Best way to go? AAA / AP / Stay 4 Play free

[RLMinVA]

Pardon my ignorance. I am "new" to the boards...well, new again, anyway. We have visited Universal twice using the boards extensively in planning but not in the past four years. Things have changed and, well, I'm rusty.

Here is the deal and our query: We (10 family members: Three siblings, spouses, children, and grandma) are visiting Universal in November for four nights. We have arranged tremendous air travel from Newport News, Virginia directly to Orlando. We plan to stay a the RPH. I was under the impression that we could use the AAA rate and still get the two free tickets for a four night stay. Now, I have learned that it is either/or. Either the AAA rate or the free tickets at the regular rate ($239 garden view). I have read (briefly) about annual passes and such but can't quite get my arms around it all.

We will likely not visit again in the next year and plan to stay four nights. Two siblings already have AAA memberships. The four rooms will be Two adults/ two children, Two adults/one child, Two adults, and One adult. What would the esteemed experts on Disboards suggest for best way to go?

Our trip is in your hands...

RLM

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Welcome to the Dis!
First, you're right. You can't get the free tix unless you book the reg. rate. It's usually cheaper to book your room at AAA rates then buy tix separately. Try it both ways and compare. One AAA member may book up to 2 rooms so no one else in your group should have to join AAA to get 4 rooms discounted.
You can buy tix at AAA too so compare their prices. I think the current rate is around $85 for 7 consecutive days for both parks.
To get an APH rate, you have to have a Preferred Annual Pass, not the cheaper Power Pass. This goes for around $189 and I believe you can only book 1 room per pass holder (someone please correct me if this is wrong) so I doubt this is the way to go for your group, esp. if you know for sure you won't be returning within 12 mos.

I'd also recommend joining LoewsFirst. It's free to join and gives some perks during your stay.
http://www.loews-first.com/loewsfirst_benefits.asp
I hope this helps. Good luck and have a great trip!