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Are there any hotels within walking distance to Universal?
I know the hard rock, and the loews hotels but they are about $100 dollars more for one night and im not sure there worth it? considering the current climate.
I am staying at PO in WDW but wanted to go to the universal parks and myself and partner will not drive in the US - and would prefer not to have 2 longish taxi rides a day. Im thinking we will need more than one day at universal and IOA?
any advise would be great
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I would give at least one day at USF and one day at IOA.
As for walking distance, it depends on how far you want to walk. As for me, the closest hotel to walk to is the Hard Rock Hotel. The other two onsite hotels -- Royal Pacific Resort and Portofino Bay -- are about a 10-15 minute walk. Of course, the onsite hotels have shuttle buses and water taxis to take you to and fro the parks.
The hotels are quite lovely and the staff is great, but the biggest perk is that your onsite room key acts as an unlimited Universal Express pass. You can check in as early as 7:00 am at the onsite hotels. The keys are good from 7:00 am on your check-in day until midnight on your check-out day. That means you get unlimited Universal Express for 2 days on a one-night stay. If your room is not ready or you're checking out, you can always store your luggage with the bellhop.
However, if your budget can't buy a room at an onsite hotel, there are many hotels within a mile of Universal. However, the walking time would be about 15-20 minutes, depending on how fast your legs move. The Holiday Inn Universal on Kirkman is probably the closest to Universal. It's right across from the parking garage. I've known people to cross the 6 lanes of Kirkman, walk through the parking garage, and walk to Universal. However, IMHO, I think the Holiday Inn Universal is overpriced for what you get. Depending on season, it's actually a better value to stay onsite than stay at the Holiday Inn Universal! Next door to the Holiday Inn is the Hyatt Place. I've never been to the Hyatt Place, but from the pictures I've seen, it is a better deal than the Holiday Inn. Most of the times, you can get the Hyatt Place cheaper than the Holiday Inn!
There are many other hotels in the area too. Many of these hotels offer shuttle services to the Universal parks. The shuttles sometimes run on crazy schedules, so you can also look into getting a taxi. A taxi will probably run about $10-$15 each way.
If you have AAA, use it. It can save you $ when you book an onsite hotel with your AAA discount. Many Orlando hotels offer a good AAA discount too.
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There are other less expensive hotels nearby, but I don't think you can walk to the parks for them. You'd have to take a shuttle.
If I were you, I'd just stick with POR and take the cabs each day you plan the parks at Universal/IOA. We did those parks staying offsite and didn't find it to be much of a problem, even during spring break. You should plan to be there about 15 minutes before opening time at each park (the drive from WDW is about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic). Start with the big name rides while the parks are relatively empty. You should be able to do everything you want in each park in one day if you do it that way. Good luck with your decision.
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but the biggest perk is that your onsite room key acts as an unlimited Universal Express pass. You can check in as early as 7:00 am at the onsite hotels. The keys are good from 7:00 am on your check-in day until midnight on your check-out day. That means you get unlimited Universal Express for 2 days on a one-night stay.
WOW I DID NOT KNOW THAT... I'm thinking that probably makes the onsite hotels alot more appealing. Taxis from disney are going to cost me about $40? I think so $40 x 4 = $160 and not having to get up as early is a huge bonus and walking past lines is very exciting and the hotel is only $250 ish.
Also I love margarittaville another reason why i would like to stay nearby.
I think crossing 6 lanes of trafic after spending a few hours relaxing with a few exciting cocktails from the huge list like they have May not be a great idea.
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Clare Loves Stitch
"sometimes the right path is not the easiest one"
Grandmother Willow - Pocahontas
Proud DVC owner at BWV from March 2011
Keep watching for deals as you get closer to your dates of travel. The Royal Pacific had rooms for $180 a night, INCLUDING tax, earlier this month. Still not cheap, but a lot better than $250 or more.
When are your dates of travel? It sounds like you're planning a fall trip with your countdown timer.
Consider this too...if you buy a Universal Express pass, they cost anywhere from $25 to $55 depending on when you go. They can only be used once per ride. There is an unlimited Universal Express pass for those who don't stay onsite, but I believe it costs $150.
I'm not sure about discounts for UK residents, but I will check. Perhaps if you can get me Alton Towers tickets...
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We stayed at HR last year and the girls loved it. Your room key is an unlimited express pass, and that is very cool. I know that the Lowes hotels are expensive, but you really get a lot of peks staying on site. we feel that it is worth it.
If it were me, I'd pay the extra to stay onsite - I think it's worth it. The "front of the line" access with your room card is priceless. Not to mention the convenience of being able to walk to the parks from your hotel room. Keep checking for discounts. Check MouseSavers.com - Discounts at Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure Orlando - tickets, hotels, meals for available discounts. Also sign up on Universal's website to get email alerts of any upcoming specials.
When are your dates of travel? It sounds like you're planning a fall trip with your countdown timer.
Consider this too...if you buy a Universal Express pass, they cost anywhere from $25 to $55 depending on when you go. They can only be used once per ride. There is an unlimited Universal Express pass for those who don't stay onsite, but I believe it costs $150.
I'm not sure about discounts for UK residents, but I will check. Perhaps if you can get me Alton Towers tickets...
im going on the 12th Sept for two weeks - i have no idea when low season is at universal?
wow that universal express pass is a great benefit then!
there are always promotions here for buy one ticket get one free for the alton towers theme park - if you want some dependant when your coming i can normally get something
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Clare Loves Stitch
"sometimes the right path is not the easiest one"
Grandmother Willow - Pocahontas
Proud DVC owner at BWV from March 2011
We have only been to Universal in May and June but have been to Disney a few times in Sept and it is vey slow. I am thinking that logically if Disney is slow in Sept then Universal may also be slow.
September (except for Labor Day weekend) is a slow period for Universal. I don't think you would need Express access then, but if you can stay onsite, go for it. The parks will close early during September (around 6 or 7 pm), giving you plenty of time to enjoy the onsite hotels. Go for a swim (it is warm enough to take a dip in the pool), get a massage, have a nice dinner, visit Citywalk, sleep, etc.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryH
September (except for Labor Day weekend) is a slow period for Universal. I don't think you would need Express access then, but if you can stay onsite, go for it. The parks will close early during September (around 6 or 7 pm), giving you plenty of time to enjoy the onsite hotels. Go for a swim (it is warm enough to take a dip in the pool), get a massage, have a nice dinner, visit Citywalk, sleep, etc.
I agree. As I said before, it's easy to do the parks staying offsite. And in Sept, you will not need the express pass perk from the onsite hotels. On the other hand, I have stayed onsite and it was nice being able to walk everywhere.
I have only stayed at the Royal Pacific and Portafino Bay hotels but I felt both were well worth the money. They are very nice hotels and the service is excellent.
I would do my best to stay on site. It is a wonderful atmosphere and makes for a relaxing day.
One time at the RP, our standard room overlooked IOA and I spent a bit of time watching the Hulk.
still that makes it more reasonable - i think i will leave booking this bit to the last minute and hope they dont get booked up too fast.
I don't think you need to worry about the rooms booking up. You are going at a slow time of the year, and it doesn't seem like the Universal hotels book up like the Disney ones do. Good luck!
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