Total Universal Newbie

[mom2mykids]

We aren't planning to go utill Jan 2010, so I have time to research. Just seems like there is soooo much info for WDW and very little for Universal. So my fellow, wonderful disers where do I start? Do we stay onsite or off? What are these welcome gifts I saw a few posts about and how do we get one? Are there deal/promos like what Disney offers?
I appreciate your help! Thanks!

 

[calgarygary]

Although you are going at a slow time, I would still stay onsite. As you are a newbie (your words not mine) remember when you see the rates for Universal hotels that they in most cases exceed the deluxes at WDW and are at much lower rates than those deluxes. Staying onsite gives you fotl (front of the line) from the day that you check in until the day you check out (it's your room key). This is the single best benefit and far exceeds Disney's EMH as far as impacting your park touring. The welcome gifts are for those people staying onsite that are Loew's First members and are staying on a qualifying rate. You can learn more about LF and join here. I would expect that if you keep checking rates, that you will see some very good rates for a Jan. stay.

 

[mom2mykids]

Great! Thanks for the advice and info Are there books for Universal like there are for Disney? When we go my kids will be 14, 12 and 1/2 and 7 ...........ugh, typing that out makes me so sad about them getting older! LOL I guess by the time DD is 7 she should make most heigh requirements but I'd like to have a resource for attractions like I had for disney so we can map out a statagey for the parks. And really hoping the Harry Potter park will be open! Thanks again!

 

[mom2mykids]

Is it better to go wiht a package or should I buy the tickets online since they are on sale now?

 

[calgarygary]

Packages are usually more expensive than putting together your own deal. You can get the 1 week 2 park deal online, supersaver or AAA rates are usually cheaper than packages plus you will not receive LF benefits when getting a package.