USF Annual Pass Increase Soon?

[Disxuni]

I've heard that supposedly when Disney hikes up their prices so does Universal. How true is that statement? Does it happen every time? And if it does happen, whether every time, or sometimes, do you know a window of when it seems to typically happen from when Disney does it? I haven't kept track of these type of things for awhile...

I'm going to buy an Premier Universal AP regardless in the Fall (was thinking about keeping Disney too since I have one of the inexpensive passes, but that's not happening now due to the amount of the hike), but I was just curious on if I should be expecting to be paying more by the time I get around to buying my pass and how much of an increase? I know this is hypothetical situation, but curious on what people's thoughts are that might be paying attention to these type of things.

For example, on the Disney end, when I first got my pass, it was a little over $500 for Gold, now it's a dollar off of $700 for Gold. That's only a two year (technically less since the year isn't up) difference starting in Oct.

 

[hertamaniac]

My thought is that Universal already has a staged pricing increased based on the % for each of Disney's AP tiers. I believe all they need to do is meet, make the decision and release those numbers. So, I believe the increase does happen in short order (I seem to recall about 1 week).

 

[Disxuni]

Someone did point out that there they're promoting an AP preview of GE, which I forgot about, so it was done more than likely as a turn people off from buying APs in order to get special access and for those willing to pay for it, Disney gets more bank.

 

[Liljo22]

My guess is this increase blindside the UO higher ups. I would expect an increase but probably a few weeks from now rather than the days later you normally see with the increases.

 

[lebeau]

Universal tends to increase the price of tickets in lockstep with Disney but that doesn't necessarily apply with APs.

 

[macraven]

My preferred ap expires July 15 and I renewed today.
Think it was about a $11 i-15 ncrease

Last year many of us received the additional (free) 3-6 month on our ap's expiration date

 

[kbelle8995]

When I look how much universal charges in comparison to Disney (At least for APs), It still comes off as a steal.

 

[Disxuni]

When I look how much universal charges in comparison to Disney (At least for APs), It still comes off as a steal.

I'm sure it is. I still plan on getting a pass. I just was curious about how the price increases go typically. It's definitely a steal considering the Gold pass I have is about the same price (before the price hike) as the premier AP and a Gold pass is considered one of the cheaper passes, where as a premier AP is the highest tier, and quite honestly has more perks than Disney offers in my opinion (taking the amount of parks they have out of the equation).

Thanks for everyone's input, especially @macraven giving a price comparison from this year's renewal and last year.

 

[elaine amj]

Man....I am so glad we did our Year of Universal back before APs went up much in price. We hit the sweet spot - after Diagon Alley had been open for a bit and before ticket prices got hiked up quite so high in response. I think an AP was just a few bucks more than 3 day tix. So it was a no brainer for me to upgrade although my original intention was to only visit for 3 days.

Of course, Universal made out too since I visited twice more, spending on food and onsite hotels. No way I woukd have added those extra visits without APs.

 

[macraven]

Prices will always go up
In the mid 1990’s I paid $79 for the ap which is now about $315

Perks for the preferred ap are decent
Food, room discounts come
With it

Some years uo gave either a 3 month or a six month free extension for the passes

When my renewal time comes around each year, i get a tad nervous of how high of a jump In price to remew it

Some years of the increase has been minor
One year it was minor but then another year
It up to 50

Figure out how many nights of hhn you want to do
Cpmpare
Prices based on how mani mights you plan
To attend

Going
4 nights then buy the pass

 

[larissawbb]

Does anyone think that they will offer another 3 month free promotion? I’m trying to figure out if I should renew next month to beat price increases or wait until September. My pass expires first week of August.

 

[Disxuni]

Does anyone think that they will offer another 3 month free promotion? I’m trying to figure out if I should renew next month to beat price increases or wait until September. My pass expires first week of August.

There isn't confirmation there will be a increase relatively soon and even if it is I would imagine it shouldn't be drastic as Disney's (as other posters here have said). The main reason they're doing this is due to GE and trying to counter-act people purchasing them in order to get into the pre-GE events (as it's only offered to AP holders).

I personally am hoping for some sort of promotion in the Fall too, but we shall see. It seems like once a promotion ends, another begins relatively soon after, so I'm hoping, however the timing is not guaranteed and even if there is a promotion we won't know if it'll be the same.

The question is are you willing to wait and see, or is it really important and within budget to get a pass at what it is now?