First time to Universal - need advice!

[Funholiday]

We will be traveling to Disney for five nights and Universal for two nights in NOvember. We have Starwood points so I will be reserving at the Dolphin (Disney) using those points but I definitely want to book a resort at Universal for the two nights where I get the free "fast pass" like thing.

Is there any reason to get a travel agent to do this? Do they have access to lower rates? Not sure what hotel to book, myself, my husband, my stepdaughter (21) and my daughter (6)

 

[cedricandsophie]

We went for the first time last year, right before thanksgiving. We were at Disney and just left for a night, packing a small bag. we booked two rooms for six of us at portifino in the club level because it wasn't that much more expensive. With the room, you get early entry and express passes for everyone which pretty much saved us the cost of one room. Plus the club level was nice and included breakfast and a happy hour with Drinks and snacks. We only spent one night. We arrived about 1 pm. Walked around the grounds had lunch and took the boat over to city walk for dinner. Then the next morning we got up early and did early entry. We spent the day until about 6 pm and then came back to the hotel and went back to our Disney hotel. We parked for about $21 I think but they didn't charge for two days just one.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

No need for a travel agent.

 

[macraven]

Op, we can be your travel agent!

 

[macraven]

travel agents can use the same sites that we all use to determine room availability and costs.
but, some agencies, buy blocks of rooms at the hotels that they can use for their customers.
many travel agencies like to set up packages for their clients.

some can be a hard sell to you.

take your time and look at the UO website for the dates you want to book and check out all deluxe hotels for costs per night of your stay.

you can see what is out there at this time.

you can book now and modify your rate if you see them drop or find a special pricing
you can do that a lot quicker than the TA.

if you are not sure of how to book, call UO and talk with the TM about hotels, amenities, and costs for your dates.
i have booked with them by phone numerous times.
they will look up the various discounts that are available for your dates.
AAA, SMSM public code room discount, MIL, APH, AMEX, etc.

the deluxe hotels can accommodate your 3 adults and 1 child in the rooms.

go to www.universalorlando.com and click on the header hotels.
read up on each hotel there to get a better idea of them.

read the 3 hotel stickies for the deluxe hotels in the hotel forum.
you will gain info on each hotel and be able to view pictures on them.

if you want to go value, you have S. Falls and Cbay.
these hotels do not allow the free unlimited express pass but do allow the early entry that the deluxe hotels also recieve.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

We went for the first time last year, right before thanksgiving. We were at Disney and just left for a night, packing a small bag. we booked two rooms for six of us at portifino in the club level because it wasn't that much more expensive. With the room, you get early entry and express passes for everyone which pretty much saved us the cost of one room. Plus the club level was nice and included breakfast and a happy hour with Drinks and snacks. We only spent one night. We arrived about 1 pm. Walked around the grounds had lunch and took the boat over to city walk for dinner. Then the next morning we got up early and did early entry. We spent the day until about 6 pm and then came back to the hotel and went back to our Disney hotel. We parked for about $21 I think but they didn't charge for two days just one.

Would you mind sharing how crowded it seemed on your trip? We are toying with going Sun- Tues right before Thanksgiving but would like to have an idea what the crowds will be like.

 

[agavegirl1]

Original Poster, if you can use the internet, you do not need a travel agent unless you hate to plan. Check the usual suspects (Expedia and Orbitz) as well as the resort sites themselves. Book your room. Easy Peasy. Also, if you have an onsite Deluxe room, do not stress crowd levels. Use the early entry for the Potter stuff and ride the rest to your hearts content.