How far out can you book Universal hotels?

[meryll83]

Apologies, as I'm sure this must already have been answered somewhere, but my search isn't bringing anything up.

How far in advance can you book the Universal resort hotels?

 

[pixeegrl]

You may be able to call and book rack rate right now....online I think it's only till mid january. If you are able to call now and book your dates, you can call when the discounts come out and change it and your deposit will go towards that. FYI it is better to book your hotel and park tickets separately

 

[schumigirl]

We always book our stay before it`s available online.

But we do keep checking and call to change the rate when it is available.

 

[meryll83]

Thanks for the advice.
Is it possible to manage your reservation online having called to book initially?
(i.e. being able to cancel and rebook better rates myself online is cheaper for me than calling from the UK, even using the likes of telediscount)

 

[meryll83]

And if waiting to book online, how far out can I do that?

 

[pixeegrl]

I believe yes, you can modify your rates online. They will email you a confirmation number....at least that's the way it is in the US

 

[damo]

And if waiting to book online, how far out can I do that?

The 2013 dates should be out by the fall Remember when you alter your rates that they will cancel you original deposit and charge a new one. You have to be careful with the exchange rate because if the rate changes between your deposit and your cancellation you can lose or make money. Also, sometimes, banks will charge for any US transactions.

 

[meryll83]

Thanks again for the advice

 

[pixeegrl]

When ours was modified to be lower (in 2008) they simply applied the extra toward our remaining balance? Is this something new damo?

 

[macraven]

When ours was modified to be lower (in 2008) they simply applied the extra toward our remaining balance? Is this something new damo?

damo is talking about pounds vs dollars exchange.

booking at rack then changing to a code/promo can make you cancel a ressie and them make a new one.

 

[damo]

When ours was modified to be lower (in 2008) they simply applied the extra toward our remaining balance? Is this something new damo?

This happens a lot when you are not a US citizen. They would rather just cancel and rebook the whole thing and start again. Unfortunately, it can end up costing you. Sometimes they will connect you to accounting and they'll just keep it but not always. You've got to ask. If you do it online to avoid long distance charges, you will have to restart.

 

[pixeegrl]

damo is talking about pounds vs dollars exchange.

booking at rack then changing to a code/promo can make you cancel a ressie and them make a new one.

Ah...gotcha

 

[meryll83]

Is it ever worth booking at rack rate (other than to guarantee the room), or is there normally always some kind of offer available?

 

[damo]

Is it ever worth booking at rack rate (other than to guarantee the room), or is there normally always some kind of offer available?

Lots of people will book just to guarantee the room and then they will watch for discounts. You have to get the discounts before they sell out though, as there are generally only a limited number of rooms sold at discounts.