First Time at Universal

[rileyroosmom]

I've been to Disney many times, but never Universal.
I was thinking of taking a short trip to Disney over Thanksgiving, but thought today that I would check out Universal.
I went to Universalstudios.com and found the Royal Pacific for 4 nights 11/20-11/24 for $1,311.75. This includes 2 free tickets for up to 7 day admissions to both parks. I would have to buy 2 more tickets for my other kids. Is this a good deal, or can I do better? Do I need to stay onsite?
It will be me, my 2 sons 14 and 10 and my 6 year old daughter.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Oh yeah, trying to make this a "budget" trip.

 

[glencoe]

Hi riley! We seem to be on the same vacation theme. I remember you on the boards in the same sections my last two disney visits! I am going to us/ioa and sea world in two weeks. I have booked my family for 4 nights (they had a deal if you stay 4 nights you get two free unimited 7 day adult passes) at the Royal Pacific. I was told w/ front of line passes by staying onsite you can get the parks done much quicker -so it is worth the money . We are not doing Disney this summer , but thought we would try US since we are short on time. I can fill you in more when I get back however-

 

[rileyroosmom]

hi glencoe! That is funny about our vacation themes. That deal is the one I'm looking at. Where did you purchase extra tickets from? Would love to hear about your trip.....have a great time!!!!

 

[goofy!]

Have you checked the AAA website? Even if you don't have AAA, it is sometimes worth it to buy the AAA membership and get the room discounts. And then you can use the AAA membership for discounts at the parks and restaurants.

Your rates for AAA at RPR for 11/20 - 11/24 are
191.20 for 11/20
233.10 for 11/21 - 11/24
Total: 890.50

(4) 7 day tickets @ $86.00 each = $344.00
Total: $1234.50 (but includes all 4 of your tickets)

It is usually cheaper to book your room separately from the tickets. If you buy the package, you are locked into those prices.

Universal often discounts rooms just weeks before a travel date. Although your dates are over the busy Thanksgiving holiday, there is still a slight chance the rooms will go down.

With AAA, you also are eligible for LoewsFirst benefits.

Hope this helps your planning.

 

[rileyroosmom]

Goofy
What is Lowesfirst benefits? Thanks!

 

[goofy!]

Goofy
What is Lowesfirst benefits? Thanks!

Here are the benefits
www.loewsfirst.com

Also, AlexandNessa has a great LoewsFirst primer on this board. It explains everything much better than the Loews website. Here is the link:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477443

But basically, starting out, you will be LoewsFirst Blue. This will get you a welcome gift in your room. You choose your preferences when you fill out your LoewsFirst application. We always get the milk and cookies. But there are options for wine/nuts, beer/nuts, water/fruit, local gift, etc.

As you progress through the Blue/Gold/Platinum ranks, there are better and better opportunities for upgrades, culminating at a guaranteed upgrade to a suite at Platinum.

As a LoewsFirst member, you also get free access to the gym and all the amenities there. It is great for showering and cleaning up if you check out, but decide to stay at the parks for the day. (Your FOTL room key is good until the parks close the day of checkout).

I would never recommend a package deal. I like the flexibility of being able to change my room rate if a new rate is published. Although, I must admit that we have AP's, so we never look at a rate that has tickets included.

 

[Cass]

Do I need to stay onsite?
It will be me, my 2 sons 14 and 10 and my 6 year old daughter.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Oh yeah, trying to make this a "budget" trip.

You definately need to stay onsite - you will get the FOTL access and it will so improve on your fun and enjoyment level.