Tickets/Express Pass/Lodging Advice

[KEW]

Sorry to clarify, but I haven't visited Universal Orlando since 2015. Did they get rid of the booth in the lobby where you would get your photo taken for the express pass? Is it just the room key now? If so, can I check in alone and pick up all of the room keys for my family? Several members of my family are traveling with the high school band and won't be with me when I check into our room.

Yes. You can pick up room keys for every one registered for the room when you check-in. I even added someone into our room at check-in and they printed that room card right there.

 

[Monykalyn]

In 2015 we stayed at RPR for one night, I splurged for Club level for one night onsite stay ~$100 more it included 2 breakfasts, plus afternoon snacks (good appetizers) and wine/beer. I waited out an afternoon thunderstorm with the younger two in the club lounge - one read a book in club lounge while the other played a video game with another kid his age. The other 2 took a nap in the room lol! We had our TS condo that week but it was worth it to pack an overnight bag to stay onsite, and far cheaper to get 2 days of EE and EP for our family of 5, than paying for EP separately.

 

[nkereina]

Sorry to clarify, but I haven't visited Universal Orlando since 2015. Did they get rid of the booth in the lobby where you would get your photo taken for the express pass? Is it just the room key now? If so, can I check in alone and pick up all of the room keys for my family? Several members of my family are traveling with the high school band and won't be with me when I check into our room.

Yes, they have done away with the separate express pass booth for deluxe resort guests. In the parks, they will scan your room key now to validate. As PP mentions, you can pick up the room keys for everyone staying with you without them being present.

 

[clipfert]

So I decided to book 6 nights at Vista Cay (Tu - Mon). I also booked a room at RPR on Thursday. We decided to pack overnight bags for a one night stay at RPR, that will give us the express passes for both Thursday and Friday and we can check out the hotel. Maybe we'll go for a swim in the evening or not depending on how exhausted the kids are (5 and 9). What's the best place to eat dinner at Citywalk or otherwise? Looking for that intersection between quality and price.

I bought 3 day tickets (including Volcano Bay) on MouseSavers. We will do Universal/IOA Th/Fr but not sure when to do Volcano Bay, I would think Sunday might be less crowded but given we are going at the end of July it might not matter. Should I consider booking the private loungers in advance? Can you do that? Is there a link on the forum for Volcano Bay FAQ? We will plan on getting there as early as possible.

Thanks!

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I think at the end of July it will be crazy at VB all the time. I think however, Saturday and Sundays are going to be worse. We were there that time last year and stayed away from VB on the weekends. If you can do a week day might be a bit better. Yes you can book the loungers in advance I am not sure what the time frame is to do it anymore. I know cabanas are two weeks but I believe loungers are further out. I would book at least the loungers at that time of the year if having a server help get food is important and having your stuff locked up close. We did a cabana one day then just regular chairs the other. I had bought an aqua vault to lock my stuff to my chair. I didn't see a big difference for shade reasons renting the loungers. Below is the link to call for information.
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/volcano-bay/index.html

If you are not staying on site for VB EE I would plan to be at the parking garage by 7:00 am. Last year people were being turned away at 8:00 am. It could be a little less crowded this year but not definite. I would give the VB FAQ thread a look at when you have a chance and ask any questions.

We eat at Toothsome, Bubba Gump and Margaritaville. We enjoy those three. They could be a bit pricey. I know a lot of people like the NBC Grill. I would check out the food stickies all the restaurants are there with menus.

We did this last summer with one night at RPR for the express pass. This year we are doing a week there. It is a very nice resort.

Happy Planning!

 

[keishashadow]

Hi,
Our family of four (2 adults, 2 kids ages 9 and 5) are going to Orlando from 7/24 - 8/3. We will spend couple of days at Universal followed by a Disney Cruise that leaves Port Canaveral on 7/30. I was originally planning on doing two days at universal but I see that Undercover Tourist has a buy 2 days get one day free ticket and it's cheaper than anything Universal has right now. I'm leaning towards purchasing those tickets.

I know if we stay at select Universal Hotels that we will get free Universal Express passes however my husband and I would prefer to cook a few meals and staying in a suite at universal is not going to cut it. We also don't want to hop from hotel to hotel during our stay. We would prefer to stay one hotel in Orlando before going on our cruise. We will most likely have a car. We aren't planning on doing anything else while in Orlando except the theme parks and then a couple of relaxing days, so a resort type vibe would be nice for our off days. We are looking at Vista Cay or something similar, any recommendations?

My 5 year old isn't interested in roller coasters however, there are only 5 rides she can't ride between the two universal parks. (mostly the roller coaster type rides). Do you think it makes sense to just purchase two Universal express passes that we could share between the family? I realize we wouldn't get to hang out as a family during the ride but if the line is short, does that matter? Is it worth it, anyone done this before? Also would you recommend express pass for Volcano Bay? My 5 year cannot ride approx 5 rides at that park.

Thanks in advance!
Christine

100% you cannot share EPs.

The three onsite properties that offer FOTL are truly luxe! I honestly do not understand the concept of people using them as throwaways but to each their own.

You will be paying for parking @ U if staying offsite in a condo. Same as at the onsite resorts, but you have in/out privledges & there are tons of places to eat in all price ranges nearby if you are trying to get away from 'park food'. CB has a food court type option too. They all have night/s with characters in one of the restaurants but the twist is no inflated pricing, just order something off the menu. Nice for the kids to get some face time.

Universal has suites, check out PBH - 2 full bathrooms & bedrooms & lots of space to spread out. Exactly, what you won't find on a cruise although the DCL cabins, even the insides are very well designed!

Enjoy