Can you help with some basic information please?

[MrsJobba1]

Hi,

It has been quite a few years since our last visit to Universal, so when we visit FL in 2008 we would like to visit. (Never been to city walk)

I really like the sound of Hardrock Hotel and have afew basic questions.

1 When are 2008 prices out for booking?
2 Does the hotel of transport to IOA or US? Or even how far away is it from US- I have no idea where it is
3 If we arrive early in the morning can we check in , leave our bags and then go to the park. (I appreciate rooms wont be available until the afternoon)
4 How where do you buy park tickets if staying at the hotel, can you have it linked to your reservation?

Thanks for your help
I really am in the dark

 

[Beckles]

1. As a general rule for all hotels (and airlines too), you can only book 330 (or is it 331?) days in advance.

2. You can take a bus or boat to the parks from any of the on-site hotels (Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific), however, from the Hard Rock you're wasting your time because it's just as quick to walk.

3. Yes.

4. You can buy them in advance from wherever, at the park when you get there, or you can buy a package that includes it with your hotel room. Usually there are better deals to be had getting your hotel reservation and tickets separately. It may be worth it to you to buy at least one Preferred Annual Pass to get the Annual Passholder hotel rates.

 

[macraven]

beckles has it down pat.
good answers.


check the uo website frequently to see what "deals" are going on.
promos come and go and you can beat the packages by booking things separately.

recently there was a $85 cost for a 5 (or was it 7 day) park ticket multi day pass. it was a 2 park pass.

the bealls promo has ended, it was ap for 2 years for $179. great deal that i hooked up with. cheaper than the recent promos.

some packages have free tickets to the park when you book a 4 day stay.
sometimes food is free in packages. it just depends on the promo at the time.

i have used packages only when i come out ahead financially.

last year a big promo was stay 3 nights on site and get a 4th night free.

in chgo area the AAA membership is $45 a year. universal gives decent discounts for AAA holders on room rates, tickets and merch/food in the park and some places in city walk.

ap rates also good as beckles mentioned.

transportation is a breeze at universal.
water taxis are provided at all three hotels. with hrh being the closest to the parks, you can walk it in 5 minutes.

walking from one park to the other takes minutes.
walking to city walk, just as easy.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Thanks you for your answers.

We now really want to book for Aug 2008.

We are in UK and dont have AAA but I understand you can get a loews card?(hopefully they will send to the uk)

Is it best to book direct with the hotel? or is there a TA that specialises in HRH ?

Thanks

 

[macraven]

i think booking is 330 days out. i could be wrong on that though.


you can book thru the websites of loews or universal for the hotels.
or you can call the hotel direct.