What am I missing?

[alm99]

Family of 5 going to Universal sometime between Feb 20th -25th for two days. We will be staying at Bonnet Creek the entire week.

When I look to book a package for two days and 1 night at Univeral the hotel at a minimum is $1,500 at Endless Summer and when I add tickets it’s another $1,300. If I buy 2 day 2 park passes it’s $1,600 for tickets. Why is lodging $1,500 for a single night?

Can I book the hotel separately for $332/night and the tickets separate and still get into the parks early in the second day?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I suspect the package is already including tickets.

However, you can usually do just as well with tickets & hotel separately - there is no real benefit to booking a package.

The early admission is tied to your hotel stay; where you bought your tickets is irrelevant. You will show your hotel room key to access early admission. It is valid on your check in and check out days.

 

[alm99]

I suspect the package is already including tickets.

However, you can usually do just as well with tickets & hotel separately - there is no real benefit to booking a package.

The early admission is tied to your hotel stay; where you bought your tickets is irrelevant. You will show your hotel room key to access early admission. It is valid on your check in and check out days.

Thanks, that’s good to hear.

 

[bchbetha]

Any reason you are choosing that hotel? Most people book an on-site room at a deluxe so you can get express passes. You’ll get early entry at ES so I’m guessing that’s what you’re looking for?
book a la carte vs a package though.

 

[jkh36619]

I'll 2nd staying on site for your Universal days. Another option is 1 person in your party spring for an AP to get the AP hotel discounts. Bonnet Creek to US is a pain. I-4 drives me crazy

 

[alm99]

We were looking at Endless summer just for price and not having to drive back after park closing. It’s looks to be a 20 minute drive from Bonnet Creek. So I am not sure if I want to pay for another place to stay when I have a perfectly good location. The cost difference was $250 for endless summer and $650 for the cheapest Premier

 

[keishashadow]

I'll 2nd staying on site for your Universal days. Another option is 1 person in your party spring for an AP to get the AP hotel discounts. Bonnet Creek to US is a pain. I-4 drives me crazy

Various Surface road routes are often quicker & always have far less traffic than I-4

OP bonnet creek is lovely, I’d either drive or add a night at end of trip on-site at U.

Since you’d have parking cost if staying on-site driving or as a guest, perhaps just book uber xl or towncar?

u want to book on-site for one night, usually can do better pricing resort & tix separately.

FYI I’m seeing Cabana bay (not my first choice but, it does have its fans) for 2adults/3kidsin a ‘suite’ for $194+ w APH. This on one of the weekdays in date range u mentioned. You’d need to check their rack rate

 

[alm99]

I'll 2nd staying on site for your Universal days. Another option is 1 person in your party spring for an AP to get the AP hotel discounts. Bonnet Creek to US is a pain. I-4 drives me crazy

Am I missing something with the annual pass? If I buy the seasonal AP for all 5 of use it saves $100 off the cost of tickets. The time frame we are going isn’t in their blackout schedule.

NM the savings, I was looking at the Florida resident pricing.

 

[alm99]

Still looking into this. If I purchase a seasonal AP I’ll save a good chunk on the hotel. It looks like the only way I can get my AP is “pickup at the ticket window”

How then do I get the other 4 two day tickets for my family with the AP discount? What about the Express Pass from a Premier hotel? I would think I need all 5 tickets for the Premier hotel to give the Express Pass, correct?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The Express from the hotel is totally separate from your tickets/AP. Your room keys are your Express.

You should be able to get your AP, and buy the other tickets, right at the hotel ticket desk.

Also in case you don't know, you want to book the AP rate now (can do so before purchasing the AP) - you have to specifically book an AP rate and they do sell out. You cannot just show your AP at the desk at check-in and have them apply the discount.

 

[alm99]

The Express from the hotel is totally separate from your tickets/AP. Your room keys are your Express.

You should be able to get your AP, and buy the other tickets, right at the hotel ticket desk.

Also in case you don't know, you want to book the AP rate now (can do so before purchasing the AP) - you have to specifically book an AP rate and they do sell out. You cannot just show your AP at the desk at check-in and have them apply the discount.

Thanks, so I am supposed to wait to get the other non-AP tickets until I get to the hotel to get the AP ticket discount on the other 4 tickets I need?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

If you want to get the AP discount I believe it is only in person. The online prices are cheaper than the gate prices, so it may not be as much savings as it appears.

 

[alm99]

If you want to get the AP discount I believe it is only in person. The online prices are cheaper than the gate prices, so it may not be as much savings as it appears.

Ok, I guess the best plan then is to book the AP room now and then a separate purchase of the seasonal AP and then another separate transaction for the 4 two day tickets?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Definitely book the AP room now.

I would think the AP is a separate transaction from the hotel no matter when you purchase, because the hotel purchase is through is Loews & the AP is Universal.

 

[diznee princess]

I'll 2nd staying on site for your Universal days. Another option is 1 person in your party spring for an AP to get the AP hotel discounts. Bonnet Creek to US is a pain. I-4 drives me crazy

Compared to NY, I-4 at least keeps moving I don't mind it. but there is a side road, palm parkway, that will go all the way to Universal with a few lights and stops. It cuts off most of I-4. Though there has been a lot of new construction along that way in the last couple of years. I have learned all the back roads around Disney properties and Orlando after all these years visiting.

 

[schumigirl]

I'll 2nd staying on site for your Universal days. Another option is 1 person in your party spring for an AP to get the AP hotel discounts. Bonnet Creek to US is a pain. I-4 drives me crazy

Travel from Apopka Vineland/Palm Parkway and head onto Turkey Lake Road which will take you directly to the Universal Hotels and parks.

We avoid the I-4 where we can and this way although busier than it used to be years ago due to the intense construction along that once deserted area, it`s still a better option. Takes about 15-20 tops minutes from Palm Parkway Crossroads area.