Blackout Dates and Deposit at Universal

[mikey1]

Hi.
I noticed on the Universal Studios hotel booking site, that rates are subject to blackout dates. We are thinking of booking for July 4th 5th 6th 7th 2007.
Are these likely to be affected?
Also, if we were to cancel within the next few months, do we get all of the deposit back?
Thanks in advance.

 

[mikey1]

Nobody know?

 

[bubba's mom]

I don't know if July 4th is a blackout date for the hotel, you can call and ask them, (I think it is w/ Power Pass), but, I do know if you book online, you usually aren't charged a deposit on your credit card...you have 5 days prior to arrival to cancel your res.

 

[goofy!]

Black out dates:
Are you referring to the Power Pass black out dates or special rates at the onsite properties?

If you are referring to special rates, usually there are not many discounts during major holidays. July 4th and the few days before and after traditionally have had higher rates than later in the month or earlier in June.

As for booking and deposit, different reservations have different rules. I believe there are some Universal Vacations that mandate full payment 45 days in advance. Not sure what the refund policy is on those, as we never book packages. We have always found it to be cheaper to book everything separately.

If you book hotel room only through Loewshotels.com or the universal website, it tells you it will charge your credit card for one night's stay. This deposit is completely refundable up to 5 days before your scheduled arrival date. However, those on this board, myself included, have never been charged the one night's deposit when booking online. However, that does not mean that it absolutely won't happen.

They usually DO charge the one night's deposit if you book the hotel only by phone, either with Loew's reservations or through Universal. But again, this is one night + tax, and it is completely refundable up to 5 days before arrival.

 

[bubba's mom]

July 4th and the few days before and after traditionally have had higher rates than later in the month or earlier in June.

We checked out July 2, this year, and still received AAA discount for all our nights (6/27-7/1)....booked for next year at AAA rate...same rate for all dates again (6/26-7/1).

 

[mikey1]

That's good to know.
Anything to stop me making 2 different reservations within a 10 day period and cancelling one closer to the day?

 

[bubba's mom]

Anything to stop me making 2 different reservartions within a 10 day period and cancelling one closer to the day?

nope....just be sure to watch the date to cancel by so you don't get charged 1 night stay for cancelling too late........

 

[mikey1]

Thankyou.

 

[bubba's mom]

You're welcome......... .........that's what we're all here for.

 

[goofy!]

July 4th and the few days before and after traditionally have had higher rates than later in the month or earlier in June.

We checked out July 2, this year, and still received AAA discount for all our nights (6/27-7/1)....booked for next year at AAA rate...same rate for all dates again (6/26-7/1).

That is fantastic that you got such a good deal on your room. In my experience, although the AAA are still available during peak holidays, they just are not as good as re and post the holiday. Right now, the AAA price for the RPR during the dates the OP suggested at RPR are $191.00 + change per night. Which is currently a bit more than we have been seeing for non-holiday times.

OP - your best bet is to just keep checking rates. It is not unknown for the rates to drop shortly before a specific time frame.

 

[bubba's mom]

OP - your best bet is to just keep checking rates. It is not unknown for the rates to drop shortly before a specific time frame.

2007 wil be the first year we'll have AP's....so, hoping the rates come down further for AP than AAA...if not, oh well still goin' anyways!!