i clicked on this thread because my overwhelming response was to say 'yes', as i've been wondering that myself--and i've never even BEEN to universal! we're going in may, and i've followed all of the 'guidelines' for getting a good rate--and we're still paying $258/night. you can no longer find the hotels on hotwire (for a reasonable price--PBH for around $280/night) or on expedia--i'm thinking now that they are wildly popular (due to a certain wand-wielding, scarf-wearing young wizard), deals are harder to come by. however, i also agree with what has been said above--for the level of hotel, you'd be paying more than that WITH a discount at disney. that's actually how we ended up booking a universal trip--my husband briefly took over the planning and saw how very much it would cost to stay at, say, the yacht and beach club...and then he booked a room at PBH! here's hoping it is worth it!