First timer needs help

[jmcross]

I've never been to Universal and am starting to plan a trip for next summer for my family. It would be me, DH and 3 sons, 17, 12 and 3. I know that we want to stay at one of the Universal resorts. Could someone give me the advantages/disadvantages of the 3 hotels? I know that there are stickies at the top but they are many pages long and are overwhelming. Where are the best places to look for discounts or do I just call directly and ask for specials?

Also, we would like to visit Seaworld and Aquatica. Is the Orlando Flex Ticket the best option for us? Best place to buy tickets? Through Universal directly or an agent?

Thanks!

Joanne

 

[francie57]

We love the Hard Rock. We have stayed there for years now. It is just a very short walk to both parks and City Walk. The pool has a water slide and a nice pool side bar for drinks and food. The pool also has a sound system that you can hear while underwater. The rooms are good size and would fit you all. As far as discounts, we always book with a AAA discount. I know that Universal runs specials at certain times also so you would just have to keep checking. Others have said that they are very good about adding discounts if you have booked before they come out.

Can't really help with the flex ticket since we have never used it.

 

[jmcross]

Thanks Francie!

Did you buy your tickets directly through Universal as part of a package?

 

[damo]

Each person is going to give you a different hotel as their favourite. Our favourite is probably the Portofino because the rooms and bathrooms are larger and our favourite hotel eatery, Sal's diner is right there. There are three pools, one with a big slide. We are paying $159 in August with the annual pass price.

We don't usually buy packages. If you watch you can get your universal tickets for $89 and SeaWorld has some great specials as well.

The parks are going to be crazy next summer with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening up. Don't wait until the last minute to book your rooms and purchase your tickets at the low prices that are offered this summer.

 

[jmcross]

Thanks Damo!

I figured that everyone has their opinions about the different hotels just like Disney hotels. What I was looking for is what each hotel has to offer and then I can decide for myself. I can plan a Disney trip with no problems because I have done it so many times.

I just don't know where to begin with Universal. I guess I'll just have to experiment with AAA, calling Universal for packages and also doing the different pieces seperately and see what I can come up with.

 

[jmcross]

Anyone else have advice/opinions?

 

[damo]

One of the places I would start is by going through the dates and rates 2009 to get acquainted with the prices.

Then I would go here: http://www.uomeetingsandevents.com/Universal_Experience/experience.asp

and look at all the photos, videos and room diagrams.

 

[francie57]

We don't do a package deal for Universal. We book our rooms through AAA to get their discount on the room and then we go to AAA and buy the tickets there before we leave. We used to do a package but it really didn't give you anything extra and it was more expensive to do the package.

 

[csmcic01]

We just returned yesterday from a 4 night stay at the Royal Pacific. Three years ago we stayed at the HRH. There are 3 of us - 2 adults and my 12 yr old daughter. Both hotels are nice and the staff is excellent. The rates are better at the Royal Pacific. However, if I had to do it again I would pick the HRH. The rooms are bigger, and a little more sophisticated. The hotel is very close to the parks. You can walk from both but it is only 5-7 from HRH and 10 mins plus from RPH. Both have great pools. However, the HRH has a slide and underwater music. Hope this helps. In the end, you will enjoy either hotel.

 

[jmcross]

Thanks for the comparison of the 2 hotels! I am leaning toward HRH.

I did go to AAA yesterday to look into pricing but the prices are not available yet for next August. Anyone have any idea of when rates will be released for next summer?