Universal hotel to book or not to book?

[chidgey1966]

hi can anyone help? have been looking at booking a hotel at universal for one night to get fast pass benefits. going for last 2 weeks of august so is it worth the extra money as i understand it's not as busy then? thanks

 

[chidgey1966]

oops made a mistake!

 

[darthtatty]

I would say go for it.
We booked Disneys Contemporary resort for the 2 weeks of our holiday but left it for 1 night to stay at Universals HRH. This was during the last 2 weeks of August 2011
It made life much simplier for us, we usually do the Universal parks 2 days in a row anyway. This saved us on transport costs & the travelling time.
you get 2 days worth of express pass benefits.

 

[married2mm]

I read conflicting reports on this.
We've never been before- so can't comment personally on crowds.

We have decided to book one night (18/8) so we can make use of folp for 2days.
Was undecided whether to actually sleep there,or just have the benefits,but dh wants to stay.

 

[Kath2003]

We go at peak times and have never found a need for the Express Passes, despite having them a few times.

 

[cornish pixie]

Hi We always have at least One night at RPR just so we can get those front of line passes generally stay at club level check in early go up grab so breakfast hit the parks come back in time for 5-7 snacks and beer and wine chill and do the same the following day just put our luggage with bell hop and come back in the afternoon again for beer wine and food also can use the showers in the health club towels shower gel etc all provided so can change and go back up to club level as card is good till midnight,
Did go last August but felt standards had slipped a little but saying that if you have never done it I would say give it a go over the years we have always enjoyed our stays there and really feel even staying one night is worth it
cornish pixie

 

[Portugal1000]

We were there 13 and 14 August last year and it was so busy. I was so relieved I booked Hard Rock for front of line access. I saw so many people in the parks buying the $99 passes because the crowds were so bad. I would have given up after an hour if I didn't have it. Saying that, I think end of August is less busy so I would plan to go at very end of holiday. We are back this year and my son is desperate to go to Universal again. Its very expensive though as adds on £500 for just 2 days at the park, including tickets and hotel.

 

[Metro West]

You might want to check out the Universal resorts board for more opinions and advice:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75