Help! Pricing out trip for newbie

[Chereya]

Hi,

I am a newbie to planning a Universal trip though I have been to the parks before.

I am looking at going Nov 1-5 for four nights. We wanted to attend HHN before it ended and it looks like the cheapest night for that is Thursday Nov 1st with the add on Stay & Scream ticket ($27.64 w/ tax).

I priced out a room w/ free tickets special offered on the Loew's website. The RPH was cheapest of the three with a rate of $239 per night.

I also asked for a Dreams Unlimited quote thinking that a "professional" might be able to give me better insights as to a different rate combination ideas since the tickets are on special right now (AAA, APH or resident*).

I'm sad to say I was disappointed with my DU agent. I included the above info in the form I filled out and the quote she got back to me was higher than what I priced out. I think it's because the tickets were charged at the $86 rate instead of being free as was offered through the Loew's website.

So now, I'm turning to the pros here. Is this rate from Loew's with the free tickets the best I can get for a HHN weekend? If I book it now, can I change the rate later on if I find something better? It's possible I might get a better room rate later but the $86 online tickets are no longer offered. What about the cancellation policy? A one night's deposit is required to hold the reservation. Is that credited back to the card if you cancel more than 5 days prior to the arrival date? Or is that a non-refundable deposit which is forfeit no matter what?

To top things all off, I am planning this trip with another couple who are both living in separate states from me. They are leaving it up to me to figure the planning out so I need to let them know if this is as good as it's gonna get.

Thanks for helping me out. I'm really looking forward to this trip!

Chereya

*I was a FL resident a few years back and still have a FL DL.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

The Florida resident rate (FLO) is $215 a night at RPR for a standard room. The Annual Pass Holder rate is the same, $215. These rates could go lower if the hotel doesn't sell to its expected occupancy. This is something you must check periodically.

If you book now and the rate goes down you can call and get it changed. If you book and cancel within the 5 day grace period your lose nothing and your deposit is returned.

If you purchase it with the buy four get passes free it comes out to $25 more total, over the FLO or APH rate, at the moment.

You can do this on your own and we can all help you here. Also consider that an AP will further save you on food and shopping during your stay. You would only need one.

 

[Chereya]

Hi Fan2CSkr!

I got different numbers than you did. Can you check these?

Free Passes
$239 X 4 nights = $956
Tax = $119.50
Tickets = Free
Total = $1075.50

FL/APH
$215 X 4 nights = $860
Tax = $107.56
Tickets $86.98 X 2 = $173.96
Tax = $11.32
Total = $1152.84

Thanks!
Chereya

 

[Fan2CSkr]

That would be because i added wrong! I didn't figure out the tax structures either. With your #'s you save a bit using the 4 day package. I would still continue to check the FLO and APH rates as the time draws closer, these rates have been historically lower in the past.

Like I said though you can book it and change it should the price go down.

 

[Chereya]

Thanks! That sounds like a good plan to lock this rate in with the free tickets now.

Will it be ok for me, if I need to change the rate to FL Res later, to book the two rooms under one reservation using my name? I know you can book up to 3 rooms at Disney but not sure on the US policies.

Thanks again!

Chereya