universal newbie needs help

[MKCP5]

So we have never been to universal and I am thinking of trying to get a trip for my son's 16th b day together for a surprise. I am thinking of just sending he and my husband for a little bonding time. They both love the coasters so I think it would be a blast. How do I make a 2 or 3 night trip economical? There is no magic express, so they would have to get a car--right? And there hotels on site are crazy expensive-right? Or am I missing something? Please help me out! Thanks

 

[francie57]

The Mears shuttle runs to Universal and might be a better price than renting a car. If you are a member of AAA they offer room discounts for the Universal hotels and a good discount on the park tickets plus discounts at most of the restaurants in the parks and City Walk. It is well worth it to stay on-site since it gives you unlimited express pass for basically all the rides/attractions. It is worth a call to Loews to see what they can give you for the lowest price. It is better to call since their website doesn't show all the discount pricing.

 

[Purseval]

Since you mention renting a car we can assume you're flying in and you don't mind sending 2 people. That means they can rent a compact or subcompact, which really shouldn't be too expensive if you go through a bargain site like Priceline. Make sure you register then regularly check your rewards (look under My Profile then My rewards) because they like to throw in bonus bucks. I currently hava a $5/day bonus, so if I'm bidding $10/day on a 3-day rental Priceline makes it $15/day and increases your odds of winning a bid. You can also bid on a 2.5 star hotel in the Universal area, which should come under $30/day if you again use Priceline. Since you'll have a car and be staying offsite you'll have access to supermarkets, fast food, pizza and other type of takeout, etc., so you can make your food budget as little or much as you want (a pound of bologna and a loaf of bread can fill 2 people up for about a dollar each). Finally, look NOW for either the Kroger $89 passes or AAA for $99 and I mean NOW because they have just raised ticket prices and these lower-priced ones are disappearing fast.

So yes, you can do cheap. Let me know if you need any more info. Did I mention that you should look for those discount tickets NOW