Universal Dilemma

[DisneyShelley]

Good afternoon everyone,

There is plenty of experience on this board so hopefully somebody could help me make a decision.

My boyfriend, daughter and myself are going to Florida in August this year and staying at WDW POR.
We have already brought the 3 day Universal tickets but will not have a car and would prefer to travel by taxi rather than bus.
Originally we were thinking of going to Universal on separate days but I'm now looking into booking a Universal hotel for 1 night to take advantage of the Express pass perks. I could get Loews Royal Pacific Resort for around £200 .

Would you pay 2 return taxis journeys or would you pay the extra money for a hotel , express pass and extra hours ?
Also if we did pick the hotel option , would the added park benefits be applied for both days or just the check in day ?

Thanks for your help in advance .

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Hotel with express pass. You can use it check in day and check out day. So 2 day of express pass for one night stay.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

How does one hotel night help you use a three day Universal ticket? To be clear, you'd be paying for both Port Orleans plus a Universal hotel room on the same night?

Why not just rent a car? You could get a rental car for an entire week for less than what you'd be paying for a single night at 200 GBP.

 

[Tinkerkelle]

We were $50, including tip, for a taxi from Uni to CBR at WDW in 2013 when we did a split stay. That was just one way. We did 4 nights HRH then 10 nights CBR.
The onsite Uni perks were amazing. The EPs are fab. You wait a little longer than with FP+ at WDW but 10-15 mins on average. You put your room key in the machine in the hotel foyer then it takes your photo and prints the EP. All room occupants get a named key card so you can get the right details on your EP.
Early entry can be a bit mad-so many hotel guests get that perk but still worth doing.
I like the fact that everything is within walking distance. This year we are doing split stay but 7 nights at CR at WDW then over to HRH for 7. Looking forward to Diagon Alley and the new look Citywalk, especially Cowfish.

 

[DisneyShelley]

A car isn't an option for us as boyfriend would rather not drive this time .
We had chosen to go to Universal only twice during our visit and was happy to split the days until we started reading how the passes will benefit us. This would be the 1st time we have done Universal so want to fit as much in as possible.

If we chose to do this, would they let us have the EP first thing in the morning or would we have to wait for check- in time ?

 

[Tinkerkelle]

I'm pretty sure you can check in as early as before early entry to HP. I'm sure I remember reading on this board that someone checked in at 7am, got there EP and was at the park for early entry. Your room may likely not be ready if you want to drop stuff but can leave it with hotel as you do with WDW. As soon as you get your key cards at check in you can go print off your EPs at the machine and head to the parks.

 

[DisneyShelley]

Thank you , especially Tinkerkelle.
This ha been very helpful and reassuring . I think we will be booking the hotel tonight !

Enjoy your next Trip

 

[Disneyhead'71]

A car isn't an option for us as boyfriend would rather not drive this time .
We had chosen to go to Universal only twice during our visit and was happy to split the days until we started reading how the passes will benefit us. This would be the 1st time we have done Universal so want to fit as much in as possible.

If we chose to do this, would they let us have the EP first thing in the morning or would we have to wait for check- in time ?

You can check in as early as 6am. To can get Express Passes and they will store your bags until your room is ready.

 

[Tinkerkelle]

Thank you , especially Tinkerkelle.
This ha been very helpful and reassuring . I think we will be booking the hotel tonight !

Enjoy your next Trip

You're very welcome. RPR looks so beautiful but my husband (who, bless him, lets me get on with the planning) is a huge rock fan and he loves the HRH. Enjoy!

 

[TubaGeek]

The Universal resorts are GORGEOUS. Dollar for dollar (or pound for pound), they're a better deal than Disney resorts.
Also, if you have to travel, use Lyft or Uber instead of a Mears taxi.

 

[DisneyShelley]

The Universal resorts are GORGEOUS. Dollar for dollar (or pound for pound), they're a better deal than Disney resorts.
Also, if you have to travel, use Lyft or Uber instead of a Mears taxi.

Thank you , is there a reason why you would recommend Lyft or Uber taxis ? The only company that I have heard good things about is Mears.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Mears is the most expensive service in Orlando.

 

[DisneyShelley]

OK thank you.

 

[TubaGeek]

Thank you , is there a reason why you would recommend Lyft or Uber taxis ? The only company that I have heard good things about is Mears.

It's cheaper, and generally more personable. The apps are very simple, and more of the money goes to the driver and not a major company.

 

[mazabe]

Hey,

We brooked the double tree at universal for our hols to HHN25 this year. I have 3 day disney tickets so was weighing the options up with cars, taxis, etc I found that staying 2 nights at Disney was cheaper than cars and taxis. SO go for it. You can make the most of the tickets etc

Also don't use mears down load the yellow cabs app to your phone and you can book your taxis from there. Last year mears wanted $89 for a journey and the yellow cabs app charged me $47, you get a price before you book.

Have fun

 

[DisneyShelley]

Thanks for all your advice , we will definitely take this onboard especially when it comes to the taxis.
We have gone ahead and booked the Royal Pacific and looking forward to are trip even more now. This will be our 1st visit to the Universal parks so lots to do.

 

[Mouse_Trap]

If possible, I would amend your reservation at POR to shorten it by two nights and check in for those nights at a UOR hotel.
I don't see the point of paying for both hotels, the saving will pay for your time at Uni and probably the taxi fare too.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I notice that you guys are from the UK. So one thing to remember is August here is brutally hot. And it appears that you guys will be checking in early and then hitting the parks. So it may be a good idea to head back around 3ish and get your room and hit the pool.
Are you guys Potter fans? Because I can suggest a plan for real Potter fans.

 

[Tony Perkis]

Thank you , is there a reason why you would recommend Lyft or Uber taxis ? The only company that I have heard good things about is Mears.

Uber and Lyft offer significantly better rates and service than Mears. It's not even a debate.

 

[Tinkerkelle]

Thanks for all your advice , we will definitely take this onboard especially when it comes to the taxis.
We have gone ahead and booked the Royal Pacific and looking forward to are trip even more now. This will be our 1st visit to the Universal parks so lots to do.

Uni doesn't require quite (anything like!) the same forward planning as WDW and has so much going for it. As long as you have a rough idea of park layout and have those EPs, you'll be great and will have a fab time. We got so much done each day by being at the park for opening and using the EPs. Enjoy!!