Checking in with a APH and a Lowes Rewards Membership Question

[wdwlovin'family]

This is a two-fold question:

First, We just decided to take the plunge and book our Universal Orlando Resort vacation for next month. We have chosen to purchase one AP to get the benefits. We're coming from WI and buying our tickets and AP online. Do we need to go to the theme parks first to activate the AP before we check in to the hotel? (we're staying at PBR) Is there a desk/kiosk at the resort that we can activate our pass at? What is the best way to save ourselves time and frustration?

Secondly, I have heard that there is a rewards membership that you should join to get benefits at Lowes hotel. Where do I find this membership and what are the benefits?

 

[macraven]

you can sign up at the Loews website for the YouFirst program.
all rules and info will be listed there.

activate your AP at the parks.
you can show it to the check in counter during your stay.

if you buy the preferred annual pass, it will allow you 10% off of food and merch in the parks, city walk, hotels..
if you book with the preferred annual pass, the room rate will reflect the discount.

the premiun annual pass costs more but allows other benefits and a 15% discount off of food, hotels and merch in the parks and some city walk.

 

[Choozee]

Would the AP dining discounts apply to all in park dining or just a few? Is there a list of participating restaurants?

 

[macraven]

i've used my ap for food discounts everywhere in the parks excluding the carts.