Questions with UT Tickets, Ultimate Rewards Tickets, Seasonal Passes & APs

[peanut520]

Hi all I'm a Disney planning pro but a complete Universal newbie! My bf and I are taking my daughter to universal as her bday gift this year. We will be there the 3rd week of March so I know we will be running into the spring break crowd. I booked the flights and the AP rate club rooms at PB for 2 night and standard garden view the last night since the club level queen wasn't available and we have a morning flight so not a big deal. Now I need to figure out the ticket situation. I need to convert at least one to keep my AP rate I booked. I can't just but season passes for everyone from the start because the first day of our trip is a black out dates due to Mardi Gras, but the rest of the trip is not blacked out.
1. Can I use the tix I purchase UR or UT the first day then convert the ticket to an AP after I enter the park? I would like to take advantage of any food and merchandise discounts if there are any with the season pass.
2. Anyone purchased tickets from Chase Ultimate Rewards and convert them to season passes? UR has a 2 day park to park ticket for $315 but the 3 day is $335 so I figured I should buy the 2 day and covert them all to season passes for the 3rd day we need since it will be cheaper. Is that correct?
3. I am confused from what I have been reading about the discounts on season passes vs power/preferred passes. Would I still get discounts on food and merchandise with the season pass or do I have to upgrade to the preferred pass? If so then I would upgrade one to the level for discounts and the other 2 to seasonal passes
Bonus question: Any one have any luck staying in the same room for a split reservation (club room to a non club room)? I'm know PB doesn't have designated club floors and I know we will not have access to the lounge but prefer not to have to pack twice.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[macraven]

For quick info regarding the AP, go to www.universalorlando.com

click on the section of annual passes to get current info of benefits for each level

All ap levels have discounts

I would list the info here but can’t cut and paste links very well using my phone

 

[peanut520]

For quick info regarding the AP, go to www.universalorlando.com

click on the section of annual passes to get current info of benefits for each level

All ap levels have discounts

I would list the info here but can’t cut and paste links very well using my phone

Thanks but I’ve read the info on APs from the site and they list food and merchants discounts only at the power and preferred levels on the table they have but I see here that people state that all ap have discounts so I’m trying to clear up the confusion.

 

[macraven]

UOAP has specific perks at all levels

 

[damo]

The hotels are usually good about trying to keep your room. Just contact them in advance. Yes, you can use your ticket during block out dates and then convert for non block out dates. There are a few discounts with the Seasonal but not many. Here are the perks for the Seasonal AP as listed on the website:

Universal Orlando Resort

• Includes admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras and Holidays (concerts not included)
• Special discounts on separately ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights, Rock the Universe and EVE at Universal CityWalk
• 10% off Multi-Day theme park tickets purchased at the front gate (up to six tickets per transaction; not valid on 3-Park Unlimited tickets, Universal Express passes or tickets with Universal Express)
• Save up to 25%++ off base rates plus enjoy a free single car class upgrade at Budget®

Universal CityWalk
20% Off The Following:

• Blue Man Group Orlando tickets*. Purchase at the Blue Man Group Orlando box office, Online or by calling (407)-BLUEMAN (258-3626).

Other Universal CityWalk Benefits:

• $3 off admission to after 6pm showings at Universal Cinemark for Passholder and up to one guest (excludes Senior Mondays, $5 Tuesdays and matinées).
• Note: Free parking with purchase of two Universal Cinemark matinée tickets^.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Save up to 30%** off room rates at the Premier and Preferred hotels or save up to 25%** off room rates at the Prime Value hotels. For reservations and availability, call (866) PASS-4-FUN (7277-4-386) or visit the Hotel and Packages section.
Hard Rock Hotel®:

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at The Kitchen.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort:

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at Islands Dining Room

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort:

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all dining outlets
• 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at Galaxy Bowl with the purchase of bowling
• 10% off tubes at the Tube Shack
• 10% off cabana rentals
• 10% off Sonic souvenir cups

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all dining outlets
• 10% off Sonic Souvenir Cups

 

[peanut520]

The hotels are usually good about trying to keep your room. Just contact them in advance. Yes, you can use your ticket during block out dates and then convert for non block out dates. There are a few discounts with the Seasonal but not many. Here are the perks for the Seasonal AP as listed on the website:

Universal Orlando Resort

• Includes admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras and Holidays (concerts not included)
• Special discounts on separately ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights, Rock the Universe and EVE at Universal CityWalk
• 10% off Multi-Day theme park tickets purchased at the front gate (up to six tickets per transaction; not valid on 3-Park Unlimited tickets, Universal Express passes or tickets with Universal Express)
• Save up to 25%++ off base rates plus enjoy a free single car class upgrade at Budget®

Universal CityWalk
20% Off The Following:

• Blue Man Group Orlando tickets*. Purchase at the Blue Man Group Orlando box office, Online or by calling (407)-BLUEMAN (258-3626).

Other Universal CityWalk Benefits:

• $3 off admission to after 6pm showings at Universal Cinemark for Passholder and up to one guest (excludes Senior Mondays, $5 Tuesdays and matinées).
• Note: Free parking with purchase of two Universal Cinemark matinée tickets^.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Save up to 30%** off room rates at the Premier and Preferred hotels or save up to 25%** off room rates at the Prime Value hotels. For reservations and availability, call (866) PASS-4-FUN (7277-4-386) or visit the Hotel and Packages section.
Hard Rock Hotel®:

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at The Kitchen.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort:

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at Islands Dining Room

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort:

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all dining outlets
• 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at Galaxy Bowl with the purchase of bowling
• 10% off tubes at the Tube Shack
• 10% off cabana rentals
• 10% off Sonic souvenir cups

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all dining outlets
• 10% off Sonic Souvenir Cups

Thanks!! I will call them about the room because I am lazy and not want to repack to leave at 7:30am . I also have time to see if the club room becomes available the next few weeks.
I guess from the list above the seasonal pass won't save me much since I was hoping to use it for discounts on food in the park and/or city walk and merchandise at Harry Potter specifically olivanders for my dd's wand, but it is still cheaper than buying an extra day and maybe we can squeeze another trip in.
Any tips on which UT ticket to buy? we have enough for 2 tickets on points and need one one. 2 will be bought with cc points I rather pay to upgrade then overpay and lose point or cash since I don't know how that work with tickets bought that way.

 

[damo]

UT sometimes has specials with a day free. Keep an eye out for something like that.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Do you think you would use enough discounts to cover the cost of going up to the next level AP for one person?

 

[peanut520]

UT sometimes has specials with a day free. Keep an eye out for something like that.

Thanks. They actually do right now!

 

[peanut520]

Do you think you would use enough discounts to cover the cost of going up to the next level AP for one person?

thats where I’m struggling. I know we will get a wand and most of our food in park or city walk since we will not have a car, but I just booked club rooms so that reduced some of our food cost.

 

[damo]

Thanks. They actually do right now!

Yes, but be careful that it isn't the same as the promo that is on at the Universal website. If it is the same promo, you will only be credited with that promo price.

 

[Ava]

Piggy-backing on this thread because I have similar questions...

I want to use UR points to purchase our tickets, and will need up to upgrade at least one of them to an AP because I booked an AP rate at HRH. I'm looking at the 2-Park Preferred Pass (for the discounts it offers). Can I upgrade a 3-Park regular ticket to a 2-Park AP? Or will I be forced into a 3-Park AP if I buy a 3-Park ticket to upgrade from?

The price of the 2-Park Preferred AP is $394.99 + tax. The ticket available through Chase with the closest face value is a 5-Day, 3-Park Base ticket for $394.04 (discounted to $372.74 or 28,849 UR points). Can I purchase this ticket and then pay only $0.95 + tax to upgrade it to the 2-Park Preferred AP that I want?

 

[peanut520]

Piggy-backing on this thread because I have similar questions...

I want to use UR points to purchase our tickets, and will need up to upgrade at least one of them to an AP because I booked an AP rate at HRH. I'm looking at the 2-Park Preferred Pass (for the discounts it offers). Can I upgrade a 3-Park regular ticket to a 2-Park AP? Or will I be forced into a 3-Park AP if I buy a 3-Park ticket to upgrade from?

The price of the 2-Park Preferred AP is $394.99 + tax. The ticket available through Chase with the closest face value is a 5-Day, 3-Park Base ticket for $394.04 (discounted to $372.74 or 28,849 UR points). Can I purchase this ticket and then pay only $0.95 + tax to upgrade it to the 2-Park Preferred AP that I want?

From what I’ve read is you can upgrade to the 2 park AP if you don’t go to volcano bay. I’m thinking about the preferred AP also but not sure if it worth the $90 difference since it is only the 3 of us for only 3 days.

I looked at UR again and the prices listed include tax so from my calculations the closest ticket would be the 4 day 3 park @ $420.66 (taxes included) or 28,044 points would equal $394.99 pretax ticket value.

 

[damo]

Piggy-backing on this thread because I have similar questions...

I want to use UR points to purchase our tickets, and will need up to upgrade at least one of them to an AP because I booked an AP rate at HRH. I'm looking at the 2-Park Preferred Pass (for the discounts it offers). Can I upgrade a 3-Park regular ticket to a 2-Park AP? Or will I be forced into a 3-Park AP if I buy a 3-Park ticket to upgrade from?

The price of the 2-Park Preferred AP is $394.99 + tax. The ticket available through Chase with the closest face value is a 5-Day, 3-Park Base ticket for $394.04 (discounted to $372.74 or 28,849 UR points). Can I purchase this ticket and then pay only $0.95 + tax to upgrade it to the 2-Park Preferred AP that I want?

It's not guaranteed that you will get exact value when you use a rewards ticket.

 

[peanut520]

Yes, but be careful that it isn't the same as the promo that is on at the Universal website. If it is the same promo, you will only be credited with that promo price.

thanks for the heads up, I will look for non-promo tickets.

 

[peanut520]

It's not guaranteed that you will get exact value when you use a rewards ticket.

I'm not sure if UR tickets are considered rewards tickets since they are the same as if you bought through Expedia. I would assume that they are an authorized seller.

 

[damo]

I'm not sure if UR tickets are considered rewards tickets since they are the same as if you bought through Expedia. I would assume that they are an authorized seller.

I don't know what UR stands for. I do know that when I had Air Miles rewards tickets, we were given credit for less than gate value. We had 4 day 2 park tickets and had to pay $10 to upgrade to a seasonal AP. 4 day 2 park tickets are worth more than a seasonal pass.

 

[peanut520]

UR is Ultimate Rewards from chase and is similar to airline miles but the booking is done through the Expedia platform. maybe I'll get the ticket I want to upgrade to an AP from UT and the other ones with points.

Which ticket is the best one to buy from UT to upgrade to the preferred AP?

 

[jsd2643]

Yes, but be careful that it isn't the same as the promo that is on at the Universal website. If it is the same promo, you will only be credited with that promo price.

What if we use the tickets and upgrade after they stop selling the tickets? Sale ends Feb.12. If we use them in April will we be credited current April prices for the upgrade?

 

[damo]

What if we use the tickets and upgrade after they stop selling the tickets? Sale ends Feb.12. If we use them in April will we be credited current April prices for the upgrade?

No. They know how much you bought them for.