Late August..?

[Madame]

We are thinking of visiting US for the first time for 4 days before our cruise next year. Aug 23-27 2016.

We got a good deal with the magical agency for the BC at WDW this year & am wondering about typical discounts for the week before labour day at US. I really don't want to spend more than we would at WDW for the same time period. We got BC for under around $220/night.

As a family of 5 we'd be looking at a deluxe queen at HRH in order to get EP (we really don't want a rollaway bed). Basing a budget off of 2015 pricing, I can't seem to get a US trip as cheap as WDW (especially when factoring in transportation to/from MCO).

We would really like to do US - total Potterhead here ;P. Does anyone have any experience traveling late Aug - tix & hotel discounts?

 

[damo]

Prices are pretty good at that time. Because you are staying for 3 nights, you should be able to get a stay more save more rate which will automatically come up. Annual pass rates are really good at that time as well and a Power Pass will do just fine since blackout dates will be over. AP rates are about 30% off. A deluxe room at the HRH is larger than the rooms at the Beach Club and include unlimited express....so those rooms should be more expensive. You've got to compare apples with apples.

I would just keep an eye out this year and see what happens. Use code APH in the code box for annual pass rates. Stay More Save More doesn't require any special codes.

Ticket prices at Universal are much cheaper than at WDW for multi-day tickets and that will well cover your transportation cost. Figure in about $100 for transportation.

You can always check prices for packages but I tend to check separately using www.loewshotels.com and either undercover tourist or the universal website for tickets, depending on what you are gettings.

 

[seltzer77]

My family and I generally do Disney and Universal late August, as we live in New Jersey, and are one of the only states that hasn't gone back to school by that point.

With that said, it can be very hot (90s during the day). If you can deal with the heat, the crowds are at a very good level, and it can be a great time. Lines aren't too bad, and you can do most of what you want.

 

[wookiebeck]

Yep, what seltzer77 said!

 

[macraven]

if you are going when the hours are shorten at the end of august, the hotel rates should be lower than earlier in august.

you can call direct and talk to someone at reservations and they will try all and anything that will help you get a decent affordable price.
smsm, aaa, etc

have you tried the 3rd party vendors for the darkside room booking?

 

[Madame]

if you are going when the hours are shorten at the end of august, the hotel rates should be lower than earlier in august.

you can call direct and talk to someone at reservations and they will try all and anything that will help you get a decent affordable price.
smsm, aaa, etc

have you tried the 3rd party vendors for the darkside room booking?

Not yet, but I've been reading the threads on 3rd party vendors. Are there any more trusted or that will usually offer better deals? TIA

 

[macraven]

orbitz and cheaptickets are the same company.
i have been recieiving the codes for 20% off room rates.
if the smsm rate is saving you money, go thru the 3rd party vendors and get another 20% off if you book with them.

ebates is another set up where you can earn cash on your purchases.

the daily getaway deals that was mentioned in a new recent thread, i have been checking out.
wasn't familiar with it at first reading threads on it but now that i have, it is a very sweet deal to use for tickets and other things.

 

[Madame]

Thanks! I was reading the daily getaway threads too - looks interesting!

 

[macraven]

Thanks! I was reading the daily getaway threads too - looks interesting!

it was after someone posted about the daily getaways that i checked it out.
wasn't familiar with it before.

after reading up more on it, the info looks great!
noticed it had an universal email address so sound very legit.

only problem is the specials vary and do expire or sellout quickly.


i would not have second thoughts to use that site.

 

[elaine amj]

I have used daily getaways many times and it is very legit