Cheap Disney and Universal Studios tickets??

[texasdoc_2002]

I am going to Orlando in November with some family and am looking into how to get the best deal on US and Disney tickets. Have 4 days there and looking for input on how to split it up. I think the adults would enjoy Universal more, but my little cousin needs at least 2 days at Disney.

Any help would be appreciated, looking for cheap tickets. Thanks.

 

[Woland]

If MGM can make as a substitute for US, get the four day hopper pass at Disney. I've not heard about discount tickets for Disney, and I have always saved money on the food, lodging, etc. However, with the onslaught of weather in Florida right now, you just might be able to get some cheap tickets if you jump on it right now. Just for your information, my wife is the Disney nazi.

 

[horn4life]

we went a couple years ago, I managed to get round trip from Austin tickets for .... hold onto your hat... $108 each. My brother-in-law drove from Houston to take advantage of the rate-

here is a good site for Disney stuff The Link Deb's unoffical site. Write the chamber now for discounts, I also think you can do well with discount coupons of assorted varieties. Especially check on any means of entering the park early. If you are going Thanksgiving and arriving before Thanksgiving those days will be your "golden time" as the traffic goes up dramatically during the holiday weekend.

One thing that was VERY helpful for us was using Tiffany Towncar as our airport transportation. The Link print out the coupon. the 30 minute shopping stop paid for itself many times over as we never needed a car the rest of the trip. We had a fridge and also brought a large collapsable cooler that we used for water, sandwich makings etc.

The MAIN THING is a) have a plan b) understand the FAST PASS.

IF you do both those things then you can see twice as much as you would otherwise. There are several books that are darn good and I think DEB's site has some battle plans as well.

HERE IS THE DEAL ON THE FAST PASS- The fast pass is a pass that allows you to walk right past those in line and enter the ride. This is especially important on the best rides. Now here is the Fast Pass SECRET------- every thing you will read about the Fast Pass will tell you , that you can get one every two hours. This is a LIE!!!!! What happens is there is a computer that allots times and blocks and unblocks your ability to get a fast Pass. Early in the day, you may be able to get a fast pass with an entry time less than an hour out. If YOu arrive as the gate opens you will see everything you wish and more while others languish in afternoon lines. The Link

Example- you KNOW you want to Space Mountain get a fast pass first thing- for it and go wait in the shorter line to ride Buss Lightyear. Your fast pass has a time of entry stamp on it. Lets say you got the passes at 8:15 and the pass say 9:07 to 11:07. You get out of Buzz Lightyear at 8:45, go ride another ride next to ANOTHER big ride attraction you want to ride. At 9:08 you will be able to get another set of fast passes. So you will have two fast passes in your hands, one for Sapce Mountain and one for the other attraction. then you walk over to space mountain past the 45 minute wait and step to the front of the line. the SECRET is knowing the sceond that time stamp says you can access the ride, you can then get another fast pass.

You need to arrive early and plan. Bring snacks and water with you in belly bags so that you do not waste time in the mornings. If you don't plan you will spend MUCH more time waiting in line than necessary and not see as many premiere rides.

look at Deb's site it's pretty good. The day hopper pass is the best value with the most flexibility for the dollar.

Don't miss---
1) Epcot fireworks display get their early for good line of sight
2) Test Track at Epcot- first thing you do is get a fast pass for that when you walk in the door or you will regret it.
3) Animal Kingdom- be at the gate waiting when the door opens and go ride the Safari, they animals are active and feeding in the AM for a MUCH better view of the exotics.
4) Tower of Terror and Rock and Roll Roller coaster in MGM

We also strategically planned to go to movie style sit down (air conditioned) things later in the morning and in the early afternoon as a time to recharge and cool off.

IF you want more info shoot me a PM and I will help you out. You sort of need a "battle plan" early so you can see what you want. there is a world of difference in line lengths the first three hours versus the middle of the day.

Have fun and TRY... not to lose your patience. (which is honestly probably impossible voer 4 days)

FINAL HINT- since you are going with a group get walkie talkies that have a hundred or more channel settings. Don't hesistate to break up the group, but plan a meeting place in case you lose communications.

good luck!

 

[horn4life]

Oh crap ONE WARNING_____

When you go to the Animal Kingdom bring rain gear or ponchos. I would bring these from home or pay $7 for a peice of **** single use poncho.

you WILL need this to ride the Kali River Rapids... or plan on buying new clothes at disney prices as you WILL get soaked. the ride if fun if you are prepared however!

 

[hornbanger]

additionally on the fast pass, they are usually all allocated by lunchtime, earlier depending on how busy the park is, so get there early in the morning

 

[Texastom]

I have been to Walt Disney World several times. I suggest you wear swimwear when you go to Animal Kingdom. Use fanny pack as much as possible. Fanny packs are usually waterproof and easier to keep up with and you don't have to worry as much about pickpockets.

I used a place called Billy Boy's for all of my tickets. After doing alot of research they were the best deal. You can get several different tickets from them including dinner shows.
Here is their web site address:The Link

Have Fun! It is a blast.

 

[Woland]

I would like to add the evening show at MGM and the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom as shows not to miss.

 

[horn4life]

Yeah the Lion King show is cool for both young and old. you have to see "Honey I blew up the kids"3-D in Epcot again fun for old and young.

Epcot is more a eating and drinking venue with a little older bend to it from an educaitonal standpoint.

Magic Kingdom can easily be done in one day and two days is overkill for 90% of folks. MGM was very entertaining, and we all had fun.

I will say that probably the best place to eat was the Brown Derby at MGM. It was pricey but at least you got decent quality food for the price. I chose a $14 piece of Fish, with sides and presentation and was pleased. Especially when considering a $8 slapped together burger was a real alternative. Hell sitting down for a leisurely lunch with a bottle of wine, all the free water and bread the we wanted was probably worth the extra expense alone.

After paying $50 a day for admission, $3 dollars for every water, and waiting in line the Brown Derby was like a mental oasis. Go early or late, as it get PACKED!

 

[Woland]

I won't soon forget Jill, the Norwegian waitress, that waited on us in Norway at Epcot

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

There are several ticket agencies in Orlando that buy convention tickets and re-sell them for less than Disney prices. They often have 2-day or 3-day hoppers or other tickets that Disney doesn't offer to the general public. Here's one: The Link

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

Oh, and find out about something called E-Ride Nights. If they have this while you're there, do it. You must be staying at a Disney resort, and it costs an extra $10 in addition to park admission, but it's worth it. When the park closes, they kick everybody out and then keep all of the "E-ticket" rides open for another 2-3 hours, just for people with E-Ride wristbands. No lines at all - this is your chance to ride in the front seat on Space Mountain, or ride your favorite ride over and over again without having to get off.

 

[texasdoc_2002]

Thanks guys. Wow, didn't realize it is so complicated. The plan was to leave the weekend before Thanksgiving and return the Friday after Thanksgiving, hoping to avoid huge crowds.

I suppose Disney will be enough, no need for US??

 

[Woland]

Four days easily at Disney. Don't forget, you have to spend at least one evening or afternoon shopping at downtown Disney. A good resource book is The Unoffical Guide to Disney.

Have fun...I've been about eight times.