Trip to Universal Studios Need Advice

[Tom Thumb]

My GF and I are planning a trip to Universal Studios in about 2 weeks. We thought that 3-4 days might be a good time to spend, see all the sights, do all the rides and such, so it will be approximately on Feb 17-21.

We don't need airport pickup, we'll be driving there ourselves, we don't have pets or smoke. We're basically looking for the best deal for this trip.

So far we just tried the usual means of getting such a trip...Going through the studio's website: We can get the package 4 nights (w 1 night free) and 3 day passes (w 1 day free), which seems right time-wise + hotel. Picking the right hotel (we settled on the 3rd cheapest one, which seemed the best balance of price, distance, services and cleanliness) for a total price of $550. Not bad I guess, but I'm new at this.

My first question is, is this the best value you can get for a vacation to universal studios, or is it worth taking the time to look elsewhere?

There's a $37 airport pickup option that we don't need I can't seem to get rid of.. anyone else experience that?

Is it worth looking at non-resort hotels if such a combination results in a lower price? If they are too far away or a lot worse than the resort hotels then it's less of an issue IMO, but if the total price of the trip comes out, say, $50 less, it's worth looking at. Basically, I am ok with going to the trouble of booking a hotel separately, if I can get something out of it - probably not what most people do.

What's the best thing to do for food? If breakfast is included, great, if not, should we stop by a grocery store or is the resort food cheaper/better/more convenient? For lunch is it better to stay in the park and get something from a stand or bring food in from outside or leave the park? (I don't know how much stuff is marked up or how long it takes to leave and re-enter the park) For dinner, we'll probably go to a restaurant most nights - are there places within the park? Are they good? Are there packages that include restaurants - which may be cheaper? Is it worth heading out into town? If so, where?

Is it safer to keep your important stuff (wallet, tickets, passport etc.) with you while riding roller coasters or keep them in the hotel room?

Finally, I could use some general advice about going to Florida.. we'll be staying in the State for another 4 days or so afterward, seeing the sights - Cape Canaveral for example. This is the first vacation I have booked on my own, is there anything I should know? Look out for?

 

[damo]

If you are staying offsite, booking through the universal website is a good idea because you will get early admission.

There are some cheap places to eat. The volcano nachos at Margaritaville are easily a meal and they are cheap. THere is lots of cheap pizza around. At the top of Citywalk there is a Burger King and some other cheap eateries.

There is a dining plan that can be a bit cheaper depending on what you plan to order. I advise going to www.universalorlando.com and exploring all your options.

THere is a link at the top of the website to suggestions about dining. Some of the prices for the quick service restaurants have been raised, so you'll want to give yourself a few dollars leeway on that until we get new menu photos.

THere are free lockers for all of the rollercoasters. They are safe. You need to have photo ID on you when you go to the parks.

First off, though, go to www.universalorlando.com and read through the info so you know what you are going to experience. There are drop down menus and a search bar.

 

[agavegirl1]

Hi OP, I think you and your GF will have a great time. I agree that if you choose to stay offsite, still use the Universal Website and book a partner hotel for early entry. If they don't have a breakfast (free) have snack type breakfasts in the room. Look for a room with a refrigerator. If staying onsite (my preference), ask that the mini-bar fridge be emptied before your arrival. They are stocked with mass quanitities of inventoried, expensive snacks and beverages and unuseable for personal food items unless you do this.

The Royal Pacific is reasonably priced as an onsite hotel considering all the amenities.

Your length of stay should be perfect for your needs whether you stay onsite or not. With this length of stay, the package you mentioned sounds like a good deal indeed. Just do a little comparing with an offsite hotel in case the amenities aren't worth it to you (location, free Express Pass, transportation etc).

 

[damo]

Make sure you check out the quality of the hotel you choose. Going to tripadvisor.com can give you a big heads up if the place is just not worth it and will ruin your vacation.

Also remember that you are going at a busy time. President's Day in the US and Family Day in many parts of Canada fall on Feb. 17, so it will be very difficult to find a cheap onsite hotel.

 

[macraven]

check your local newspaper for any specials for universal.
maybe there is a special promo in the area you live.

in the chicago paper on sunday, UO has an advertisement for up to $500 off on a package for an onsite stay.
includes all 4 hotels and tickets besides room when you use their promotional code.

 

[agavegirl1]

The "up to $500 off" is available at the website as well...code UNIPLAY.