It's been a while....forgotten the 'unwritten rules'...

[sunshine1010]

A few years ago, I took my family to Universal/IOA and stayed at RP. Through this website/forums, I learned that I had to make a reservation early, and then periodically call and change that reservation asking for different 'codes'...."Super Saver", "AAA", "Summer Special"...etc. My question is: How do I get the best deal (how do I even KNOW what 'deals' to ask for)? If I make a reservation today, do I call and ask them for a better rate every month? I remember that the last time I went (and the only time), I ended up calling 4 times, and them changing the rate every single time. I ended up getting a Consierge (sp?) room for around $169.00 (which isn't bad)....but it was hard work because I would CONSTANTLY have to call to see if a better rate came along.

Just looking for some guidance.....

 

[patster734]

I suggest first checking your dates on their website http://www.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UERPR.

If the Stay More, Save More (SMSM - formerly known as the Super Saver) rate is available, it should display. If not, you will see the rack rates, assuming that rooms are still available for your dates. This will give you a starting price.

The other common rates are the APH (Annual Passholder) and the AAA rates. Although the APH rate will usually display on the booking website, the AAA doesn't display. The best way to determine if these rates are available during your planned visit and their price is by calling. If you're a Florida resident, you might also be able to receive a Florida resident rate when you call.

 

[sunshine1010]

I'm glad I asked this question. I didn't know the 'Super Saver' changed names! THANK YOU

I'm not an AP holder, or a FL resident...so I wouldn't have to worry about that.

I am an AAA member, so that may work...but if I'm remembering correctly, the 'Super Saver' rate was much better than the AAA rate.

Are packages usually cheaper? (hotel and tickets)

 

[patster734]

I'm glad I asked this question. I didn't know the 'Super Saver' changed names! THANK YOU

I'm not an AP holder, or a FL resident...so I wouldn't have to worry about that.

I am an AAA member, so that may work...but if I'm remembering correctly, the 'Super Saver' rate was much better than the AAA rate.

Are packages usually cheaper? (hotel and tickets)

In the past, packages usually weren't better as you could usually find a decent rate (APH, AAA, Super Savor/SMSM) for the hotel by itself. Plus in the past, the price of tickets was extremely low compared to today.

Another benefit is that you could cancel your hotel booking up to 5 days prior to your visit and receive a full refund if booked seperately. Cancelling (or modifying) packages may require a fee.

You could always check a package price and see how it compares to purchasing your hotel and tickets seperately.

I just booked an October trip last week and we used the SMSM rate as we are staying 4 nights. I was able to see an AAA rate by checking AAA.com which wasn't as good as the SMSM rate. But I need to call Universal to verify that they don't have a better AAA rate in their system.

I haven't purchased our park tickets yet for October. My wife and I used to have APs, but since we didn't go last year, we allowed them to expire. We'll either buy multi-day tickets from the website, or see if we can get a better deal through either Triple-A, Costco, or Sam's Club.

 

[macraven]

i look at a couple of sites to see the rates for the dates i have in mind.


then i call and talk directly with reservations and ask them if there are any promos out for my time period.

i have the TM give me the total costs per day on AAA, APH, and the promo.

i book with the best rate.


i can always call and change my booking without penalty
since the APH rates are not out 11 months in advance, i watch that rate.
i can always book at promo rate, AAA or rack in advance.
i just want to secure my room for the dates..

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm not an AP holder, or a FL resident...so I wouldn't have to worry about that.....

Are packages usually cheaper? (hotel and tickets)

But you might want to *check* the AP rates, to see if buying one would get you such a good rate that upgrading would still give you a better total cost.

I've never managed to get a package deal to come out better than getting hotel (SMSM rate the first time, AP rate the second time (and our upcoming trip, which is the danger of having an AP in the family, because the other family members decide they want to go back soon so everyone upgrades)) and admission separately.

I haven't purchased our park tickets yet for October. My wife and I used to have APs, but since we didn't go last year, we allowed them to expire. We'll either buy multi-day tickets from the website, or see if we can get a better deal through either Triple-A, Costco, or Sam's Club.

Also check undercovertourist and even maple leaf tickets!

 

[sunshine1010]

Too bad it's not simple. Book..and that's it. LOL

But, I'll take deals and discounts ANY day!

Thanks everyone! Ya'll are the best!