Booking Universal

[micksn]

We've booked 12 nights at CSR next August leaving the first 2 nights to stay on site at Universal. We will want 2 days 2 park tickets (Saturday 13th August and Sunday 14th August). I'm tempted with the new Saphire Falls resort, although it doesn't have express it does have early entry which is more important to us. I could be tempted with RPR if the price was right.

Where do you all tend to book? I've looked on expedia and prices seem competitive and there is always quidco cash back and I've looked at the Universal site. Do they ever offer discounts or promotions throughout the year? Just wondering whether to book tickets with an agent or direct with Universal.

In the past we've visited for one day and used Dreams Unlimited for tickets and haven't bothered with express pass. We've managed to do most of what we want and that was earlier in August.
I don't think I need to be in to much of a rush to book, just want to get the best deal possible. Thanks

 

[flortlebap]

We have just booked portofino bay through Expedia with 12% (I think?) cash back. It was more expensive booking with universal direct.

Does that qualify as an offer?

 

[DLPDreams]

I booked RPR with Hotels4U this year. Got 4 nights in August for £504 (plus 11% cb from quidco). As you know, I loved RPR. I am not sure what is happening with the hotel with regard to EE and FOLP when the new Sapphire Falls opens though as I'd read somewhere that they may regrade the hotels and some of the current offers may not be applicable. I can't recall where I read it though - maybe Orlando Informer.

We did find FOLP very useful but we were there a bit earlier from 6th August. So not sure how much that will change when you go as some of the US schools may be back/going back perhaps?

I would definitely stay at RPR again. I would potentially look at club level too, but that would depend on how much we were going to be in the hotel. I've heard HRH is good too but I didn't fancy the theming.

I'd just keep looking, but tbh I did find prices just rose after we booked. I never saw it cheaper, but then I didn't look as we were getting much nearer the trip, so not sure about last minute prices.

 

[scottishgirl87]

When we stayed at RPR for a week in 2010 we booked direct. I liked booking direct as the price went down later and I was able to call up and have our booking amended to the lower rate.

Will probably book direct again next year for the same reason unless there's a really good price elsewhere.

 

[micksn]

Thanks all! That was a good price for RPR I'm getting 510 for 2 nights! Saphire Falls is cheaper (as long as it opens on time!) Hotels 4U does look competitive - thanks for that recommendation. I guess I'll just keep shopping around, but won't book direct with Universal.
Anyone any advice on where to get tickets?

 

[jothp]

When I was first looking at prices hotels4u was the cheapest place. I did notice that the price per night went down the more nights you booked. By the time I got around to booking their prices had gone up and believe it or not I actually got a better price through BA! We bought our tickets through FloridaTix but they were 14 day tickets. I'm not sure where to advise if you want less days.

 

[DLPDreams]

I think the 14 day ticket works out the best deal for UK visitors. Chmurf did buy an annual pass I think (and may have got room discount too) - so it may be worth asking his advice. Scrap that, just realised, it's not worth it for 2 nights. Yes, we were pleased with our hotel deal. I think we booked it around summer last year, for this summer, so about a year out. And Joth is right - the longer stay kicked in - it was £4 more per room for the 4th night!

We got our tickets from Orlando Attraction Tickets but it's just a case of shopping around. I think Joolz got a great deal from someone but I can't recall who - think it was about £3 cheaper per ticket than ours was. I think US tickets are very good value anyway for what you get. We also bought photo connect and while we didn't get that many official photos (not that many official photographers wandering about), the ride photos alone made it worthwhile for us - I've never laughed so much reviewing them!! I think it's gone up quite a bit this year though since we bought.

 

[joolz1910]

I think the 14 day ticket works out the best deal for UK visitors. Chmurf did buy an annual pass I think (and may have got room discount too) - so it may be worth asking his advice. Scrap that, just realised, it's not worth it for 2 nights. Yes, we were pleased with our hotel deal. I think we booked it around summer last year, for this summer, so about a year out. And Joth is right - the longer stay kicked in - it was £4 more per room for the 4th night!

We got our tickets from Orlando Attraction Tickets but it's just a case of shopping around. I think Joolz got a great deal from someone but I can't recall who - think it was about £3 cheaper per ticket than ours was. I think US tickets are very good value anyway for what you get. We also bought photo connect and while we didn't get that many official photos (not that many official photographers wandering about), the ride photos alone made it worthwhile for us - I've never laughed so much reviewing them!! I think it's gone up quite a bit this year though since we bought.[/QUOT

 

[joolz1910]

No idea what I just did?

Anyway, I booked HRH through Hotels4U and got cashback through Quidco. We got the deluxe queen room for 2 nights for around £400. Absolutely loved it - so close to parks and City Walk. The Express Pass was brilliant. I wouldn't hesitate to book again. I also bought my tickets (14 day ones) from Attraction Tix. They price-matched TCD but it was a glitch.

 

[micksn]

Thanks everyone!
Hotels4U does seem to be cheapest but quidco no longer have cash back with them. Need to work out if Expedia is just as cheap when cash back is factored in! Expedia also offer free cancellation so if I book and then a better deal comes along I can allways cancel. RPR/HRH do seem a lot more this year, perhaps Saphire Falls has pushed prices up!