Universal vacation Packages, etc? Need some help!!!

[cheerbop]

We are considering a vacation to Universal this July 11-15. We are a family of 4..DH, me, DS-8 and DS-2
I have looked at their site and am a bit confused about their "specials" and packages.
Anyone have advice for a first timer Trying to plan?
Onsite vs offsite?
What type of tickets to purchase?

I see their offer of kids stay play and eat free plus a free rental car.
Then there is the 2 day 3 free pass...

Any input on the better deals?????

Thanks in advance!

 

[lindalinda]

You probably will have to do some math to figure if the packages will work for you. Just guessing, I doubt it. The packages really seem to work for families with 2 kids in the 3-9 age range. Since your little one is 2, would have free admittance anyway, it is probably cheaper to book separately. ( And since a 2 yr old doesnt eat much, might even eat off your plate) I have never found the packages to work for me, (5 ppl) so I always book separately. You can get 99$ tickets for you and DH, and get free tix for the kids with the online special. So just 200$ for your park admission for 5 days.

 

[princesspumpkin]

You've come to the right place! My advice would be for you to price the package vs. booking things separately. Some packages seem great, until you realize that you could have done it cheaper. First, do you belong to AAA, live in Florida or are willing to buy one annual pass? If so, there are discounts to be had on the room price. At this time, the Portofino hotel has a price of $209/night if you have an annual pass (APH rate) or are a Florida resident (FLO rate) for the dates that you are going. You must decide on which hotel you would like to stay in. Each of the three is different. Hard Rock (HRH) is geared more towards party types (young singles, families with teens, etc). Royal Pacific (RPR) has a laid back feel, good for families with young children. Portofino is more "classy", suited for couples without children. Now be advised that any and all hotels will be still be good for any and all people.

If you will only be doing the two parks (US/IOA) and do not plan on leaving the property, then you will not need a car.

Right now, if you purchase an adult ticket online (buy 2 days, get 3 free), you also get one junior ticket (for ages 3-9). So, based on your kids' ages, you only have to buy tix for you and your partner.

There is an all-you-can-eat meal deal that you can order if you plan on eating in the parks a lot.

If you do decide to book things separately, if you book online, it has been found that even though you give a credit card, you aren't charged anything until you finish your vacation stay. If you book your room over the phone, most people have found that you are charged one night's deposit. Book your room now, then keep checking online to see if the room rates have changed. Typically, you will find that discounts that weren't there when you originally booked, will be there when it gets closer to the time of your vaca.

Good luck.

 

[cheerbop]

Thanks for the info...

Am I seeing the AP Rate correctly of $120 or $180...?
What exactly is the difference?

 

[princesspumpkin]

Thanks for the info...

Am I seeing the AP Rate correctly of $120 or $180...?
What exactly is the difference?

i don't understand your question. Where are you finding this rate? For what days at which hotel?

 

[cheerbop]

i don't understand your question. Where are you finding this rate? For what days at which hotel?

The Pass for the parks itself.
I am sorry...you probably thought I meant the Hotel AP rates!? Yeah, that WOULD be a bargain, wouldn't it?!

No, is the cost of the Annual Pass the 120 and 180 that I think I saw? What would be the difference between the 2 different passes?

Also, is it really that worth it to stay onsite?

 

[princesspumpkin]

Oooh, I see. Well, the Preferred Annual Pass ($179) is the one you want to get in order to get the discounted hotel room rate. It also gets you free parking, discounts on regular tickets for the rest of your party, free admission to special events, 20% off merchandise at various US/IOA stores, as well as other things. The 2-Park Power Pass ($119) doesn't get you any other discounts, plus there are blackout dates for usage of the tickets. You only need to buy one Preferred Pass to get the room discount, then you can buy the buy2/get free tx online for your partner.

 

[cheerbop]

Thanks....that is what I wondered....about which pass gets the hotel discounts.

I also saw the kids stay play eat free deal WITH a free rental car. Do you think this is a good deal? With the car, I mean. We would not have to get transport to and from the hotel...

I guess maybe it is still cheaper to do the other way, ya think? Do you know what the hotel AP rates for all 3 are during anytime between July 11 and July 23? Our dates are fairly flexible.

Thanks!!!

 

[princesspumpkin]

Thanks....that is what I wondered....about which pass gets the hotel discounts.

I also saw the kids stay play eat free deal WITH a free rental car. Do you think this is a good deal? With the car, I mean. We would not have to get transport to and from the hotel...

I guess maybe it is still cheaper to do the other way, ya think? Do you know what the hotel AP rates for all 3 are during anytime between July 11 and July 23? Our dates are fairly flexible.

Thanks!!!

Visit universalorlando.com and go to the reservation section. Place the letters APH in the promotional code section. Do this for each hotel and you will get the exact rate. If you won't be leaving the property, I don't see a need for a car. If you don't get the Preferred pass,you would have to pay for parking. See what the price of a package is vs. doing everything separately. That's the only way that you can find out. Good luck.