Univesal/CityPass Questions

[bigdaddybyrd]

I'm a WDW Vet/DVC member who is planning our first ever venture to the West Coast! LOTS of new stuff for me to learn! I'm looking at booking in early June 2013. I've learned that I can save money with CityPass since I want to do a day at Universal, and that I can upgrade the three day Disney PH pass to a five day, which is what my family needs.

My question is if I buy CityPass, can I also upgrade at Universal to the FOTL pass? What is the cost to do that? Or, do I even NEED to do that? My kids know all too well about how you've got to be there at rope drop, so that's not an issue. I know I want to do most things at Universal, but I don't particularly want to have to spend all day there either. Thanks!!

 

[skiingfast]

If you upgrade from the 3day CityPass hopper to a 5 day DLR hopper you will loose some and most of your savings.

Not sure if you can upgrade it to a USH FOL Pass. However if you can show up at Universal and hit there 4 big attraction quickly, you really don't need it. Transformers, The Mummy, and Jurassic Park are all in the same little area. Then do the Tram Tour and the rest of the day is simple to get the few other attractions done in a single day. BTW if you aren't aware USH is just a studios park no IOA.

 

[lizabu]

I'm planning to do the same thing. I read somewhere that they give you $214 credit towards a 5 day hopper for adults so upgrading to 5 days should be around $76. If you buy the tickets from the Universal Studios website and visit there first they will let you spend a 2nd day at Universal. If you do the math it's $279 + 76= $355. Without the citypass assuming you are going to do everything on it it's DL $290 + Universal Studios buy 1 day get 2nd day free $80 + Seaworld tickets are $63 online. So you're looking at a total on $433 which is still $78 savings per person. Thats all based on if they really do give you $214 credit at DL. I've read it in numerous places online but I don't know anyone who's done it.

My sister did FOL passes at Universal in Florida and said it was the best thing ever. I've read that the rates fluxuate based on the season. They have the Summer FOL pass rates up on their website now and it's $149 per person. For me I think I'd just wait in line for that price.

 

[skiingfast]

I'm planning to do the same thing. I read somewhere that they give you $214 credit towards a 5 day hopper for adults so upgrading to 5 days should be around $76. If you buy the tickets from the Universal Studios website and visit there first they will let you spend a 2nd day at Universal. If you do the math it's $279 + 76= $355. Without the citypass assuming you are going to do everything on it it's DL $290 + Universal Studios buy 1 day get 2nd day free $80 + Seaworld tickets are $63 online. So you're looking at a total on $433 which is still $78 savings per person. Thats all based on if they really do give you $214 credit at DL. I've read it in numerous places online but I don't know anyone who's done it.

My sister did FOL passes at Universal in Florida and said it was the best thing ever. I've read that the rates fluxuate based on the season. They have the Summer FOL pass rates up on their website now and it's $149 per person. For me I think I'd just wait in line for that price.

A few things.
The upgrade credit amount is correct.

USH really only requires 1 days to see, often about 6 hours to not even a whole day. So getting a 2nd day for free is not such a great perk, there is a reason it's free. You can also do the same at Seaworld by purchaing the CityPass there. In some situations 2 days access works, such as having and evening and morning to go.

USH is not USO and shouldn't not be evaluated by comparison. There is no IOA, and different waits for what is in both parks.

 

[lizabu]

Thanks skiingfast. Our time in California is really tight so it's good to know Universal can be done in one day. We were trying to decide if we had time to do Seaworld at all. If we only do one day at Universal then Seaworld is doable. Is SW also a 1 day park? They also have a 2nd day free if you buy from their website.

 

[CityPASS]

Thanks, skiingfast, for confirming the credit amounts.

bigdaddybyrd, since you are planning your trip for 2013, please keep in mind that the current price for Southern California CityPASS, as well as the credit amounts, are for 2012. The 2013 prices and credit amounts won't be determined until later this year. As soon as they are determined, we'll post them on our website, and the 2013 product will be available for purchase probably sometime in early-mid November.

Regarding Universal and the FOL, you can upgrade to a FOL Pass, but the price fluctuates throughout the year. Generally, it's whatever the current FOL front gate price is minus the full retail general admission price. Also, the FOL passes do sell out, so Universal recommends getting there as close to opening as possible in order to obtain the FOL Pass.

 

[skiingfast]

If we only do one day at Universal then Seaworld is doable. Is SW also a 1 day park? They also have a 2nd day free if you buy from their website.

Seaworld can take a whole day. More than a day, not really. How long depends on how many shows you want to do, and you can fit the rides and other exhibits around them. It's a great experience if you haven't been. Pets Rule and Sea Lions Tonight are the best shows, dolphins and Shamu are famous shows.

 

[lizabu]

Thanks skiingfast. You helped me make my decision.

 

[lizabu]

Just in case anyone was interested I was just on the Costco website and they have the Socal city pass for $264.99. Some extra savings for any Costco members out there.