AAA Offer ...?

[sunshine1010]

I have my reservation for March 2009 in place (at regular rack so far since discounts...AAA/SS...aren't out yet). The other day, I received my AAA magazine I receive from time to time. On page 40 (for those who get the magazine), there is an offer that states:

"Universal Orlando - Book a two or more nights' stay at on-site Loews Hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific) and receive a $25 BP Gas Card per night at check-in (maximum of 4 cards) and "front of the line access" to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. Florida members can also get a 1-Day/1-Park ticket for only $54.95 or all members get a 1-Day/2-Park ticket for only $64.95."

My questions are:
-Has anyone used this deal?
-Would I have to cancel my existing reservation and reserve a room through AAA?
-Can I keep my existing reservation, use this special AND get a AAA rate when they come out?
-Can I keep my existing reservation, use this special AND use the SS rate (instead of the AAA) rate when it comes out?

Thanks in advance ----

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I believe you can just call USO to switch to a different rate. I always recheck prices until right before we leave and switch to a cheaper rate if available. Just be sure to have them email you your new rate so you have something in writing before you leave.

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

Hi there,

I'm going to follow your planning process since I'm planning a trip for Nov. '09. I've seen some of your other posts/questions and the resulting answers and we're looking for some of the same info.

I actually booked my Nov. '09 stay at RPR (last night). I booked 11/2-11/8/09, RPR Club Room at rack rate ($349/night for 4 nights and then $369 for the final two nights) .The agent said no special rates or promotions are out yet for this time period. I'm going to keep checking and changing my ressie as the promos come out.

It was funny since the agent actually laughed at me for booking so early. She said "You're sure looking ahead, it's not even Nov. '08 yet".

I wanted to say "Honey, you've got NO idea!"

I may be wrong but I think you can only use one promo at a time. So, I don't think you can get AAA rate AND use a gas card promo. Would be great if you could though!

In any case, keep me in the loop!

 

[ky07]

Hi there,

I'm going to follow your planning process since I'm planning a trip for Nov. '09. I've seen some of your other posts/questions and the resulting answers and we're looking for some of the same info.

I actually booked my Nov. '09 stay at RPR (last night). I booked 11/2-11/8/09, RPR Club Room at rack rate ($349/night for 4 nights and then $369 for the final two nights) .The agent said no special rates or promotions are out yet for this time period. I'm going to keep checking and changing my ressie as the promos come out.

It was funny since the agent actually laughed at me for booking so early. She said "You're sure looking ahead, it's not even Nov. '08 yet".

I wanted to say "Honey, you've got NO idea!"

I may be wrong but I think you can only use one promo at a time. So, I don't think you can get AAA rate AND use a gas card promo. Would be great if you could though!

In any case, keep me in the loop!

I wouldn't feel bad about the early planning cause we was just there this july and now planning for july 2009 and get the same laughs but hey been to orlando and universal enough to know as far as waiting till the last second to book your hotel and you will pay out your teeth if you wait too long .

 

[sunshine1010]

EPRV ---

Hi! Well, we'll be learning together then. I've never been to the Royal Pacific Resort, and I was at Universal over 12 years ago. Everything has changed drastically.

I'll keep my eyes out for your posts as well. You can email me: redhead01@charter.net

You'll be at Universal in November of 09 huh?....well, I'll be at Disney around the same time as you. I wonder what crowds are like during that time.

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

Well, I can definitely help with Disney in November. I did Disney 7 days/6 nights, POP Century from 11/6 to 11/13/07. It was a fabulous time to go. Crowds were probably slightly heavier at the end of our week (it was Jersey week). But, we hardly waited for anything. And the weather was fantastic. 80's, sunny, no rain at all. The kids were able to swim in the afternoons. And the evenings were cooler (hoodie weather). So, if I can help, let me know.

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

I wouldn't feel bad about the early planning cause we was just there this july and now planning for july 2009 and get the same laughs but hey been to orlando and universal enough to know as far as waiting till the last second to book your hotel and you will pay out your teeth if you wait too long .

I agree about booking early. Especially if you can make all sorts of changes before the trip!

So, let 'em laugh!

 

[sunshine1010]

Exactly when is Jersey week every year? Is there a set time....for example---- 2nd week, or something like that?

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

Exactly when is Jersey week every year? Is there a set time....for example---- 2nd week, or something like that?

Jersey week is typically the first week in November. We "Jersey people" have the Thursday and Friday of that week off from school. (Teacher conference days) So, many of us make the trek to Orlando. Most people extend the 2 days off (pull kids from school) and make it a 5-6 day "weekend". Since the days off start on Thursday, that's when the parks get the most crowded.

In '07 we left earlier and arrived in Orlando on Tues of that week. MGM (I mean Hollywood Studios ) was very light on Wednesday. Thursday at Epcot was a bit heavier and then by Friday the parks were starting to be a bit crowded.

Funny story is: Since there are so many Jerseyites going to the parks at the same time, many people make plans to meet up etc. We didn't do this since, well, I see these people all the time, why would I want to eat dinner with them on my family vacation? Well, we managed to run into a family we know very well (whose children in fact use the same sitter), not just once but twice during the first two days we were there....

With a bit of organization (which you seem to have in spades ), we were able to avoid waiting too long for anything. OK except for at Animal Kingdom but that's a whole other story....

 

[sunshine1010]

Hhhmmmm.....I'm glad you told me about the Jersey Week. I'd heard of it, but had no idea if it followed some sort of schedule. That DEFINITELY helps me plan on WHEN I will go in November of next year to Disney. Thank you so much.

And thanks for the compliment on being organized. Yes, sometimes that can be a great asset, other times, not so great. he he. But you seem to be in top-notch shape in regards to your planning too.

I agree, the planning can't be early enough. I've seen dozens of posts on all the internet boards that talk about how they were disappointed in themselves for waiting till the last minute. I suppose I'm trying to avoid some bumpy roads and some things like that! I am NOT a procrastinator. So I feel as though, ....."why not do it now?".

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We went last Nov. for Jersey Week. Our kids had Election Day off too so they only missed 2 days. We went from Sat before until the Tues. after.

It was really empty up until that Fri @ AK. EE had a 20 min wait at 10 am but a 200 min wait when we were leaving! Never saw numbers like that in my life! We usually make Saturdays our "relax by the pool day" anyway since no matter when we go, Sats are always more crowded. Sun-Tues, we stayed onsite at Universal. There, your room key is an unlimited fast pass so no worries there.

In 2004 we went to MK on the Sat at the end of Jersey week. I should've known better when I saw it would be open til midnight. (That means it will take you that long to ride everything.) It was so jam packed you could hardly walk. From then on we made Sats our pool day.

 

[macraven]

i always book early when it comes to the universal hotels.

last year i left on october 14 for home.

on oct 20 2007, i booked my room for hrh for october 08.
then booked air jan. 1st........


it's the packing that is the killer for me.
each year i say i will be organized and pack the week or 2 prior.

and, each year i am up to midnight on my departure day packing....

 

[lisaross]

hoping you guys can help, this will be my 1st time to Universal - we are planning a August 09 trip - split between Universal and Disney - planning on staying 3 nights in Universal at the Royal Pacific - triple A said its 249.00 a night - seems a bit high - but anyway - do discounts for room only usually come out? i already got Universal tickets through Costco. Thanx - and those whom have done split trips - i'm assuming its better to stay in Universal then travel from disney a few days?

thanx

lisa

 

[rpbert1]

Definetly better staying at Universal than travelling from Disney.
I failed to take advice on here when we first went. Advice was to stay at Universal after Disney, and they where right, so i now stay at Universal ,and if i want to go to Disney travel there from Universal.
Discounts will become available ,usually within a month or so, Triple A and Supersaver rates.

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

i always book early when it comes to the universal hotels.

last year i left on october 14 for home.

on oct 20 2007, i booked my room for hrh for october 08.
then booked air jan. 1st........


it's the packing that is the killer for me.
each year i say i will be organized and pack the week or 2 prior.

and, each year i am up to midnight on my departure day packing....

I did the same thing last year! I planned, booked my hotel and air 8 months out, made all my ADR's at 180 days.

Then.... well... I packed some things a week before BUT I was up till all hours the night before finishing the suitcases...

Go figure!!

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

hoping you guys can help, this will be my 1st time to Universal - we are planning a August 09 trip - split between Universal and Disney - planning on staying 3 nights in Universal at the Royal Pacific - triple A said its 249.00 a night - seems a bit high - but anyway - do discounts for room only usually come out? i already got Universal tickets through Costco. Thanx - and those whom have done split trips - i'm assuming its better to stay in Universal then travel from disney a few days?

thanx

lisa

Hi Lisa,

I just booked RPR (see earlier post) for Nov '09. Rates are rack and quite high. I suggest booking for your time period and then modifying your ressie as the promotions/rates come in.