Newbie AP questions re: onsite

[MagiKitty]

Hello! Got the AP last year and am looking to schedule another trip this fall. Am really interested in staying onsite. Was wondering what benefits the AP offers in regards to staying onsite. Used the hotel finder on the Universal website both with the AP code and without and no difference in price. Should I call someone directly?

Is there a timeframe when staying at an onsite hotel would be cheaper?

What's the best way to find discounts for staying onsite?

How do AAA rates compare?

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. It would just be two of us for approximately a week either in October or November. Thank so much.

 

[calgarygary]

Hello! Got the AP last year and am looking to schedule another trip this fall. Am really interested in staying onsite. Was wondering what benefits the AP offers in regards to staying onsite. Used the hotel finder on the Universal website both with the AP code and without and no difference in price. Should I call someone directly?

It may be still too early to get a good aph discount for the fall. When exactly are you planning to go? I saw some nominal discounts when checking in October.

Is there a timeframe when staying at an onsite hotel would be cheaper?

Cheaper than what? If you are comparing it with staying offsite, than no, it is more expensive to stay onsite. However, it is almost always cheaper to stay onsite during the week vs. the weekend.

What's the best way to find discounts for staying onsite?

Check regularly. Supersaver rates, AAA rates, & aph rates come and go. You can always book at a higher rate and call when a lower rate becomes available, they will apply the lower rate to your reservation.

How do AAA rates compare?

Normally, not as good as some other discounts but on occasion, can be almost as good as supersaver. Note that supersaver and AAA will provide Loews First benefits while APH will not unless front desk decides to spread some mummy dust.

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. It would just be two of us for approximately a week either in October or November. Thank so much.[/QUOTE]

 

[MagiKitty]

Thanks so much for the response...I guess I will keep checking, and yes, it probably is a bit too early to look.

In terms of a cheaper time, I meant staying onsite in September vs. October vs. November. We have no definite plans now, but always vacation during the fall months.

I'm just trying to get as much information as possible before I start planning in earnest. I like to plan a good vacation, but saving money is always a priority also. Since we've never stayed onsite and I'm trying to weigh the pros vs. cons in terms of budget. Of course, I realize that staying offsite would be cheaper, but in terms of experience, perhaps staying onsite would be worth it by other means.

I just got the Loews card per suggestions on this thread and will look into using that also. Again, thanks so much for the help.

 

[calgarygary]

October will be more expensive than September because of HHN. The latter part of November has the U.S. Thanksgiving and rates will go up again. I would consider September or early November unless you want to be at HHN.
We have stayed onsite each of our last 3 trips and although it isn't always necessary during the fall, fotl is always a great perk. If you are also going to WDW, I would try to schedule around the Food & Wine Festival. Remember, once you decide on a time, make your reservation as when lower rates come out, you can always get them to lower your rate.

 

[damo]

Beginning of December is a great time to go. April and May are pretty cheap but you have to contend with school groups so stay away on Fridays.

 

[MagiKitty]

Ok! At least I have a time frame to start at. I've heard great things about HHN, but its not something for us. So I'll look into either early November or early December. I'll see the differences in price and go from there. Thanks again! Now I don't feel nearly as lost!

 

[debandbill]

If you are flexible with your vacation time, I will agree that late November, early December is a wonderful time to vacation in Florida. I have found that both theme parks and cruise lines have great deals between Tksgiving and Christmas. Our visit to US, staying at the HRH, the first week of December last year was just wonderful. Hotel was only 1/3 full, parks were easy to navigate, and the FOTL passes were only needed a few times.

Also...the weather here is just super during that time...warm enough to enjoy the pools...cool enough to be comfortable during the day.

Deb