Universal Newbie-Help

[Calee]

Hi Everyone!
I have been involved on the WDW side of this board for a long time, but my kids are a bit older now, into Harry Potter, and I think it's time to try Universal!

I know nothing lol. I find the Universal website hard to navigate but I'm probably just not used to it.

Are express passes necessary? I'm considering a trip at the very beginning of December and we are a family of 5 so it is a big additional expense. My kids are probably not going to be interested in the 2 absolute biggest coasters, but they will want to do the Harry Potter stuff.

We didn't really have a budget for this this year so I'm trying to be smart, but I also would like to have fun haha.

What are the most important things I should consider? (Kids are 12, 10 and 8). We will be driving, not flying.

 

[Lilias]

Is it within your budget to stay at one of the hotels that include express pass with your stay (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, and Portofino Bay)? From what I've heard about the recent crowd levels, Express Passes probably aren't needed, but it might be worth it to stay at one of those hotels

ALSO, how long are you staying? Universal Annual Passes are much more affordable than Disney (in my opinion), so it might be worth it to get an annual pass for at least one of you and use that to get the Annual Passholder discount on hotels

Universal is much more of a "just show up and explore" park than Disney, but I recommend the Orlando Informer website for checking out Universal stuff

I hope that helps! I'm much more familiar with Universal than Disney, so feel free to hit me up with questions 8D

 

[Calee]

Is it within your budget to stay at one of the hotels that include express pass with your stay (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, and Portofino Bay)? From what I've heard about the recent crowd levels, Express Passes probably aren't needed, but it might be worth it to stay at one of those hotels

ALSO, how long are you staying? Universal Annual Passes are much more affordable than Disney (in my opinion), so it might be worth it to get an annual pass for at least one of you and use that to get the Annual Passholder discount on hotels

Universal is much more of a "just show up and explore" park than Disney, but I recommend the Orlando Informer website for checking out Universal stuff

I hope that helps! I'm much more familiar with Universal than Disney, so feel free to hit me up with questions 8D

Thanks for responding!

I of course would rather stay somewhere cheaper than their nice resorts, but would consider it if express passes were needed. It is a better value than adding express pass for our family!

 

[andieb0602]

Crowd levels are going to be anyone's guess for this year. I think the biggest question is whether or not you'll be going while school is in session and how long you'll be there. We went the week before Thanksgiving last year and did not need EPs but we were there for 7 days so we had plenty of time. The only time we would have liked to have had EPs was the Saturday and Sunday we were in the parks. The crowds diminished considerably by Monday afternoon and by Tuesday most rides had a minimal wait or were a walk-on. My concern for this year would be that a lot of people have postponed their trips due to covid so there could be larger-than-normal crowds in December or, if restrictions are still in place, crowds could be lower.

Personally I would consider reserving both an EP and non-EP hotel room, keep an eye on crowd levels reports, and then keep the reservation that fits the bill when it gets closer to your trip. UO makes it super simple to cancel a room-only reservation. Annual passholders can get a nice discount on hotel rates so I would also look into the hotel cost with an AP as well.

 

[Calee]

Crowd levels are going to be anyone's guess for this year. I think the biggest question is whether or not you'll be going while school is in session and how long you'll be there. We went the week before Thanksgiving last year and did not need EPs but we were there for 7 days so we had plenty of time. The only time we would have liked to have had EPs was the Saturday and Sunday we were in the parks. The crowds diminished considerably by Monday afternoon and by Tuesday most rides had a minimal wait or were a walk-on. My concern for this year would be that a lot of people have postponed their trips due to covid so there could be larger-than-normal crowds in December or, if restrictions are still in place, crowds could be lower.

Personally I would consider reserving both an EP and non-EP hotel room, keep an eye on crowd levels reports, and then keep the reservation that fits the bill when it gets closer to your trip. UO makes it super simple to cancel a room-only reservation. Annual passholders can get a nice discount on hotel rates so I would also look into the hotel cost with an AP as well.

Thanks for the tips!

If we do it I'm considerinf during traditional school weeks, on weekdays. I'm thinking either late September or late November after Thanksgiving.

 

[bchbetha]

This fall is anyone’s guess regarding school too. Many are going online only. Colleges are shutting down in person after Thanksgiving. Park norms are all going to be thrown off. I like the idea of booking both tiers of rooms and waiting to see how things are going (both with free cancellations, of course ).
Orlando Informer is a much more user friendly website for Universal planning than the Universal site is (which doesn’t even load on my phone...so weird!). https://orlandoinformer.com/

 

[Calee]

Yes! I cant get universal to load on my phone!

I cant find how to see the annual pass room rates either. I dont know why I am having such a hard time navigating lol.

DH and I both work at a college, and I did have that thought about not going back after Thanksgiving. It might be better for us to plan a trip in late September or early November instead of between the holidays...

 

[andieb0602]

I'm thinking either late September or late November after Thanksgiving.

FWIW we have a late September trip planned for during the week and we are not staying at an EP hotel.

There is a sticky in the UOR Resorts and Hotels forum that has a link to where you can check the AP hotel rates is in the first post. I've bookmarked that link and always use it when I want to check rates.

 

[Lilias]

The rates only get released 3 months out, I think? Sometimes less. But it's usually around 30% discount.

 

[Calee]

So they have a special of buy 2 days of tickets get 2 days free. If we have 4 days to do the parks, and we were to go in say mid to late September, does that change anyone's opinion on the importance of express pass?

 

[nkereina]

So they have a special of buy 2 days of tickets get 2 days free. If we have 4 days to do the parks, and we were to go in say mid to late September, does that change anyone's opinion on the importance of express pass?

September of this year? I agree with PP that crowd levels this year will be anyone's guess, but given the current attendance levels, I would say you'd likely be fine without express pass in September of this year. In "normal" times, most people would argue September is low enough to go without EP. We like to have EPs regardless, because it gets you out of the queues in the hot sun and rain that often occurs in September.

Currently, the benefit express pass has is that you can avoid having to book virtual queue times for the popular rides and just enter the EP queue when its convenient for you. By doing this, you eliminate some of the on-the-fly planning and waiting around you may have to do until your VQ time approaches. And, having EP guarantees you will ride even if there are no VQ times available. I've only heard of people having difficulty securing VQ times during the AP weekend when it was quite busy, but who knows what things will be like going forward.

I would echo PP's suggestion of considering a stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific. As mentioned, it includes unlimited EPs for all members of your party, including check in and check out day. It will almost always be cheaper than purchasing EPs for a family. In addition to that, all three resorts are beautiful and walking distance to the parks and City Walk.

 

[Calee]

September of this year? I agree with PP that crowd levels this year will be anyone's guess, but given the current attendance levels, I would say you'd likely be fine without express pass in September of this year. In "normal" times, most people would argue September is low enough to go without EP. We like to have EPs regardless, because it gets you out of the queues in the hot sun and rain that often occurs in September.

Currently, the benefit express pass has is that you can avoid having to book virtual queue times for the popular rides and just enter the EP queue when its convenient for you. By doing this, you eliminate some of the on-the-fly planning and waiting around you may have to do until your VQ time approaches. And, having EP guarantees you will ride even if there are no VQ times available. I've only heard of people having difficulty securing VQ times during the AP weekend when it was quite busy, but who knows what things will be like going forward.

I would echo PP's suggestion of considering a stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific. As mentioned, it includes unlimited EPs for all members of your party, including check in and check out day. It will almost always be cheaper than purchasing EPs for a family. In addition to that, all three resorts are beautiful and walking distance to the parks and City Walk.

Thank for replying!

Yes, considering a trip for this year.

Walking distance to the parks sounds amazing. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around Universal after being used to WDW lol. But I am super excited to do something new! I am a detail person so I like to be able to picture everything-and I can't!

I tried to look at annual passes on the Universal website-it wouldn't allow me to put it in my cart. Have they suspended the sale of AP's right now?

 

[Lilias]

I was able to add some to a cart no problem! I tried the Seasonal pass, though. I used the promo page (you get an extra 3 months!!): https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/annual-passes/promo

 

[Calee]

Awesome, maybe it's just my computer being funky lol.

 

[nkereina]

Walking distance to the parks sounds amazing. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around Universal after being used to WDW lol. But I am super excited to do something new! I am a detail person so I like to be able to picture everything-and I can't!

I get it! Universal is a much more relaxed experience than WDW, and requires far less planning. One of the benefits, IMO. Express pass really enhances that because it lets you sleep in, arrive when you want, tour the parks how you want, and ride whatever you want at your leisure. No need to make rope drop or rush to the back of the park to get to a popular ride. The only exception this currently is the Hagrid's coaster, where you'll have to go on the app around 8:30-8:45am to secure a virtual queue time. There's no express pass for the Hagrid's ride currently, but the VQ time can be booked from any on-site Universal hotel.

Walking distance is definitely a great perk of HRH, PBH, and RPR. HRH is the closest in terms of walking, and RPR is on the Islands side of the property. All three resorts also have a free water taxi. The other on-site Universal resorts have bus service, Sapphire Falls also uses the water taxi, and Cabana Bay is walkable albeit a longer walk crossing a busy intersection.

I tried to look at annual passes on the Universal website-it wouldn't allow me to put it in my cart. Have they suspended the sale of AP's right now?

Not to my knowledge. The link PP posted seems to work for me too. I know the Universal web site often doesn't work well with mobile devices or on certain browsers.

 

[Lilias]

So you're telling me I can make my Hagrid's virtual queue selection from the comfort of my cozy Portofino bed? Heeeck yessss

 

[barb969]

I just checked HRH for Sept. and early Dec. You can get a standard 2 queen room(sleeps 5) for $250/night in Sept. With an AP discount. An AP is close in price to a 4 day ticket. Only 1 person needs an AP. You need to show them the AP before checkout. Early Dec. is $299/night. The AP discount is not available yet. We usually go in Nov. or Dec. and would not consider it without an EP. All rides are at most a 5 minute wait. Standby would be closer to a half hour On the more popular rides. Presently the standby times are less but some are 20 minutes or more. No one knows what it will be like in the fall.

5 EPs will cost at least $400/day. You can easily walk to IOA and US from HRH and RP.

Another thing To consider is club level. sept. $329/night with AP. Dec. $349/night. They will provide breakfast, snacks, supper, drinks and deserts. Many people use the club for breakfast and dinner which amounts to a big {savings if you have large group. The club is ok, but does not compare to Disney.

You can also save by getting tickets from Undercover Tourist. These tickets can be upgraded and you receive a credit for the price Univ. charges not what you paid.

Have a good trip.

 

[nkereina]

So you're telling me I can make my Hagrid's virtual queue selection from the comfort of my cozy Portofino bed? Heeeck yessss

Yep! Game changer for sure! From what I've seen, they become available around 8:30-8:45 and are usually full by the official park opening time of 9am.

 

[lisam70]

I think parks will not be that crowded this year but who knows lol
I went end of Sept two years ago stayed at Cabana Bay so no EP and I thought the waits were tolerable 20-40 minutes at most in the afternoon. If anything had a longer wait we just checked app periodically and came back later. Was there for 4 days and that was plenty of time. Don't stress about Universal it's so much easier than Disney which completely stresses me out !

 

[rodbates0322]

My wife and I just got back from Universal, after a long weekend trip on 4th of July and it wasn't even super busy then. I definitely recommend staying at Royal Pacific, it is the cheapest that still includes Express Pass. Sapphire Falls does NOT include the express pass but if crowds are light and you don't mind small waits on rides, then I would recommend it for the cheaper cost. It still comes with the water transportation like Royal Pacific.

Definitely don't expect a Disney World experience. It's all about the rides and nothing more. The old E.T. ride was nice because it reminded us more of Disney. The only issue we had was my 3D glasses fogging up, due to the mask and there are a lot of 3D rides at Universal, not as many at Islands of Adventure. If you aren't great with Motion Sickness, be ready and take it slow around Universal Studios and don't hop on too many 3D rides back to back.

As for Hagrid's, I know it was mentioned above about the Virual Line system but I want to reiterate, that when we were there, it was ONLY virtual line system and no stand by. Jimmy Fallon's Ride thru NYC is the same way.