Starting a WDW trip w/US-IOA- Newbie questions

[inkedupmomma]

Hi guys, new to anything US/IOA and it is a bit overwhelming and not as user friendly ( or so it seems) as planning a WDW trip. Any tips on adding on a couple days to the start of our trip? I know we would like the FOTL passes, but trying to figure out if 1 day would be good, 2 better? DO they release any discounts like Disney? I k now this is a fully loaded question, but I have no idea where to start and when I tried, it seems that it would be over $1k for just a couple of days and no food :/

 

[sharona]

I can offer you my suggestions as someone who only recently started going to Universal. I'm sure that I still have much to learn but if you are thinking you need to spend months planning a Uni trip like you do a WDW trip, then that is why you are finding it overwhelming. Best suggestions I got from people:

1. Stay at an on-site deluxe resort to get the unlimited express pass (this does not cover the 2 big Harry Potter rides so get to them early or wait until late, use Single Rider for repeat rides).
2. Get at least 1 annual pass so that you can get the AP rate for your room - it seems to be about 20% off of standard room rate whenever I check it. Use code APH when checking rates.
3. 2 days of touring with express pass would do it but no time to relax. 3 days is a better pace. 4 days is best!
4. If you have access to ticketsatwork.com, check their deals for the tickets.

 

[johde]

In addition to what's mentioned above, in general, Universal doesn't do the same types of discounts as Disney does. Universal has much fewer rooms to fill. The "big" discounts on rooms at Universal are

Annual Passholder - Mentioned above, one thing to add, you don't need to buy the AP to check availability of room rates. At times, APH rates is not available or not the best rate.

AAA/CAA discounts are frequently availability.

Stay More/Save More is the most consistent discount available. It cuts the price of your room for longer stays. It is almost always available. From a room price standpoint a 3 night stay is normally where is discounts start.

Orbitz/Travelocy/Hotels.com Coupon Code - The Universal Hotels are normally work with the discount codes from the major 3rd party websites.

Lastly, If they have trouble selling rooms, they drop "rack rate" instead of having a "sale"

1 day is an extremely whirlwind trip of the parks. 2 or even 3 would be better. At this point, doing Universal/IOA in a day is a lot harder than trying to do DAK/DHS in 1 day

 

[macraven]

anyone can sign up to receive specials/inofrmation from the darkside.
pin codes are sent out various times of the year for great room discounts.

in all the visits i have made, only receive the pin codes twice

 

[Liz Vogel]

What I suggest, if you are planning on staying on Disney Property is to buy your tickets through Dreams Unlimited Travel. They have an offer where you purchase tickets that include transportation from your Disney resort to Universal. If your not planning on staying on Disney Property I suggest staying at one of Universal's resort. FOTL passes are included, Universal calls them Express Passes or EPs for short. I would definitely spend at least two days there, if not three. Right now Universal is running a special where if you buy two tickets you get a third day free. I also suggest upgrading to the park to park, this is the only way you can enjoy the Hogwarts Express. Hoped this helped!