Did I make a booking mistake? Kind of long...

[crazymama]

I FINALLY got off my keester and booked PBH over the phone this am (for March 07). The very nice young woman who helped me quoted a promotion they have currently going... book PBH for the rate of $439 per night and get 2 free adult 7 day admissions to the parks. Now, I had planned to book at the AAA/CAA rate of $395 per night (this is for club deluxe). I did some quick mental math (which apparently isn't so good) and thought it sounded like an okay deal. But... once off the phone (no pressure) I started calculating and this isn't that great a deal.. that is if Universal offers their ticket deals for 2007 like they did for 2006. We are a family of 5 and 2 of our kids are 9 and under. By my calculation... the room is costing us an extra $176 over AAA rates(staying 4 nights total). Would still have to buy 3 more tickets for the kids (currently $300 for internet rates) for a total of $476. If we wait and hope to get a free tickets deal it would cost us $300 (3 adults and the 2 free kids thrown in.) My questions are as follows... anybody got a crystal ball and want to venture a guess as to whether Universal will offer the ticket deals for 07? What has the trend been in past years? Do "deals" seem to get carried over? Question 2, if we hold onto this rate for now, can I drop back to the AAA rate in a few months when USO posts new ticket prices? PHEWWW! So many questions!!

 

[Motherfletcher]

You can cancel your ressies and rebook up to 5 days before arrival. If you buy tickets now they would still be good in March.
From Mousesavers.com:
Buy an adult 5-day ticket (described as a 2-Day/2-Park Ticket with 3 Days FREE) for $99.95 plus tax ($106.45 with tax) and get a FREE child's 5-day ticket ticket (ages 3-9) with each adult ticket purchased! Yep, that's one adult and one child ticket, each good for 5 consecutive days' admission, for LESS than the price of an adult 2-Day/2-Park ticket at the gate!

Must be purchased be used by 12/31/06. Choose the "2-Day/2-Park Ticket - Kids FREE & 3 Days FREE" option. Can only be ordered online through this special link at the Universal Studios web site.

 

[crazymama]

I don't go by the name Crazymama for nuthin'! So... for some reason I thought the ticket deal had to be used by December 06. If I understand you correctly, I can buy the tickets at that great price now and use them in March. Wow.. I am such a goof. I will get on cancelling and rebooking that room under the CAA rate asap! Thanks so much!

 

[RAZ24]

Wow- Do the rates change that much (AAA) from Dec to March? I have a ressie club deluxe level for 3rd week in Dec. for 287.50. I made it with American Express membership rewards because part of our stay we are using points, but the remainder they made for me with AAA rate.

Like the other poster said, you can always change your ressie if you find something better.

Good Luck-
Christine

 

[Cinderella822]

I don't go by the name Crazymama for nuthin'! So... for some reason I thought the ticket deal had to be used by December 06. If I understand you correctly, I can buy the tickets at that great price now and use them in March. Wow.. I am such a goof. I will get on cancelling and rebooking that room under the CAA rate asap! Thanks so much!

The deal with the kids tickets does expire 12/31/06. I just checked - "must be used by 12/31/06". The deal for the regular "three days for free" has no expiration. I emailed Universal to be sure as I may purchase those now for use next summer.

 

[crazymama]

Thanks for pointing that out. Please post with the reply from Universal once you get it. I will hold tight for now! These rates seem a little crazy to me. I realize PBH is a beautiful hotel but if you would have asked me 6 months ago if I would pay over $400 a night for a room I would have choked on my coffee! I know the amenities add up but... these four nights are going to cost a bundle! Oh well... you only live once! Right?

 

[Cinderella822]

This was the response from Universal about the tickets I questioned. There are the adult tickets - buy 2 days/get 3 days free. There are not the tickets that include free kids tickets - those expire 12/31/06. You can contact them directly - by phone or email - if you need further clarification on the tickets. Good luck.

Hello ,
Thank you for your interest in Universal Vacations, this ticket does not have a expiration date, you may purchase your ticket and use it on your trip next year, for more information reply back or please contact one of our Travel Counselors at (407) 224-7840. Someone will be able to assist you.

Thank you for your attention.
Cordially
Melvin
Online Customer Care Representative
www.reservations@universalorlando.com

 

[crazymama]

Thanks for the update! This ticket thing is a guessing game. I sure wish I could buy the free kids tickets package. That would save a bundle. I am excited about staying at PBH tho'. HRH looked like fun too.. it was a hard decision but I opted for a bit more space for the 5 of us to spread out!

 

[Cinderella822]

We stayed at PBH last month and fell in love with it. As a matter of fact, I just got done booking our room for next summer. Can't wait to go back. I'm going to buy my tickets now as 5 days for $99 seems too good to pass up. I think you'll really enjoy PBH.