New to this forum. . .some advice on rates, rate discounts PLEASE!!!

[aesalsa]

Helloooooo everyone!

I am Brand New to this forum, but not to US/IOA. DH and I visited in 2002 and 1998, but we didn't stay on-site. I literally KNOW NOTHING about the US resorts and the discounts that may be available. I don't even know anything about the rates.

We have the WL in WDW booked from 10/20-10/30, but DH is thinking about some changes to our trip. We're now considering visiting US/IOA from about 10/28-10/31 or 10/20-10/23 (the PSP Paintball World Cup is being held at the Wide World of Sports Complex, and DH is palying from 10/24-27--so no theme parks those days ). Then we may continue our trip at the WL ant the parks in WDW for 5-6 days.

So can any of you US/IOA/RESORTS experts help me out?

ETA: Since I HAVE heard that all of the US resorts are nice, it really doesn't matter what resort we stay at. I guess we would like to stay at the least expensive one . . . We like the idea of FOTL access and free transportation to the 2 parks.

 

[KELLIE JONES]

ok, here goes....

1. do you know about Disneys 7 for 5 offer ??

2. not sure that you can get any discounts at the Universal
resorts this late in the game . but if you want to try the
annual pass discount the code is APH ( this is always the best
discount that i have found) there are also the Fan card
discounts FAN, and the entertainment card ENT.

3. even if you stay at WDW for your whole trip i have a great tip!!
.... the last thursday of every month the Hard Rock Hotel throws
a great party at the Velvet lounge!! we went last year and had
a blast! ( we are going agian this year ) it cost $50 each, but its all you can drink specialty drinks, horderves and live music. last year it was THE FIX and UNCLE KRACKER ( but dont let that deture you, it was still loads of fun)

4.the Royal pacific is the least expensive resort www.loewshotels.com

5. there is so much more to know about , just leave me a private message if you have anymore questions

 

[aesalsa]

Thank you for your advice, KELLIE JONES! I know for sure we won't be doing any WDW packages ; I'm actually hoping for AP rates. I WILL pm you if I have more questions.

Anyone else?

 

[RescueRanger]

You can go to www.loewshotels.com and check APH (annual pass), AAA, and FAN (fanclub). Just type the above abbreviations in the promotion box. You can also call 1-800-BE-A-STAR and check ENT (entertainment) rates. RPR is the least expensive of the three followed by HRH and then Portofino. However, Portofino has actually been coming up cheaper on certain dates. I just checked RPR for you for either set of dates and the APH rate was $146 per nt. HTH.

 

[aesalsa]

Thank you, RescueRanger! I'll check out that site RIGHT NOW. So $146/night is a great rate at RPR? Let me know! Thanks again!

 

[RescueRanger]

$146 per nt is what we are paying for one of our nights this month for RPR. It is pretty good. We did get $119 per nt for another night. We had $146 for both nights but they lowered the second nights rate so I called and had them change it. If you make reservations, just keep checking back periodically to see if a lower rate is available and have them adjust it. Good luck!

 

[aesalsa]

Thanks again, RESCUERANGER! Can you tell me how much an AP is for US/IOA?

 

[RescueRanger]

Originally posted by aesalsa
Thanks again, RESCUERANGER! Can you tell me how much an AP is for US/IOA?

It is $169 plus tax. You only need one to get the discount. It also gives you discounts on merchandise and food at the parks and citwalk.

 

[Planogirl]

If you like, you can also call Loews and check the entertainment rate for the days of your stay. For some reason, they don't let you check these discounts on the website. The phone number is 1-800-BEASTAR. $146 sounds pretty good though.

**Edited to add: I do tend to read too fast sometimes! I see that RescueRanger already advised you about the entertainment discount. Good luck however you decide to do it!

 

[classicpooh]

I am new to this forum also -

Please tell me what is the entertainment rate? Thanks!

 

[MrsMud]

classic

Please tell me what is the entertainment rate? Thanks!

The Entertainment rate is a special rate for holders of the Entertainment card, which is found in the Entertainment book. It's like a large catalog of coupons and discounts for different regions, often sold as a fundraiser. You don't need the card to make the ressie, just when you check in. So what most people do is call the hotel and ask for the rate. If it is available, book it. You can buy the book later, they run between $25 and $45 depending on the region, but they are having a special right now for $9.99 for all 2004 books. NOTE: The 2004 book discounts expire in Nov. Most people buy the book for the region they live in, as any card will get you the hotel discounts. I think the website is www.entertainmentbook.com. Good luck!

 

[aesalsa]

Thank you all for all the great info!

Is the ENT rate usually better than the APH rate? TIA!

 

[classicpooh]

Thanks again for the info!! Now, off check the rates!!!

 

[MrsMud]

aesalsa:

Is the ENT rate usually better than the APH rate? TIA!

The only way to know for sure is to call the hotel or the Loew's # and ask for both. Depending on the dates and the hotel, either one might be better. I found that for our trip in Sept, the ENT rate was better than the AP for weekdays, but more than the AP for weekends (AP rate did not change).

 

[classicpooh]

Thanks to you all I was just able to get the Entertainment ($168) rate @ RPH for our travel dates.
Without reading this thread and without the help offered I would be paying $40 more a night. Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[karin037]

I just checked the Loews website. The APH rate for October has dropped to $129 a night.

 

[aesalsa]

Originally posted by classicpooh
Thanks to you all I was just able to get the Entertainment ($168) rate @ RPH for our travel dates.
Without reading this thread and without the help offered I would be paying $40 more a night. Thanks a bunch!!!

That is AWESOME!! I'm so glad that you're saving all that $$$. Have a fun trip!

karin037--WOW! Thanks for the update! Gotta tell DH this ASAP! (He's ALREADY tired hearing about all this, but OH WELL !