HRH New Year's

[Sarahgraci]

I just discovered this board last night...it looks great, and I'm learning so much! I went to Orlando for the first time last summer, to do Disney stuff. Now, my boyfriend and I are returning, this time to focus on Universal parks. We're both in college, so our possible dates were limited. We are staying at a cheap place for 4 nights, and then the HRH for New Year's Eve and then the next night. I booked through Hotel Kingdom, and it ended up being $500, including tax, for those 2 nights (we had to do a minimum of 2 nights to book on the site, and other sites show no availability). Is this insane? Is there a way to get a better rate for those 2 nights? Also, are there usually any special events at HRH on New Year's eve? Any help will be appreciated a lot!