Staying onsite - internal debate

[Pdollar88]

Thinking ahead and reflecting on our spring trip this year - I'm considering staying onsite for the first two nights of my trip with my bf next year (early May).

We did one day of US and IOA and had a difficult time of it - it was more difficult to do everything in one day than it was last time I was there.

I'd love to go straight to Disney - giving us an extra night to check out Disney Springs (arrival night). But if we're planning on making a trip to Universal, I feel like it might be worth it to just stay on site, at least for our arrival night. That would give us 1.5 days in the parks, early entry, and Unlimited Express Pass (might as well splurge for Loews hotel).

Thoughts?

 

[bchbetha]

I'll always choose Universal over time at Disney Springs. And, I am partial to Universal (as can be expected when you ask over on the Universal board ). 1.5 days is already too short for me- but better than nothing. Stay onsite, enjoy the proximity, hit Citywalk after the parks close (no need for Disney Springs) and then make the most of your express passes for an great open to close day.

 

[Pdollar88]

I'll always choose Universal over time at Disney Springs. And, I am partial to Universal (as can be expected when you ask over on the Universal board ). 1.5 days is already too short for me- but better than nothing. Stay onsite, enjoy the proximity, hit Citywalk after the parks close (no need for Disney Springs) and then make the most of your express passes for an great open to close day.

Even I have to admit that sounds pretty fun and like a great way to maximize our Universal time.

Will Universal hotels hold onto our luggage after we check out while we’re in the parks?

Also, can we use the unlimited express pass on both 5/4, our arrival and only night, and 5/5, our checkout day? Or just one of those days? I would prefer it on 5/5 when we’re in the park all day.

 

[schumigirl]

Even I have to admit that sounds pretty fun and like a great way to maximize our Universal time.

Will Universal hotels hold onto our luggage after we check out while we’re in the parks?

Also, can we use the unlimited express pass on both 5/4, our arrival and only night, and 5/5, our checkout day? Or just one of those days? I would prefer it on 5/5 when we’re in the park all day.

Yes they’ll hold your luggage and you can use your EP from the minute you check in till you leave.......

So, full arrival day and full departure day.

Have a read of the hotel stickies, loads of info on the hotels in there.

 

[kniquy]

I would choose an express pass hotel at universal. We were just there this April. I actually booked the hotel room directly through the loews hotel site and found a great deal on the park to park passes on undercover tourist. Book a room now, but keep checking as prices might drop -- I booked in January of 2017 and only saw the prices increase. I think the cancellation policy was 2 weeks ahead of the trip. Even though the parks weren't mobbed having the express pass was awesome. If you get a room for one night you have the express pass for your check in and check out day - it is well worth the value of getting an express pass hotel. Express pass can run anywhere from $80's to $120 per person per day.

 

[bchbetha]

Yep- express passes for both days. You can also use the hotel pool on checkout day should you want a midday break (you can change in the bathrooms by the pool). You can really maximize one night with the parks, Citywalk and hotels!

 

[sconnell]

I agree with all of those above! We often stay at one of the 3 with unlimited express for just one night so we have express passes for two full days. Like they said, from the moment you check in through the entire day you check out. (All the way until park closing and not just until you check out of the hotel.) They lured us in the with Express passes, but LOVE the hotels. Being so close and just taking the boat or a short walk is GREAT! Royal Pacific is "home" but my family also loves Hard Rock. However, I compare prices and then decide. We will stay at Portofino if it's cheaper and it's very nice, just a little further and not my fave!

 

[macraven]

stay on site one night.
it will give you more time to explore the parks.

all the hotels allow the early entry to the park one hour before it is open to the public.
take advantage of that and explore potter and a few rides before the crowds enter the parks.

if you decide to stay at pbh, hrh or rpr, you'll receive free unlimited express usage for the rides and shows.
a real time saver by not having long line waits in the parks.

 

[bumbershoot]

I would stay deluxe. Though I would stay longer...

Will Universal hotels hold onto our luggage after we check out while we’re in the parks?

Of course.

Also, can we use the unlimited express pass on both 5/4, our arrival and only night, and 5/5, our checkout day?

Of course