One of the biggest things I am interested in for this is tracking how much this trip at Universal will cost versus WDW. I typically spend about $2,500 per person for a week at WDW.
I got a deal on my SW plane ticket - $188. My room at Endless Summer - Dockside is $535 for six nights (taxes included). I bought a “seasonal” AP for $375…the blackout dates don’t affect me.
My food budget is $300. With the Mardi Gras “food card” promotion I will buy my cards at the beginning of the trip and get $375 in value on the card. (It is good at any eatery at Universal and CityWalk)
This sounds like a nice perk and available to all levels of AP from what I can tell. Looking forward to using this too. But I’m confused by the conflicting statements I highlighted in the “Get Details.” The first-hand report from Darkmite should shed some light on that.
It seems like I could save a lot of money for our May 2023 trip by buying this ahead of time. Trick is…it is only available for purchase on-site. I’d have to coordinate with someone who is on site (and willing), to buy it for me, I guess?
We haven’t done a food budget calculation yet, but I imagine it will be on the order of $1500+ for food during that trip. Getting those cards could save me on the order of $300…on top of the AP discounts on food.
I’ve landed and in my Lyft to the resort. (Cost with tip = $35)
As I understand the food card, it is basically a Universal Gift card for any food outlet on the property. If it goes as well as I hope, I’ll buy more for future trips. Who doesn’t like getting bonus cash for what I was already going to spend anyway?
Reminds me of an old comedy skit where a guy finds the 24-hour store door locked.
As a worker leaves the store the guy asks “I thought you were open 24-hours?!”
To which the worker replies “We are, but not in a row!”
Free room upgrade is nice! We are booking the Family Suite (the room you have there) at Dockside. Same layout as at Surfside. I liked it better than Pop Century, for a fraction of the cost! The only downside was we felt there wasn’t QUITE enough storage space.
Interesting, at first I though it was only good until 4/24/2022 but it does say the card does not expire. I wonder if this will be UOA’s new “meal plan” but works like a debit card and not “meal credits” .
I have the food cards. I have used them at both USF & IOA so far…I went to Guest Services and asked about the hotels. They didn’t know… I’m going there anyway later and will find out
The F&B Card is designed for Mardi Gras and the food booths, not for dining around the resort. It is not a replacement for any meal plans. Most of the “other items” not included on the Mardi Gras menus are things like pretzels, popcorn, and snacks.
Keen to hear how you like the hotel!
