be cheaper at US than WDW but the overall cost ends up almost equal - especially once you factor in the cost of transportation to/from MCO for a family of 4. Even renting a car, have to pay to park at US hotels but free at WDW. There are multiple spreadsheets in my life...

Staying at Cabana Bay, which DOES have Early Entry (and during EE it's completely possible to knock out 3 attractions that would be equivalent to the 3 initial FP+ selections one is allotted for staying onsite at Disney), is a less expensive option that you might consider.

Comparing apples to apples, it's simply not true that Universal is more expensive. I understand that the EP/FP+ issue is a sticky one.... I don't think it's fair to compare the two. The value you get in the Unlimited EP perk at Universal's deluxe onsite hotels simply cannot be compared to the FP+ service that is available to literally every visitor at WDW, onsite guest or not.

 

[cmarsh31]

Did you check the bundled tickets with express? That can be a much cheaper way to go.

Yup, I checked everything. It was about $600 to purchase EP for 2 days to add onto the UT 2+ 1 tickets and $400 if it was bundled, but then only 2 day tickets direct, not the free extra day from UT. This way, we have 3 US days instead of the originally planned 2, plus EP for all 3 AND the bonus Disney - but the inconvenience of switching hotels halfway. We're going, and we're going to have a blast!

 

[damo]

Yup, I checked everything. It was about $600 to purchase EP for 2 days to add onto the UT 2+ 1 tickets and $400 if it was bundled, but then only 2 day tickets direct, not the free extra day from UT. This way, we have 3 US days instead of the originally planned 2, plus EP for all 3 AND the bonus Disney - but the inconvenience of switching hotels halfway. We're going, and we're going to have a blast!

An extra day on tickets is only $10 each. You could have upgraded your 2 day ticket for $10 per ticket.

 

[keishashadow]

Yes, but staying deluxe at US will probably be more expensive than Stay/Play/Dine in Feb at WDW


Two nights at RPR $650 in order to get the EP. Two nights at POR $400. This is a US trip - wasn't planning on Disney at all, so with the savings we're doing the MNSSHP, cheaper than a full day single park ticket. Plus, with my CC rewards, I can get Disney Gift cards to further offset the cost but nothing equivalent for US. It's cheaper bc to get the EP I HAVE to stay at a deluxe or pay, but I can stay at any level of Disney hotel and get free FPs. Park tickets might be cheaper at US than WDW but the overall cost ends up almost equal - especially once you factor in the cost of transportation to/from MCO for a family of 4. Even renting a car, have to pay to park at US hotels but free at WDW. There are multiple spreadsheets in my life...

I love WDW & Universal Let me play devil's advocate

I have never, nor would I, pay $650 for two nights anywhere in MCO! Even during the busy Halloween season, that's high, most regulars know you need to book early as rates do tend to fluctuate onsite @ Universal vs WDW pricing structure. PS save some more $ and book your WDW travel thru orbitz or cheap tickets w/codes to save more $.

There are no guarantees Stay/Play/Dine will be offered next February @ WDW. I currently am shaking my head over a trip I am finalizing @ WDW in August. I keep a discounted DVC AP going, so not current on regular ticket prices. In a bit of sticker shock how much the two WDW tix I need to purchase cost these days, gulp!

Even a U power pass AP qualifies for discounts, especially helpful on the room pricing. at less than half the price of a WDW AP, it's a bargin! Only 1 person needs to purchase.

Notice you're comparing a Disney moderate to a Universal deluxe. you are skewing your spreadsheet IMO, comparing apples to oranges. I understand that you're saying you are happy with a Disney moderate but it's not a
'like' comparison. IMO PBH & RP are both true deluxe classification properties.

You can buy Universal gift cards and get a little something off the effective price (I purchase mine via a CC and when my local grocery store has double fuel perks).

Additionally, unlimited FOTL for most attactions is a big bump up the food chain vs the initial 3 WDW FP entitlements. Yes, I know, commando'ing & extra sets of MB help the cause along with the additional FP...trust me it's not the same thing. There is very little need to plan your day at Universal, show up & you'll have a great time with FOTL in hand. One of the reasons I enjoy it so, a nice change in the trip's vibe after jumping thru the WDW hoops.

ME is 'free' from airport to WDW, yet many I know (bunch of type A's we are lol) either arrange private transport or rent a car (not unusual to find great deals in MCO). Disney Deluxe properties are typically priced higher than the Universal onsite ones. Call it what you will, a parking/resort fee is built into their rate structure. We save lots of $ by having a vehicle to eat majority of meals offsite and have the ability to purchase drinks/snacks/etc. I factor the parking fee into my room cost.

 

[cmarsh31]

Whether it's apples to apples or apples to oranges - everyone thinks of a Disney vacation as SO expensive (especially when you're far enough away that you're flying and to make it worth the flight, you're talking a minimum of 5 days) so the hope is that Universal would be noticeably, cheaper - which it's not. We don't want to rent a car, or be off-site, no matter where we travel. We do a vacation every year in a beach house or condo or whatever, where I'm constantly planning meals, packing stuff in the car, etc - not what I want to do in Disney/Universal. We did off-site Disney the first time and essentially hated it compared to onsite - even with a free condo with my ILs, my DH has said absolutely not. I'd love to compare a Universal Moderate to a Disney moderate but the category seems to not exist (we're staying at RP, so I think that's as close as I could get).

Where are you finding Universal GCs? Our grocery store that has gas credits only has Disney and while Discover Card claims to have Universal GCs, they seem to actually be useless. I'd love to pick some up for my kids to use for souvenirs (or better yet, direct the grandparents to get them for them!).

 

[Jonny_Duck]

I love WDW & Universal Let me play devil's advocate

I have never, nor would I, pay $650 for two nights anywhere in MCO! Even during the busy Halloween season, that's high, most regulars know you need to book early as rates do tend to fluctuate onsite @ Universal vs WDW pricing structure. PS save some more $ and book your WDW travel thru orbitz or cheap tickets w/codes to save more $.

There are no guarantees Stay/Play/Dine will be offered next February @ WDW. I currently am shaking my head over a trip I am finalizing @ WDW in August. I keep a discounted DVC AP going, so not current on regular ticket prices. In a bit of sticker shock how much the two WDW tix I need to purchase cost these days, gulp!

Even a U power pass AP qualifies for discounts, especially helpful on the room pricing. at less than half the price of a WDW AP, it's a bargin! Only 1 person needs to purchase.

Notice you're comparing a Disney moderate to a Universal deluxe. you are skewing your spreadsheet IMO, comparing apples to oranges. I understand that you're saying you are happy with a Disney moderate but it's not a
'like' comparison. IMO PBH & RP are both true deluxe classification properties.

You can buy Universal gift cards and get a little something off the effective price (I purchase mine via a CC and when my local grocery store has double fuel perks).

Additionally, unlimited FOTL for most attactions is a big bump up the food chain vs the initial 3 WDW FP entitlements. Yes, I know, commando'ing & extra sets of MB help the cause along with the additional FP...trust me it's not the same thing. There is very little need to plan your day at Universal, show up & you'll have a great time with FOTL in hand. One of the reasons I enjoy it so, a nice change in the trip's vibe after jumping thru the WDW hoops.

ME is 'free' from airport to WDW, yet many I know (bunch of type A's we are lol) either arrange private transport or rent a car (not unusual to find great deals in MCO). Disney Deluxe properties are typically priced higher than the Universal onsite ones. Call it what you will, a parking/resort fee is built into their rate structure. We save lots of $ by having a vehicle to eat majority of meals offsite and have the ability to purchase drinks/snacks/etc. I factor the parking fee into my room cost.

Actually Universal classifies RPR as a moderate or "preferred" as their wording for it. So I'd say it's a pretty like comparison for clarity sake. Granted FOTL is greatest perk anywhere imo and certainly is worth a bit more money but as far as classifications it's a valid comparison.

 

[schumigirl]

Actually Universal classifies RPR as a moderate or "preferred" as their wording for it. So I'd say it's a pretty like comparison for clarity sake. Granted FOTL is greatest perk anywhere imo and certainly is worth a bit more money but as far as classifications it's a valid comparison.

They may now word it as preferred but I still consider RPR as a deluxe.......certainly more so than PO where we have stayed........it's nowhere near a deluxe. Very definitely a moderate.

I know they have a good reason for renaming it preferred, but those of us who do stay there know it is worth so much more and the price usually reflects that.

So I wouldn't consider it a valid comparison either.

 

[macraven]

for years all 3 hotesl were considered deluxe.

since SF is opening, they are grouping the 2 (including rpr) main onsite hotels as preferred since they carry the most conventions in their buildings


Most of us will be referring to rpr as deluxe as it has the same perks as the hrh and pbh.

if ever the ep is eliminated from the rpr, i could see it reclassified


for comparing motherland and darkside hotels for now, most here will still consider rpr as a deluxe hotel onsite.



when the new grouping label came out, many of us were concerned about the perks of the rpr continuing.
as of now, no changes and many have been told no plans for removing any of the perks for rpr.

 

[keishashadow]

Actually Universal classifies RPR as a moderate or "preferred" as their wording for it. So I'd say it's a pretty like comparison for clarity sake. Granted FOTL is greatest perk anywhere imo and certainly is worth a bit more money but as far as classifications it's a valid comparison.

A matter of semantics, moderate doesn't do RP justice. Curious if you have actually stayed @ RP or just going by the 'preferred' designation?

Majority of people I know who have stayed @ Disney moderates (and deluxe) agree, RP is not what you normally would think of as a moderate. Had many of us scratching our collective noggins. I could care less what the term it, especially if they drop their rates.

One word I've come to adopt from my friend across the pond is "lush". A perfect word to describe many things, including the vibe I get when entering the lobbies/common spaces 2 both PB & RP. HRH has it own cool thing going on too

Loews may not think RP is quite as grand as PBH or HRH. Frankly (having stayed @ many Orlando properties designated as deluxe over the years) I am of the mind that other than location, many of the Walt Disney 'deluxe' & villa properties as to actual guest rooms are very nice/convenient but certainly not of 4 star caliber nor FOTL in the parks. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy visiting several times a year there, ranging from Values to Deluxe/DVC.

As long as RP still has FOTL perk, I'm of the if it walks & talks like a duck camp.

 

[macraven]

Jonny Duck, which UO hotels have you stayed at in the deluxe categories (rpr, hrh, pbh) ?

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Jonny Duck, which UO hotels have you stayed at in the deluxe categories (rpr, hrh, pbh) ?

I've stayed in all 3.