Questions about Universal & IOA

[DisneyFlash]

Hello,
We have never been to Uni & IOA....thinking about a trip this summer for just the wife and I to celebrate our 20th. As you can tell by my name we are defn Disney people, but she also LOVES HP! Thinking of a split trip...couple days at Universal & a few days at Disney. Do Universal first. Logistics of the trip should be easy in that it is only us we have to please (we have 4 teens) and we are easily pleased when we are together as jus the two of us....in other words, we can be very flexible.
As I am doing my research and planning I have a couple of questions that I seem to not be able to find the answer or a clear answer....

1) If we stay onsite for one night...say at RP.....then I know that means we get early entry, unlimited ride skip, etc. Is that for 2 days...the day of check-in AND the day of check-out?

2) For those of you who are the Pros....how important is the express pass? To use Disney terminology...we are Rope Drop people. We usually stay offsite at WBC (Love the space and proximity to Disney). Can we do as much at Universal & IOA if do not have the express pass, but RD? Thinking of staying at WBC (even though a little drive to Universal & IOA...we would not mind for for just a couple of days) and purchasing tix thru UndercoverTourist, but then would not probably buy the express pass.

Looked at the option of staying onsite for one night...using the "built-in" express pass & early entry for the two days (check-in & check-out days), but the package only included a one day ticket and it seemed quite a bit more expensive to add a seconf ticket.



Any suggestions, info that I did not ask for that the Pros know we need is welcomed.

Thanks

 

[damo]

Hello,
We have never been to Uni & IOA....thinking about a trip this summer for just the wife and I to celebrate our 20th. As you can tell by my name we are defn Disney people, but she also LOVES HP! Thinking of a split trip...couple days at Universal & a few days at Disney. Do Universal first. Logistics of the trip should be easy in that it is only us we have to please (we have 4 teens) and we are easily pleased when we are together as jus the two of us....in other words, we can be very flexible.
As I am doing my research and planning I have a couple of questions that I seem to not be able to find the answer or a clear answer....

1) If we stay onsite for one night...say at RP.....then I know that means we get early entry, unlimited ride skip, etc. Is that for 2 days...the day of check-in AND the day of check-out?

2) For those of you who are the Pros....how important is the express pass? To use Disney terminology...we are Rope Drop people. We usually stay offsite at WBC (Love the space and proximity to Disney). Can we do as much at Universal & IOA if do not have the express pass, but RD? Thinking of staying at WBC (even though a little drive to Universal & IOA...we would not mind for for just a couple of days) and purchasing tix thru UndercoverTourist, but then would not probably buy the express pass.

Looked at the option of staying onsite for one night...using the "built-in" express pass & early entry for the two days (check-in & check-out days), but the package only included a one day ticket and it seemed quite a bit more expensive to add a seconf ticket.



Any suggestions, info that I did not ask for that the Pros know we need is welcomed.

Thanks

Yes, one night's stay at RPR gives you unlimited express for arrival day and departure day.

In the peak summer times, unlimited express is wonderful. It is sooooooo hot, that keeping your wait times to a minimum makes the trip so much more enjoyable.

I wouldn't bother booking a package. I'd book hotel directly here .... http://uo.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR and get tickets at undercover tourist. If you choose to get a package, you can alter your ticket length. Click on change activities and the option will come up. You'll have to remove the one set of tickets and add a longer, second set. Just fidget around with that website a bit.

 

[DisneyFlash]

Yes, one night's stay at RPR gives you unlimited express for arrival day and departure day.

In the peak summer times, unlimited express is wonderful. It is sooooooo hot, that keeping your wait times to a minimum makes the trip so much more enjoyable.

I wouldn't bother booking a package. I'd book hotel directly here .... http://uo.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR and get tickets at undercover tourist. If you choose to get a package, you can alter your ticket length. Click on change activities and the option will come up. You'll have to remove the one set of tickets and add a longer, second set. Just fidget around with that website a bit.

Thanks Damo ....
This is exactly what I thinking/hoping we could do...book the room & enjoy the express & early park entry for staying in an onsite room, but buy tickets thru UT.

 

[macraven]

going during the summer time, staying on site in one of the 3 deluxe hotels, is a must.

avoid long line waiting for rides and shows.

eat at off times in the park so that wait will be less also.


you will be able to enjoy the parks more by not having to rush all the time.


take advantage of the hotel perk of early entry to the parks.

if you go in July, both parks are opened to the public from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
early entry will allow hotel guest in one hour prior to that 8 opening time for the potter sections.
you will still have some lines during that period, but nothing like having it packed later in the day.

if the heat overwhelms you, easy to go back to your hotel for a swim or rest in your ac room.
or explore the hotel grounds for a few hours.

return back to the park and continue to start up the fun again.

 

[Duanerice]

My wife and i just returned from RPR - 35th anniversay. Very nice hotel and I would encourage you to stay there. Not only do you get the 2 days of early admission and express passes but you can easily walk back to your hotel for a mid afternoon break.. Nice shower, pool, maybe a nap.......

I would also recommend the park to park ticket as it is nice to spend half a day at each. that way you are not stuck at just one park for the day. Also if you want to ride the train between the Harry Potter places you need a park hopper.

And yes the express pass is worth it. Makes the trip so much more enjoyable. This was my first time onsite and I'm not sure I'll be able to go back to offsite again.
enjoy,