i'm going on a week long trip to Orlando for the 1st time in May (13th-19th) and we're trying to get a good deal on Orlando park tickets. for 3 of those days, we're looking at going to Disney World (probably Magic Kingdom), Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure... but not pay those high gate prices everytime... there's gotta be a package or something for families out there... and then i know IOA isn't for small children so we need the option to pick and choose.
my mother and step-dad probably will only attend the day we plan to go to Disney, and lounge at our resort (Westgate) while we seek thrills the other days...
...so anybody know any deals that won't put a dent in our pockets? much appreciated.
*by the way, the seven people traveling w/ me so far: me (age 19) and my twin and 16 year old cousin; my nephews (5 and 2) and niece (3); my mother and step-father.
2007-04-23 08:38:55 · 7 answers · asked by shadows 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
There are two problems with trying to find discounts for your vacation. First you are pretty close to travel. So specials by Disney and things are already done for those dates. Also, Disney doesn't really offer discounts for tickets only, the main discount is your savings by buying your tickets in advance. The other problem is that you are looking for only one day at Disney and two at Universal. Most of the time the only way to find a discount is to get longer passes. Finding a discount for Disney for a one day ticket is going to be nearly impossible to find, I believe even with AAA you have to get a 3 day pass for Disney to save money, and on shorter passes it isn't always beneficial to buy the membership if you aren't already a member. Since you have a larger party you would probably still end up ahead. Your best savings for Universal will be on their website.
Just be very careful if you decide to get tickets online, through ebay or anything other than the actual supplier or a travel agent. With biometric finger scanners, expiring tickets, etc. there is a good chance that you may get tickets that are not legit. Sometimes sellers will sell tickets for a very low discount, only saving you a few dollars and then you find out that you cannot use them and have to buy tickets again. So just be very careful when you purchase them this way.
Since you are wanting to save money, I would look into the Universal 2 park unlimited admission ticket. They are only $86, which is just a little higher than one day at a Disney park, and that would give you 7 days straight in the Universal parks, as well as City Walk. It is a really great savings and would give you a lot more time at Universal than if you just bought three days worth of tickets. For this trip, I think I would skip Disney, even though it is a lot of fun and your niece and nephews would have a blast, you just aren't going to find many savings for it. If you want to find good deals at Disney, you really need to spend several days at Disney.
Since you may not want to spend every day at Universal, you could then go to places like Wonderworks, Ripleys, putt-putt, movies, arcades, etc. on the other days, which cost a lot less than a theme park.
This is just an idea, not sure if it works or if it interests you, but you really won't find many savings on shorter passes, especially for Disney. So, hopefully this may work out for you. I will include a link to Universal's ticket page so you can see the options.
Hope this helps!
2007-04-23 08:52:58 · answer #1 · answered by tech_fanatic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into hopper passes that are good for hte main Disney Parks. Hopper passes allow you to buy a ticket and use it for four days at all of the parks. The four days do not have to be used consecutively.
For example last time I went we all purchased a four day hopper pass, we went to Animal Kingdom and MGM the first day, Epcot center on the second day, Magic Kingdom the third day, took the fourth day to drive to the coast. And the fifth day was split between Magic Kingdom and Epcot center. The ticket is less than purchasing all four days separatly and is great to leave, and them come back for the fireworks.
Another tip is to get there early in the morning. People tend to sleep in and there are less people about and shorter lines.
Also, another big way to save money is to rent a house where you can cook your own meals (saves a ton) wash your clothes (less to pack, great if you are traveling with small children) and pack your lunches. Food inside the park is pretty pricey, but they have no rules against taking in a lunch. Plus you lose less time if you eat while waiting in line than the hour to sit down at a restaurant.
2007-04-23 10:53:52 · answer #2 · answered by courtlyn_01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get some savings on attraction tickets by purchasing multiple days at the park. I noticed that you are staying at your timeshare. If you are willing to use 90 minutes of your vacation time, you can do another tour and get either free tickets, really reduced price tickets or up to $130.00 in cash (which will pay for some of your tickets)
Oh by the way Islands of Adventure is really kid friendly. The Seuss landing area is great for kids and adults.
2007-04-23 09:13:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Universal has cheaper prices if you buy your tickets on their web site.
The only discount that Disney has if you buy your tickets in advance from AAA. I don't even think that it's a big discount.
A lot of people will put tickets on ebay.com. But, that would make me nervous. i don't know if I would trust their legitimacy. Pay close attention to the seller's feedback rating.
2007-04-23 08:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by Monica T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gods girl is right. I sold Timeshares in the Orlando and Cocoa Beach areas.If you're willing to be traumatized go to a Timeshare "presentation" and you'll be offered all kinds of things.Don't take your credit cards or check book-these guys/gals are good.You will probably have to have a credit card to get the "presentation".
2007-04-29 12:50:17 · answer #5 · answered by david o 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of private agents who tell that they give a good deal but do not.
I would suggest you get your tickets through AAA.com or visit a nearest AAA location. Even if you are not a memeber, its worth becoming a member and getting the discounted tickets there.
Alternate option: http://www.recreationconnection.com (if u are not interested in AAA)
2007-04-23 08:46:41 · answer #6 · answered by AP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biggest tip I have, is to bring a back pack and fill it up with some drinks and snacks. Then have at least one good meal in the evening., Soda and water ranges from $3.00-$6.00 So you can imanginge the money you will be saving.
2007-04-25 04:54:14 · answer #7 · answered by pandorashollywood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋