Lets talk "Free Express Unlimited Express Pass" at Universal Orlando

Right now If you book a Hotel stay.... Not Package …. Just a Hotel stay at one of these On-Site Resorts: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel you will get  Universal Unlimited Express Pass for free. Notice I mentioned only Hotel Stay and not Package. I will will explain that a little more here in just a bit. 

Unlimited Express pass What is it: 

• Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. That's a value of $129** per person, per day. Valid theme park admission required. Not valid at Universal's Volcano Bay.
  
  *Requires theme park admission. Valid only at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Not valid at Universal's Volcano Bay. Excludes separately ticketed events. Park-to-Park admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express. Benefit valid only for guests of Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, for the number of guests staying in the room for the length of hotel stay. Available during normal theme park operating hours only. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.
  
  **Based on average price of a 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited™ pass ranging between $84.99 and $189.99.

So that is the legal explanation based on official verbiage directly from Universal Orlando's Website. 

My Verbiage is this. This unlimited Express pass has tremendous Value depending on the time of year you go to Universal. It is worth its Weight in Gold During peak travel times like spring break and Holiday Rush, but at times during the school year, its basically is a piece of paper that has some value depending on the ride or attraction. 

The express will cut down your wait time drastically during peak travel periods allowing you more access to more rides than if you were to be just in the regular standby line. It is not a Cut to the front of the line pass, its pass to get you a reduced wait time in an express line. Say the line was 2 hours long. Express Pass will cut that wait down maybe to 30 minutes. That is a pretty significant reduction of time and well worth it. Downside of the express pass is that in most attractions, you miss the storyline build up for the ride, especially in rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Escape from Gringotts, and Transformers to name a few. If you have been on the attractions a few times and wish to skip the experience to build up the ride with the pre-shows, no harm no foul, more rides for you.

Now during Non-peak Travel times, normally when school is in session, the express pass loses value as you can see the price range above in the description. Rule of thumb is this: The less express pass cost, the probability of needing It is much lower. Many Days (especially during the weekdays)in September- early December, January-Late February, and Later April to Mid-May many of the rides will be walk on or have minimal waits. So there may be need for Express pass for Rides like Escape from Gringotts or The Hulk Coaster.  See it still has some value.

So how do you get this express pass and is there a "hack"?

It's pretty easy to get the express pass when you book a hotel stay or Universal Orlando Package and stay at one of the Beautiful resorts of Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. On your check in day, you will get your picture taken for each member of your party and issued the express pass that expires on the day at Park closing when you check out. So as long as you have a Valid Theme park ticket, you now have unlimited access for you entire length of stay. Pretty awesome! 

Now for the hack that can be pretty frustrating to some.... Let me preface this that there are  rumors out there that Universal is trying to shut down this hack, so it may not work for you if the do this. 

People during peak travel period (Spring Break and holiday rush)will book 1 night stays at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel® in lowest room categories knowing that they will get 2 days of express passes for free, but they will not actually stay at the resort. They end up saving a TON of money on having to buy express passes. Not only do they get the Unlimited Express passes, the now also get the early park entry. 

How much a deal is it? Let's say you have a Family of 5, Buying 2 days of Express passes at the Highest price range$189.99+tax that is going to be roughly $1899.99+ Tax. You have to buy theme park tickets also.  A Standard 2 queen bed room, the least expensive room, Non Discounted at Loew's Royal Pacific for  Adults on December 26th, 2021 runs roughly $784 for the night plus comes with for 2 days express pass and early entry into the parks for "free".  That family of 5 just roughly saved $1115.90.  Not a bad hack if you are trying to save money during the peak travel period times. 

That family may not even stay in the hotel that night because they are staying at rental house, timeshare or maybe a lower end "cheaper" hotel in the area. 

Could Universal close down this hack? 

Yes because in the verbiage of their express pass benefit they have this clause. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice. 

How could they close it down? 

Add a length of stay clause during peak travel times in order to get the express pass. 

Could Universal Be losing money on the hack, yes and no. With the express pass they are selling "air" to reduce your wait. While this may have value to you, I am going to let you in on a little secret..... The express pass benefits Universal more than it does you.... The more time you spend waiting in line, less time you are are buying food and souvenirs. 

Ready to Book that Universal Orlando Vacation? 

I am here to help you every step of the way. 

You can reach me via Facebook at Matt's Firehouse Family Vacations ,email me at matt@firehousefamilyvacations.com, or call me At 269-491-0161

Travel update and Recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic

I want to take few minutes to update things to consider when traveling in regards to Travel/Vacations thru at least 2021.

Bluntly COVID is going to impact Vacations and Travel for quite some time. 

Here are some tips for 

First and Foremost . IF you have travel already booked, DO NOT PAY OFF YOUR BALANCE UNTIL FINAL PAYMENT DATE. That doesn't mean spend the money you had planned on paying for your vacation. Find a savings account( maybe a high interest  and one that doesn't restrict access to the money when you need it). Every time you plan on making a payment, stick that money in that account. It will take discipline, but here is why.  If you are due a refund, it has taken MONTHS, not weeks to get that money back. That is right MONTHS. Things have gotten better with refunds as less people are booked for 2021 and people booking closer to trips, but there are still instances depending on the supplier of it taking months to see the money back.  

Booking New Vacations or Travel for 2021 through 2022-

There is some optimism out there with being able to return to normal as more people that get vaccinated as there should be. The population that is hesitant about get the shots though are stalling that return normal. I highly recommend getting vaccinated as traveling to abroad or on a cruise ship maybe a requirement. Getting caught faking a vaccine card and being Vaccinated card could result sitting in less than pleasant 3rd world jail cell. We are seeing a small percentage of people falsifying that they are vaccinated right now. Hope that trend ends quickly. It should not be political and having vaccine requirements are not new. As a side note if you falsify a record, you may also be jeopardizing a transportation workers job. Every time someone is found to be falsify a vaccination requirement, an investigation is opened and your first point of travel is put under scrutiny to see if they followed the procedures. It could and has resulted in fines for the person that has checked your documents and also termination.  

PAY THE DEPOSIT ONLY AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. That is right pay the bare minimum that is required and understand the cancellation and refund policies. Then revert back to the First thing I said here about paying the Balance off. Why? What is open today for travel could close tomorrow. Example: The Bahamas reopened for travel beginning of July 2020, then not too shortly after they closed again to United States Citizens due the rise of cases in the United States. Then they opened again with more restrictive travel requirements  Who will close or open next to the United States? 

Refunds- While some destinations, suppliers, and cruise lines are offering full refunds. There are some that are not , even more now that are saying "Hey you booked during the Pandemic, there is no way we are going to give you a full refund." Example:  Say you booked and All-inclusive resort to Mexico that included airfare through Banana Vacations because your agent found you the best price through that supplier. Banana Vacations may say" we are keeping the deposit(which total airfare more than likely was included in the deposit) and will only issue an airfare credit that has to be used  by this date." There are even some suppliers, if the package is paid in full before final payment date,  just issuing a credit for airfare instead of full refund. This is even happening  if an area closes down due to COVID. so BUYER BEWARE and read the fine print on the cancellation policy and  Refund Policy.

Still with me?

Modes of transportation- Planes, trains, Boats, and automobiles. Every company that owns one these forms of transportation are courting you to come travel with them.  They are showboating their Polices and procedures that are meant  to keep you "Safe" while traveling. Some are enforcing those polices, others not so much and it's not hard to figure it out who is doing what. Also if at all possible, BUY DIRECTLY from the mode of transportation company as their cancellation and Refund Programs are more upfront. Now that doesn't mean bypass a travel agent, that means Bypass places that are Discounters like Expedia, Cheap air, etc. You may get to a counter or call  XYZ airlines expect help and they say "so sad you have to deal with  Expedia for rebooking or cancellations." If you use a travel agent, they are going to be your advocate during this time. Just remember, a travel agent does not make policies and procedures of their suppliers.

Stay Informed about where you are traveling- There is a lot of JUNK out there in the media with COVID, Protest, and Politics. Try to find legitimate local sources about the areas you are traveling to stay better informed about what is happening in that area.  They should have better up to date information than say the mass media. For example: I suggest Supporting your local tourist industry. Here we have a big draw in the  Lake Michigan Shore line. Beaches in Illinois and Indiana has closed down due people not following COVID Guidelines, so people from Indiana and Illinois are flooding the beaches in Michigan at a higher rate than normal and many beaches are very crowded. A local source would have this information and lesser know beaches to travel to where they might not be so crowded. 

Traveling to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, or other Regional Theme Parks- Yes they opened and hoped that they would be embraced by the general public. Many instead are embraced by controversy. Initially crowds flocked to the parks, but that rush of people was mainly Diehard Annual Passholder and locals. So if you want the low crowds, try not visit during days when passholders might have events. Many diehards are saying with the low crowds and mask, some of the magic is lost. Plan on reduced hours, large morning rushes to the parks, limited shops/food options, and stressed workers. Many if these places will more than likely remain open as to try to keep money flowing.

Love your Travel Agent- Many have lost their entire incomes for last year as a vast majority work on commission only. With every spike of COVID, extension of No Sail Orders, and Location closing its another kick to their income. Many Agencies won't survive this. Innovative Agencies are taking the time to evolve while finding other income streams. Those income streams can be sneaky MLM scams of hiring new agents and charging them fees to make money.

Matt's Firehouse Family Vacations-  My "doors" are still open and will continue to be open for the foreseeable future to service past, current, and Future Clients. I will continue booking your vacations ethically and give you the correct (sometimes blunt) information you need to make an informed decision on your travel. While I keep the doors open, I am also exploring ways to generate income in this downtime for travel. While doing so, I will not waver in the quality you have come to expect from me over the years. I am doing what I can to not catch COVID, but I do have split custody of my child, so my risk is increased from traveling between households and hope for the best. If I do become incapacitated and not able service clients, I have lined up back up agents to step in and help. My hope is it never has to come to that.  

If you made it this far, here is the post from May 4th, 2021.

Things to consider for Travel during the Pandemic. 

Please read with an open mind all the way through. We are still learning about COVID-19 and I want you to stay healthy.

Many in the travel industry may throw hate at me over this.

You may not agree with me and that is your right. Yes my income relies on people traveling because I have a travel agency and also working for an airline but:

1) Don't be the Guinea Pig

2) IF you must travel, be prepared to stay where you travel if you get sick until the illness runs it's course.(This could mean many weeks and in worse case death, let the last one sink in)

3) You may have to stay on your cruise ship for weeks if an outbreak occurs.

4) If you travel out of the country you may not be able to come back if transportation shuts down or the government closes the borders.

5)The country you travel to may have stricter laws and restrictions over COVID than the U.S. does.

6) Understand if you travel to or from a COVID hot spot, you may have mandatory quarantine time.

7) Your local economy and local tourist destinations needs you more than Disney, Universal, Cruise line, and other countries. (Theme park revune for Disney is roughly 37% of the company's total revune. Cruise lines will take bigger hit than Disney and universal)

😎 Are you ok not knowing if others don't care if they are sick and still travel?

9) If Traveling to warmer climates and theme parks in higher heat, can you handle a wearing a face mask or waiting outside in the heat for rides, food, and transportation?

10) If going to Disney or similar theme park, are you ok with them potentially closing indoor attractions or running half of the attractions but still charging full price?

11) If traveling during the wet season to Central Florida theme parks, are you fine gathering quickly in close spaces with people during the "sudden" afternoon thunderstorm.

12) Are you ok doing Disney or Universal with no Shows or Nighttime shows that in the past have been places of larger gatherings?

13) Policies could change after you book and companies could cancel your reservation. In some cases you may not be given a refund and only offered future credit towards another visit or cruise.

14) If offered a refund, it could 90 days or longer to get that money back.

15) Are you fine using mass transportation that may or may not be cleaned in between use? ( The major airlines don't use the same methods and they are hoping you don't research if the methods they use actually work)

16) Some destinations may hold off on opening over fear of law suits if outbreaks are traced back to their destinations.( it is already happening, this includes lawsuits against travel agents/agencies)

Here is what I suggest:

Hit your local tourist spots with caution this year adhering to CDC Guidelines. Also understand that those destinations may not be fully operational. Yes travel agents, like myself, can help you with some local vacations spots.

Start a Vacation Savings account for when the real experts(not arm chair facebook experts), doctors, and scientist give the thumbs up for the pandemic to be over.

If you have questions, please ask

Try not to make this political.

Respect other opinions.

Most of all STAY HEALTHY!

Please share if you feel you should