Book package thru AAA or direct with Universal?

[twinklestar22]

I'm getting ready to book our vacation for the end of August and I just have a few questions. We plan on booking a package for 6 nights at Cabana Bay (standard room) and getting the 3 Park Unlimited Pass because it is cheaper than the 4 day pass and we want to take our time. There are only 3 of us, my husband, our 11 year old daughter and myself. I went to AAA and got some quotes, then checked the Universal site, and the prices seem to be about the same.

Should I book with AAA or directly through Universal? I believe we get the same features either way (EE, the HH breakfasts, Shutterbuttons sitting, etc.) With AAA we have to put down a small deposit for now but would I have to pay up Uni in full if I book thru them directly? I'm not sure about Uni's cancellation policy in case something happens or if I find a better deal before the trip. I believe I have 30 days with AAA. I haven't booked any kind of travel package in years so I'm not sure how it works. For our last trip 3 years ago we went to Disney on my sister's DVC points so I didn't deal with a package and I made all our other arrangements through Disney directly. I want to book soon before any prices go up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[HM]

Most people here don't do the packages, but buy all aspects separately to save a bit of money. Reserve the room via Universal or Loews at the Stay More Save More discount if available, get the tickets from UndercoverTourist at a discount, and just pay for the breakfast and Shutterbuttons themselves. Take a look at doing it that way and see how it works for you.

Room would have one night reservation rate, 5 day cancellation.
Tickets would be paid at time of purchase.

 

[Robo56]

Also if you book directly with Universal on the hotel stay and you see the price drop you can call them back and get them to adjust to the cheaper price.

As HM noted above it is a more cost saving idea to cost out everything separately to see if the package is a good deal.

This past spring AAA had some deals on 3 and 4 day park to park passes. Shop around I think you will do ok without a package.

 

[twinklestar22]

I just wanted to get the HP breakfast deal and I thought you could only get that with a package. Am I wrong or can you get that with room only? It also looks like some of the prices have already gone up for next year

 

[HM]

Anyone can eat breakfast in the two HP restaurants, you don't need a package to do so.

 

[damo]

I just wanted to get the HP breakfast deal and I thought you could only get that with a package. Am I wrong or can you get that with room only? It also looks like some of the prices have already gone up for next year

Sales aren't out for end of August yet. End of August usually has great prices. There are often 20% deals through Orbitz, etc on top of the stay more save more rate. I'd book now, separately, so you can cancel if you want if you see a better deal. If you get a package, you will be charged a fee to make any changes. If you book your room separately, you won't encounter any fees.

You might also want to watch for annual pass specials since the power pass would be a good deal for you guys.

 

[twinklestar22]

We were looking at the 3 park unlimited passes but I don't see them listed separately on Uni's site, only with a package. Is this possible? AP and PP really won't work for us because we won't be able to get back to Fla any time soon after our trip.

 

[damo]

We were looking at the 3 park unlimited passes but I don't see them listed separately on Uni's site, only with a package. Is this possible? AP and PP really won't work for us because we won't be able to get back to Fla any time soon after our trip.

You can buy them through www.undercovertourist.com

If an AP or PP will give you a lower rate on your room, it is a good idea. The Power Pass is only $10 more than the 3 park pass.

 

[twinklestar22]

Yes, I see that, but does it come with the Wet and Wild option? Also, can we buy just 1 PP or do I have to buy PP for everyone get the room discounts?

 

[Robo56]

Just need one Power Pass to get room discount. Needs to be in the name of the adult paying for the room