I can’t believe I just did that....

[Mysteryincorp]

So after reading that Wizarding World touring plan thread I got to thinking about how much I missed during our first two day trip to Universal. I was day dreaming about spending more time, sleeping in, not rushing and really exploring and experiencing the HP areas and all the other areas we just rushed right through. Soooooo I “accidentally” booked my airline tickets and am booking a full week at RPR! Someone tell me it’s going to be ok! I am not a spur of the moment kind of person so I’m kind of freaking out I just booked this vacation without even really thinking it through!

 

[Mysteryincorp]

Also, I should get an annual pass right? What kind of discount could I possibly get wth hotel rates?

 

[cadawson]

What fun! The answers to your questions depend on your travel dates. Generally, yes, go with an AP, since you will be there an entire week. The season pass is the most affordable, but you will need to check the Blackout dates. For example, the entire month of July is blacked out for season passholders. You can look at AP hotel rates on the UO website (select the "Passholder" area at the top menu options then search to the Hotel offers). My dates in May unfortunately do not have AP rates for the room I need at RPR, but we did get a great rate on PBR CL. You can also compare SMSM (stay more, stay more) rates through the regular UO search to see if that gives you a better rate for your long stay. If you have AAA, you may be able to get a discount on AP. If you have Costco, you can see if there is a good deal for your hotel nights - but might just be PBR and SFR at the moment. Have fun planning!

 

[Mysteryincorp]

You can get a discount from AAA for your annual pass ?
Right now I’m looking at SMSM, its only $19 more to stay the 7th night. Should I book soon and wait for AP rates, will they change my reservation for the lesser rate?
We aren’t going Until November so lots of time to wait and save $$$$$

 

[cadawson]

You can get a discount from AAA for your annual pass ?
Right now I’m looking at SMSM, its only $19 more to stay the 7th night. Should I book soon and wait for AP rates, will they change my reservation for the lesser rate?
We aren’t going Until November so lots of time to wait and save $$$$$

Yes, I bought AP passes through the AAA South website at a discount. Look at the passes on UO website to determine which one you need for your dates.
If you are happy with the rate, go ahead and reserve the SMSM rate. I believe as long as you are 6+ days away from your stay, you will be able to cancel and rebook with no cancellation fee. You might be able to call, but I did it just by cancelling online and rebooking the AP rate online when it became available. You'll be charged the 1st night stay. When I cancelled, I was given a refund on the cancellation and then a new charge for my new reservation. You can book AP rates even without an active AP - you just have to show it to them during your stay after you activate your pass.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes, I bought AP passes through the AAA South website at a discount.

not every aaa member can buy through every regional site. I couldnt buy through that one when we belonged.


Op go to loewshotels dot com and see if APH brings up a rate for your dates. Compare the rate to without aph. There’s an updated thread showing what rates they have offered the aph rate.

But you have to actually book it as that. You don’t show your ap and get a random ap rate. It has to be booked as that.

With a week long stay you might do better with the “stay more save more” rate, frankly.

 

[sandam1]

Someone tell me it’s going to be ok!

It's going to be okay! Actually, it's going to be more than okay - you're going to have a fabulous time. I did a similar last minute trip in December when I found an awesome hotel rate and quite reasonable flights and had a blast.

Also, I should get an annual pass right?

I'm always an advocate for the annual passes once you get beyond 3 days. The additional cost is minimal and it opens up so many possibilities. I have a preferred pass and IMHO the 10% discount on food and merchandise makes it a good deal. Be careful, however, an annual pass can make Universal quite addictive and so easy to add additional trips. I'm not sure if that is a bad thing, but it is a proven side effect.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

It's going to be okay! Actually, it's going to be more than okay - you're going to have a fabulous time. I did a similar last minute trip in December when I found an awesome hotel rate and quite reasonable flights and had a blast.



I'm always an advocate for the annual passes once you get beyond 3 days. The additional cost is minimal and it opens up so many possibilities. I have a preferred pass and IMHO the 10% discount on food and merchandise makes it a good deal. Be careful, however, an annual pass can make Universal quite addictive and so easy to add additional trips. I'm not sure if that is a bad thing, but it is a proven side effect.

Thanks for the reassurance. It makes more sense to get the AP, though I doubt we could squeeze another trip in within the year. if we hit the parks all five days it would be cheaper to get the AP, the lowest level one at least.
I’m taking my mom to see Animal Kingdom at WDW for one day and that’s killing the budget a bit but I want her to see Pandora and attempt to go on FOP and she will LOVE the Safari ride.
My moms got metastatic cancer and we just got discouraging PET scan results. I want to make this trip really special for her and my daughter . They are super close and we all love Harry Potter, like ridiculously love HP, so I can’t wait to watch her (my mom) watch my daughter. She’s going to love it.

 

[schumigirl]

Thanks for the reassurance. It makes more sense to get the AP, though I doubt we could squeeze another trip in within the year. if we hit the parks all five days it would be cheaper to get the AP, the lowest level one at least.
I’m taking my mom to see Animal Kingdom at WDW for one day and that’s killing the budget a bit but I want her to see Pandora and attempt to go on FOP and she will LOVE the Safari ride.
My moms got metastatic cancer and we just got discouraging PET scan results. I want to make this trip really special for her and my daughter . They are super close and we all love Harry Potter, like ridiculously love HP, so I can’t wait to watch her (my mom) watch my daughter. She’s going to love it.

Sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful and emotional trip!

RPR is beautiful........hope you have an amazing trip! And best wishes for your mother

 

[JaxDad]

So after reading that Wizarding World touring plan thread I got to thinking about how much I missed during our first two day trip to Universal. I was day dreaming about spending more time, sleeping in, not rushing and really exploring and experiencing the HP areas and all the other areas we just rushed right through. Soooooo I “accidentally” booked my airline tickets and am booking a full week at RPR! Someone tell me it’s going to be ok! I am not a spur of the moment kind of person so I’m kind of freaking out I just booked this vacation without even really thinking it through!

It was meant to be. That's what I tell myself every time I click the final button on my more "spontaneous" purchases. I'm sure you will have a great trip!