Help please...total newbie here!

[UGAFan0829]

The DH and I are thinking about doing a 4 night cruise on DCL next year, and then heading to Orlando for a few more nights. I would really love to stay and play at Universal, but having never been and not knowing anyone else who has, I have no clue about Universal.
First, when I tried to get an idea about rates for the dates that we are looking at, the Universal site told me that the dates that I chose are too far out. How far in advance can you book? We are looking at September or October of 08.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I also had some questions about the Universal hotels as well. It will be just the DH and I, and I have no idea which hotel would be the best. They all look nice, but I don't know what the price ranges are for each of them.
Again, any advice/info/input is greatly apprecaited. Thanks!!

 

[Melanie230]

I dont think the rates are out yet for that far in advance. Just keep checking. RPR is usually the cheapest, then HRH and then PBH. Although HRH can be as much as PBH. I would suggest staying onsite for the front of the line access it is wonderful. Our first trip to US/IOA was to Royal Pacific..we loved it there. We are going back this year and staying at Hard Rock. Something different! IF you want to budget stay at RPR...you will really love it.

 

[sha_lyn]

I've stayed at RPR and HRH. HRH is beautiful, but we've had bad customer service there both times. RPR is great. We've stayed there a few times (3 or 4 I think) and I really want to go back. RPR also has the best resort restaurants IMHO

 

[macraven]

september is value season for the on site hotels.

it will be the lowest rates then. if you have the ap or aaa, you will save even more.

crowds are minimum in most of september. stay away from labor day if you want the parks to yourself.

i have stayed at all 3 on site hotels.

i could give my thoughts on where you stay but need to know are you more interested in the parks or what the hotels have to offer?
are you pool people, leisurely table service dining, shopping, park riders, etc?

largest rooms are pbh, next is hrh and then rph is the smallest sq footage wise.