staying off property

[provencio]

We are a first time Universal Studios visiting family and need some advice. I know there are many benifits to staying at one of the 3 hotels; however, it can be pricey. If we were to stay off property can we buy a front of the line pass? How much do they run. trying to see if it is worth the extra $$$$ Oh yeah and any recomendations on a hotel.

 

[disneyfreakk]

there is a doubletree at the Universal entrance, you might want to check that out.

As for express passes, alot of times its less expensive to stay onsite. It really just depends on when you want to go and how many people there will be.

 

[Darcy03231]

We stayed off-site in August 2007 (peak season) and never bought the Express Passes. If you get there when the park opens you can get a lot done before noon with little to no wait. That's what we did. We ended up spending a total of 6-7 days between US/IOA (we were there for 16 days) and did/saw everything at least once and the favorites more than once. I think the kids did Hulk at least 10 times! One morning they rode Mummy over and over again with no wait.

 

[provencio]

T\We are planning to go in the begiining of June, around the 10th. There are 2 adults a 12 year old and a 10 year old

 

[macraven]

T\We are planning to go in the begiining of June, around the 10th. There are 2 adults a 12 year old and a 10 year old

figure out what the cost of the onsite room will be.
then find out what the cost of the epp will be. times that by 4.

add the cost of the epps to the cost of the off site room.
if it is the same total cost for an on site room, book on site.

if the difference is a minor amount, go for the on site room.



either way, you have a parking fee for your car, either in the parking lot or at the hotel.


AAA allows you a discount off the room up to 35% off.
AP also allows a discount for the room.

both give you a 10% discount for food and merch for the parks.

 

[provencio]

Thanks so much!! We just became AAA members so I am off to call them right now. Do you think they will have the info for June 2009??

 

[Disneyof3]

This is our first trip to US/IOA also and we were tossed also to stay on site or not? We choose off site because it was going to cost us double and just over that for what it would of cost us to stay on site with a discount. We are a family of 5. We are heading down during a slow/starting to get busy week. We plan on being at the parks for 3-4 days. I feel that will give us enough time to ride everything at least once if not more. We also are going during the week, no weekends. Good luck

 

[provencio]

$209 per night at Loews (AAA). June 10th- June 13th. Two adults and two children. This seems like a good price, any feedback?

 

[macraven]

$209 per night at Loews (AAA). June 10th- June 13th. Two adults and two children. This seems like a good price, any feedback?

it's a decent price.
remember that when you check out of the hotel on the 13th, your hotel key cards are still valid for FOTL perks at the park for you on check out day.


i didn't look up costs on the epp for those dates.
at low periods they are at $20 a person which only gives you the opportunity to ride once only per day.
FOTL is unlimited for all rides and attractions.

the epp that can be purchased can go as high as $50 a person for one park for one day.
that rate is usually in effect during high season and certain holiday times.

if you had to pay $30 a person per park for the epp, your additonal cost would be over $120 + tax. if you stay offsite, add the total room cost for one night.


if you were considering an off site hotel which might be just under $100 a night, you are better off staying on site with that AAA rate.


check back periodically to see if the AAA rate you booked at has dropped.
If it does, call and request for your rate to be modified to the cheaper rate.

i have done that before.
rates have dropped on occasion, take advantage of that.

by staying on site, you pay nothing extra for the fotl perk.

 

[disneyfreakk]

something else to consider is renting a car, paying for gas and parking.

I never rent a car while on vacation. I just fly in, get a towncar transfer (around $120 round-trip, including gratuity) and stay at the HRH. We also get a free grocery stop where we get some snacks and beer. And if we do Disney too, then we just get a towncar transfer to WDW. This cuts out the need to spend $$ on a rental. Also keep in mind that parking a car at one of the onsite universal hotels is expensive, someone else can fill in the blanks, but I seem to recall something like $25 a night at the HRH. But if you stay offsite and have a APH, then you will get free parking at the parks.

with all of that said, if it is in your budget to stay onsite, it really is SOOOO worth it!

 

[provencio]

Thanks guys!!

 

[macraven]

parking rates at hrh last week were $12 a night.

i use car service for my transportation from mco to the hotels.
you can find some companies for less than $120.