How far in advance do you book?

anricat

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 20, 2014

• Aug 25, 2016

• #1

We're planning a trip for February for our first time at Universal. We're planning to stay at RPR. I'm just wondering when the best time to book would be for the best price. Right now for the weekend we're planning, it's $241/night pretty much everywhere (directly, hotels.com, etc.)

Is the price likely to change? I'm thinking I should just book and then cancel if I see something better.

 

M

macraven

Proud Redhead

Moderator

Joined

Apr 21, 2003

• Aug 25, 2016

• #2

With Presidents' Day and kids having 3 day weekends and Valentine's Day and Mardi gras weekends, yes prices will increase as the demand for hotels will be there.

Book early to lock in your dates
You can watch your rate and if you see it drop , call and have your rate modified to the lower rate

You would need to do that quickly as the number of rooms available and the type of rooms can vary or fill up

I go yearly to UO in October for a bit over a two week stay onsite
I need to lock in my dates as Columbus Day period has sell outs with the deluxe hotels

I booked 11 months out with smsm code at $181 a night

This summer my same dates are now
about $240 a night for my stay

 

anricat

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 20, 2014

• Aug 25, 2016

• #3

Thanks. I have a reservation with hotels.com right now. It's for Feb 3-6. I got an email for a promo with a package through Universal but it's not really saving a bunch of money ($28 if I'm comparing with hotels.com plus Undercover Tourist) and I'm not ready to commit to my park tickets yet since my DH starts a new job Monday and hasn't requested the time off yet!

 

M

macraven

Proud Redhead

Moderator

Joined

Apr 21, 2003

• Aug 25, 2016

• #4

I don't know if hotels.com would modify your room rate

I used them in June this year when I went to Chicago
Got stiffed on the rate and my reward card for the hotel would not give me credit for my stay since I did a third party booking

 

smallworldnh

DIS Veteran

Joined

Mar 16, 2008

• Aug 25, 2016

• #5

I'm ready to book right now for next September, but I'm waiting for a deal or two. I'll probably just end up doing it next month!

 

M

macraven

Proud Redhead

Moderator

Joined

Apr 21, 2003

• Aug 25, 2016

• #6

I book room only and never a package as there are penalties for changes