Ticket savings, am I looking at this right?

[Cynister]

I was originally thinking I'd buy UO tickets through UndercoverTourist or ParkSavers, but this just isn't making sense to me. It seems like I'm missing something obvious, so I figured I'd check with the experts. We're planning on going next July, but I was thinking of buying the tickets ahead of time since UT has a special right now for 2days+1free for $226.88. So here's how it breaks down. For the 3 of us (all in the adult category), through UT it looks like the price would be $680.64, however adding on express tickets through UO's site at $254.97 per day brings the total to $1445.55. If I look at UO's site to buy directly, the same scenario (3 people, 3 days with express pass) seems to be $1214.97 (using the equivalent dates in 2016 to estimate 2017 prices). So I'd save over $230 by buying direct? That just doesn't seem right. Side note...I am cringing as I'm even typing this as we're spending over $1000 on admission, but that's another story. I just want to be sure that I'm looking at this right.

We've never been to UO, we are DVC members, so we'll be staying at DVC because it is "free" & therefore we don't have the opportunity for free express with an onsite stay. I'm also assuming we will want express passes every day since we will likely be going during the busy season at the end of July. Our 3rd day will not be a full day at UO. It will likely be split with another activity. We want to experience the rides at UO since we haven't been but DS & I aren't huge thrill ride people, so I honestly question how many I can do. I already know I won't be doing Hulk, RRR, & Dragon Challenge. I'm not sure yet about Forbidden Journey. I sometimes have issues with simulators (the stars in Star Tours get me, but the rest of the ride is ok), so I'm wondering if I'll be ok on UO's simulators.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

It may still be cheaper to book an onsite room for two nights, even if you don't stay there, to get express. It would cover the three days. Or get a room for one night for two days of express. Also the hotel express is unlimited (can go on as many times as you like). Not sure if it has changed, but the express for purchase was previously limited to once per ride. It might be fun to pack an overnight bag and stay at another resort for a night or two away from "home". Or use the room as a resting place during the afternoon or to take a mid afternoon swim?

 

[bumbershoot]

You are probably missing the tax that needs to be added on the UO site.

...therefore we don't have the opportunity for free express with an onsite stay

Dvc isn't free, of course. And if you want EP for all the days and it's liking to be that much, you would do well to check out onsite costs. RPR could easily be less than that per night. Stay or don't stay (I say stay and save those dvc points) but it could be cheaper.

And you only need two consecutive nights to get it for three days.

 

[CalKhat]

I agree with everyone else. It's really not free when you then have to spend hundreds on EP. Price out a ghost room for 1 night and 2 nights. It will almost definitely work out better. You could even pack overnight bags and actually stay the night, saving yourselves time on transportation.

And as was mentioned earlier: UT includes taxes in their prices, UO does not.

 

[CalKhat]

I just checked a random night- July 26- and room is 369.00 at RPR. That would be 2 days of EP for everyone for 369+ tax. Much cheaper than buying the EP passes and you can actually stay in the room or not. You could easily use it for an afternoon cool off swim. It has many advantages!

 

[bumbershoot]

For the 3 of us (all in the adult category), through UT it looks like the price would be $680.64,

however adding on express tickets through UO's site at $254.97 per day brings the total to $1445.55.

If I look at UO's site to buy directly, the same scenario (3 people, 3 days with express pass) seems to be $1214.97 (using the equivalent dates in 2016 to estimate 2017 prices).

Since I don't know what days you're using on the UO site I can't match your numbers. Going by the "from 84.99 per day" matching your total per day for EP, it seems you're using the lowest price for Unlimited EP, so that's good that you're matching apples to apples. The price for UCT seems that you're pricing a park to park. Are you sure you're looking at park to park on UO?

Other than that I can't match what you're doing.

I looked at the last weekend of next July and the prices are high, but they don't yet have the SMSM rate up. Just Seasonal.

 

[bumbershoot]

That would be 2 days of EP for everyone for 369+ tax.

And 738 for two nights = 3 days of unlimited EP, which is still less than buying 3 days of UEP from UO!

 

[damo]

Another option is to buy the bundled ticket + unlimited express. It is cheaper for multiple days.

You can find it on the bottom of this page ... https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Universal-Express/Express-Passes.aspx

 

[macraven]

If you buy the special deal from UT make sure if it has no expiration date since you plan to go next year

 

[Cynister]

Thank you all. Lots to consider!