How can I do Universal without spending a fortune?

[tripletots]

My family and I were in Disney for 9 days. We had 2 rooms at POP with 8 day base tickets and DDP (paid for) for $3200.

My kids want to go to Universal next year and spend time there so I thought I might be able to afford. I called and got a quote of $9098.00! Staying at RPR in a 2 bdrm suite (8 nights) with tickets (7 days). That did not include meals. We are AAA members, but I was so shocked that I forgot to ask for the discount. I don't need a suite, if 2 connecting rooms are less. I know the resorts are nicer and more expensive, but I guess I was thinking the ticket prices are cheaper and it didn't include meals so that it might be in the same ballpark.

Can you guys tell me if Universal ever runs specials like Disney with codes. I would really like to stay on site at RPR. I also want the meal plan, although I know nothing about it. Can someone help me with how to get better rates.

I forgot to mention this is for next Aug. 16. Is there a website that shows rates and when the rates change?

 

[liberalmouse]

I am pretty new to this, but aren't the Universal hotels basically equivalent to the deluxes?

I wouldn't be so shocked at the difference between POP, a value hotel and a suite at a deluxe.

Actually, the price seems phenominal! If I could get a 2 bedroom suite with tickets for 8 nights at GF or the Poly for only $9,098.00 I would be dancing in the aisles!

 

[M2DD's]

I have started planning our next trip to orlando.We have gone to disney the last 6 yr .We just got back from disney 2 wks ago. We are going to do 2 vacations next yr.1 being US/IOA.I have been doing alot of reseach so maybe I can help out a little.
First:Universal doesn't have the discount like disney does on thier rooms and they only have deluxes(which are expensive compared to disney's value resorts) You can get lower rates through AAA and the entertainment book. The rates for AAA are about 10 to 20% depending on the season. It seems like you need 2 rooms or connecting rooms and that your going in the summer which is considerd peak.(I don't think your going to find anything under 200$ with discounts per room,IMHO.
Second:I have been to US twice but never IOA.I have a great guidebook for US/IOA and 7 days is alot of time for both parks expecially(sp?)if you stay on property you will get the front of the line pass which will cut you waiting time down by alot)
My advice(this is what my family is doing may 2008) Orlando has a flex ticket that is good for 4 or 5 parks(depending on what parks you pick)That include unlimitted admission for 14 consecutive days to:
1.universal studio 2.Island of adventure 3.Sea world 4.Wet and wild(water park) 5. Busch Gardens. the price is around 200.00 for adults and 250.00 to add busch gardens. March of 08 Sea world is opening a water park that will aslo be included in the flex tickets. This is comparable to disney hopper pass prices.
I would stay at RPR for 1 or 2 nites in order to get the front of the line pass.This get you 2 or 3 days of the front of the line pass.You get the day you check in(you can check in starting at 7 am) till midnite the day you check out to use the FOTL pass. Then I would stay at an off site hotel and would spend the next couple of days doing the other parks. You haven't mentioned if you were going to have a car.There are alot of hotels that have shuttles to all the parks but not as many as disney.Also I just found out that you have to pay to park at RPR which is 10$ a day and you do not get free parking at the parks like disney offers if you stay on property.They do offer free shuttle or boat rides.

I have been to sea world and busch gardens and they are amazing parks.They offer tons of rides and lot of animals and shows so its worth the money.
Hope some of this info helped you out.I know it was a liitle more than what you asked but I know how hard it is to decide to skip disney and try the other parks without breaking the bank.
Let me know if you have any questions
Laura

 

[peel]

but if you look at the fine print it's only till 12-31-2007. So there is no way to know how much your tickets are going to cost next yr.

I think (and hope) you're wrong on this one....I just looked at the tickets I bought and plan to use next year and it doesn't say anything about an expiration date. Where did you see this? As far as I've heard, people are buying them and putting them away for 2009 when the Harry Potter area opens.

 

[M2DD's]

I think (and hope) you're wrong on this one....I just looked at the tickets I bought and plan to use next year and it doesn't say anything about an expiration date. Where did you see this? As far as I've heard, people are buying them and putting them away for 2009 when the Harry Potter area opens.

I could be wrong but here is where I found the infn there main page there is a box that less less than one day at disney. When you go to that it shows the ticket price and what it includes.At the bottom of the page it lets you book a room and then in fine print it says it is good till 12-31-07 maybe they are talking about the hotel rate that can be included with the tix. Sorry if I'm wrong.I have to call them today anyways so I'll ask if they expire.

 

[phamton]

That is the hotel rate. Just like Disney, if you reserve a hotel for anytime after Dec. 31, your rate isn't guaranteed. The tickets are good though as long as you have not used them.

My advice is to book 2 days at the hotel and you will have 3 days of FOTL. The 7 day tickets are an amazing deal and cheaper than a 2 day ticket. The hotels are comparable to the deluxe on Disney resorts.

If you don't want to pay for an onsite hotel, stay offsite but be at the gates by 8:00 AM and leave before noon each day. That is about the only inexpensive way to beat the crowds during peak times.

 

[peel]

** Rates are per adult, tax inclusive, based on double adult occupancy for a 3 night minimum night stay at the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive standard room. Subject to availability, room type, hotel, and travel dates selected. Rate valid for travel through 12/31/07. Photo ID required.

I'm pretty sure this is referring to the dates of a hotel stay. I HOPE!!!

 

[M2DD's]

I did call and they said that they don't expire. She thought that the 12-31-07 date was the last day you can purchase them at that price.She also was a little Sorry to scare anyone.

 

[peel]

Phew! Thanks for double checking.

 

[goofy!]

First:Universal doesn't have the discount like disney does on thier rooms and they only have deluxes(which are expensive compared to disney's value resorts) You can get lower rates through AAA and the entertainment book. The rates for AAA are about 10 to 20% depending on the season. It seems like you need 2 rooms or connecting rooms and that your going in the summer which is considerd peak.(I don't think your going to find anything under 200$ with discounts per room,IMHO.

Just an FYI, the decent Entertainment rates haven't been available for a few years. They used to be great but were discontinued sometime ago.

Another option would be to purchase one preferred annual pass ($190.00+tax). I am assuming you need 2 rooms because of children. If the second room is for your children, you will only need 1 AP for both rooms. If the second room is for other family members, you will need 2 AP's. Right now they are running a special - buy 1 year, get the second year for free.

The AP rates for a regular garden view room at the Royal Pacific can often be found for under $200.00 per night. I have seen them as low as $129.00 per night with it slightly higher for weekends. Late August, you might get some great rates.

Along with the room discounts, remember that a single AP will get you good discounts at the restaurants and the gift shops, including many in City Walk. Our discounts usually pay for the AP on our first visit.

We typically stay 7 days or more and use Universal as our home base. That way if we get back from Sea World and want to walk over to the parks for a few rides, we can get FOTL. We even stay at Universal for our Disney visits because we find that we have much better deals on the resorts at Universal.

 

[tripletots]

Thank you everyone for all your responses. You have given me hope. I will check into annual passes and/or buying the tickets now, especially if they don't expire. There is much work and research to be done!

 

[rpbert1]

We stayed at RPR this year July/August, our standard room price was $191 + tax [Triple A rate] if you got 2 connecting rooms price would be in the region of $3300 for 2 rooms, without tickets, the rates reduced a bit more ,around the 14th August.
Book rooms at the rate now and when Triple A rates come out get it applied to your booking. I would buy my own tickets , just watch for offers , thats what i did this year, Probably have the $86 7 day pass or something similar next year

 

[bubba's mom]

I would agree with the others....Universal is usually cheaper purchasing tickets and room separtely. AAA is usually the way to go, or APH rate (which comes out later). Sometimes they offer SuperSaver rates too....either way, you are a large family and need 2 rooms. RPR is usually the cheapest of the 3 onsite hotels. You'll have to decide if you want to do the other parks (SW and BG and such) and that will determine if you get the Flex ticket. If you stay onsite, allow 3 days minimum for IOA, Studios and one additional for what you missed or want to do again....so, you'd need 2 nights onsite to get 3 days of FOTL. Hope this is helping....Universal is usually more affordable than WDW, but remember you are staying at a 4-star hotel, not a value. (Tickets usually make up the savings...) And the AP you want is the Preferred...not the Power AP (blackout dates and NO discounts w/ that one...Premier is too expensive for what you're looking for) One 1 person needs the AP for the discounts too. If I think of anything else, I'll post it...but, the posters here have given you a good start.....

 

[gogo65]

If you go to the universal website and do a quote it comes out at $2072 per room for 8 nights,(RPR standard room) so for 2 rooms it would be $4144 and it includes 2 free 7 day unlimited passes per room. (Aug 16-Aug 24th)

Hope that helps

 

[Julma]

You don't say how many kids you have. I have two and we stay at RPH club level. Not only does it pay for itself with food and drink, but it saves us from getting two rooms. All we really do in our hotel room is sleep and shower. You can actually shower at the spa, which you get free with club level, if you need to get ready in a hurry. The club room gives you a place to spread out and read, watch tv, use a computer, etc.

 

[bubba's mom]

The OP has 5 kids....well, at least according to her sig..... By Fla. law, you can't have more than 5 in a room.... Also, if you are plugging dates in for next year, they are rack rates, as AAA has not released their rates for next year yet.

 

[keishashadow]

Perhaps one of the resident experts can verify this...

i believe AAA does offer dining discounts in the parks?

i always forget to ask whether AAA or AP ones

Really depends on the season/inventory as to the discounts offered on the onsite hotel rates. Do know that several DISers reported fantastic AP rates @ the onsites a few weeks before our last trip (early June).

 

[rpbert1]

Yes AAA gives you discount in the restaurants at C/W and the parks with the exception of Bubbas and emerils.

Also if you book room with tickets, I do not think you can get Triple A rates with this type of booking, And the saving with AAA would buy your park tickets

 

[AlexandNessa]

I forgot to mention this is for next Aug. 16. Is there a website that shows rates and when the rates change?

Make sure they weren't giving you Summer rates since you started on 8/16. Value season starts on Aug 17 for 2008.

You should be able to get an AAA rate for both rooms. This year the AAA rate for a std room @ RPR during the value season is $167. There may have even been super saver rates. I'd get 2 connecting rooms. You don't need 8 nights, unless you want to use UO as your home base and do SW, Busch Gardens, etc.

I'd also buy the $86 tickets ahead of time. For the 7 of you, that's around $640 total.

Try those rates. Should be much more palatable. 2 rooms at $167/night + tax x 8 nights = $3006 + $640 tkts = $3646 for deluxe hotel.

 

[tripletots]

You guys are the BEST! I had no idea that values started on Aug. 17. I have gathered a wealth of information from you all. This vacation will happen and it's not going to cost $9000!!!!! Well, I need to get busy.

By the way, there are 7 of us, so we will need 2 rooms. I assume 2 rooms are cheaper than one 2 bdrm suite that holds 7? That's what the agent was giving me a quote on (the 2 bdrm).