Really worth it to stay at a Universal hotel if..

[JMLBrats]

the only reason you want to is to get on the rides faster/avoid lines? We are thinking of going next April during school break & were thinking it might be worth the extra $ just to have that luxury. But I thought it would be best to ask the experts...so what'd you guys think?

 

[gschmerl]

YES!!!!
In fact some people book the room and actually stay elsewhere. They just use their room key for the express access and an afternoon break at the pool.

 

[Bluer101]

YES!!!!
In fact some people book the room and actually stay elsewhere. They just use their room key for the express access and an afternoon break at the pool.

 

[macraven]

 

[JMLBrats]

okay, so how busy is it during April break? I have heard that UOA is not the same as Disney as far as how crowded during the breaks but I don't know if that means it's more or less crowded or about the same?

 

[gschmerl]

During any school break the parks will be crowded. Harry Potter has been packed since it opened and will continue to be for quite some time.

 

[Rash]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but... why would you book and pay for a room and not stay in it?

 

[Moon Child]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but... why would you book and pay for a room and not stay in it?

i was thinking the same thing~lol

 

[damo]

i was thinking the same thing~lol

Two situations come to mind...Disney during their free dining, and those who have a time share week and a large condo somewhere.

 

[Ohiodislover]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but... why would you book and pay for a room and not stay in it?

i was thinking the same thing~lol

Already booked elsewhere, but want to use the room keys for unlimited front of the line access. Too much of a pain to relocate for the night?

 

[gschmerl]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but... why would you book and pay for a room and not stay in it?

As an example...my nephew has a time share, but books a room at the Royal Pacific just to get the two days of express access at Universal. They usually don't stay in the room, but use it during the day for swimming and resting.

 

[goofy4tink]

It is hugely worth it...otherwise I wouldn't be spending over $200 to stay at HRH (with an AP discount) for one night. There are much cheaper places to stay but with that FoTL ability, as many times as you want, it's worth it.

Last Dec, my friend and I each had a studio at BWV. We got a great rate ($150, AP rate) at RPR, for one night. We packed backpacks, took the Mears shuttle over to US/IoA first thing Wed morning...checked into RPR and had a ball for two days...took the shuttle back on Thurs afternoon. We just left our BWV rooms empty for the night..it wasn't worth checking out and then back in again. I would do that again in a heartbeat. It was so nice to just walk over to the two parks!!!

 

[IdesOmarch]

Its a little more to it than that IMO. Staying onsite also gives you great views of the property, makes it easier to get around (You're right there in walking distance of everything) and the resorts themselves are very very nice.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but... why would you book and pay for a room and not stay in it?

The hotel version of the express pass is SO good. Some people might consider buying the purchasable pass, but by the time they add it all up it might equal a discounted night on property. And the purchased ones would only be good for ONE day, while the pass you get with your room is good for check in AND check out.

We went at a relatively quiet time and got completely hooked on the hotel passes. Cannot imagine going without them!

 

[JMLBrats]

Yeah, you guys have definetly sold me on it. Especially during spring break, i guess we really should stay on site for at least a couple of nights. Does anyone know if you buy an annual pass do they usually let you get a discount at the hotels during a peak time like spring break?

 

[damo]

Yeah, you guys have definetly sold me on it. Especially during spring break, i guess we really should stay on site for at least a couple of nights. Does anyone know if you buy an annual pass do they usually let you get a discount at the hotels during a peak time like spring break?

Not generally but you can check yourself by entering APH in the code box on the website.

 

[JMLBrats]

okay, thanks. Just trying to decide if it's worth it to get an AP.

 

[Jara50]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but... why would you book and pay for a room and not stay in it?

My bil and family have a vacation home in Orlando but got room at RPR and went to Universal for 2 days with FOTL passes. They used the room during the day to take a rest break but didn't sleep there.

 

[jtdl]

So the FoTLP is valid for the entire day of check out as well? Do the onsite hotels let you store your luggage there for the day after you check out?

 

[bumbershoot]

So the FoTLP is valid for the entire day of check out as well? Do the onsite hotels let you store your luggage there for the day after you check out?

Yes and yes.