seasonal passes questions

[Jenn504]

hi!
I will be going to universal in December 2-5 2017 at RPR. Right now we are planning on going back in September 2018 for haunted horror night. I was planning on buying my family of 5 seasonal passes. I have to admit I haven't been on this forum since my last trip last October. I was getting caught up and read that seasonal passes don't allow you access to the park on concert days or special event days.
I tried to find information on the universal website. It is not helpful.
One of the things I wanted to see was some of the Christmas offerings at Universal. I am not sure about what they have to offer, something about a Macy's parade and grinchmas.
I was thinking I could get a 4 day park to park pass from their website and upgrade the last day. I come in on a Saturday and leave Tuesday at 1. So I don't think they will have the Christmas stuff on Tuesday. I would also like to use it on a hotel discount if one is available. Would I be able to use it then in September on haunted Halloween nights since it is a another ticket. I know I wouldn't get into the park during the event just into the park during the day. My husband is the only one who is brave enough to go to that. Last year he did a group VIP tour for haunted Halloween nights and loved it. He went by himself but since he was with the group he wasn't alone.
Does anyone have more information about the seasonal pass and it's restrictions. I am glad I looked here. I would have been so disappointed if I bought the annual passes in advance and been told I can't get into one of the parks because of the Grinchmas or something. Their website only lists blackout dates when I have no intention of going. It mentions not getting into concert but it is vague and does not explain not being able to get into the park. I would have thought the mardi gradi thing they talk about is a separate event that you pass wont get you into not the whole park for a day.

Thanks for your help.

 

[iivye]

Yes, you can't get into Universal on concert days (you can still get into IOA). Your plan to upgrade tickets at the end of your Dec trip will be fine. We did the same thing over the first weekend in Dec 2016 since there were concerts on both Sat and Sun. We also booked the APH rate and were planning on showing the pass before checkout but we were never asked. I'm not sure how the seasonal passes work with special events dates.

 

[damo]

There is nothing stating that you can't get into the park during HHN days...only concert days. It is quite clear that on concert days at Universal, you can only get admittance to IOA.

Enjoy all the thrills at both Universal Studios Florida™ & Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ (Blockout dates apply.)

• Free admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras* and Grinchmas™
• Save up to 30% off room rates at each Premier and Preferred on-site hotel or save up to 25% off room rates at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• 10% off multi-day theme park admission tickets purchased at the front gate (Up to 6 people per transaction; not valid on 3-Park Unlimited tickets, Universal Express™ passes or tickets with Universal Express™)
• Special discounts on separately ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights™, Rock the Universe™ and CityWalk’s™ New Year’s Eve event

Blockout Dates (apply to both Universal Studios Florida™ and Islands of Adventure™):

• December 21, 2016 – January 3, 2017
• April 8, 2017 - April 22, 2017
• June 10, 2017 - August 13, 2017
• December 21, 2017 - December 31, 2017
• Any concert date (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™)

All benefits and blockout dates are valid on a calendar year basis and are subject to availability and to change without notice. Not valid for The Hogwarts™ Express during blockout dates. Passholder must present their Seasonal Pass to receive benefits.

*Seasonal Passholders will be blocked out of any theme park hosting a concert on the concert date.

Rooms at this promotional rate are based upon seasonal availability. Advanced reservations required. Blockout dates and arrival/departure restrictions may apply.

Discounted Seasonal Pass – Florida Resident is for purchase and use by Florida Residents only. Valid Florida photo ID required for theme park entry. Additional discounts do not apply. Blockout dates and prices are subject to change without notice. Pass is valid for one (1) year from date of first use for one (1) guest admission during regular theme park operating hours. All benefits subject to availability and to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts, and discounted renewed passes. Pass excludes parking and admission to separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights™ and Rock the Universe™, at venues within either theme park, Universal CityWalk™, and/or on-site hotels. Parks, attractions, or entertainment may: close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather or special events; change operating hours; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice. You are required to comply with Universal’s safety rules and all warnings. You agree that Universal may refuse entry or expel any person whose conduct is objectionable and claims against Universal shall be litigated only in Orange County, Florida. This pass is a revocable license and admission may be refused. Additional restrictions may apply. Pass is non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be copied or resold. Flexible Payment Option requires down payment of $138.45 (tax inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $12.59 (0% APR). Initial down payment and all monthly payments must be made by Credit or Debit card. Additional restrictions may apply.

 

[Jenn504]

Ok, you are right that it does state not admitted to concert dates. Now I can get into see the grinchmas at ioa, and see the Macy parade but not Mannheim steamroller concert if they have it on a certain day. I have never been to universal during Christmas time so just trying to firgure it all out.


The Most Sensational Celebration Of The Season

Experience all that the holidays have to offer at Universal Orlando Resort™, where you'll find festive decor and seasonal celebrations throughout the theme parks. Make the season even brighter with a stay at one of Universal's on-site resort hotels for holiday activities, exclusive benefits and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself.

Holiday events are included with your Annual or Seasonal Pass (blockout dates apply) or regular theme park admission.

The website says holiday event are include with seasonal pass so I would not have thought that I wouldn't be able to use it except for the blackout dates.

I think I will get the 4 day park to park pass and then upgrade since it seems like I should have no issues. I don't plan on buying tickets till September or October anyway. Just trying to firgure it all out because I am excited.

I should not run into any regular concerts in the end of September when I wouldn't be able to use it would I.

Thanks

 

[damo]

The website says holiday event are include with seasonal pass so I would not have thought that I wouldn't be able to use it except for the blackout dates.

Thanks

A blockout day is listed as

• December 21, 2016 – January 3, 2017

• April 8, 2017 - April 22, 2017

• June 10, 2017 - August 13, 2017

• December 21, 2017 - December 31, 2017

• Any concert date (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™)

You will be able to use your pass at the exclusion of the above times. I don't recall many concerts the end of September. It isn't a very busy time.