Universal Trip 2015

[wholesomejoe]

Haven't posted here in ages.

Went to Universal in 2013 with my now ex-wife/son. He still remembers the trip. So I want to take him and my new partner in 2015.. possibly in March as that's the earliest I think I could have the money saved up.

We won't be staying on site, but I was wondering if March is going to be a good time to go with minimal crowds. We went in Feb. last time, and it was amazing. Temps were in the low 80s, and we waited less than 20 minutes for every ride all 3 days. Minimal closures.

I want my new partner to experience Harry Potter, and we haven't been since they added hogsmeade and Transformers.

Are there are legit places to get discounted tickets or is it really just better to go through UO to get them directly?

 

[macraven]

Haven't posted here in ages.

Went to Universal in 2013 with my now ex-wife/son. He still remembers the trip. So I want to take him and my new partner in 2015.. possibly in March as that's the earliest I think I could have the money saved up.

We won't be staying on site, but I was wondering if March is going to be a good time to go with minimal crowds. We went in Feb. last time, and it was amazing. Temps were in the low 80s, and we waited less than 20 minutes for every ride all 3 days. Minimal closures.

I want my new partner to experience Harry Potter, and we haven't been since they added hogsmeade and Transformers.

Are there are legit places to get discounted tickets or is it really just better to go through UO to get them directly?

welcome back, you've been missed....

once it is mid march, you will start having some crowds due to spring breaks.

maybe if you hit the first week, early march, you'll be fine i hope.

staying onsite is very good during spring break periods.
but if offsite is the only way you can go, you can make it work.

undercover tourist and maple leaf are two established places where i have bought tickets for others before.
they are both legit.
(i have the preferred ap but my family members do not)

i would avoid the weekends for your park days as they can get crowds from locals when the weather is good.

suggest you try to book soon for your darkside stay if you do plan on a March trip.

 

[wholesomejoe]

Would late February work better? I believe we went the 2nd week in Feb. last time and like I said, it was amazing. I did everything multiple times with hardly any wait, and even managed to do some water attractions because it was so warm.

 

[RMulieri]

Go late Feb if you can..March varies widely by spring breaks ( many schools and colleges do not tie their break to Easter anymore).As for tickets , We order from Undercover tourist .The prices there include taxes and shipping( which the universal prices do not) so there is a small discount.

 

[wholesomejoe]

What other times of the year would you suggest later in the year for low crowds?

 

[wholesomejoe]

I think we've settled on September, and waiting a bit longer.

 

[macraven]

I think we've settled on September, and waiting a bit longer.

i had always enjoyed being at the darkside in mid september.
the parks close earlier but no crowds,limited waits for everything


go after labor day and you will have a great time


hhn won't start until sept 25 and you will be avoiding crowds.

onsite hotel rooms have a lower price in that time period.

 

[wholesomejoe]

Does the Cabana hotel have the same perks as the other 3 on site hotels?

 

[lazer]

Does the Cabana hotel have the same perks as the other 3 on site hotels?

No Express Pass if you're staying at Cabana Bay, unless you purchase it.

 

[wholesomejoe]

I'm more concerned with Harry Potter early entry. September should allow us to not need the express pass. I didn't need it the last time I went.

Staying at Cabana Bay still should trump staying at a partner hotel or something cheaper close by? The prices I saw were only a few bucks more expensive than staying at a cheaper hotel and then having to pay to park. I'm assuming, looking at the map it's within walking distance.

 

[macraven]

Cbay has a decent bus system for getting to the parks.

 

[wholesomejoe]

So, does that mean it's NOT in walking distance?

 

[macraven]

So, does that mean it's NOT in walking distance?

there is a walking path and some have said it took them 15 minutes to hit the parks after starting from Cbay.

a few others posted the walk for them was about 10 minutes.


guess it depends on what type of walking pace you have.

many have posted since Cbay opened that the busses are always there and very little wait for them when leaving the hotel.

the bus lets out at the drop off at city walk.
the walk from there to the parks depends on your walking pace.


i stay at rpr for my trips but have talked to some in the park that have done the walk from cabana bay.
none of them complained about the bus service that they used.

 

[tstidm1]

I'm more concerned with Harry Potter early entry. September should allow us to not need the express pass. I didn't need it the last time I went.

Staying at Cabana Bay still should trump staying at a partner hotel or something cheaper close by? The prices I saw were only a few bucks more expensive than staying at a cheaper hotel and then having to pay to park. I'm assuming, looking at the map it's within walking distance.

Cabana Bay does have Early Park Admission. I could've stayed off site for $40 less a night, but decided to stay on site because of the Early Park Admission benefit. If you get a Power Pass for yourself (some sort of regular ticket for your son), you can probably get a Regular room there for as low as $79-89 a night.

 

[wholesomejoe]

Cabana Bay does have Early Park Admission. I could've stayed off site for $40 less a night, but decided to stay on site because of the Early Park Admission benefit. If you get a Power Pass for yourself (some sort of regular ticket for your son), you can probably get a Regular room there for as low as $79-89 a night.

How can I manage this? I haven't found anything lower than 100. I also noticed parking is 10.00 per day...

the early entry still probably beats staying offsite. I do like the free breakfast some hotels have though. I'd rather spend my money in the park lol.