New to Universal - Need Help Planning Trip

[Momto8]

I am new to this board. I usually hang out at the Disney Resort board, so I don't really know much about Universal as we've never gone there before.

We have a trip planned for Disney at Christmas, but are now considering Universal instead this year. It is DH, 2 DDs, 14 & 12, and me for 5 nights. I would also like to go to Sea World for one day. Right now we have Port Orleans Riverside for $89/night (AP rate), but I'm thinking about cancelling this if we go to Universal.

Is Universal as crowded as Disney the week after Christmas? We've gone to WDW twice before at this time, so we know what to expect if it's just as bad.

I checked the rates at HRH and they are quoting me $260/night. Too much for me. I would like to get FOTL access, but not at this rate. This is our low budget trip as we usually spend a lot more in the summer. I have the Entertainment card but no availability at this time. I also have Universal Fan Club from work, but the guy I talked to at reservations didn't know if you could use this card at their hotels. Are there any specials at this time that anyone knows of? Should we forget going at this time if we don't have FOTL access?

My other options are Radisson Universal for $89/99 night (rate change during our stay), Quality Suites $118/night, or Amerisuites on Caravan Ct for $75/night. Hotel is important and so is proximity to the parks. I don't just want any cheap hotel. I would rather not go if any of these hotels are not good.

I would appreciate any comments on these hotels, which is the best, are these good rates, etc. I've read some of the posts on Radisson, but not sure if this is a good hotel and rate. It seems there are better rates on Priceline, but I don't want to get stuck if we have to cancel for some reason. Also, I'd like to know if there are any other hotels that are better or closer.

Sorry for the length of this, but I just have so many questions.

Thanks for any and all comments.

 

[JessicaR]

Welcome Momto8! I remember reading a few posts from people visiting after Christmas saying the crowds were not bad. Try a search on this board. At the very best using the entertainment rate (provided it will even be offered for your dates you can get a $117.50 w/o tax rate per night. Gardenview room at hard Rock. They did run specials last year (I booked one) but I dont think your dates were offered...the package became available in October so keep a lookout...maybe even end of sept. The Raddison gets rave reviews there was a recent post, here is the link:


link

This is what I found using the Fan Club:

Call 1-888-777-2131 to
pre-purchase tickets and book your hotel
or book online now!


Universal OrlandoSM Resorts
Hotel guests save up to 30% off regular room rates!
(Call for reservations. Blackout dates apply.)
Universal Orlando Resort accommodations include an exclusive theme park benefits package available all year long including:

Early theme park admission on select days
Front-of-the-line access
Complimentary on-site transportation
Priority seating at select restaurants
Destination-wide charging privileges and more!

Good Luck!

 

[jtopicz1]

You didn't say how many days you plan on attending the Universal Parks. Call Hard Rock and ask if there is an annual pass rate available during your stay. I just got a rate of $143.50 with the AP. Sure buying an AP will set you back $160, but remember that it will also give you good food and merchandise discounts, as well as a good discount on the hotel.

Jim

 

[julfre]

Another option (that I got from this board and used) is to go to the loewshotels.com website and sign up for their loews first program(it is free and the site also gives you an 800 number to call to sign up instantaneously if time is an issue). Then call Loews and ask about an "introductory rate of $149"(you will see this on the website also). I got it for $149 in September. It isn't as good as some of the other rates, but it doesn't cost anything extra to try it.

Don't just ask them for a "loews first" rate as they will give you the rack rate. I had to be very specific and the operator had to look for a while to find it, but she did.

Travelocity.com also had this rate, but they had a very harsh cancellation policy- $50 even with advanced notice so I went through the Official Loews number.

 

[KarenH]

My travel agent (from Magical Journeys) got us a 20% AAA discount at HRH on Dec 31/Jan 1, which brought the price down to $188 (~$209 with tax). This was the only discount she could get (tried Entertainment, Universal Fan club). This basicly brings the inflated peak season rates back to the normal season rack rate. However, it was the best that could be done right now and we do want FOTL access. The HRH sounds like a nice hotel and Disney's prices for those dates aren't any better.

 

[Momto8]

Thanks for all the responses. Sorry I didn't respond sooner, but I'm at work all day, and while I can read all these messages there, I'm not allowed to answer them. My company is very strict about internet usage.

JessicaR, Thanks for all the info and the link. I did a lot of searching and it sounds like the Radisson is a good hotel if we can't get any discounts at HRH or PBR. Unfortunately, I can't get an Entertainment or Fan Club discount at HRH for this week. Does anyone know if $94/night for the Radisson is a good rate for this time of year?

KarenH, Thanks for letting me know about AAA, but we are not members. Also, Disney does have a lot of discounts available for passholders for the week after Christmas as long as you can check in by 12/25. That is how we got the $89 rate at POR. I was hoping that Universal might have some discounts this year as well since park attendance is down. I would rather do something new this year instead of Disney. Sounds like you got a good rate for that time, but it is still too steep for me. HRH does sound like a great hotel though.

jtopicz1, We are planning on doing 3-4 days at Universal and 1 day at Sea World. Sorry I should have mentioned this. I didn't know that they had AP discounts at the resorts like Disney does. I called today and they told me they're not available that week. We were thinking about getting the 4 park pass, but didn't realize that this is about the same price as the AP, so might go with the AP instead. Thanks for letting me know about this.

julfre, I haven't checked out Loews web site yet, but that is worth looking into.

My problem is I don't have a computer as my son is putting in a new modem and doing some other work on it, so I am using my other son's computer when I can get on it. I might not be able to respond right away if anyone has any more info or suggestions, but I am reading everything while I'm at work when I get a chance.

In the meantime, I will keep on trying to see if I can get something better at HRH.

Thanks!