Too Soon For 2005 rate watch thread?

[Kourtnie]

I guess it is probably too soon to start comparing prices with one another on trips for 2005. I was just wondering cause I am definately trying to get a lower rate and thought it would be easier to look in one place.
I started off at 260.91 a night at RPR
Right now I have the AAA rate for RPR for 234.82.
Feb 23-27

[d4est]

Yea, it is probably too soon. I don't think we will see any discounts until Sept or Nov.

I will be at RPR (nearly) the same time as you. My dates are Feb 21-26. Strangly, though, my rates started out at 234/night (seasonal rack rate) and was told that I should check back for discounts in 1-2 months. Where did you make your ressies?? Under the rate discription, what did it say?

I check every couple of days, just in case. I am still getting 234/night with or without and type of code, including my AAA.

[Kourtnie]

The prices that I wrote were including room taxes and everything. I think the AAA rate was 210.60 without taxes

[d4est]

oh, ok....so, where did you go or call to get a different rate for AAA, because I can't find anything other than the 234 (without taxes)...

Thanks!

[d4est]

also, I just went to the aaa.com and checked....they give me the same rate of 234??? What's up?

[Kourtnie]

If you go on Universal website and type AAA in the code. I tried your dates and it looks like it is not coming up because of the 21st. If I type in the 22-26 it comes up, maybe ask if they can apply it to those dates for you.

[d4est]

Yup, and Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! I hadn't thought that the different dates might make a difference!! the 21st is throwing a wrench into the works. Strange, as it is a monday, wouldn't think it would be a problem! I am going to call direct and, at least, have them apply the AAA discount to the other days. Thanks for the help!

[d4est]

Well, it took some hold time, but I got 4 of my 5 nights changed to the 210.60 rate. Apparently Feb 21st is sold out, so there is no AAA discount for that date. But, she did encourage me to check back periodically, as it may open up to discount.

[Dizz42]

Totally clueless about Universal and going in January. What phone number do you call for reservations at PBH? Thanks much. :D

[antmaril]

FYI -- February 21, 2005 is Presidents' Day.

[d4est]

Dizz42-you can call 1-800-be-a-star or go to universalorlando.com and click on onsite hotels at the top. You can also go to loewshotels.com...there you should sign up for loews first, it is free and could get you a welcome gift upon arrival and possibly a free upgrade when available.

antmaril-yea, I realized that, and thought that might be the problem, but the person I spoke to said it was that they are all booked on that day....

[Dizz42]

d4est...Thank you sooooo much! :wave2:

[roelongo]

Thanks for posting. My rate dropped from $409 + tax to $354.60 + tax a night for a club room at Portofino. This is from Feb 24-27.

Thanks so much I saved over $120 :Pinkbounc :earseek: :bounce: :tongue:

[decaff38]

I booked a room at the RPR for 224.00 from Jan. 13-17. It was a FAN club rate. Really hope to get a dicount on this price after seeing others getting 119.00 a night in mid to late DEC. Keep watching and posting. We will all share in the savings!!

[Kourtnie]

It looks like the rack rate for Jan is 199 so you will probably get it cheaper. When I check for discounts I always try first with no codes to get the rack rate and then go back and put codes in. So your rate is not really the FAN club rate even if you put that code in. But that is good news cause chances are it will go down.:)

ps:
If you apply AAA to your dates it is 159.20 a night plus tax, you will have to do like the above poster and ask them to apply it to individual days it looks like it is available everyday but the 16th

[elise72]

There are no AAA rates for the 27th Jan but there are for the days either side.

I was hoping to get an Entertainment rate for the 27th but it must be pretty booked up already!

The Hard Rock has AAA still for the 27th so I might go for that so I don't spoil my plans!..decisions,decisions!

Elise

[Kourtnie]

I dont think ENT rates are out yet, infact I think that AAA is the first discount out, but I'm not positive. So I wouldnt worry too much.

[muntzfab4]

Thanks Kourtnie for starting this thread! I am watching for discounts for April 2005 for HRH. Hopefully someone will post as soon as they are out.

[antmaril]

Thanks for the heads up. I just called Loews and was able to apply the AAA discount to my reservations at Portofino Bay in February. My rate went from $294 to $264!! Savings of $120 for four nights!

Thanks again!

[Dizz42]

Called for 1/7 & 1/8 and got the following AAA rates for PBH (not including tax): Club Level $283.20; Deluxe King $243.20; and Bay View King $211.20. I booked Deluxe King a little reluctantly but very nice lady said call back in October for possible discounts. Again, thank you, d4est, for the info and thanks also to our wonderful DIS community! Great sharing and caring! ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

[d4est]

You are welcome!

[nymomof3]

i got the rate of $264 for march 23-march 28. for royal pacific. any see cheaper

[d4est]

Nymomof3, must be spring break time!! That is pretty high, considering it is WITH discount. I would wait a bit...more discounts are likely to come out as your dates get closer...........

[decaff38]

I called the RPR and asked about the AAA rate for my days and she said it was available for the 13 and 14 but not the 15 and 16. 17th is MKL day. Was expecting the rate to stay usp there for that but your info. saved me $90.00 so far on my ress. Thanks
I will keep checking and if I can't find ENT or Fan I may need to apply for AAA. It's okay. Good company. Thanks agin,

[Mainebound]

Last year, all the discounted roooms for spring were released in September or later. That's when I booked via Hotel Kingdom, which was the best rate I found for 2 standard rooms at HRH (except maybe for annual pass holders -- I don't have one so I didn't check on those). I called Hotel Kingdom yesterday and was told they are still negotiating rates for these hotels which is why it says "call for rates" on their website. Rooms will also be avaliable on expedia.

[momof2inPA]

We got the AAA rate of $159 for Feb. 5-8. That's over a weekend, but it's still in the slow season. I'm hoping for better rates to come out later.

[mslclark]

I keep checking for Entertainment rates for May/June of 2005, but found nothing yet. Anyone who does book an Ent. rate I hope you post it here! Thanks!

[wilburville]

Are there usually discounts for the week of school vacation. February vacation next year is Feb 21. I was curious if they blacked those dates out or should i hold out for discounts?

[Kourtnie]

wilburville That is the week Iam there too...right now they have AAA discount that is it.

[DisneyBB]

I know the prices for Leows hotels are not out yet for Dec05, but I can book it through a British holiday company for $238 for the dates 30/31st Dec. The problem would be I could not alter it after booking if a discounted rate came in. Do you think that is a good price? or is it better to hold out for discounted rates. I can also get the club level for $335.

[wilburville]

kourtnie,
are you staying at HRH? did you get AAA for HRH for that week? I was quoted $284/night at HRH for club level...is that a decent rate for that week? Does anyone know? We are staying for 6 nights.

[d4est]

DisneyBB-what hotel is the quote for? It is hard to say if that is a good price without knowing which hotel. Oh and your dates.

wilburville-I am not kourtnie, but I think she said she is staying at the RPR. What dates are you looking at? It would help to have specific dates to look at. Fpr HRH, I put in 19-26th and no discounts came up...I got 374 club and 284 for pool view queen. If I put in 21-26 I get 336.60 club and 255.60 pool view. (AAA discount). Are you sure your quote was for club????

[DisneyBB]

Sorry yes my quote was for the RPR 30/31st Dec 05. $238 for standard room and $335 for Club level. I know that that is about the rack rate, but if they don't do discounts then it may be better to book at that price. That price includes parking, no hotel tax, free cocktail and kids eat free.

Thanks

[wilburville]

my quote was for HRH club level Feb 19-25, 2005 for $284 by calling loews directly. Good or bad? Does anyone think I can do better and if so please advise. Where and How?????? Thanks

[wilburville]

my quote was for HRH club level Feb 19-25, 2005 for $284 by calling loews directly. Good or bad? Does anyone think I can do better and if so please advise. Where and How?????? Thanks

[d4est]

wilburville-hmmmm, not sure here. I checked universalorlando.com for your dates and got a rack rate of 284 for a pool view queen. The club was 374. At loewshotels.com I got the same thing. Again, are you sure that it was a club? Could it have been the pool view queen? If you are sure, then I would call back and book it because it is nearly 100 cheaper!

If I put in 20-25 with AAA (apparently no discount available on the 19th) I get 255 pool view, 309.60 deluxe, & 336.60 club. If you can do better over the phone, I would do it. Besides, if better discounts come along, they will change the rate for you. Just call periodically and ask if there are any new discounts!

DisneyBB-your dates aren't available so I couldn't check them. Sorry. IMHO, I think your rate, including all it includes, is pretty good. Maybe others can give their opinion....

[PoohBears#1fan]

HELP!!! HRH virgin here!!!

We want to spend 9 nights at HRH next August 2005 (12th-20th inclusive) and will have AP's.

How and when should we book?

Also what is the rate of the Kid's suite? Can't seem to find that out on Universal's site.

Thanks everyone.

[d4est]

PoohBears#1fan- I don't know if rates are open for August yet. You can check at universalorlando.com, but AP rates are NOT available yet for 2005. Once they are you just put APH in the code box on the ressie page. I am not sure about the kid's suite. I have never seen it come up either. You may have to call direct to ask about it. Try 1-800-be-a-star. When you ask about the room you should ask what discounts are available. Also check back every few months as new discounts become available. This is something they encourage! (FYI, AP rate is usually one of the best discounts!)

[PoohBears#1fan]

That's brilliant, thank you for your help :)

[d4est]

You are welcome!

[markey]

I too want to book for August 2005. I called yesterday and the only discounts were AAA. I threw the numbers away because it was more then I wanted to pay.

[d4est]

My AAA rate is also higher than I want to pay. My plan/hope is to keep my ressie (as they sell out fast for my dates) and keep checking for better discounts!

[ClanHarrison]

Originally posted by d4est
PoohBears#1fan- I don't know if rates are open for August yet. You can check at universalorlando.com, but AP rates are NOT available yet for 2005. Once they are you just put APH in the code box on the ressie page. I am not sure about the kid's suite. I have never seen it come up either. You may have to call direct to ask about it. Try 1-800-be-a-star. When you ask about the room you should ask what discounts are available. Also check back every few months as new discounts become available. This is something they encourage! (FYI, AP rate is usually one of the best discounts!)




Hi d4: Is the "Be a Star" # the "better" place to make the ressie's?

If I have an Annual Pass and I book 2 rooms, can I get the AP rate for both rooms if that rate is available?

[Pink Flamingo]

Related to ClanHarrison's question - do you have to have the AP at the time you book or can you get it closer to your trip date?

[d4est]

I am not an APH, so I really can't answer your questions. I know you can call the be a star # or loews directlly. I don't really think it matters, but maybe someone else has a different opinion???

[Kourtnie]

You can get your pass when you get there, as long as you have it at check in, you are set.

[Pink Flamingo]

Thanks Kourtnie - that's what I was hoping.

[deelam]

I'm looking for APH for May or June. ANyone see any 2005 APH yet? Looking for the Hard Rock, but will settle for Royal Pacific.

Deneen

[d4est]

For now, the only available discount for 2005 is AAA. What I have heard is that the other codes won't be out until mid-late Sept, possibly even later. I am sure someone will post on this board as soon as others become available!

[EAP'sDAD]

bump

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by d4est
What I have heard is that the other codes won't be out until mid-late Sept, possibly even later.

FWIW, I was told "end of the month" (September) yesterday by a Universal employee when I phoned about spring reservations with an AP or Ent rate.

[BriarfoxinWA]

Do I need to just call the 800#? My dates in 2005 3/30 - 4/2 don't register any discounts for AAA or anything else on Loewshotels.com....

[d4est]

I would call. It could be that some of your days are not available for discount, but some are and you can get the AAA applied to certain days. It is worth a shot.

[deelam]

My dates are set. They are 4/30-5/8. I really like the Hard Rock because it is so close to the Studios. But I'm leaning towards the Royal Pacific because it is just a little cheaper. ANd because I've heard that the pool there is great for little ones.
I'm looking for the best rate. I have the FAN CLub, AP, ENT, AAA.
Does anyone have any idea what the RP rates are for this time of year?

[deelam]

I called Universal. Still no AP, Fan club or ENT rates. They do have AAA. The CM tried to get me to book now. She said they have limitted availability. I thought 4/30-5/8 would be a slower time of year. I'm going to wait a little longer.

Deneen

[BriarfoxinWA]

I booked HRH for 3/30-4/2 at a price of $294 via the 800#. She checked and there were no AAA, ENT, or other discounts available, so I'll have to just keep checking back.

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

I'm waiting too. Just ordered my Entertainment book yesterday. Hope discounts are offered for my days...4/16-4/19. :wave:

[emagirl]

AuroraluvsPhillip,
Looks like we are planning to be at the HRH at the same time.
Have you booked your room, yet? I booked a while ago and wasn't even able to get a AAA discount:(
I too am hoping for something good to come up for that time.
Good luck in your planning!:D

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

We've never stayed at Universal before. I'm having DU deal with my resort ressies. She booked the dates at rack rate for now. Said AAA wasn't available yet. But I already have a FAN club card, and just ordered the ENT book, so hopefully I'll be able to get a better deal when these discounts are released later on.

[TracyK]

Surely it can't be long now!!!!

[deelam]

Has anyone checked recently?

[cdpa4d]

I checked the Universal Orlando site this morning. Nothing is coming up for ENT or APH for April 05. The only thing coming up is AAA.
Hopefully something will come up soon!
ADP :D

[BriarfoxinWA]

My dates at HRH are 3/30 to 4/2 and nothing was available for discounts. AAA rate was only for a king suite or kid suite at $596 :eek:

[PoohBears#1fan]

I'm checking APH rates at HRH for next August every day, still coming in at $264.

[NandP]

I'm waiting on a rate fro August 2005... I had Ent. this year and it was good!

[momof2inPA]

Originally posted by deelam
Has anyone checked recently?

Every day.

[mom23guys2]

I've been checking the rates for March,2005. The AAA rate listed is the same as the seasonal rate when I called they said the AAA rates were really not out yet. Are the people that are saying they have the AAA rate really only getting the seasonal rate even though it says AAA card required at checkin?

[momof2inPA]

The AAA rate I booked was only available on the internet for a couple days, and the lady on the phone tried to tell me it was not available until I pressed it. What are your dates in March? It's fun to look around and see how cheap you can get.

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

have them check each individual day to see if the rate only excludes certain dates. For the dates that i choose may 22-29. May 22 was only available at rack rate but the 23-29 was available with aaa for 179.20 plus tax per night. You might also try check for a block of 4 , 5, or 6 consecutive days. I have seen dates where they are not available for 3 days but were available for 4, 5, or 6 days. It takes alot of questions. The operators while nice do only what you actually ask them to do.

This is what i do.

1. check my dates on the internet. Using all the codes that I know. And varying my dates to see what the best deals are. While searching on loews website, don't forget to look to see if they are offering any specials. These will not automatically be offered, You must go to the section listed "specials " this is on the main page toward the top. If there are only rack rates available for your time period enter the code BED. For only 5 dollars more you get breakfast for 2 each morning.

2. Better armed and prepared, I call the hotel directly and ask for reservations. I tell them I want the best available rate. And give them all the discounts that I am eligible for. If what they tell me is inconstant from what I have seen on the internet. I tell them that, and tell them I believe they could do better because i see on the internet such and such rate is available there. Next, if they tell me a certain rate is not available I have them check different varations like I mentioned above, I ask them to play with the dates to see if any better rates are available.

3. If you don't like the answers you receive simply say thank you and hang up. And call again. You can also call loews main reservation office and see if they offer any different rates.

4. Even after you book your stay. Make sure to check often to see if your rates and dates have dropped. The closer to your dates the more often you should check and recheck. I have never been told not to call back. So dont feel bashful about checking. If it bothers you only give them your first name till you find out the information that you need. Then at that point if the rates are better tell them you have reservations but since the rates have changed you would like to alter the reservations to the cheaper rate. They are very nice about doing this and most of the time do it with out a fuss.

this is how I received my unbelieveable rate of 119 a night for may 24-29 this year. with the annual pass rate

[scootert]

I just made ressies for May this week and got AAA rates. I did the same as Kimberlyfamilyfv suggested. I had been checking the Loew's site daily to see if AAA rates were out -- if they are available for your dates it will specifically say AAA rate in the description part. Otherwise it says something like, "seasonal rate". Still hoping for a FAN or ENT rate, but at least we are booked for now. Good luck

[mom23guys2]

We are going Easter week, March 24 or 25 until April 1. Last week when I checked , it gave me both AAA rates and the seasonal rack rate. The AAA rate said AAA card required upon check=in the other just said seasonal rate and didn't require anything. The problem was they were both the same rate. Now AAA does not come up. I am Loews Gold. When I called to make another reservation recently I had a terrific rep who got me upgraded to a one-bedroom suite in Annapolis when no premium rooms were available. She even called the hotel for me( without my asking for anyupgrade) directly and spoke to the general manager to get the suite. So she really went out of her way. When I asked about March she checked and said they were not out yet. I told her of the glitch I seemed to be getting online with both rack and AAA the same price. She said that sometimes happens when the actual AAA rates were not out yet. Anyway, I keep calling. Two years ago I was able to get the ENT. rate at Easter. I'm hoping but I'll settle for a "true" AAA rate. Thanks for all the help. If anyone here's of a good deal at Easter let me know since I need a couple of rooms for my family.

[ellieb]

Still nothing! I just called for my dates of April 15-18 for HRH for Entertainment rates as well as AP and the rep told me they were still being entered in the computers so keep checking back.

I will keep checking everyday!

[mcefalo]

I am checking almost daily also. Want to determine whether I can afford HRH or not. I am looking for April 13th thru the 16th. Hopefully someone will see when the ENT values are entered and let us know.

This DIS forum has been so helpful. I am so glad I found it

Really appreciate all the great info.

Does anyone know of a thread like the one for RPR that shows rooms numbers that are good for HRH?

Thanks

[NandP]

I just booked HRH for Aug 23-26 I got the AAA rate 183 / 234rack.. I got ENT this year for PBH and it was much better... So make sure you SQUEEL!!! when the Entertainemt rates get posted.. I only have a year to plan....

[E&B's Mom]

NandP, How did you get a AAA rate (who did you call). I just booked via Lowe's (800-23Loews) and twice was told that AAA rate wasn't out yet?? My dates are earlier than yours (8/5-8/9) :confused:

[NandP]

I checked the Universal Website Hard Rock RSVP (http://)

and put in AAA under "Promotional code" and it came up...

I tried your dates and they must be a peak season, I tried every date for the monthe and it seems the AAA rate starts 8/21, I wonder why?

Funny thing, if you put AAA and your Loews Number, you get a rack rate... so leave everything else blank...


After I saw the rate online I called to make my ressie, and they verified the rate... I called because I am looking for the ENT rate which was lower for me this year, I asked if I can change rates once they come out.. and I can... I wanted to "lock -in" the dates... (Like they are gonna sell out a year in advance)

Just keep trying ! Good luck ! Let me know how it works out for you...

[Maria395712]

I am waiting for March . may, june ,july and oct rates let me know when the rates are out I called today and nothing
maria

[E&B's Mom]

NandP,

I had tried on-line too, and got a AAA rate, and when I went to book it, it said there was an error. I called and they said it was because the rates weren't out yet (AAA?) I tried twice. Maybe next time I call I'll ask them to check each date individually (I've heard that works sometimes). I'm really hoping for ENT or FAN rates to come out soon. Right now I'm in club at rack for $339/night :earseek: . I think I had heard that ENT is not offered for club, but I also remember seeing that others got a FAN rate for club around the same time this year. I'm waiting . . . :rolleyes:

[VW31]

When I go to Universal's site, www.universalstudios.com or www.univacations.com/hotels,
and I type in the promotional code AAA, no matter what date I try, I get an error message stating, "the promotion code entered is not valid for the dates and vacation package you have selected."

Why is this?

[Pink Flamingo]

VW31 - Try this link http://www.loweshotel.com/. Click on "reservations" in the top left corner & then select the hotel you want from the drop down menu.

[E&B's Mom]

I tried yet again this morning for AAA rate (Club level at RPR 8/5-8/9) and asked for the person to check each night, and guess what . . . now AAA is available for all 4 nights. He said they have a new system where he has to put in a special rate code (duh!). It pays to try again. This was my third call after I heard that others had AAA rates for August. Now I'm down to $305 per night. Still higher than I want, but I'll wait and see.

[NandP]

It's amazing how prices fluxuate... I was playin with dates and codes, and just on day difference changes the rate by $10-$20 a night...

It would be nice if you could see a calendar with EVERY available rate for each night for each hotel.... but that is a fantasy... unless travel agents can get that info???? Might be worth getting a travel agent license...

Wish you could do that with Airline tickets arental cars as well... it is so funny how rates change by just picking a different day of the week... It is the secret world of travel agents that conspire against us!

Anyone know what rates are actually available? and what are the 3-letter codes that they use?
example:
AAA - obvious
ENT - Entertainment???
GOV - Government Employee??? do they honor that one?

Thanks,

[cdpa4d]

The only rate available I know of AAA. The other rate not mentioned was APH which is not available for 2005 yet. That is usually a pretty good rate.
ADP :D

[E&B's Mom]

Don't forget FAN.

NandP, are you a government employee too? Do the resorts give a Government rate?

[TracyK]

We want to go in Feb and heard that Ent rates would be out in September. Does anybody know when they came out last year?
Thanks
Tracy

[bjakmom]

Last year the discount rates didn't come out until mid-late Nov. I was desperately hoping, as I had several rooms booked at AAA rates for Jan! I had no problem switching my rates to Fan club - even booked a couple of the rooms through Hotelkingdom when they had a great sale at about the same time- their club rates went down to 216.00.

The AAA and Fl resident rates were earlier, same as this year. :smooth:

[TracyK]

Thanks. Looks like I'll have to be patient.
Tracy

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by bjakmom
Last year the discount rates didn't come out until mid-late Nov. I was desperately hoping, as I had several rooms booked at AAA rates for Jan! I had no problem switching my rates to Fan club - even booked a couple of the rooms through Hotelkingdom when they had a great sale at about the same time- their club rates went down to 216.00.

The AAA and Fl resident rates were earlier, same as this year. :smooth:

Yes, this is exactly my memory. We ended up buying from HK in November.

So I don't know why I keep checking every day! LOL!

[deelam]

I called today(10/5). Still no AP rates. I was going to book at the AAA, but held off.
I have a question. The CM told me that there would be a rate change during my stay. I guess it represents going from Regular to value season. My dates are 4/30-5/4. We are hoping to stay at RP. The cheaper nights are 5/1-5/4. If I book at the AAA rate online, will I be able to see the rate that is charged for each night? How does Universal handle rate changes. Will I have to have two reservations?
Also, how hard is it to switch from AAA to AP rate?
I just don't know if I want to book at the higher rate. I'm thinking if they sell out, they won't release AP rates, but then I won't have a room if they sell out. I'm puzzled on what to do.


Deneen

[bjakmom]

Deneen - don't know about the rate change issue, but I would go ahead and try it online and see what you come up with.

As for changing from one rate to another - I haven't had any problem doing this, but I've always kept a close eye on the boards and called frequently - if they sell out of a discount rate quickly, I think they are gone. Here's how I figure it for myself - last year I held out booking my rooms until I booked my airfare - once I felt that I would pay the higher rate (if I couldn't get a discount rate) rather than cancel my trip, I went ahead and booked my rooms and watched (and hoped) for a lower rate. I knew that I would rather have paid the higher rate than been without a particular hotel or room choice. On a trip where it wasn't important if I stayed on-site or in which hotel or type of room, or if the lower rate was crucial to my being able to afford to stay, I might be more likely to wait it out. It's a tough choice and a lot of effort, but always worth it to save the $$ IMHO :smooth:

[deelam]

My dates are set, I have my flight into Universal and I really want to stay onsite. So I guess I should book to make sure I have a room. I guess for nights at the AAA rate is better than nothing. I'll keep looking for that AP rate though.

Deneen

[d4est]

anyone check today?

[cdpa4d]

I just checked the Universal Orlando site. No ENT, APH, or FAN rates available for 2005 yet. The only thing available is AAA.
ADP :D

[deelam]

I'm waiting for the AP, but I booked at the AAA.
I didn't want to chance not getting a room.
Does anyone remember if they first release the ENT, then Fan club & AP rates. or do they release them all at once. Also, is it best to call, or will the web have the rates listed right away?

Deneen

[BriarfoxinWA]

Is November when most of the discounted rates come out? Just wondering since I booked at a rack rate of $294 :eek: ouch! I've been debating now if it's worth it to stay onsite or if I should just do without the FOTL pass.

[mom23guys2]

Still no discounts for Easter week, not even AAA. They've always had them in the past but they are not out for Easter, 2005. Do you think they will be release in Nov. along with the other discounts? Maybe they're holding off until they see if they can fill the rooms at rack rates. If there are no discounts I'll be staying at Disney with a AAA discount.

[BriarfoxinWA]

I talked with a really helpful person at Loew's reservation desk today. She said that most of the discounts don't get put on to their system until mid to late November.

[smagacz]

I am new to your forum but I wanted to let youk now how HAPPY I was to stumble upon it when I decided to book an Orlando vacation for next year. I have never been (nor my 3 teen boys) but after reviewing literally hundreds of posts on here I was able to make some great decisions about where to stay and what to do. Despite hearing that HRH may be looking a little beat and service less than top notch, I still decided this would be the best choice for three young teens. I made a reservation a couple of days ago for April 3-9, 2005. AAA rate was available and the rate went down after April 2nd. My original plan had been to come in on April 1st which I quickly changed due to a pretty significant rate change beginning with the 3rd. I was still quoted $300.00 for club level but have a feeling that may not get much better due to the "spring break" time frame. I think I will keep checking and trying, though...thanks to this forum for all the great tips......

[Pink Flamingo]

:wave: Welcome smagacz! So glad you found the DIS. I'm sure you'll find lots of info. here for your upcoming trip. Hope you have a great one.

[Kourtnie]

I just spoke with a res agent and she said they are planning on having rates in by Nov 1st. I also spoke with one yesterday and she had said she could see they were loading them in the system but they werent released yet

[deelam]

I'll be away until Nov 2. I guess I'll be calling Universal while away for my AP rates.

Deneen

[drumflower]

Hey! I want a code too! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[E&B's Mom]

Me too, Me too!!!!!!:goodvibes :rotfl: :flower1: :cheer2:

[d4est]

what do you mean by code?

The only codes that I am aware of are all available to the general public, if you qualify. The just aren't "out" yet...

[cepmom]

I am anxiously awaiting the ENT codes for 2005 - hoping for 11/1. If the codes are in fact available on 11/1, what time do they release the codes - is it at 7:00 AM like Disney does? Should I plan on getting up early on 11/1 and keep calling until I get through? I was following the thread about Disney's code release last week and saw that many people had incredibly long "on hold" times. Does it work the same way for Universal hotels?

[amyke]

Please can someone answer this for me -- I already have made reservations for March 2005 through Loews reservations. When the ENT rate is released, will they have it at Loews right away? Or will it be available to people calling the entertainment book hotel res line first? Which should I be calling??

[cepmom]

Oh, I didn't even realize there was an Entertainment # you could call for reservations. I was thinking about calling Loews directly. I would love to know which phone number to call and whether or not the phone lines have a specific opening time. I need to get a game plan together!!!;)

amyke-
what is the number for entertainment hotel reservations? I have never used the entertainment book for hotel reservations before. Thanks

[gschmerl]

Call the Loews number NOT the entertainment number. People have not had good luck dealing with the entertainment people. Loews or BeAStar number will have the entertainment discounts in their system when they come out. The people at Entertainment do not know when the hotel has loaded their discounts into their systems.

[drumflower]

I posted this on another thread but I just booked a standard room at ROyal Pacific for Feb.4 &5 th for 159.20 AAA rate. While this might not be the best rate, but I was worried I wouldn't get the entertainment rate. I am happy with this rate but I have a question. If the ent. rate only goes down to 139, would it be worth it to buy an ent. book just for that rate? If it does down to 119 , then I will buy the book for that rate. What do you all think?

[E&B's Mom]

I say buy it. The Ent. book costs only $20, and if it will save you $20 for each night it's a savings of $40. Plus, there are LOTS of other coupons in there. If you buy your local area book it has lots of Buy one Get one offers at restaurants and museums and other attrcations in the area and you can still use it al Universal hotels and lots of other hotels nation wide. I buy one every year, even if we don't have a trip planned. It saves us lots of $ and if we do need to stay in a hotel for anything the Entertainment wesite is the first place I go to look for a room. We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite in Williamsburg, VA this summer (during peak tourist season) for only $78 per night. I think that's one reason I want to do club level at Universal. That room spoiled us so much.

[yankeemom]

Does anyone think there will be any kind of discount for Thanksgiving 2005 if I book early or is any type of discount out of the question for holiday times. We got a great rate for Thanksgiving at Disney for this year but I don't know how Universal rates will be.

[natorimom]

:mad: :p I booked the HRH yesterday for three nites on July 18th-21st 2005 for $309 AAA rate, thought that was pretty high for a deluxe room. Stayed at the PBH in a deluxe room This July for $319 a nite including breakfast for two, thought PBH was a better deal than HRH but holding out for APH rate being a little better.

[EEyorelover22]

I called this morning and the entertainment rates are not available yet as far out as June 2005.

[zippehsmom]

I just called also and she said that I should try back later in the week.

Should I wait that long or should I keep trying daily?:confused:

zippehsmom

[cepmom]

Just called this morning and no ENT rates yet. I called the 1-800-beastar first then tried the 888-273-1311 and they both told me no ENT discount. They keep saying they don't know if they will have ENT discount for next year, or they are saying that my dates won't be discounted because it will be Labor Day (she said 9/2 - 9/5 counts as Labor Day weekend, although we will only be staying 1 night, Thursady 9/1 checking out Friday 9/2) I can't stand it when they keep telling you different things. I never know who to believe!!! This is driving me crazy waiting for ENT rates!!! I wish they would just tell us when they will be released!!!:crazy:

[drumflower]

When I made my reservations last Thurs., I was told to check the middle of the next month (Nov) for ent rates. I went ahead and booked AAA rate for a standard rm. at RP for $159. I hope to apply the ent. rate if it comes out but if not, I will be happy with this AAA rate.

[BriarfoxinWA]

I just called and was told that there would probably not be any discounted rates for my dates 3/30 - 4/2 since March and April are considered peak times...

Has anybody ever gotten a discounted rate in March / April? :confused:

[pathubia]

Two years ago I got ENT and APH rates at the Royal Pacific for spring break week. I have learned to keep checking on line and as soon as they are available I call and make my ressies.

Patty

[amyke]

Please tell me again how to check online (at universal.com?)

[natorimom]

:teeth: :sunny: :) Called back to the 1800 be a star number spoke with someone else and was able to get another AAA promo rate for the hard rock July 18-21 2005 for $292 deluxe room. Had previously booked at $309 AAA rate for same dates. What 's with that? Was told to call back late November to see if Ent rates are available for my dates.

[Motherfletcher]

Originally posted by amyke
Please tell me again how to check online (at universal.com?)
http://www.loews-first.com/Loewsfirst.asp

[EEyorelover22]

Do you type in ENT to check online for the entertainment rate?
Thanks.

[d4est]

Yep--ENT for entertainment, APH for annual passholders, FAN for fan club...

[NandP]

no changes yet

[FrannyK]

Got AAA rate of $255 for club level Feb 5-8. Pool view was $199/AAA. Still wondering whether club level is worth extra $50/nite

[bjakmom]

FrannyK - for us it depends on how many in the room - we eat breakfast in the lounge every morning, stop and pick up water bottles, iced tea, or soda whenever we walk by, enjoy a cocktail or 2 and some nibbles in the evening, and we usually rent a cabana at 1/2 price (we were only around for the evening cookies once, but they were good) -so it's worth it to us, if there are 3 or 4 of you, then $12-$15 per person isn't much if you're around for the lounge offerings.

[FrannyK]

Bjakmom: There are 4 of us, husband and I, 2 teens--now that I think about the cost of club level PER PERSON it doesn't seem too bad. I rented a cabana for a day so I know I saved over $50 that day being on club level. My DH wouldn't be interested in the breakfast but he could take advantage of everything else. The kids and I will enjoy everything we can I'm sure. The waters/sodas will definitely come in handy--are they available in the lounge 24 hours? Does it ever "close?"

Thanks for helping me wash away the guilt of club level LOL.

[bjakmom]

FrannyK - don't want to "hijack" the rates thread, but I seem to remember that they close the lounge at night (don't know what time, but I definitely remember seeing the doors closed and locked) - if you start a new thread with this question I'm sure you'll get a more definitive answer from someone who's been recently. My DS(15) and older DDs all loved the lounge - DS even borrowed a few CDs and watched a little TV there - next trip he opted for his own room (bringing friends) over Club - we're really going to miss it !!:smooth:

[d4est]

Still nothing?

[Bonnie40]

Bump! Anything yet? :Pinkbounc

[GoofyDad_STL]

No discounts at all when I am looking (March 24 - 26), not even AAA. Anyone else getting nervous? I bought the 2 year annual pass last summer, but if there are no discounts, the price just seems too high to me. I have started looking at the alternatives.

[Bonnie40]

I must say I can't justify almost $300/night for mid-March - I'm hoping something comes out soon! ?

I wasn't happy paying $150/night this past March compared to 2003 when I got a $99/night rate. I certainly don't want to pay double that! If something doesn't come down the pipe, we will probably just skip Universal... :(

[Bridget68]

Just booked a standard room at RPR for January 1st for $215 and January 2-7 for $159 (AAA rate).

[BriarfoxinWA]

I just checked again for my dates 3/30 - 4/2 and there was nothing yet. I made reservations at rack rate ($294/night) :eek: But at that price we may only stay one night at HRH. I'll get something close by for the first night and stay the last night at Port. It would save me at least $400 and we could still take advantage of two days worth of FOTL passes...

[d4est]

I think we are all getting a little nervous! This will be our first on-site stay and I want it to be 5 nights. I have ressies for AAA at RPR from Feb 21-26 for just over 200/night. Still very high in my book. I am, at the very least, hoping for something under 200/night--taxes included. Am I living in a fantasy world? I read a thread about orangevacations.com and checked it out. Ressies came up for 187/night, but I know nothing about them. Anyone heard of or used them?

[bjakmom]

Hang in there, everyone - we were all worrying last year, too - they didn't release any discounts for this year until mid-late November. Then a week or two later Hotelkingdom had a sale for January and I switched a room over to their rate (216.00 club) - don't think we'll see it that low this year, though, but keep your fingers crossed.:smooth:

d4est- never heard of orangevacations.com, but did read on another thread that they require your credit card # just to check availability - I've never been asked for that, so I would look into them carefully.

[pathubia]

Its so funny, I just checked the 2004 discount rate thread and saw that the discounts came out around Nov 12-13.

Bjakmom, we arent going MLK weekend this year, we are going the following weekend to coincide with the AFC championship game. GO PATRIOTS!!!

It will be much quieter at the pool MLK weekend without us!!!..

Patty

[bjakmom]

Thanks for the reminder, Patty ! I'll begin checking towards the end of the week.

We won't be going MLK weekend either, we're going the weekend after you are, 28th-30th at HRH, 30th-1st at BWV for DS's 16th b'day celebration - DS is bringing a buddy, but DH and I are leaving the rest of the crew behind this trip - time alone !!!! -We're not staying club level this trip, the boys want a separate room, so I think we'll skip the cabana, too.

Your group will have to keep the cabanas hopping !!! - do you have #10 again ?!! Enjoy the game and try not to make too much noise !!;)

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I booked my stay for the same week next year as I have this year. May 23-29. So far, The best rate that I can do is AAA rate 179.20 plus tax. Well if last year is any indication as someone above has pointed out . These(ent, fan, aph) rates will be out approximately nov 12-13. Well , I checkout my last years posts for myself. And according what I wrote. Not all of my days were at the best available rates until March, 31:04.(This is the date my rates dropped and I was able to drop the ent rate and trade it in for the APH rate.)--last may my dates were 24-28 Then I wound up paying 119 plus tax per night.

Not that I believe I will get such yummy rates this time around. But I do hope the rates will not be to far off.


I hope this might help for those of you that are planning vacations for the same time period as my self.

[d4est]

Originally posted by bjakmom
d4est- never heard of orangevacations.com, but did read on another thread that they require your credit card # just to check availability - I've never been asked for that, so I would look into them carefully.

Thanks for the reply. The post you are refering to was mine. I was surprised about the credit card, so I went no further.

[AlexandNessa]

For the love of pete, can't they at least release APH rates for January and February?! (We can't wait to go back!)

[CrazyaboutMickey]

I just called about Ent rate (don't have AP). I was told to call back later in the month. Judging by the posts from last year this time, the best way to go is just to start calling at least once or twice a week. I'll watch this thread daily and will definitely post IMMEDIATELY if I get something. My dates are March 16-19 and I am checking for RPR. We have ressie already at 210 for two of the three nights(that's AAA) but last night is Fri night and they didn't give discount for that night. Basic rate was 234 for first two nights, 264 for Fri night. :mickeybar

[ibouncetoo]

Originally posted by AlexandNessa
For the love of pete, can't they at least release APH rates for January and February?! (We can't wait to go back!)

Just got an AP code EWV for January.
All Starts/Pop $49
Moderate $79
AKL/SL $109 standard view (pre tax figures)

[BriarfoxinWA]

ibouncetoo - If they have those kind of rates in March/April - I could say at AKL and take a limo to US/IOA every day and STILL save money...what are those people at US/IOA thinking!

[3for Me]

Just thought I would let you guys know that it looks like Hotelkingdom is having a sale right now - not sure of the dates, but it may be worth a look!

[scootert]

We're going early May and reserved at PBH with AAA rate (243 bay view)- just checked and the FAN rates are now available for our time, but they're higher than AAA (258 bay view). Just wanted to let folks know that some FAN rates have been loaded

[deelam]

I didn't see any APH rates for RP. Let's hope they are in soon. AND LETS HOPE THEY ARE GREAT!

Deneen

[ibouncetoo]

Originally posted by BriarfoxinWA
ibouncetoo - If they have those kind of rates in March/April - I could say at AKL and take a limo to US/IOA every day and STILL save money...what are those people at US/IOA thinking!

My GUESS is they won't be quite that low....what with all the school spring breaks and Easter...but you never know.

When I called CRO this morning, I got AKL or WL for $121.66 including tax...standard view. Now we just need to decide (quickly!) which one.

[d4est]

Originally posted by scootert
We're going early May and reserved at PBH with AAA rate (243 bay view)- just checked and the FAN rates are now available for our time, but they're higher than AAA (258 bay view). Just wanted to let folks know that some FAN rates have been loaded

I can't get the FAN rate to come up for ANY dates I try...early Jan, Feb, and May...??? What dates did you put in?

[d4est]

I just checked hotelkingdom.com and got a rate of 199.79. With taxes it is 220.21/night. This was for 2/21-2/26. Strangly, 2/24 was for 199.78...a PENNY difference! Funny...strange....

Anyhooo, I didn't find it to be much of a bargain, unless FAN or ENT rates never come out. Right now I have the AAA rate of 210. Of course, this is without taxes, so in the end, I may just cancel my ressie and go thru hotelkingdom. Hopefully something cheaper will come out soon....

It is blowing my mind right now, that I may be spending over 1,100 dollars just for a place to lay my head for 5 days!

[MK Familystone]

Could you explain your dates, what code and what Disney Phone Number you used for $122 WL rate?
Very interested!
"thanks!"
"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!"
:jester: :jester: :jester:

[Dad of 3]

Originally posted by d4est
I can't get the FAN rate to come up for ANY dates I try...early Jan, Feb, and May...??? What dates did you put in?
d4est,
I was having the same problem with online reservation system. Everyone was talking about discounts on the UO online reservations, but I could not see any. I eventually got discounted rates to appear. Here are my observations:
1) even if you try and make reservations from the lowes site. Do NOT enter your lowes first card number at the screen where you enter the dates of your reservation. For some reason, when any value is in that lowes card number box, only rack rates are listed.
2) Other than AAA promotion code, I have not seen other discounts in 2005 yet. Example of AAA discount try HRH for March 16. Example of FAN discount, try HRH for Dec 16.

I hope this helps,

Dad of 3

[3for Me]

d4est -

I am with you - after checking the Loew's website, I realized that Hotelkindom's rate was only about a dollar lower than the internet rate Loew's is offering right now, which is about 15% off according to Hotelkingdom.

I know I only paid around $125.00 for RPR last year at this same time period, so to spend sooo much more a night is killing me! This was supposed to be the "bargain" part of our trip so that I would feel better about the outrageous rate I am paying at the GF in WDW.l

[tylerbug]

Has anyone tried checking Loews for there dates and getting the 20% 4 days or more ????I checked my dates february 13-17 it is offered, however, I tried a few other dates and did not see it.......this rates appears a little cheaper than AAA

[BriarfoxinWA]

I checked this morning - no luck on any discounted rates. The only AAA rates for my dates (3/30-4/2) are for club suites and are over $500! :eek:

[ibouncetoo]

Originally posted by MK Familystone
Could you explain your dates, what code and what Disney Phone Number you used for $122 WL rate?
Very interested!
"thanks!"
"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!"
:jester: :jester: :jester:

This is the annual passholder rate, code EWV and I called
407-WDISNEY. . The dates for the code are 1/2-2/16....excluding 1/14-16, 2/3-5, 2/10-12.....according to mousesavers.com

[MK Familystone]

THANKS IBOUNCETOO!

"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!"
:jester: :jester: :jester:

[bjakmom]

Called this morning - still no discount rates and res clerk even commented that it's unusual they are not out by now.

[Dad of 3]

Called today and no ENT discounts for March 2005 at HRH or RPR. The attendant said that the discounts have not been loaded yet. Today is a significant day as it was Nov 17, 2003 when the ENT discounts were loaded for 2004. Hopefully they will be out soon.

[pathubia]

We are getting there, the FLO (florida resident) rates were loaded today....Maybe tomorrow....

Patty

[Maria395712]

pathubia

what date did you get for florida resident and hotel view and price
maria

[deelam]

I checked my dates under promo code FLO. The rates that came up are the same as AAA rates, only about 20% off. Is this normal?
I'm not a Florida resident, but I just wanted to see how good the discounts were. I always thought the steepest discounts went to Florida residents. Maybe I'm confusing this all with Disney Hotels.
I'll keep hoping for good AP rates.

Deneen

[pathubia]

I put in my dates Jan 21-24.

APH
Garden view: 169
Pool view: 169
Deluxe: 189
Club: 223

FLO
Garden view: 169
Pool view: 189
Deluxe: 209
Club: 269

I just booked club for my dates.

Patty

[deelam]

I haven't been able to find APH for my dates. They are 4/30-5/5. Maybe they are still entering them in.

Deneen

[Rash]

Just got APH rate at PBH Bayview 2/11-12 $179, 2/13 $149. Free upgrade to Deluxe with Loews Gold!

[AlexandNessa]

Hi Rash. Did you call Loews or 800-Be-A-Star? I called Loews the other day, and they told me I couldn't apply benefits to an AP rate. I have an AAA rate, but i want to change it to an AP rate tomorrow. Thanks!

[bjakmom]

I'm only getting the FAN and APH rates if I put in at least 3 nights - as soon as I put in 2 nights I get rack rates !!!
Have they ever done this before with AP rates? I don't remember there being a minimum nights stay. :(

[Dad of 3]

Originally posted by Rash
Just got APH rate at PBH Bayview 2/11-12 $179, 2/13 $149. Free upgrade to Deluxe with Loews Gold!

That is very good deal! I was told by the Loews operator that the gold upgrade can not be combined with other discounts. Hats off to you. I presume that you made the reservation by calling the Loews reservation telephone number?

Dad of 3

[Rash]

I calls the loews number 800-loews-11. I may have gotten lucky, as the reservationist told me she was new and appreciated my patience. She did, however, put me on hold for several minutes to "check with my supervisor" on various issues, including the upgrade, so as far as I know, it's legit. I'll know for sure when i get my email confirmation.

[d4est]

No APH available for president's week...:mad:

I checked my dates, Feb 21-26, and then checked each day individually. NOTHING!

[disneywithkids]

I called last night and there weren't any APH rates for march 19-21, and he said that they aren't in the system yet. I asked if maybe it was just that there were no APH rates for those dates and he said there would be.

I got the impression from this conversation and a previous one, that they usually offer APH rates for all dates - even peak season.

[bjakmom]

Well, I don't get it !! If I put 3 days in on-line I get AP rate of 169.00 (HRH GV) - but if I put 2 days in it goes up to 234.00 ! I called HRH and was told that on certain days they require certain number of nights - if I wanted to stay Sat/Sun instead of Fri/Sat I could get the APH rate ??!! I'm not looking at a holiday weekend - this is for the last weekend in January. The only thing she had available with AP for Fri/Sat were suites. I put a hold on a kids suite for $324.00 - , not sure about sleeping 2 16 year old boys in the kids room ?? She said the Ent rates were already booked up for those days? I thought they just came out last night ! I even called both Loews, 1-800-BEASTAR and HRH - same deal.
Wow - this seems strange to me !
They did have discount rates for PBH and RPR, though - unfortunately this is DS birthday trip and he loves the HR!

[GoofyDad_STL]

Looks to me like they have no Entertainment or AP rates available in the 10 days before Easter. I have been checking online for a number of days at the APH rate and called about the ENT rate for 3/16. So what was originally going to be a 2 night, 3 days at the park stop is dwindling fast. I have now changed over to a 1 night, 1 day at the park trip with that night being the night we arrive in Orlando and I am considering just skipping Universal altogether, which would be a bitter pill for me to swallow as I purchased 2 year annual passes for my wife and myself last summer. But I could stay in a Savannah view room at Animal Kingdom for $65 less than PBH or even just use points and spend the night at the Hyatt at the airport.

[d4est]

Has anyone actually SEEN or gotten an ENT rate for 2005? I haven't seen any come up, no matter what date I put in...

[amyke]

ENT rates are not out yet.

[bjakmom]

I didn't think ENT rates had come out yet, either ! That's why I asked her and she said "they actually came out yesterday and they are all booked (for my dates) at the HR". I will call again tomorrow - after many years of planning trips to FLA I know for a fact that you often get false and/or contradictory info depending who you talk to ! :headache: I don't think they are all in the system yet and many of the res reps don't really know.

[GoofyDad_STL]

I hope you are right and the discounts aren't really all rolled out yet.

[RescueRanger]

Well...I for one am tired of waiting on discounts. WDW has discounts out through April. I just booked POP for $79 per night Mar 12-19. Universal has lost my business. There is no way I would pay rack rate for Universal Hotels. FOTL is great but it ain't that great. My 2 year AP for Universal will get no more use and WDW will now be getting my money. I used to complain about WDW taking so long to come out with discounts and I liked the fact that Universal usually had good deals on their hotels. Now it seems Disney is coming out with the good deals and Universal is trying to price themselves out of a large part of the market. If they can book rooms at those high rates, more power to them. I just don't see it happening, but I for one can't wait anylonger to see if they will ever lower the rates for my dates. So long Spongebob...Hello Mickey.:p

[26555]

Originally posted by RescueRanger
Well...I for one am tired of waiting on discounts. WDW has discounts out through April. I just booked POP for $79 per night Mar 12-19. Universal has lost my business. There is no way I would pay rack rate for Universal Hotels. FOTL is great but it ain't that great. My 2 year AP for Universal will get no more use and WDW will now be getting my money. I used to complain about WDW taking so long to come out with discounts and I liked the fact that Universal usually had good deals on their hotels. Now it seems Disney is coming out with the good deals and Universal is trying to price themselves out of a large part of the market. If they can book rooms at those high rates, more power to them. I just don't see it happening, but I for one can't wait anylonger to see if they will ever lower the rates for my dates. So long Spongebob...Hello Mickey.:p

I see what you are saying but before you let those US APs go to no use, I don't think its crazy to stay onsite Disney while doing US/IOA parks. Hit those parks early and you won't need FOTL access. Nothing is too far away via I-4 and maybe the only way to actually have time to do all of they stuff onsite Disney guests have access to is NOT to be doing Disney parks. Just a thought. At least you have a reservation someplace which is good, there's no money lost if something else pops up at US/IOA later and you decide to switch. Good luck.

[deelam]

I really was thinking of staying at Disney also. But I want to make this vacation as easy on me as possible. My kid's really want to do Universal and I already have the passes for them. So having to drive, park and walk from the parking garage is not really what I want to do. However, if the AP rates don't come out for my dates the first week of May, I might switch to Disney. And then mix a little Disney with my Universal trip. The thought of doing Universal during the day and Disney at night is pretty tempting.
Anyone know how crowded Universal is the first week of May? I wonder how important it will be to have front of the line access?

Deneen

[26555]

Originally posted by deelam
I really was thinking of staying at Disney also. But I want to make this vacation as easy on me as possible. My kid's really want to do Universal and I already have the passes for them. So having to drive, park and walk from the parking garage is not really what I want to do. However, if the AP rates don't come out for my dates the first week of May, I might switch to Disney. And then mix a little Disney with my Universal trip. The thought of doing Universal during the day and Disney at night is pretty tempting.
Anyone know how crowded Universal is the first week of May? I wonder how important it will be to have front of the line access?

Deneen

I have been then and it is not crowded at all ....... but also likely to open up to AP rates and it IS very convenient to stay onsite. I'd do it if you can just wouldn't go out and buy disney tickets when have US/IOA pass and don't like onsite US rates.

[Mainebound]

Add me to the list of people looking at codes for WDW in March. We have a vacation home for a week near AKL, and were going to add 3 nights at HRH, but I refuse to pay more for a Universal hotel (as nice as they are) than a Disney deluxe. It's crazy!

I do worry that without FOTL (which has spolied us) we will not enjoy it as much, but since we don't do coasters, I'm hoping it will be ok to stay off-site.

[AlexandNessa]

Don't forget to keep checking http://www.hotelkingdom.com for sales on the Universal properties.

Last November we were able to get a Deluxe at the PBH for $199 per night from March 24-30, and there were great sales at the HRH too. The sales pop up randomly so keep checking.

[E&B's Mom]

We have a RPR Club Level booked for 8/5 through 8/9 at AAA rate $305 per night. Just tried calling for FAN of AP, and they said it wasn't available yet. Will keep trying.

[Turner5]

Originally posted by Mainebound
Add me to the list of people looking at codes for WDW in March. We have a vacation home for a week near AKL, and were going to add 3 nights at HRH, but I refuse to pay more for a Universal hotel (as nice as they are) than a Disney deluxe. It's crazy!

I do worry that without FOTL (which has spolied us) we will not enjoy it as much, but since we don't do coasters, I'm hoping it will be ok to stay off-site.

Add us too. I got tired of waiting for Universal to come out with something. We have only been to Disney one time and never have been to Universal. I'm impressed with Disney. I guess we'll just drive to Universal one day, too.

[CrazyaboutMickey]

You've never been to Universal?!?!? You really have to go. It is quite awesome. The quality of the attractions is something you have to see to believe. I love Disney but we always have to go to both WDW and Universal when we go to Orlando. The last time we went, we stayed at AKL for 4 Disney days and then drove over to Universal HRH for 2 days at Universal. The convenience of just parking the car and having CityWalk and both parks within walking distance or a short relaxing boat ride away was GREAT and the Express line advantage was wonderful. You don't have to get any ticket or return at any particular time. You just tour at your leisure and when you come to an attraction with Express Line, you simply flash you hotel room key card and walk right in. Hope you decide to go to Universal also. Don't think you would regret the time spent there.

[deelam]

Anyone know what's up with the discounts? I'm waiting on AP's, fan club or ENT.

Deneen

[amyke]

I called Loews res line this morning and still no ENT rates out yet.

[Motherfletcher]

I called yesterday and asked for APH in January for 14th-17th. They said that the rates are out but nothing was available at RPR, HRH or PBH. I've got HRH Club @ $255 w/AAA but I'm not paying that much during their value season! I don't care if its MLK Day.

[deelam]

Does that mean the rates are loaded in for 2005. If that's the case, I guess my dates in May will not be discounted.

Deneen

[Motherfletcher]

I'm not sure if they loaded the rates for the entire year. I always have better luck calling 1-800-23 LOEWS in Arizona. They make fun of me there for calling the 1-888-837-2273 number in Canada and forget BE A STAR.

[3for Me]

Motherfletcher -

I just called the number you suggested (which I have never called before!) Checked my dates for February - she said they are not out yet - for what it is worth, you may still be able to get a good rate for your January dates.

Of course I asked if they had any idea when the rates would be out - ha ha - she said definately by January! Gee thanks;)

I know this is not very useful info., but they are becoming very stingy with their information lately.

[pathubia]

Motherfletcher, Is it possible that the HRH is sold out for MLK weekend? I just checked and nothing would come up for your dates.

I hate to book before the APH or ENT rates come out, I am always afraid that if the rooms are selling at rack or AAA they may not offer them at APH or ENT. (just my guess).

Patty

I booked APH the weekend after MLK, Jan 21 to Jan 24 APH club room at $223 plus taxes.

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I checked my dates may 23-29 for the royal pacific. (on line) APH rates are out 179.20. It is the same rate as AAA, FLO, and PCT rate. What a bummer. I think I will stick with my AAA for now because I get to count my nights toward my loews platinium. And I get to keep my free upgrade.

Come on loews lets see some deals.

By the way I think this calls for perminent status for this tread.


Kimberly

[Motherfletcher]

Originally posted by pathubia
Motherfletcher, Is it possible that the HRH is sold out for MLK weekend? I just checked and nothing would come up for your dates.

That could be the case, Patty. She probably checked and saw nothing was available and assumed APH was loaded and used up. She checked RPR and PBH with the same results. She then asked what was going on that weekend. I told her MLK and she said ,"Oh!"
Since I have ressies at HRH Club on AAA and PBH kids suite and adjoining room would they reduce the rate when APH is loaded or not since the resorts are full?

Kimberlyfamilyfv- When you put in the APH code does the room/rate description say "Annual Passholders...?"

[deelam]

My AP dates of 4/30-5/4 are not there. Neither is the fan club rates. I don't understand how Loew's determinds the dates they will discount. It's very confusing. I was thinking that my dates would be a slower time of year, therefore they would discount that timeframe. Even so with reported AP rates only being 20% off, I really don't think that would be the best deal.
So now I'm going to keep checking hotel Kingdom, and with Loew's for ENT & Fan rates.
The alternative is always a DIsney Hotel. I have an Annual pass there too, and at least they release discounts a little more evenly then Loews.

Deneen

[deelam]

Has anyone had any luck with the fan club discount?

[GoofyDad_STL]

Something interesting today. The APH rate popped up on the website for the date I am looking at, March 16 for 1 night, but the price is exactly the same as the AAA price (this is for Portofino Bay Hotel, I also checked RPR and it is sold out and HRH doesn't have an APH discount). Could they have lowered the amount of discount for APH or is it most likely due to Spring Break?

[deelam]

I checked other dates with the AP rate, and it matched AAA at only 20%. It's a bit of a let down.

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I put in the code APH. It came up with a rate of 179.20 plus tax . and just below that it said must have annual pass card to receive discount.

While I was looking I found the discounts to be more plentiful for the hard rock and portifino than I did for the royal pacific. The APH code for hard rock gave me a rate of 199.00 a night. And I had to book fewer nights to get the discounts.


Yes, Yes, Yes , Yes the Annual Pass Holder rates are out . Oh no, Oh no, Oh no there no better than AAA, PCT, or FLO.

I am hoping for better rates I don't want to pay 200 (tax included) a night when last year I paid 119 plus tax a night

[RescueRanger]

Well, I posted earlier that I went ahead and booked with WDW. I am glad I did. I just entered the dates in March we needed for Universal Hotels and the APH rates were all over 200 dollars. No way! I can stay at a WDW deluxe for alot less than Universal is wanting. I think they are trying to see how many rooms they can fill without giving a DECENT discount, then planning on giving a bigger discount later on if they don't fill the rooms. The only problem with that is people like me who are telling Universal to forget it and are going with Disney. Disney used to wait til the last minute to give out good discounts but lately they have been coming out well in advance. Universal on the other hand, is going the opposite direction, and I think that in the future they wll see that they are making a mistake. Oh well, we went to Universal for a week in June. I guess it was time to go back to WDW anyway.;)

[Mazzy]

I just got APH rate of $237.60 plus tax for the Hard Rock Hotel for 1 night - 12th April. I was originally going to book RPH, but there was only $40 difference, so I decided to go for the Hard Rock. :D

[snoopy5386]

what website are these codes supposedly working on?
thanks

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

www.loewshotels.com I have been able to use each of these codes. However, these codes may not be available for all dates. You may have to experiment with adding a day or subtracting a day.

Currently , I have found that generally these codes will not work for anything less than a 5 night stay most 6 night stay.

Royal Pacific For example, when I input May 23-28 i get rack rate. When I add a day i find AAA and PCT (this rate is referred to as the stay and save rate) become available.

When I checked Hard Rock and Portifino I found that fewer night stays were required. It is simply a matter of trial, error, and minipulation of your dates.


If you are going to a high volume time period there may be blackouts for your dates.

Don't forget to call the hotel reservations and see if they have your rates available even if the internet does not show them.

[Hilary]

Has anyone got any rates other than AAA as far out as July yet?

[deelam]

I just switched my AAA rate to PCT and saved $45. My dates are 4/30-5/4
The girl at 800-be a star told my that Fan club and ent RATES ARE NOT LOADED IN YET, BUT SHOULD BE SOON! She said to keep checking back, but told me my new rate of $175.50 is a great deal.
I really wonder if the fan club & ENT will be any better. They may only be as good as the AAA.

Deneen

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Waiting with bated breath....:rolleyes:

[Lady Cluck]

:bounce: Me Too - Release the Ent Discount!! :bounce:

[Maria395712]

deelam
what is PCT rate
maria

[d4est]

The PCT code is for "percent," if you stay 4 or 5 consecutive nights. This code gives you a discount roughly equal to AAA. It does not come up for all dates.

I called yesterday to have my ressie adjusted. I am staying 2/21-2/26. 2/21 for 234(rack) and 2/22-26 for 210.60 (AAA). When I play around with my dates I can get the PCT code to give me a rate of 198.90, would save me 12/night. So the phone calls:

1st time, got a man (very nice) who tried. He said there were no discounts availabe for 2/21 as they are sold out (knew that :( ) and now the same is true for 2/22 (glad I at least got the ressie and the AAA disc here). He tries the PCT code, but my remaining "eligible" days only total 3...no discount for me. He suggested I wait until after the 1st of the year to try again.

2nd call, immediately after I hang up, got a woman (again, very nice) who had NEVER HEARD OF PCT discount! She asked a co-worker and still nothing! She said she would ask her manager when she got in. But gave me the same info about the 21 & 22. She also encouraged me to continue trying. I asked about ENT rates and (said) even she was surprised that they weren't out yet, that it was late.

So, it looks like I may be stuck. I am willing to buy an AP, have ENT and FAN and AAA. None are doing me any good at this point.:mad:

Hope to hear good news soon!

[deelam]

My dates involved a rate drop after the first night. So the girl got her supervisor to approve a flat rate of $175.5 for my stay using PCT. It comes to 25% off. I'm real happy with this amount. I had been hoping for 40% or more off, but I don't think the good deals are coming this year.

[Lady Cluck]

Bumpa Bump, Bumpa Bump :bitelip:

[NandP]

Anyone see anything other than AAA for Aug 23-26 ???

[deelam]

Try playing with your dates a bit. Add a day, or change the dates, or go day by day to see if any AP discounts are available for your dates. I think the AP's are out. I went day by day to find out that only 2 of my days have AP discounts. The discounts were only 20%. I made out better using a length of stay (PCT Code).
I'm still check for fan club and ENT.

[d4est]

Called again today (800-23-LOEWS) and was told PCT was not coming up. Suggested I call 877-837-2273 (RPR direct) and a nice woman there got the PCT to come up, so I am now paying $234 (rack) on 2/21 and $198.90 (PCT) for 2/22-2/26...was paying 210.60 (AAA). That saves me 46.80! That's dinner one night! Yey! Hopefully more (and better) discounts will follow...

[GoofyDad_STL]

Well Loew's did it. They pissed me off enough that what originally started as a planned 2 night, 3 day stay onsite at Universal is now extra days at Walt Disney World. First there is all this nonsense with discounts (and the apparent lessening of Annual Pass discounts) and then came an e-mail string where I asked if premium level membership in another hotel chain's would be honored with Loew's First. I was told yes and asked for proof. I sent in proof that I was Starwood Gold level. They responded that this didn't qualify. That was the nail in the coffin. Good-bye Universal Studios for this year. Good-bye Loew's forever if I can avoid them.

[nursemelis374]

I am going next December, what do you guys think my rate at RPR for December 15-17 would be?

[deelam]

I just don't understand how Loew's comes up with their discounts. They are so spotty. And this year for an AP to only receive about 20% is awful. I guess Loew's figures that the word is out and people will pay no matter what. The front of the line perk and the large pools at the resorts are the draw. The rooms are in great demand. If it were up to me I would do Disney only. At least I know I would probaly get a good deal on a room. But my kids really are counting on doing Universal. So let's hope the Fan Club & ENT are good.

[bjakmom]

AP rates are out, just very limited this year. I could only get AP rates at HRH for the last weekend of Jan if I booked Sat/Sun or 3 days - just not for Fri/Sat !!! Well, I was going to book 2 rooms, but ended up taking AP rate on a kids suite instead. I can't even find any Fan club info on the web site anymore, I'm pretty sure there used to be a link, and can't pull up the site that is listed on my Fan Club card - maybe they are phasing it out? And still no Ent rates at all? Maybe business is really up this year.

[disneydebk]

I did a deposit tonight and asked if the Entertainment or Fan Club rates were loaded into their system yet. I was told "No". :rolleyes:

[SpideyHulk24]

So there are no discounts out for next year yet?

And what is this about annual pass? I will be very upset if I don't get that discount anymore.

Thanks!

[bjakmom]

That's right, SpideyHulk - things have really gone downhill without you !!! :worried:

Actually, there are some AP rates, just seem very limited and are sometimes tied to # of nights ( I couldn't get AP rates for a Fri/Sat stay, but they are available if I stay Fri/Sat/Sun or Th/Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun - go figure - the only AP rates they had for the last weekend in Jan were kids suites). So far no Ent or Fan rates out for any of next year - go figure !!

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I was checking the universal fan club website. It says that the fan club rate is only good for 25 percent off the regular room rate. If that is the case then don't expect anything cheaper than the rates that are already available.

[Merylj]

So we have a std room HRH booked through our disney specialist TA. The cost for 8 - 10 th Jan is $299 per night inc. tax. Thats for me DH and DD 17.
I can`t believe that rate :earseek: Should I get better? I `ve asked the TA last week if there are better rates - she`s say`s she will keep trying.
We don`t have AP`s, ent book. Am I panicking too soon???
Thanks
Merylj

[deelam]

If you have AAA, you can get a discounted rate. Not all Disney specialist work as hard on Universal. My TA doesn't handle Universal at all. She said that Universal won't pay them commissions, so they will not handle them.
So try AAA. If that doesn't work, try the fan club code "FAN". Since you are only staying 2 nights, you probally can't use code PCT for length of stay.

Good Luck!

[bjakmom]

Merylj - is that rate for a regular garden view room?! Keep an eye on Hotelkingdom.com - they had a sale at the end of Nov last year (though no good rates yet this year) - last year we added a couple of gv rooms through them @ 142. (included tax) and a club level for 216.- , over MLK weekend !! The sale at HK.com came and went very quickly, I was checking every day - hope they do it again this year before January, especially if Loew's doesn't release any Fan or Ent discounts !!

[DOCTORRICK]

spoke to universal yesterday.
nice lady said they hoped to have the ENT rates in the computer by "the first week in december". Not sure if that means this week or next week, but it must be very soon.

[GoofyDad_STL]

After I finally decided to not go to Universal and have been checking rates for the time I was looking at in March and now the Portofino is sold out along with the Royal Pacific. Given that they seem to not have any problems selling the rooms at full price, I do not begrudge them offering very little in the way of discounts. I am just glad I grabbed a Discounted Disney room before the discounts went away.

[Merylj]

Merylj - is that rate for a regular garden view room?
It is, I`ll just keep hoping for a better rate!

Merylj

[mia01]

Well waiting months for the ENT rates, I too bite the bullet & snagged a discounted room at Disney on the last day!

[Teris]

Grrrrrrrr,, I am trying to book a quickie weekend for my daughter's 18th birthday at the end of April, I guess either I will have to keep waiting to see if there are going to be any decent AP discounts.

I may have to book with the AAA discount,, but can you switch to the AP one if it comes out, and is better?

I don't mind booking at Disney to be honest,, this trip is to go to a concert at the House of Blues to see a music group DD loves, and didn't get to go see in concert in Mexico City. The only problem is that she and her younger sis have really outgrown Disney.

Needing that AP discount to come thru,,, lol.

[d4est]

yes, if you book with AAA and a better APH price comes out just call and tell them you want to switch...they will gladly look for the best rate for you!

[deelam]

I think the AP rates are out and are very disapointing. I would be prepaired to pay the AAA rate.

Deneen

[MK Familystone]

HI ALL!
When does the 2004 Entertainment Book Discounts Expire?
I thought I saw a Diser Poster mention, A LONG TIME AGO, that the expiration was today 12/23/04?
"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!
:jester: :jester: :jester:

[gschmerl]

The 2004 Entertainment Book is expired. Most of the things in it expired November 1, 2004. A couple coupon offers expire Dec. 23.

[Teris]

I made a ressie yesterday,, but I am not overwhelmed with the rate I got. RPR at $210 was the lowest standard room rate for the last weekend in April, and the only discount is the AAA one. No AP or ENT showing. Luckily I only need two nights. I promised this trip for DD's 18th birthday,, but I don't think I will be planning a longer trip at these prices anytime soon. A bit of a bummer really.

[Julma]

I received 199. from expedia for 4/15 - 4/23. RPR standard view.

[beattyfamily]

We skipped Universal on both WDW trips this year for the first time and we miss the Grinch so we're planning on going back again The day after Thanksgiving next year before our time at WDW.

Can I book it now? Has anyone booked the end of November 2005 yet? Seems like from what I've been reading that there aren't that many discounts left. What discount can I or should I try for? Entertainment, AAA, AP (I'd have to buy one then), Fan Club (I have the old plastic one but don't work at that company anymore) or any others? We'd like to stay at the HRH. Boy do I miss the days of $117 to $130 for a standard view!

[nursemelis374]

I was just looking for my dates next December 15-18 at RPR standard and it was only 159 with AAA. I tried FAN and ENT and this was the best I got. I think it is pretty good.

[beattyfamily]

I was just looking for my dates next December 15-18 at RPR standard and it was only 159 with AAA. I tried FAN and ENT and this was the best I got. I think it is pretty good.

After reading your post, I decided to call and book our one night November 25 (Friday after Thanksgiving) and the cheapest I could get for HRH was $237 with AAA. Regular was $264. without AAA.

Boy do I miss the first couple of years when HRH first opened and I got $117 - $129 rates for HRH.

I wonder if any lower rates will come out with Entertainment or Fan Club...

[sarhenty]

I was just looking for my dates next December 15-18 at RPR standard and it was only 159 with AAA. I tried FAN and ENT and this was the best I got. I think it is pretty good.
did you book online or did you do it over the phone?

[dtuleya]

We're thinking of staying at HRH for 2-3 nights in July. Can anybody tell me if any good rates are out for this time period? I started reading through the entire thread, but there's too much info for my little brain!

[Digger In FLA]

I think the AP rates are great. the only thing deeper is the florida resident rate. the UO AP is the best bargain in Florida, 2 years for 169.95? let's see disney ever try anything like that. :D

[goldcupmom]

AAA club 7/4 - 7/7 was 336.60. Last year late June was 274.10. OUCH!!

[Carlnne]

264 is the cheapest I am finding for HRH for July right now. Still a bit too high for me since we have had much better rates in the past.

[dtuleya]

264 is the cheapest I am finding for HRH for July right now. Still a bit too high for me since we have had much better rates in the past.

What rates have you had in the past?

[beattyfamily]

What rates have you had in the past?

I paid $129 in December 2003. It was the Fan Club rate.

[robvia]

I'm also looking at rates for July 6-9 for RPR. Weird, I type in the codes of FLO and APH and it doesn't change anything.

Last year in June, I had HRH pool view room for $174 using Ent rate.
Lowest rate online for RPR is $234, which is a seasonal rate.

Prices have gone up. It's supply and demand. Maybe I'll have to call them and play the, "is that the best the computer is showing?" trick.

[goldcupmom]

I've tried every code for july 4 - 7 and the only one that makes any difference is AAA. was the standard 10%. Better than the 384 for club tho.

[Stimpy]

did you book online or did you do it over the phone?
I was wondering this too. Where do you book this rates? TIA