Lots of questions about Universal hotels for large family?

[trainingupmy4princes]

We are still trying to decide between a DL/San Diego trip and WDW/maybe with Universal trip for Dec. 2011. We went to Universal once between Christmas and NY but stayed offsite. This didn't go well as they have no FP and the prices for the Express pass for the day were outrageous for our size family. I understand that on-site hotels get use of the express line without paying. So had considered staying on-site for 4 night/5 days. Our family is large we have 4 boys all 12 & under and will have a 1 YO . What would be our best most economical room options? I know at Disney under 3 doesn't count toward the occupancy rate. Is this the same at Universal? I read that the fridge is a stocked minibar, can we request an empty minifridge instead? Are there ways to get discounts on rooms even over Christmas week? We are soo excited to take our little to Disney for her first birthday (albeit a couple months late due to DH work schedule) but wanted to add something extra for the boys . They love Disney but have been asking about HP. thanks for any advice to help with planning.

 

[JessicaR]

Universal allows 5 to a room. You need two rooms. Cheapest way to do this would be two standard rooms at Royal Pacific Resort. When would you be travelling? They have AAA and annual pass rates as well as promotions usually. The mini bar can be emptied for a ridiculous fee. You can bring a cooler.

OH I just saw you are looking for over Christmas. I was there last year and we paid top $ for that week. I stayed at Portofino Bay and it was $279 a night using my annual pass. Royal Pacific would be less but that is a very expensive time to be there. The week prior has some great rates.

It's a little too soon to get discounted rates for the time period. I'm thinking with Harry Potter next Christmas is gonna be a zoo.