combining descounts?

[justustoo]

Good morning all! I am planning a US/WDW trip for May 13 for my 2 sons and I ( at US prob 5/10-13). I have several ?'s, and would appreciate any advice.
1. Does US typically due significant room discounts during this time?
2. If so, can you combine either GP rack rate room discounts or SMSM with AP discount? We are staying at HRH.
3. I am debating getting the Prem. Pass and buying 2 tix from UT> I noticed the fine print on the AP said benefits are through 12/12. Should I wait til Jan. to get the pass to make sure the benefits will be worth the expense? If so, is the best thing to do go ahead and book the room, and ask that AP discount be applied if I decide to get that?
TIA!

 

[damo]

Only one discount can be used at a time. Mid May should have some good discounts. I'd advise waiting until you see if you can get an AP room discount that is worth it before you purchase any APs.

 

[bumbershoot]

Damo, correct me if I"m wrong, but the Preferred pass gives the hotel discounts still, yes? I know it's not shown on the Universal site (at least it hasn't been in the past), but that's what we got our discounts with.

Assuming that's still so, OP you don't *have to* get the Premium APs just for the hotel discount. if that's why you were getting the highest level.

 

[damo]

Damo, correct me if I"m wrong, but the Preferred pass gives the hotel discounts still, yes? I know it's not shown on the Universal site (at least it hasn't been in the past), but that's what we got our discounts with.

Assuming that's still so, OP you don't *have to* get the Premium APs just for the hotel discount. if that's why you were getting the highest level.

yup, preferred pass is the lowest pass that give hotel discounts

 

[bumbershoot]

yup, preferred pass is the lowest pass that give hotel discounts

Thanks. I just checked on the website, and they do actually have it now in the checklist.

 

[damo]

Thanks. I just checked on the website, and they do actually have it now in the checklist.

Good to know. It wasn't on there for a long time.

 

[justustoo]

Thanks for the information! So is the bottom line that the AP discount, (combined with purchasing extra 2 tix from UT), beats other possible discounts such as SMSM, stay 4th night free? Is this like WDW where AP discounts are only certain dates, or is it always 30%? Sorry to be so clueless- I have pretty much mastered WDW vacation planning but am struggling trying to make plans for our US trip.

 

[damo]

Thanks for the information! So is the bottom line that the AP discount, (combined with purchasing extra 2 tix from UT), beats other possible discounts such as SMSM, stay 4th night free? Is this like WDW where AP discounts are only certain dates, or is it always 30%? Sorry to be so clueless- I have pretty much mastered WDW vacation planning but am struggling trying to make plans for our US trip.

If your SMSM is for a long period of time, it can match the AP rate. These discounts are only certain dates and they can sell out. You need to book your rate as soon as you see it or you might miss it. There tend to be no discounts or very small discounts during peak times, as you can expect. The lower the season, the lower the prices.

However, with the AP rate, you don't have to have the AP in hand to book it. You just need to have the AP shown to the front desk before you actually check out. They often even don't ask for it (I've had that happen at WDW too).

 

[justustoo]

Ok , I believe I've finally got it. we will just be there 3 nights, and going regular season, so unless things drastically change, I will be buying the Preferred Pass next year ( hopefully will be able to justify more trips)! thanks!