Never been to US/IOA before...

[wdwphanatic]

... but we're thinking of taking a quick November trip. Just wondering how to go about getting inexpensive ressies. Can you get Universal hotels on Priceline or Hotwire? Should I buy an Entertainment Book to get reduced rates? Which hotel is best for younger kids (i.e. 5 and 8-year-olds)? Mine love big pools with decent slides (i.e. like SAB at Beach Club)... Is there a hotel at Universal that would be especially fun for them?? How are the early November crowds? Is NJ Teachers' Convention week pretty busy at US/IOA the way it can be at WDW??

Thanks, in advance, for the help!!

--Sarah

 

[taylor1293]

You can get an Entertainment rate reservation without the book. Once you get the reservation, then purchase the book

We just got back from HRH and we got our room through www.hotelkingdom.com They are having a special, stay 3 nights get the 4th night free! Excellent rates!

The HRH slide is fun, but not huge. I haven't been on SAB slide, but we were just at the Boardwalk, and we liked that slide better than HRH. However, the pool is great. It is a zero entry with a large sand area.

Teresa

 

[netnurse31]

The best rates I have seen are Entertainment rates. Call the hotel to see if they have your dates available and then you can purchase a book before you go. Make sure your dates coinside with the dates of the book as I believe the books run from November to November. If they dont have any entertainment rates your next best bet are fan club rates. There is a thread on these boards that tells you how to go about getting a card.

I've never been to RPR but from what I hear most people with young kids enjoy this hotel. The pool at HRH is great with a terrific water slide. RPR doesnt have a slide from what I've read but they do have a great water play area for the kids. You are allowed to pool hop to the different resorts so take that into consideration too.

Couldnt tell you about the crowds in November but with FOTL I doubt there would be much longer than a 15 minute wait no matter how crowded it got.

 

[wdwphanatic]

I will try to see if there are any Entertainment Club discounts for the dates we're considering and then, if so, wait to buy a book when they come out in November... Thanks for the advice!

It's tough to know what to do as far as hotels. Personally, I would choose PBH because I LOVE all things Italian!! It seems so romantic and picturesque. I'm not sure my kids would appreciate it, however, so I'm thinking of postponing that until I go alone with dh or the kiddies are a bit older. I am then left to decide between HRH and RPR. I have heard mostly excellent reports from people who have stayed at HRH, but haven't heard much about RPR. How do these resorts compare to Disney's hotels? I've stayed at Poly, BCV, WL and WLV and have thoroughly enjoyed the amenties and theming at these resorts. Just wondering how HRH and RPR compare.

Thanks again for the information,
Sarah