Upgrade Power Pass to Annual Pass?

[Rash]

I managed a very good APH rate at PBH n Feb 2005, but have not yet bought the pass. There seems to be some doubt as to if I can use the Power Pass for the APH rate (this topic is not getting many responses on the Resort Board).

If I buy the Power Pass and and they tell me I need the full annual pass at check-in for the APH rate, will they let me upgrade at that time and just charge me the price difference?

 

[highlander447]

I am sure they will allow u to upgrade others have used the power pass and recieved the discount for the hotel room

 

[Rash]

Anyone know for sure from experience?

 

[phamton]

The seasonla pass can not be used for hotel discounts:

http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/website/annualpass/learnmore.html

2-Park Preferred Annual Pass Provides:

• Admission to Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure during regular operating hours

• Free self-parking each time you visit.

• Free admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras, Macy's™ Holiday Parade, and Grinchmas®

• Discounts on separately ticketed events such as Rock the Universe and Halloween Horror Nights

• Savings on multi-day and single-day Universal Orlando tickets and CityWalk Party passes

• Discounts at restaurants, merchandise stores and on VIP Tours

• Save up to 30% at On-Site Resorts, based on availability.

2-Park Power Pass Provides:

• Valid for admission year round, with the exception of the blackout dates listed below, to both Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure. Blackout Dates:Summer Weekends 2004June 26 & 27July 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31 August 1, 7, and 8 Christmas 2004 December 24, 2004 - January 1, 2005

• Park-to-Park Access.

• 10% savings on 1-Day 1-Park Universal Orlando tickets (up to six [6] people, must be purchased at the front gate)

• Self-Parking NOT included

• No Discounts on food, merchandise or on-site hotels

 

[highlander447]

Others have posted that they have recieved the discount with the power pass

 

[phamton]

Would you really want to take a chance that you might get an employee at check in who didn't know the difference between the power pass and the annual pass? The information I posted is the official policy. The Power Pass is not valid for hotel discounts. It doesn't get any plainer than that. The fact that some have lucked out and got it does not mean that you will. Some people have not even been asked to show their Annual pass but that doesn't mean you should reserve a room with an AP discount even though you don't plan on getting an AP just hoping they forget to ask to see your AP.

 

[highlander447]

Sorry what I meant was Lowes accepted the power pass as an official pass for discounts on room rate although the power pass is said not too gfet the discount I would call and ask them but I do know that last year a few people posted that they where encouraged to get the power pass for hotel discount but I must say the AP its self is worth the restaurant and merchandise discounts alone
that being said I am sure u will be able to upgrade from power pass to AP if u have a problem and so long as u have not activated your pass you will not lose out

 

[phamton]

Even at Disney you often get a CM that doesn't have the facts. I don't doubt that people have been told to get the power pass by Lowe's employees, but they were giving wrong information. When you check in you may get someone that actually knows that the Power pass can't be used for discounts. Why chance it? You don't save very much money once you consider all the discounts you will get in merchandising and food at the parks with the preferred annual pass.

 

[Rash]

Actually, if I can upgrade from the power pass to the preffered annual pass at check-in and still get the APH rate, then I'm not chancing anything as I see it. I already have AAA discount on most restaurants, I don't buy much merchandise, and I only visit 3 days per year, so the other benefits of the full pass don't justify the extra $70 IMHO.

So does anyone know FOR SURE that I can upgrade my (as yet un-activated) power pass to preferred annual pass at check-in? Has anyone done it?

 

[Rash]

One last bump - anyone upgraded their pass at check-in?

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

You can not upgrade at the hotel. You have to go to guest services at either park to do that. If You go to Islands of Adventure and pass the turnstyles you will go to the left near the restrooms. If you go to universal studios go thru the turnstyles and to the right. If there is another place to do that maybe someone else can point it out.

 

[Rash]

Thanks, Kimberlyfamilyfv.

One more question - does the "free self parking" with the AP refer to parking at the parking garage for the parks or at the onsite hotels, or both?

 

[phamton]

The free parking is only for the parking garages at the parks. they are doing a special promo which includes free parking at the resorts if you are an annual passholder but it is only for this Christmas season and only for a 3 night stay.

Tis the Season to stay on-site at Universal Orlando® Resort November 28 - December 24!

From gigantic Christmas trees to elaborate gingerbread houses, come see how the on-site hotels deck their halls for the holidays with these holiday rates.*

Royal Pacific Resort, a Loews Hotel:
Sail away to the tropics starting at $129 per night
BOOK NOW!

Hard Rock Hotel:
Vacation like a rock star starting at $149 per night
BOOK NOW!

Portofino Bay Hotel, a Loews Hotel:
Experience La Dolce Vita starting at $169 per night
BOOK NOW!
Plus get 4th Night FREE** when you stay 3 or more nights!


Also, enjoy these exclusive Annual Passholders values*** when you stay on-site:
Complimentary self parking
Buy one, get one FREE drink coupons

Call 1-800-BE-A-STAR and ask for the Annual Passholder rate OR to book online and use Promotional Code APH.

*Travel must be completed November 28 through December 24, 2004. Rates are $20 higher per night Friday & Saturday. Must present valid Annual Pass at check-in. Rates do not include tax. Rates are subject to availability and require advance reservations. Offer is not valid with any other promotional offers, group or negotiated rates. These promotional rates do not qualify for LoewsFirst benefits. Arrival/Departure restrictions may apply. Rates subject to change without advance notice. **3-night consecutive stay required for 4th night free. Suites and club level not included. Promotional blackout dates may be in effect during certain time periods. ***Complimentary self parking and drink coupons only valid for guests checking into the hotel. Complimentary self parking during dates of stay only. Drink coupons valid at Thirsty Fish at Portofino Bay Hotel, Velvet Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel and Jake's American Bar at Royal Pacific Resort. One (1) coupon per adult, maximum of two (2) coupons per room, valid during dates of stay only. Other restrictions not listed above may apply.

 

[Rash]

Thanks to all for the info.

 

[VW31]

Okay, I'm trying to understand this (excuse me for my slowness)...

If you have an unactivated power-pass and reserved the APH rate, upon check-in these are the options:
1 - If they don't ask to see the pass, you are good
2 - If they ask to see the pass, you just tell them you have a power-pass but plan to upgrade to the preferred-pass (obviously you will do this after check-in when you go to the parks). They will then let you keep the APH discount on the room.

Do I have this right?

 

[Rash]

Okay, I'm trying to understand this (excuse me for my slowness)...

If you have an unactivated power-pass and reserved the APH rate, upon check-in these are the options:
1 - If they don't ask to see the pass, you are good
2 - If they ask to see the pass, you just tell them you have a power-pass but plan to upgrade to the preferred-pass (obviously you will do this after check-in when you go to the parks). They will then let you keep the APH discount on the room.

Do I have this right?

I hope that is correct, because that is my plan for Feb 2005. Anyone know for sure?

 

[jeana]

I have the power pass and used it twice for hotel discounts. Once last june and this past week. They have never asked to see it upon check in. I didn't even realize until this trip that you couldn't use if for discounts until an employee on this trip told me??? I used it for three days in June and most of this trip and got the discount always, once told I just switched to my AAA card----it's 10%. Anyway, just thought I would let you know. By the way, by this past wednesday it was CROWDED, but they still had front of line access so we never waited!!!!! Hope this helps!!