Struggling with ticket decision

[mom2ryandy]

Soon my family will be on our way to another Central Florida vacation.
Staying onsite at Disney but visiting Universal for the first time in 17 years.
I can't decide which Universal tickets to get. We are assuming a 2-3 day Universal parks visit.
We can save some $ if we get base tickets but I'm worried of being locked into one park/day since we're used to Disney's park hoppers.
For an early August Sunday/Monday/maybe Tuesday visit, should it be Park-to-park? or base tickets? Can we do both parks in 2 days? without express pass?
I just can't see shelling out that kind of money.
Traveling party is 2 adults in their 40's, a newly 20 year old young man and a 13 year old younger man.
The 20 and 13 year old love thrill rides. I read somewhere that the express pass can be purchased when we're already in the park. Is that true?
Hoping for some guidance. Thanks!

 

[damo]

Early August is still very busy. Remember that you can upgrade any single day/single park ticket unless it is a comp ticket. You may want to just go and see what you think before getting a longer ticket. Yes, the express pass can be purchased inside the park.

 

[momto3pirates]

Soon my family will be on our way to another Central Florida vacation.
Staying onsite at Disney but visiting Universal for the first time in 17 years.
I can't decide which Universal tickets to get. We are assuming a 2-3 day Universal parks visit.
We can save some $ if we get base tickets but I'm worried of being locked into one park/day since we're used to Disney's park hoppers.
For an early August Sunday/Monday/maybe Tuesday visit, should it be Park-to-park? or base tickets? Can we do both parks in 2 days? without express pass?
I just can't see shelling out that kind of money.
Traveling party is 2 adults in their 40's, a newly 20 year old young man and a 13 year old younger man.
The 20 and 13 year old love thrill rides. I read somewhere that the express pass can be purchased when we're already in the park. Is that true?
Hoping for some guidance. Thanks!

I know this is not exactly what you asked, but have you considered moving to an onsite hotel for your US/IOA days? For my family, the great thing about US/IOA is the onsite express pass. If you are going to be traveling from Disney for 2-3 days, it might be worth it to check out the rates and see if it is cheaper than buying express passes for the whole family for 2 days. With one night onsite, you get unlimited express passes for 2 days. Also, we love the hopper passes. It is so easy to walk from one park to another.

 

[mom2ryandy]

have you considered moving to an onsite hotel for your US/IOA days? For my family, the great thing about US/IOA is the onsite express pass. If you are going to be traveling from Disney for 2-3 days, it might be worth it to check out the rates and see if it is cheaper than buying express passes for the whole family for 2 days. With one night onsite, you get unlimited express passes for 2 days. Also, we love the hopper passes. It is so easy to walk from one park to another.

That was our first thought when planning this vacation actually.
I spent lots of time crunching many numbers and it just worked out better to skip staying at an Universal onsite hotel.

I think we may try to single park ticket and upgrade if necessary since it's available.
I would love to see what kind of revenue they get from in-park upgrades vs. pre-ordered tickets.

Thanks for the replies!