staying at Disney resort, but going to Universal

[kacaju]

Does it make any sense to do this? I was going though my junk email and found I got a code for the 40% off deluxe or 35% off mod or value.
We are planning on a Universal/ Seaworld trip this summer... no Disney parks..yet because Universal parks all close by 7pm while we will be there, I was thinking we could go to Downtown Disney to hang out. Would it be too crazy to consider this option?
We'd still have to rent a car, but at least we could shave off the first and last date to use ME to the airport.

 

[damo]

If you are going in the summer, the parks will be open later than 7. http://www.universalorlando.com/Resort_Information/theme_park_hours.aspx

If I was not going to Disney, I would not stay at Disney. By staying onsite Universal you get early entry and unlimited express. In the summer, you will be glad to not be waiting in lines.

It is also great to be able to take a break from the parks during the afternoon and go back to the hotel.

 

[kacaju]

we are going the end of Aug and the park hours say they are closing at 7

 

[damo]

we are going the end of Aug and the park hours say they are closing at 7

IOA is open until 8.

And if the crowds warrant, they will keep the park open longer.

Even if they closed at 7, I would still not stay at Disney. The heat makes you really want to be staying onsite. You should be able to get some great rates by then. Our rate last August was $139/night at the Royal Pacific. We were there the week before Labour Day.

It is a pretty slow time and the rates will come down.

 

[kacaju]

Thanks

 

[kacaju]

How would you know if the parks decide to stay open later?
When did you book your hotel to get that rate?

 

[rpbert1]

Like Damo said, staying onsite at Universal is much better, esp if you are not doing Disney. You should find better rates for Universal resorts, than what you will pay for Disney resorts.
Booking direct with Universal, you can change your rate if a better one becomes available.

 

[damo]

How would you know if the parks decide to stay open later?
When did you book your hotel to get that rate?

Watch the park hours on the website and watch the sign at the front of the park as your go in.

We booked our hotel in the summer. End of August is the beginning of low season and the hotels have a much lower occupancy rate. I wouldn't worry about booking yet but I would start watching the rates online. You should be able to get a good stay more save more rate if you are staying 3 nights or more.

 

[kacaju]

Watch the park hours on the website and watch the sign at the front of the park as your go in.

We booked our hotel in the summer. End of August is the beginning of low season and the hotels have a much lower occupancy rate. I wouldn't worry about booking yet but I would start watching the rates online. You should be able to get a good stay more save more rate if you are staying 3 nights or more.

Thank you for all the information!! We will be staying 6 nights. my kids are getting so excited about this trip!!

 

[damo]

Thank you for all the information!! We will be staying 6 nights. my kids are getting so excited about this trip!!

You may also want to buy one annual pass...$229. An annual pass can give you pretty deep discounts on hotel rates. Since you are staying 6 nights, it could save you a lot of money. It also gives you 15% off other tickets as well as food and merchandise discounts.

When watching rates online, simply enter aph where is says code. You don't have to already have your pass to look at rates or to book at that rate. You simply have to show the pass at some time during your stay.

Annual pass renewal rates are $149/year.


edited to add that there are great rates out right now for end of August at RPR. Check them out!!!

 

[IdesOmarch]

Normally I would also advise to stay on site for the perks at Universal, but it sounds like you are getting a huge discount on the Disney resort so if that's the case, maybe worth the savings with that big of a discount to go ahead and stay there.