Tell me about the hotels at Universal Studios.

[pampam]

I'm seriously considering splitting a vacation between WDW and Universal. We are WDW veterans and usually stay at least 3 weeks in WDW, but with these recent changes I'm ready for a break. I just don't know where to start. We have APs that will take us to halfway through our vacation, I'm thinking of continuing on for the last half of our trip to Universal. I'm looking for any suggestions for Universal resorts or packages.

 

[hydrotony]

Go to the Universal Resorts disboards threads and get a lot of info.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31

 

[Detailor]

There are currently available vacation packages at the Universal Studios Florida website: https://www.universalorlando.com/Va...-Potter-Exclusive-Vacation-Package.aspx?aid=1

Dick Taylor

 

[Vivianne]

I'm subscribing. Interested in the info for the same reason as the OP. Haven't been to Universal in years but I think it's about time.

 

[ArwenMarie]

The Uni hotels board on here has a bunch of helpful and friendly folks.

We stayed at Portofino for five nights this past Feb and loved it! We only did Universal on that trip. The food was great, Express Pass is amazing, the hotel was really nice, the boat transportation was easy and pretty, just a great, relaxing vacation. Really very little pre-planning esp with Express Pass. We used Open Table for some lunch/dinner reservations but usually the day of. Just a really great vacation that felt like a vacation.

You might want to look into buying one AP...sometimes with the AP room discounts it can be a good savings.

We did a room only res and then bought our tix at the hotel. You also get the Express Pass upon check in. So really all you have to book is the room and you can do the rest upon arrival!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Meant to add...

You can book room only thru the Loews hotel site. Put "AP" in the promo code box to compare prices. You don't need to buy the AP ahead of time you just need to buy it and show it once you are there before you check out. You only need one AP per room to get the discount. I think you need the Premier Pass to get the discount but just ask. Worth looking into.

Also, Cabana Bay doesn't have the Express Pass but you probably knew that.

 

[Lynne G]

Come visit the Universal threads on this boards. There's a ton of info, and the darkside fans are very helpful. Check out Universal's website.

Most suggest booking the hotel and tickets separately. Rooms have no charge for changing, both days and discounts, while packages are much more stringent and will definitely charge for changes. Price each out, as there are discount ticket dealers like undercovertourist and maple leaf tickets. Both vendors are authorized resellers and their prices include tax and shipping to the US. Also, the tickets are discounted on the Universal website, but there you also have to add tax to those prices to be a fair comparison. With an AP, you can get 15% off tickets you buy for others, up to 6 tickets, I think.

Depending on when you go, you may want to look for an AP power pass. Not much more than a multi-day pass in price, and you get a year of use, with black-out dates - so check, and even with a power pass you can get discounts on the hotel. Use APH in the code box when using the Loews' website. Also, if you can call the hotel directly, I've found them helpful in finding a discount that will help me. I've also changed from a Stay More, Save More rate to an AP rate when the AP rate become available. I called the hotel, easy change, revised ressie sent to my email. No issues.

Have a great time. Do not compare USO to Disney and you will be fine. There are many more thrill rides than at Disney, but I enjoy the themes of the different areas enjoyable to look at, just like Disney.

With the opening of Diagon Alley in a few days, the hotel's benefit of an unlimited express pass with your stay, including the day you arrive and the day you check out, will be very helpful with the crowds. Also, early entry with your hotel key is very helpful with crowds in the Potter areas.