Trying to figure out the 4/3 deal. And question re booking family of 5 loweshotel....

[damo]

Hmmm...well I guess I didn't experience horrific lines at WDW...I did wait once for a bus for about 20 minutes..but that was the exception to the norm....

I've been pricing it out and just can't figure out how to justify skipping WDW and doing US....we're debating staying in Windsor Hills and doing WDW so I will have to deal with parking for the first ime...UGH.

I guess I'm just surprised. I figured it would be a 'substantial savings' but it's not.....I can do 5 nights at Universal + tix for $1700 [HRH] or 7 nights at WDW + tix $1929...and Disney doesn't charge to park if you're onsite...but I could get my dog at US for a small fee vs. kennel @ WDW for $15 per night.
So I guess the $15 kennel and the parking at US cancel each other out...

I found a condo at Windsor Hills for $450...I can do that + 7 day tix for $1490. But I will have to pay to park since offsite $12 per day. Kennel price goes up to $20 per night.


Trish

Trish, you keep saying that you expected it to be a substantial savings. Why is that? The deluxe hotels are just as nice if not nicer than the Disney deluxes and the parks are at the same level as well. I could see if you were going to your local Six Flags and staying at a Motel 6 but that is not the case here. I think you are underestimating the quality that you will be receiving. The parks and hotels are not of subpar quality to Disney.

 

[macraven]

info on the universal kennels:



Guests can board their pets for the day (no overnight boarding) at the Studio Kennel. Located in the parking structure, boarding costs $10.00 per pet per day and will close 2 hours after the last park closes. There is a phone outside the kennel to contact security to assist in picking up a pet after the kennel has closed.

Guests must provide food and return periodically to walk their pet(s). Upon arrival to the parking garage, ask the toll-plaza attendant for directions to the Studio Kennel.


if you have the universal ap:


Universal Orlando® Resort:

Free self-parking each time you visit or pay for 2 hours of Valet and get the rest of the day for free‡
$5.00 preferred parking (price subject to change without notice)‡
Free use of kennels for one pet on the day of your visit. Additional pets stay at the regular price. (subject to availability)

all the on site hotels are pet friendly.
you will get a welcome pet gift when you are in your room.
all animals may stay in your room with you day or night.

 

[TnTWalter]

I don't know what I thought. I suppose I've read many posts through the years referring to skipping WDW and going to Universal this year to save money, or some theme along that sort....but maybe not.

I've also read MANY posts [probably not on this forum] that Universal is a 3-4 day park at most and that' s why Universal has discounts, etc....so you know I put two and two together....

I never really thought about 'travel' time and perhaps it is worse than I remembered but I've only been twice and during slow times [early january and end of October].

I'm glad to know the hotels are 'deluxe' quality. Also, two of our kids would eat free Lunch and Dinner there.

We definitely want to visit it some time [I really want to see Harry Potter's Island or whatever it's called whenever it gets done]. Just maybe not this time since we're trying to keep our TOTAL budget to $4k or less...we've already earmarked $1500 for our week at Anna Maria following.

Thanks for all the information. I've learned a lot!

info on the universal kennels:

Free use of kennels for one pet on the day of your visit. Additional pets stay at the regular price. (subject to availability)

That's cool to know! I do LOVE the pet-friendly vibe at US. And we've rented a cute little house that allows pets at Anna Maria.

Thanks.

Trish

 

[dpayne1969]

Well I had a stay booked at All Star Movies with 2 rooms because I have 2 adults & 3 teens staying in a preferred location with the dining plan for 5 plus park hoppers. My total was $4013

I just booked the Hard Rock for the same time frame for $1225 for our room & we only need 4 passes because I am an annual pass holder since 2006!

This is a huge savings for us,granted we don't have our meals paid for but we have a case of water shipped to the room plus we share meals & order pizza from the Hard Rock for $20 & it feeds all of us.So we can eat cheap but I was thrilled with my savings over staying @ Disney. I am just hoping the new coaster will be up & running

 

[minniejack]

Well I had a stay booked at All Star Movies with 2 rooms because I have 2 adults & 3 teens staying in a preferred location with the dining plan for 5 plus park hoppers. My total was $4013

I just booked the Hard Rock for the same time frame for $1225 for our room & we only need 4 passes because I am an annual pass holder since 2006!

This is a huge savings for us,granted we don't have our meals paid for but we have a case of water shipped to the room plus we share meals & order pizza from the Hard Rock for $20 & it feeds all of us.So we can eat cheap but I was thrilled with my savings over staying @ Disney. I am just hoping the new coaster will be up & running

good deal have fun

 

[dpayne1969]

Thanks, we are excited about saving so much money & still being able to vacation for 8 days 7 nights!! It is costing us like a little over $600 per person & that includes airfare,room,tickets for everyone so not a bad deal. I bought gift cards this afternoon for Hard Rock, Margaritaville, & Emack & Bolio's ice cream