Seasonal Pass Questions

[nkereina]

Besides blackout dates, are there any cons of a UO Seasonal Pass? We're considering purchasing one for our March trip, with the potential to use it again in September. I've confirmed on the UO calendar that our dates are not blacked out. Is it possible this could change?

Is the seasonal pass active when you purchase it or activated after first use? If we activate it in March 2017, will it be good through March 2018?

Lastly, if we do the flex pay option, do you get the pass now and just pay monthly? Can you pay it off at any time? I need to buy four of them so a monthly payment option might be good, if there's no catches with it.

Thanks!

 

[Patch'sD]

I don't know on the activation date, I think it is time of first use but I am not sure.

As for the flex pay, you pay half and then the remaining balance over 12 months.

 

[Patch'sD]

An update.

"The 365 days of admission you receive with a Universal Orlando annual pass (minus blockout dates if applicable) begin the very first time you use your pass at one of the parks’ turnstiles — they do not begin when you purchase or pick up the pass. So, in theory, you could print your pass at the Will Call Kiosk, carry it around for a few weeks, and your 365 days of admission will not have begun. Then, after a few weeks, if you go to the parks and play, your 365 days will begin. Universal calls this “activating” your pass.

The catch here is that, per Universal policy, your annual pass benefits do not begin until your pass has been activated. That means, if you pick up your pass but don’t take it through the turnstiles at least once, you cannot use your pass for complimentary self-parking, discounts on admission tickets and merchandise, etc."

 

[nkereina]

Thanks!

 

[tony67]

Although not blacked out - "If there is a concert during a non-blockout date, Seasonal Passholders will only receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, but not Universal Studios Florida."

So as I understand it this might block some Saturdays during Madis Gras for example.

 

[nkereina]

@tony67 good to know, thanks!

 

[Metro West]

The Seasonal Pass does not include parking...that's a big CON if you go a lot w/o someone who has a higher tiered pass.

 

[damo]

An update.

"The 365 days of admission you receive with a Universal Orlando annual pass (minus blockout dates if applicable) begin the very first time you use your pass at one of the parks’ turnstiles — they do not begin when you purchase or pick up the pass. So, in theory, you could print your pass at the Will Call Kiosk, carry it around for a few weeks, and your 365 days of admission will not have begun. Then, after a few weeks, if you go to the parks and play, your 365 days will begin. Universal calls this “activating” your pass.

The catch here is that, per Universal policy, your annual pass benefits do not begin until your pass has been activated. That means, if you pick up your pass but don’t take it through the turnstiles at least once, you cannot use your pass for complimentary self-parking, discounts on admission tickets and merchandise, etc."

The only exception to this is that you can book your room with the AP discount before you have an activated pass.

 

[Patch'sD]

The Seasonal Pass does not include parking...that's a big CON if you go a lot w/o someone who has a higher tiered pass.

That is why my wife and I got the preferred AP's. The free Valet Parking is great and the One Ride Express Pass after 4PM is great.

 

[Raya]

Although not blacked out - "If there is a concert during a non-blockout date, Seasonal Passholders will only receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, but not Universal Studios Florida."

So as I understand it this might block some Saturdays during Madis Gras for example.

Does anyone have any information on what counts as a concert? For example, the Holiday website includes:
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER Event Dates: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18
Show time for each concert date is 7:00pm.

Does that mean that my seasonal pass won't work for US for any days in the weekends in December? (The weekends after the concerts are blockout dates.)

 

[theme_park_mom]

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER Event Dates: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18

To piggy back on this question - are we blocked out the entire day there is a concert from Universal Studios, or just during the concert time?

 

[tony67]

To piggy back on this question - are we blocked out the entire day there is a concert from Universal Studios, or just during the concert time?

Entire day - they have no resonable way to get you out once your in....still don't have an answer on MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

 

[Raya]

Entire day - they have no resonable way to get you out once your in....still don't have an answer on MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

I called and spoke to agent who consulted with several other agents. They decided that Mannheim Steamroller counted as a concert. Thus, AP holders wouldn't be able to enter the park - at any time that day or in any way (front gate or Hogwart's express).

 

[theme_park_mom]

I just called Guest Services at Universal (1-866-PASS-4-FUN) and they told me MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER is not considered a hard ticket concert, so Season Passholders can still be in Universal Studios park all day.
HOWEVER, this email just came through:
"Please be aware that blockout dates apply to Seasonal Annual Passes at both Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal's Islands of Adventure™ December 21, 2016 – January 3, 2017. Also, Universal Studios Florida is blocked out on concert nights, which includes Mannheim Steamroller, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18. On those dates Seasonal Passholders receive access to Universal's Islands of Adventure."

So, I am more confused than ever. The email says one thing, then the team member says another. Could it just be that the team member was wrong?
I think it is time to ask the experts: @damo @macraven @schumigirl - PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[theme_park_mom]

I called and spoke to agent who consulted with several other agents. They decided that Mannheim Steamroller counted as a concert. Thus, AP holders wouldn't be able to enter the park - at any time that day or in any way (front gate or Hogwart's express).

Thank you so much for getting to the bottom of this! They told me the exact opposite when I just called *sigh*
we are only coming for the weekend of 17th and 18th with Seasonal passes, and this would have been good information to know months ago Such a bummer.

 

[damo]

I just called Guest Services at Universal (1-866-PASS-4-FUN) and they told me MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER is not considered a hard ticket concert, so Season Passholders can still be in Universal Studios park all day.
HOWEVER, this email just came through:
"Please be aware that blockout dates apply to Seasonal Annual Passes at both Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal's Islands of Adventure™ December 21, 2016 – January 3, 2017. Also, Universal Studios Florida is blocked out on concert nights, which includes Mannheim Steamroller, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18. On those dates Seasonal Passholders receive access to Universal's Islands of Adventure."

So, I am more confused than ever. The email says one thing, then the team member says another. Could it just be that the team member was wrong?
I think it is time to ask the experts: @damo @macraven @schumigirl - PLEASE HELP!!!

You would have to go by the email. Personally, I think it is really stupid, since the parks are reallllllly quiet on those dates.

I would send them an email and state your displeasure.

Worse comes to worse, you can upgrade to a power pass.

 

[theme_park_mom]

You would have to go by the email. Personally, I think it is really stupid, since the parks are reallllllly quiet on those dates.

I would send them an email and state your displeasure.

Thank you, I think I will. I thought maybe I was just being a brat about it. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but i am REALLY disappointed!

 

[MMitchell29]

When they speak of blackout for Mardi Gras concerts do any one know if its usually 1 day or an entire weekend ? My kids are out of school for an entire week so it would be nice to use our seasonal pass

 

[damo]

When they speak of blackout for Mardi Gras concerts do any one know if its usually 1 day or an entire weekend ? My kids are out of school for an entire week so it would be nice to use our seasonal pass

It is usually just the Saturday.

 

[MMitchell29]

It is usually just the Saturday.

Ok great thanks this would be perfect