I am a VERY loyal WDW AP;however, my husband and 5 yo son have been asking to go to Universal for some time. In an effort to be fair to everyone, I have decided to be a "team player" and go. I have only ever stayed at WDW resorts. Can anyone recommend a clean, moderately (or value) priced hotel op? We would go to both Universal and WDW. I have thought about staying at WDW and taking a day to go to Universal. Any suggestions?
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Help! Off property hotel recommendation
- Thread starter Cindyrella
- Start date
DubyooDeeDubyoo
Active Member
Have you considered spending one night in one of Universal's hotels? Royal Pacific is a bit more than WDW mod but Universal discontinued their FastPass-style system for regular guests but instead allow hotel guests to use the Express entrances as many times as they want.
It could be worth staying for a night, particularly if you're keen on trying to get the place over and done with in a day.
It could be worth staying for a night, particularly if you're keen on trying to get the place over and done with in a day.
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
You might want to look into renting a condo nearby. They're often cheaper than the hotels. Try www.vrbo.com.
slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
I second that emotion. Granted, UO doesn't have value resorts. But you could spend 1 to 3 nights at one of their hotels, get everything out of UO you can (especially since your room key card grants you front-of-the-line privileges), then finish up with a few nights at Pop or All-Star using your AP discount.
universalorlando.com has links to the UO hotels, pictures and pricing and whatnot. Staying in a UO resort for 4 nights gives you two free adult passes, but currently, they're running a promotion where 80 dollars gives you a week's access in the parks, which is probably more UO time then you and your family will need. But if you buy those tickets, even if you only stay at a UO hotel for a couple of nights, you can always go back to the parks within that week and not have to pay again.
EDIT: One thing I forgot is that some area hotels are considered "Partner hotels" with Universal Orlando. It will be considerably cheaper to stay in most if not all of these hotels, and they do provide trasnportaiton to UO/IOA, but you won't get the perk of free Express Pass (or, as my nieces call it "automatic cutsies"). However, a 3 night stay at a value resort with 2 adult UO passes start at 195 according to the website, so you may be able to buy yourself express pass plus any day you stay at one of those partner hotels and still save more than staying on-site.
beachclubbasics
New Member
Your son might like the Nicklodeon hotel on South International drive. It used to be a Holiday Inn (Like the Sunspree), but they redid it to have all Nicklodeon characters. There are 2 pools, mini golf, shows, etc, all Nick cartoon themed. I also believe that they are aUniversal parter and have a Universal package.
promod1955
Active Member
We'll be staying here from the 23-28 of this month for WDW. When we get back ill let you know our experience there.
I'll recommend this as well. With Universal's current fastpass structure it is really the only way to go. You can get away with only staying one night and going to US on one day and IOA the next.