Scared to buy tickets-stupid questions

[mrskay9]

1). If we're doing the 2+3 deal and there's a "chance" we may go the day we arrive should I put that date? Or would I lose that date altogether if we do not end up going? Or does the 5 days start when active? The good for 7 days confuses me. I know it sounds so stupid. So I wanted to ask before I hit buy.

2). I may have to stay behind and send dh with kid on the first date. With my ticket not being activated on that day 1....any worries? And does he need my credit card to activate them or anything?

Thank you in advance. Sorry I'm a nervous Nellie. I did read up to 32 pages and while very helpful, I am just nervous due to the cost. Thank you.

 

[TommyJK]

Where are you buying the tickets from? The only reason I'm asking is if where you are buying them say they are the actual tickets themselves? Or a voucher that you need to turn in at Guest Services to get your tickets?

Either way.

1. The 5 days start on the first day you use them (i.e. scan the actual ticket at the turnstiles to go into the park). And so it would be any 5 days within a 7 day period beginning that first day.

2. The tickets you get should be the tickets that you use in going to the park. You don't need a credit card (like the one you used to purchase the tickets). Unless of course to my very first question about asking if they are the actual tickets, or vouchers for tickets. Because if they're vouchers, then maybe you might need to show the credit card that was used to purchase them when exchanging for actual tickets? I'm not sure though as I've always received the actual tickets (and not vouchers) when I've purchased before (either through Universal's site or through Undercover Tourist).

Also just make sure you are aware of the blackout dates and expiry on the 2+3 tickets. They are not valid in July and they expire Dec. 20th this year.

 

[macraven]

Perfect answer Tommyjk

 

[mrskay9]

Thank you so much tommyjk. It might not be my best life decision ever, but I think I'm going to buy them from universal's site. I think we're going to pay the arm and the leg for the UE. So, I didn't want to make a third bad decision lol. Well, we're going in August. That might be the trifecta.

 

[TommyJK]

When in August are you going? The second half of August is typically a bit slower since a lot of jurisdictions have already gone back to school.

I'd recommend not buying express passes now for a few reasons:

• The express passes when bought online and ahead of time ARE date specific, so if your plans change somehow, your stuck
• You can buy them in the park on the day(s) you are there. And you might find that it's not as busy on the given day and you can go without them. Or on the flip side if you find it's too busy for your liking, then buy them on that day

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We stayed at hard rock two nights to get the passes, it was so worth it.... I couldn't afford anymore days but we only went for three days and two nights was three days of express passes I do know that some hotels have a universal ticket station.
I read that you shouldn't buy your express passes ahead of time (besides what you are told above) you dont know the crown levels and if you will need one.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think we're going to pay the arm and the leg for the UE.

I wouldn't. Like the others said, you can buy them at the parks IF you need them.

Where are you staying?

 

[mrskay9]

We're using my mother's timeshare (thank you mom) so it's off site from everything! It would be that last week in August.

Seems like I have some calculating to do. Thank you all for your help and honesty.

 

[TommyJK]

Ya. Last week of August it slows down a bit typically, so you could likely be ok without Express Pass. Looking at last years wait times for the last week of August and things looked really manageable.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We also stay in a vacation club as they call them now days... still took a room at lowes.
But there are 4 of us so 4 express passes for 3 days is a lot more than 2 nights at lowes hotel, you can get it on priceline

 

[bumbershoot]

Especially if you’re getting that offsite timeshare for a bargain, think about booking a deluxe room for even just one night. That gives the family unlimited express pass from checkin until the parks close on checkout day. Unlimited makes it awesome, and it’s almost certainly cheaper than normal express pass for everyone for even one day (let alone two!)

It’s worth looking into.

And yes it’s a weird suggestion when we’re all saying not to buy EP with the tickets, but it’s also such a relative bargain to get two days of *unlimited* for the cost of one night at the deluxe hotel.

 

[skylock]

OP - As long as there is no blackout dates on your tickets, you can start them when you want even different days.

You will need the CC used to purchase the tickets to pick them up. If you had your tickets mailed to you, you are ready to hit the gates.

If you get the 2 + 3 free tickets. you can use them for 5 days within a 7 day period.

As for express pass, which I HIGHLY recommend, with 3 or more people, you will be better off booking a night at one of the top 3 hotels. Even if you don't actually plan on using, but I would recommend staying the night there just so you can enjoy the feeling of just walking out of the park, catching the boat and having a nice boat ride to the hotel. Pack an overnight bag and have them hold it when you check in. Easy peasy. Our group had several people that wanted to hang around and party in city walk after the parks closed and they just stayed in the hotel rooms while the rest of us went back to the condo.

We usually go to the parks for 4 days. We have a large group and always actually stay in a vacation home or condo. Say we are going to the parks Mon-Thur. We will get a room for Monday night and for Wed night. That gives us 4 days of express pass.

Now, get out your calculator.

You need to look into the price of at least one annual pass. (check the blackout dates, but you should be fine) You should be able to get an annual pass discount on the hotel rate. Rate code APH. APH rate codes usually pop up 90 days prior to stay. They are limited and can go fast) We usually save about 25% off the room rate. Any annual pass will get you the hotel discount. You do not have to have it in hand when you book the room, but you must show it by checkout to keep the APH discount rate. Otherwise it will change to the reg rate.

edit to say, you will also get early morning entry into the HP area with the hotel.

 

[mrskay9]

You guys/gals are awesome. Thank you!