Will we need EPs? CBBR versus RPR late August.

[Disney Addicted]

We are looking at the last two weeks of August 2019 (Tuesday, August 20 - Thursday, August 29).

I am planning on upgrading Air Mile's 3-day 3-park-to-park tickets to 3 park Season Passes with the intention of going to each park twice. One day unplanned. One day at Animal Kingdom. Our only WDW trip was in 2010. Two of us were sick on our AK day and we left the park only two hours later. So this will be our do-over! Pandora will be a nice bonus.

The regular rate difference between CBBR and RPR is another $860 US (as of today).

CBBR's family suite would be awesome space wise! I still remember how cramped we felt in Disney's CSR for 10 days and that was when our kids were 11 and 6, not 19 and 15!

But those EPs with RPR... how much are we going to want them in late August with 2 days for each park?

Would I be allowed to book both resorts until we make up our minds?

 

[macraven]

If you book both hotels, you would be paying a deposit of a one night stay

Cancel one of the reservation 6 days out and deposit will be totally refunded to you

If you have more than two adults in your room, there will be a surcharge for the third adult per night

18 and over is considered an adult

 

[Disney Addicted]

Thank you macraven.

 

[nkereina]

We were there last August. We checked in the Thursday before Labor Day and left the Sunday before Labor Day, so even though it was the tail end of August, it was a holiday weekend. Our first two days had pretty low crowds and as expected, it got busier over the weekend.

How much time will you actually spend at Universal? If 3-4 days or longer, I would say you can get away without EP. If less than that, my opinion might change. We never go without EP so we've become reliant on them and have never regretted it. It gives you the flexibility to do what you want when you want and show up at the parks at your leisure rather than worrying about making rope drop.

Since you'll be getting annual passes, don't forget to check for annual passholder rates at the resorts when it gets closer. That may bring down the price of RPR or you may even find good rates at PBH or HRH. We used to stay exclusively at RPR, but have been converted to HRH fans now.

 

[Disney Addicted]

Thanks for the information nkereina. I was thinking of 6 days at Universal. Two days each at US and IOA. Plus one day for sure at VB, maybe two.

 

[Slapshot1188]

Have you considered a split stay? A few days at the first resort and the rest at the second one? Express Passes rock.. but Cabana Bay has some cool pools and lazy river... plus bowling. Also keep in mind that the hotel passes work day of check in and check out. So 3 nights at RPH would give 4 days Passes

 

[nkereina]

Have you considered a split stay? A few days at the first resort and the rest at the second one? Express Passes rock.. but Cabana Bay has some cool pools and lazy river... plus bowling. Also keep in mind that the hotel passes work day of check in and check out. So 3 nights at RPH would give 4 days Passes

This is a good option. Another option, if you don't want to hassle with moving hotel rooms, is to look into booking a "throwaway" room. RPR would likely be the cheapest option, especially if you book an APH rate. You essentially book the room for the night you want EPs and don't bother staying there. This is often cheaper than purchasing two days worth of unlimited EP for the whole family.