Universal Annual Pass - buying before visit?

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by deanobrown

The Universal email replies are HORRENDOUS! lol. It's like they've been told they're not allowed to confirm the answer to any question you have!

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I think it's that the people* answering these questions don't actually know and are merely copy and pasting stock responses from a list. The service may have been subcontracted out to a central company that responds to questions for different companies. The person* answering your question may have never visited a Universal theme park, have less knowledge about Universal than you do, and may not even work for Universal.

(* for all I know, it could actually be a fully automated service that just searches for key words in your question and replies with a stock answer that best matches those key words)

[Chunky81]

Finally got the answer after a few reply emails back and forth!
So for anyone wondering!
“Thank you for your continued correspondence.
Yes, your four (4) Seasonal Annual Passes will be valid when you pick them up in August 2019. However, as my fellow Team Member indicated, because you will not be activating them by April 4, you will not be eligible for the three (3) months free.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please reply to this email or contact Guest Services at (407) 224-4233, option four (4).
Again, thank you for contacting us. We look forward to entertaining you next summer!
Best Regards,”

[ski]

Sorry to hijack this thread but we are going to Universal next July and August and wondered if we are better off buying an annual pass? I have seen people mention buying one annual pass that allows free parking and the rest of the group can buy 2 week tickets? Is this correct and would people recommend this for a party of 5?

[deanobrown]

Originally Posted by ski

Sorry to hijack this thread but we are going to Universal next July and August and wondered if we are better off buying an annual pass? I have seen people mention buying one annual pass that allows free parking and the rest of the group can buy 2 week tickets? Is this correct and would people recommend this for a party of 5?

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It really depends how much the difference would be and whether you personally think it would be worth it.

The Preferred Annual Pass is the cheapest one that gives you free parking. It also gives you 10% off all merchandise and 10% off all (indoor) food.
Parking is $25 a day too. So if you think by upgrading one you will end up saving money overall then it's worth it.


We did it this time, I paid around $150 to upgrade my 3 Park Pass to an AP and we worked out that we saved almost $300 overall, so we were about $150 better off by the end of the holiday!

And then not forgetting I've now got entry into the parks until May 2020!

[ski]

Thanks for the advice. So did you just get one to an annual pass and did you buy the annual pass or did you upgrade once you had bought the standard ticket?

[deanobrown]

Originally Posted by ski

Thanks for the advice. So did you just get one to an annual pass and did you buy the annual pass or did you upgrade once you had bought the standard ticket?

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Yes, we all had 14 day tickets, then when we got there I just upgraded mine to an AP and paid the difference.
I personally think it's better to do this then you can just decide on the day whether you want to upgrade or not.

Just make sure you have ID. Also make sure that the person with the pass 'pays' the parking too, because they check ID with the pass every morning at the parking booths. It doesn't have to be the driver though.

[ski]

Thanks. That’s great advice and helped me out a lot. Cheers.

[deanobrown]

Originally Posted by ski

Thanks. That’s great advice and helped me out a lot. Cheers.

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No worries.
Hope you guys have a great time 😁😁

[Chunky81]

For me it’s worked out best getting annual passes straight off.
We are luck enough to be planning 2 trips next year and the cost of annual passes(2park) 1 A preferred and 1A2c season worked out just under £280pp and we will get free parking and other discounts.
The free parking on the first trip will make up the extra difference compared to the 14 day ticket.

[myaquarium]

Finally gave up my annual pass this year. Due to the constant high price increases. In the last 10 years I can’t remember them offering extra months like this year. Seem to remember them doing a Pepsi cola ring pull offer. If your staying onsite you can get a discount but they are harder to find and getting later by the year. I think a renewal for a preferred 3 park ticket this year was about $430 made no sense anymore when UK ticket was about £250. And I think they are starting to reach the point we’re people won’t pay for what amounts to a 3 or 4 day visit maximum. Disney is miles better value.If you go twice I a tickets validity then it becomes worth it imo