I've got questions galore!

[katrina1122]

We are celebrating our 10 year anniv in WDW from Dec 1-8, 2012, though those dates are +/- a few days if needed.

We are thinking of adding on 2 days at the beginning for at lease IOA.

So...

1. Does US/IOA do anything special for people on their anniv?

2. Does US/IOA decorate for Xmas, have special shows, etc?

3. For that time period, how are the crowds? Is it worth the extra money to stay on resort for the Front of Line and extra Harry potter hour?

4. Do you need to make dining ressies for that time period? Where do you do that? I didn't see anything on the US website, but then, maybe I'm just blind .

5. If we sign up for the Lowes customer card, does that get us anything on our first stay? If so, what. The weblink I followed was broken.

That's it for now, but I'll take any suggestions or tips in general. We did US for one day and weren't overlly impressed. The only reason we are going back is for Harry, but we'd consider US too since there are some new rides since we went.

Thanks!

 

[mesaboy2]

1. Not that I know of.
2. Yes.
3a. Light.
3b. Probably not, at least for me.
4. I don't think so.
5. No idea.

 

[Harry Potter]

Xmas celebrations begin in earnest with Macie's Holiday Parade at USF and with Grinchmas at IOA, which will even be in force on Xmas day I think.

No anniversary event for IOA that I know of.

I wholly recommend that you stay onsite to get the most from your Universal Orlando experience. But if money is a problem, then I think early December crowds will be light enough for you to cope without the unlimited Express pass that ALL onsite guests have. The major xmas crowds normally begin mid-December and last until around 2-3 January.

No idea about the Loews Customer Card, sorry.

 

[Metro West]

1. Probably not but you can for example tell your servers at the table service restaurants you have an anniversary and see what happens. I know Universal has birthday buttons but I'm not sure if there is an anniversary button. Check with Guest Services to make sure.

2. Holiday festivites start the first weekend of December. This includes Grinchmas at IOA and the Macy's Holiday Parade at the Studios. There are also concerts at the Universal Music Plaza located inside the Studios that are included with your park admission. Mannheim Steamroller usually performs the first night and the concert is wonderful.

3. Crowds are not an issue in early December and the weather is usually pretty nice. It's a great time to visit. Staying onsite will get you the unlimited Express (which you won't need in early December) but the early entry for WWoHP will be very helpful if that's the main reason you're going. Otherwise...I wouldn't fool with it.

4. I doubt you would need to make reservations during early December as the crowds don't usually warrant it. If you wanted to make reservations at table service restaurants, you can do it on www.opentable.com or at the kiosk at Citywalk located outside the theater.

5. I can't help you on the Loew's card question.

 

[katrina1122]

Thanks everyone.

Manheim Steamroller? hmm, may have to check into that one.

I"m glad they do xmas stuff, that will definetley add to the fun for sure.

I was jsut reading that some of the partner hotels have early access packages if you book via the universal site, that may be the way we go since we won't be in the hotel much anyway. I'll just have to check prices the closer we get to the date.

 

[macraven]

you need two stays with the loews youfirst card program before you are entitled to benefits.

 

[adibenedetto]

1. Not 100% sure

2. US decorates and usually has the Macy's thanksgiving parade balloons in a parade (usually starts a week after thanksgiving). IOA usually does grinchmas where Suess landing is the most decorated.

3. Stay on site. You automatically get fast pass for every ride that accept them (which is most). I was there in Oct 2010 and they did not have fast pass for the Harry Potter ride. (but I believe you get access to enter the park early if you stay on sight)

4. Usually, you do not have to. At CityWalk, most restaurants have their own reservation system and the only one you might want to call if you plan on eating there is Emeril's. Other than that, the longest wait I've ever waited for dinner is 20 minutes (on halloween weekend)

5. You have to stay 2+ times to receive the benefits.

* If you like roller coasters definitely try out Rip Ride Rockit, and the Mummy ride is pretty awesome. They also plan on removing Jimmy Neutron this year and replace it with a ride based on Despicable Me (it should be open by late next year). Also, they are updating the videos in the Spiderman ride at IOA to make it more realistic (aka awesome).

 

[tinydancer09]

you need two stays with the loews youfirst card program before you are entitled to benefits.

You are correct of course but I was reading about this year's special. I've never done this program before I just read about it online. Apparently you get to choose a benefit for your stay anytime between x-starting date and December 2011 I believe. It was free internet, food card, pet fee waived, free kids something... I think that's it but I haven't double checked myself.

I'm not sure how you become eligible meaning if you ahve to ask or if they bring it up when you book, but you might be able to save a couple dollars with it. It was under the tab about "Pick your Benefit" or "Youchoose" something like that


Update: Found it..
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/youfirst/perk

 

[macraven]

You are correct of course but I was reading about this year's special. I've never done this program before I just read about it online. Apparently you get to choose a benefit for your stay anytime between x-starting date and December 2011 I believe. It was free internet, food card, pet fee waived, free kids something... I think that's it but I haven't double checked myself.

I'm not sure how you become eligible meaning if you ahve to ask or if they bring it up when you book, but you might be able to save a couple dollars with it. It was under the tab about "Pick your Benefit" or "Youchoose" something like that


Update: Found it..
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/youfirst/perk

the loews youfirst benefits are listed on their website.
it lists items based on color levels of blue, gold, platinum.
each level consists of different free benefits.

a member needs to have 2 stays before the youfirst benefits can be applied.
room upgrades are one of the main features members enjoy once they hit the appropriate level.

what you are quoting from loews website is a promo for all members.

promos such as those in the link vary each year.

when you are a member, you can update your profile.
this is what the hotel, RPH and PBH have access to.

depending on your loews status will determine if you are eligible for them.
i have a platinum level and my profile lists the name of the daily newspaper i want delivered, late check out time, room type, etc.

this present promo is only valid when you book with the Best Rate deal.

i already will get the free internet service, i don't watch movies while in the hotel room, i have no kidlettes with me, i don't use a car for my vacation, no pets with me and i already get the $100 food and beverage credit.

i wouldn't trade in my plat benefits for the above, i would lose out.
only a $25 f & b credit is in the present promo.


this is the present promo perk for members:




Pick a Perk for...
Business Free Internet
Kids Under 12 Eat Free with the purchase of an Adult entrée
Fun Free Movie
Drive In $25 Parking Credit
Pets Pet Fee Waived
Yummy $25 Food and Beverage Credit

* Offer valid 01/20/2011 – 12/31/2011 for YouFirst members only; subject to availability. Offer not available at Orlando hotels. Only applies to Loews Best Rate of the day, not valid for all rates. One perk selected for entire stay. Perk is valid per room per night. Food & Beverage credit is per room per day and may be only be used towards hotel participating restaurants and room service. Perk must be used during the stay; cannot be changed during the stay or used towards taxes, gratuity or service charges. Perk is not redeemable for cash. If the entire value of the Perk is not used the remaining amount is forfeited. YouFirst Platinum members may choose between these perks or the $100 credit they already receive as a Platinum member. Offer not combinable with additional food & beverage credit. Some restrictions apply. Offer cannot be booked back to back. Kids under 12 years eat free kids meal from Kids Menu when accompanied by an adult purchasing an entrée in hotel participating restaurants; must present You First – Kids Eat Free Perk card to server when ordering (card provided at check in); not valid in room service. Free internet applicable to one device.