Vacations at Universal Studios

I can't speak for the Universal hotels, we've never stayed at one. But in terms of the general cost of a Universal vacation, it's right in line with what you'd pay at any other major theme park/resort. In terms of ticket and food prices, it actually costs a little less than a Walt Disney World vacation.

I hate parking and resort fees. Vegas is lousy with them both. I have to give it to Disney, it's the one area where they DON'T gouge you (Love you Disney, but you're a gold digger!!). But if I had to guess, I would bet that Disney has figured out what they WOULD charge and has worked these already into their room rates, which really is the way to do it. I'd rather just pay a "room rate" than pay all the little odds and ends. I'm probably paying the same amount in the end, but in my MIND it's so much better!! Okay, rant off....

As far as if a Universal hotel is worth it, I haven't stayed there, but I did research it pretty extensively for a business trip last spring. I really couldn't see where it was worth the extra money. If it were me, I'd find a nice resorty-hotel outside and stay there. But then again, I'm not a Universal fan (except for City Walk - Love me some Margaritaville!), so maybe fans will have another opinion!

I seem to recall that Becks534 stayed on site at Universal and that they really enjoyed the experience. If I remember right she said that the Express Pass that hotel guests get really made it worthwhile.

We have done it for the express pass. That does make it worth it. Our other options when doing Universal is staying on I-drive and either taking the bus in or most of the time the hotels there shuttle you to the park.

We ran into the same thing. The hotels were so expensive so rather then move hotels we just stayed in Disney and paid the 36.00 per person to get back and forth from our resort. It worked out to be cheaper then staying at Universal.

We stayed at the Loew's Royal Pacific and it was fabulous! Wasn't the most expensive of the hotels, but it felt like first class. Some of the nicest rooms I've ever stayed in. You could hop the boat at the hotel and it took you right to the parks. The best thing about it and the reason I would never stay off site when going to Universal was absolutely the fast pass. OMG this saved us oodles of time and if you buy a regular fast pass, it is only good for each of the included rides one time. With the resort fast pass you can ride as many times as you want and to buy a fast pass and stay off site, you would pay more money than staying on site and still get less. There were only a couple rides that are not included on any fast pass on site or purchased. The ride in Hogwarts in the Harry Potter section (which is the best ride I have EVER been on in my life! Totally worth the wait!) and one of the roller coasters in the other park. Highly recommend the Royal Pacific.

Thanks so much for the reccommendation Hurly!