1st Time at US w/ young kids - Help!

[luv2travelmommy]

We are going on a cruise leaving Port Canaveral Oct 6th (Monday). We plan to drive to FL from Nashville TN leaving Friday 10/3 and staying the night as close to Orlando as possible without actually being right at the parks. -- Figured why spend more $$ - so we hope to stay about 30 miles outside the theme park areas.

Then Saturday morning get up early and head toward Universal. We'll visit US and IOA Sat 10/4 and Sun 10/5 and then after we're done Sunday evening we'll drive to the Port Canaveral area and stay the night there to catch the ship the next morning.

I have a tentantive room booked now at Doubletree which is suppose to be right outside the gates of US. The rate with tax (including breakfast) is $167. Plus we'll have to pay $15 each day for parking at the hotel and $15 each day to park at US. We only need the hotel for one night. So all in all the hotel plus parking comes to $227. Again we get a full buffet breakfast included.

I am thinking about changing to stay instead the one night at Royal Pacific hotel at US. I can get a rate of $299 including taxes with a $20 rebate that will be mailed to me. this is a rate using the Entertainment Club book/card. I think they said I would also get three 50% off coupons for area restaurants though not sure if they are really worth anything or would even fit into our plans.

I believe I read that there is parking fee of $15 at the Royal Pacific hotel. Would we have to pay for 1 day or 2?

So it seems my options are:
Doubletree = $227 with breakfast (incld 2 days parking @ hotel & US)
RPH = $309 w/o breakfast (incld $20 rebate & $30 for 2 dys parking @ hotel)
(4) 2 day/2 park passes = $298

Basically we'd be paying $82 more for FOTL passes and easier access to the parks.

We consist of: myself and my husband, our 13 yr old daughter, 5 year old daughter and 1 yr old son.

During this time of the year (Sat and Sun beginning of October) are the crowds usually large enough that the FOTL passes are very useful?

Is the fact that RPH is closer to the parks going to be a big plus if we want to bring the kids back to the hotel for a nap?

Is $82 worth it alone for not having to hassel with driving and parking and tram to entrance if staying instead off site?

I can also get 2 day/2 park passes by using a code I found somewhere online (Nestle08) directly from US by calling their 800# and then I believe I get the passes by visiting the kiosk at the parks. The total cost is $298 ($74 each). It is not the 7 day unlimited but that pass more than $20 more than this offer and we really only need 2 days.

We are not members of AAA and do not have Annual Passes. I would not necessarily be opposed to joining AAA or buying (1) AP if the savings woudl make it worthwhile.

My husband is a firefighter and as such a government employee and I know sometimes discounts are offered there but I have not found any at US or the hotel.

Sorry to go on and on -- I am a Disney pro (been there 15 times) but never ventured off Disney property. Trying US this time and I seem like a complete Newbie! Thanks for any help!!!!!

What would you do? Any suggestions?

 

[damo]

We are going on a cruise leaving Port Canaveral Oct 6th (Monday). We plan to drive to FL from Nashville TN leaving Friday 10/3 and staying the night as close to Orlando as possible without actually being right at the parks. -- Figured why spend more $$ - so we hope to stay about 30 miles outside the theme park areas.

Then Saturday morning get up early and head toward Universal. We'll visit US and IOA Sat 10/4 and Sun 10/5 and then after we're done Sunday evening we'll drive to the Port Canaveral area and stay the night there to catch the ship the next morning.

I have a tentantive room booked now at Doubletree which is suppose to be right outside the gates of US. The rate with tax (including breakfast) is $167. Plus we'll have to pay $15 each day for parking at the hotel and $15 each day to park at US. We only need the hotel for one night. So all in all the hotel plus parking comes to $227. Again we get a full buffet breakfast included.

I am thinking about changing to stay instead the one night at Royal Pacific hotel at US. I can get a rate of $299 including taxes with a $20 rebate that will be mailed to me. this is a rate using the Entertainment Club book/card. I think they said I would also get three 50% off coupons for area restaurants though not sure if they are really worth anything or would even fit into our plans.

I believe I read that there is parking fee of $15 at the Royal Pacific hotel. Would we have to pay for 1 day or 2?

So it seems my options are:
Doubletree = $227 with breakfast (incld 2 days parking @ hotel & US)
RPH = $309 w/o breakfast (incld $20 rebate & $30 for 2 dys parking @ hotel)
(4) 2 day/2 park passes = $298

Basically we'd be paying $82 more for FOTL passes and easier access to the parks.

We consist of: myself and my husband, our 13 yr old daughter, 5 year old daughter and 1 yr old son.

During this time of the year (Sat and Sun beginning of October) are the crowds usually large enough that the FOTL passes are very useful?

Is the fact that RPH is closer to the parks going to be a big plus if we want to bring the kids back to the hotel for a nap?

Is $82 worth it alone for not having to hassel with driving and parking and tram to entrance if staying instead off site?

I can also get 2 day/2 park passes by using a code I found somewhere online (Nestle08) directly from US by calling their 800# and then I believe I get the passes by visiting the kiosk at the parks. The total cost is $298 ($74 each). It is not the 7 day unlimited but that pass more than $20 more than this offer and we really only need 2 days.

We are not members of AAA and do not have Annual Passes. I would not necessarily be opposed to joining AAA or buying (1) AP if the savings woudl make it worthwhile.

My husband is a firefighter and as such a government employee and I know sometimes discounts are offered there but I have not found any at US or the hotel.

Sorry to go on and on -- I am a Disney pro (been there 15 times) but never ventured off Disney property. Trying US this time and I seem like a complete Newbie! Thanks for any help!!!!!

What would you do? Any suggestions?

I would go for one night onsite. It just saves so much commuting time when you only have a few days. You will pay for one night's parking and you won't have to worry about FOTL since it is included. You might want to check Portofino or Hard Rock prices for a deluxe room since they offer more space for 5 people. Call Loews and ask them if they have any rates that might work, don't rely on the website. There are offers that aren't available on the website.

 

[swilshire]

You mention trams from the parking, but that's your Disney experience speaking. Universal's parking is in two garages and you just walk and ride elevators or escalators to the park. It can be a longish walk if you get there when the parking is on the full side, so be sure and bring the stroller for the babe.

I'm not sure what the transportation from the hotel is like.

Sheila

 

[scammermom]

Yes, I would say it's worth it for the FOTL pass for all of you on a Saturday during Halloween season when they have HHNs. You can check into your hotel first thing on Sat morning and if your room isn't ready, they will store your luggage. You'll get your hotels keys for FOTL and take a quick boat ride over.
You will really enjoy that FOTL pass with a 1 and 5 year old! You'll be able to do more and see more!

 

[Melanie230]

We drive in from Raleigh, NC. Usually we stay at the Country Inn Suites, but DH wants to stay at the Embassy Suites. AAA rate on that with tax is $140. You also get the managers reception that includes heavy appetizers and the next morning you get a cooked to order breakfast. I think that is a really good deal and the hotel is gorgeous! We stay onsite for our vacation because the convience and FOTL is great!

 

[macraven]

if you stay saturday night on site and leave sunday evening, you are paying only for one night of parking, $15

 

[happymommy]

I checked on the Universal website for you. The Hard Rock has an Annual Pass rate of $234 for a garden view room for your date. Don't know if that is worth it for you to get one AP.

I would also stay onsite - for ease I'd do it the night you drive in also (but that's just me) since I know what a pain it is to pack up and unpack a family, plus you'll do that in Port Canaveral as well.

If it were me and money were no object, I'd stay the whole 3 nights there at US and then drive over to the port - it's not that long of a drive. On our cruise last spring we flew in the night before and stayed at the Sheraton in Cocoa Beach. We got to the port SO EARLY but it was fun - exciting to see the ship and wait in the terminal. Got onboard quickly and the kids went right into the pool.

If you do the 3 nights, the rate went down - I checked the RPR was $204, the HRH was $234 I think, and the PBH was $254 (super saver rate).

Not my money! Sorry I just couldn't resist - I always start out small when we plan a trip, then some monster in me takes over and we add little things, then well... My husband is a Marine, but I don't know when or if they offer any discounts for military. I tried for our trip in 2 weeks, but no discount.

 

[2Kds2K9]

I will never stay offsite again! My new mantra. We just got back and stayed at the RPH. The walk from the hotel to IOA is about 5-7 minutes, at most. It was very easy to come back in the afternoon for a quick rest.

The Universal Express makes it all worthwhile. Your kids will be spoiled after this. Most rides you just walk right on. Some of the more heavily attended attractions, like The Simpsons, you might wait 5-10 minutes.

For the ease of getting back to the hotel for a rest and for the FOTL only, I'd stay on-site.

A hint for breakfast. The first morning we ate at the "continental breakfast" in the lobby. Very good, but very pricey. Don't enjoy paying $3.00 for A donut. We found it much cheaper to eat in the parks for breakfast. There are bakeries right at the entrance that are good and reasonable.

Enjoy!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

You mention trams from the parking, but that's your Disney experience speaking. Universal's parking is in two garages and you just walk and ride elevators or escalators to the park. It can be a longish walk if you get there when the parking is on the full side, so be sure and bring the stroller for the babe.

I'm not sure what the transportation from the hotel is like.

Sheila

The hotels all have a walking path (5-15 mins walk, depending on which hotel). They also all have free water taxi service.

 

[macraven]

correct me homies if i have this wrong....

think it is pastamore that has the quick service counter for breakfast in city walk. it is cheap compared to the hotels breakfast of a doughnut.

cinnabon good for bfast pastries also.

 

[luv2travelmommy]

Thanks so much for all the great advise. We are definately going to go ahead and stay on site. And the tipes about what to do with breakfast plans are perfect.

Has anyone had any luck getting an onsite hotel on Hotwire.com for a lower price?