Pros/Cons: Universal vs Disney

[Disney Padawan]

I've gotten rooms at both the RPR and HRH for under $125. I've paid close to $150 for a room at the Pop Century. We're going next week for HHN and I think my room rate is $130ish for Thursday and Friday.

And I agree, I don't think Disney has a deluxe resort that compares with the resorts at UO.

That's around what I paid for the PBH last month. I don't understand the other rates I'm hearing, unless they're talking about Summer rates which I wouldn't know too much about.

$150 for the Pop!?! Wow!!! Unbelievable.

 

[Rip]

That's around what I paid for the PBH last month. I don't understand the other rates I'm hearing, unless they're talking about Summer rates which I wouldn't know too much about.

$150 for the Pop!?! Wow!!! Unbelievable.

Yep, we decided to stay an extra day once at the last minute and that was the least expensive room available on property.

Summer, spring break and Christmas can be expensive, but we were able to get a kid's suite in July for $300-something. I thought that was very reasonable for what we got and when we got it.

 

[Dragontears]

Sorry the pricing didn't work out for you. I've stayed in Universal property 3 times and always paid a little less or about the same as a Disney moderate. Granted everytime I've booked it's been for 6 days or over but then again, everytime I've stayed with Disney it's been for 2 weeks. I've heard some people claim that they've booked inside of Universal for the same price as a Disney Value! I've never been so lucky. Anyway, to me, there's just no comparison between the two resorts. I always feel I got my money's worth when I stay at UO. Good Luck and I hope you have a great trip.

Wish I had found some of the prices I see here.

Maybe the great prices are specials for “a family of four” similar to the specials Disney has. For four adults (we have grown kids) in October, Universal’s lowest room was $299 per night before taxes.

Our deluxe hotel is only costing $162 a night total and that includes breakfast (even an omelet bar). We are staying 6 nights. It has a lot more amenities than we will use (the pools, hot tub & transportation yes – fitness center maybe - spa, tennis, golf, arcade and radio boats no). But at that price...

Those spending most of their days at Universal defiantly benefit from the proximity to the parks. And if you have stayed there in the past and like a particular resort – it is priceless.

For us, an additional $137+ a night for Universal Express and early entry for two days at Universal is not a good fit. Even buying Universal Express passes for four in October would be cheaper.

 

[Rip]

Wish I had found some of the prices I see here.

Maybe the great prices are specials for “a family of four” similar to the specials Disney has. For four adults (we have grown kids) in October, Universal’s lowest room was $299 per night before taxes.

Our deluxe hotel is only costing $162 a night total and that includes breakfast (even an omelet bar). We are staying 6 nights. It has a lot more amenities than we will use (the pools, hot tub & transportation yes – fitness center maybe - tennis, golf, arcade and radio boats no). But at that price...

Those spending most of their days at Universal defiantly benefit from the proximity to the parks. And if you have stayed there in the past and like a particular resort – it is priceless.

For us, an additional $137+ a night for Universal Express and early entry for two days at Universal is not a good fit. Even buying Universal Express passes for four in October would be cheaper.

Get an AP if you're staying on property and going for 2 days for just one member of the family. My AP rate for next weekend is $129 a night, average, on Thursday and Friday.

 

[Dragontears]

Get an AP if you're staying on property and going for 2 days for just one member of the family. My AP rate for next weekend is $129 a night, average, on Thursday and Friday.

Ahhh. Got it.

But living in Missouri, an AP doesn't make sense. DH, DD & her hubby get limited vacation time from work. Maybe after DH retires.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Rip]

Ahhh. Got it.

But living in Missouri, an AP doesn't make sense. DH, DD & her hubby get limited vacation time from work. Maybe after DH retires.

Thanks for the info.

Run the numbers as compared to a 2-day/2-park pass and find out what the AP hotel rates are for when you go next time. Many times the savings more than cover the difference, plus you get EP for everyone. You only have to purchase 1 AP for whomever the primary adult is getting the room. Everyone else can have regular day passes. In the above example, you'd have saved about $30/night on your hotel room and have EPs for everyone. I'm not sure what the price difference is between a 2-day/2-park and a Preferred AP, but last time I checked it was around $100. So, for $40 more dollars (if that is still the case and you were only staying there 2 nights) you'd have onsite access, no driving, early entry, and unlimited EPs.

 

[damo]

AP may not seem to make sense the first year. However, the renewal rate is around $140 which is pretty close to the multiday price.

 

[patster734]

Ahhh. Got it.

But living in Missouri, an AP doesn't make sense. DH, DD & her hubby get limited vacation time from work. Maybe after DH retires.

Thanks for the info.

I'm an AP holder living in Missouri, but then I've had it for a few years. I purchased it when it was considerably cheaper and Universal was running a buy one year, get one year free deal. I haven't seen a deal like that for a few years now.

 

[TaylorsDad]

I'm an AP holder living in Missouri, but then I've had it for a few years. I purchased it when it was considerably cheaper and Universal was running a buy one year, get one year free deal. I haven't seen a deal like that for a few years now.

Omg, I have seen the face of Fear and it is- Patster????
BTW love the avatar

 

[macraven]

Omg, I have seen the face of Fear and it is- Patster????
BTW love the avatar

 

[Dragontears]

Run the numbers as compared to a 2-day/2-park pass and find out what the AP hotel rates are for when you go next time. Many times the savings more than cover the difference, plus you get EP for everyone. You only have to purchase 1 AP for whomever the primary adult is getting the room. Everyone else can have regular day passes. In the above example, you'd have saved about $30/night on your hotel room and have EPs for everyone. I'm not sure what the price difference is between a 2-day/2-park and a Preferred AP, but last time I checked it was around $100. So, for $40 more dollars (if that is still the case and you were only staying there 2 nights) you'd have onsite access, no driving, early entry, and unlimited EPs.

We do the two day/ one park passes, but it might still be a savings. I will have to check before next trip.

AP may not seem to make sense the first year. However, the renewal rate is around $140 which is pretty close to the multiday price..

*sigh* Since last vacation was over three years ago I don't anticipate that a low renewal rate will do me any good.

And with only limited vacation time, changing hotels will take away from our time in the parks. DH and DD say it is not worth the hassle.

But - I have until next vacation (which may a while) to convince them.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[patster734]

Omg, I have seen the face of Fear and it is- Patster????
BTW love the avatar

Thanks, but I stole it. I'm sure Fear will be wanting it back.