Newbie here with lots of questions!

[jewell]

We haven't been to Universal since 2000! My son was then barely six years old. We had a great time, but we didn't stay on site. We are hoping to go this year in August, yea, I know--it's gonna be HOT, but I'm hoping since we will be staying in one of the resorts we can take our time and it won't be too bad.

Okay, here is the problem I'm not 100% sure we can go, but we should know by June if we can go. Anywoo, what should I be doing now to be able to get a good deal at the restorts? Should I get AAA? Aso, in June, will I still be able to book two rooms (my sister and neices are going too) in August or will the resorts be already booked up? Again I'm hoping that in August the crowds will be down somewhat. We will be going sometime around August 18.

In 2004 we went to Disney and I did a lot of reseach, I was on this board for at least one to two hours everyday (sometimes even longer!) and I also bought the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and studied it. All my reseach paid off because we had a wonderful vacation and found lots of ways to save money. I'm hoping to do the same this year.

I saw the special the resorts are having now by spending at least 4 nights and getting 2 tickets for the time you are there. Would I do better by getting AAA and booking a room through them and then just buying three tickets? We will be at the parks for probably 3 full days so staying for 4 nights isn't a problem at all.

Oh by the way I'm from WV so I won't be getting the FL residents discounts. Anyway, glad to be back on the board, I'm so excited!!! I just hope we get to go (and I'm 90% we will)!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

Welcome back to the DIS! You want to read the "sticky" at the top of the theme park (uo) board..FAQ's. I would call and try to book your room at AAA rate now, those rates have been out for awhile, and there may or may not be rooms left at that rate for your dates. They are offering $85 7-day tickets right now too. You would have to compare your rate at hotel and tickets to the "package" offered on the homepage...."packages" are not always the best deal for everyone. It just takes a little calculating to figure out what is best for you. In August, definately stay onsite. If you want a book for Universal comparable to the UG, get Kelly Monaghan's book "Universal Orlando"..it's great and has everything Universal (hotels, restaurants, CW, etc...) Good luck!

 

[kellymonaghan]

One of you might want to consider getting an annual pass. depending on how long you stay and depending on whether there are special rates for AP holders when you visit, it could pay off.

When figuring the cost of staying on-site, be sure to factor in that you will have front-of-the-line access to most attractions and, therefore, ZERO waiting time. That's worth a lot, IMHO.

If you're doing just Universal, you may be able to dispense with a rental car. Another savings.

But if you do have a car, be sure to work in a visit to The Dessert Lady, just a short drive up Kirkman Rd from Universal. The best desserts in orlando, if not the entire country. You will thank me many times for this little tip!

 

[Motherfletcher]

... and I also bought the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and studied it. All my reseach paid off because we had a wonderful vacation and found lots of ways to save money. I'm hoping to do the same this year.

Buy Kelly's book (last poster) for this trip and save again.

 

[jewell]

Again you guys are coming through for me! I love this board!!!!!
I appreciate all the tips and I'm keep a little notebook with all the tips everyone gives me. I'm one of those people who can't seem to get enough info, the more the better! Thanks!

 

[dsmom]

Kelly! I love your book! I am new to Universal and I bought and memorized your book before our first trip last December. Thank you!!

 

[calgarygary]

Be sure to join Loew's First loyalty program, as benefits begin with your first stay. AAA rate qualifies for LF benefits but the AP and other third party rates do not. You can check out the benefits here: http://www.loews-first.com/loewsfirst_benefits.asp

 

[Kimberle]

We went last August. It was a great time! It wasn't crowded at all (the 3rd week). They were running specials, but I ended up using a AAA discount. It was just a bit cheaper. When you're ready to book, call the Lowes rep, they will run the numbers for you as many ways as you want. You can then choose the cheapest rate.

 

[jewell]

I just went and bought the book on Amazon that was recommended, Kelly Monaghan's "Universal Orlando". Can't wait to get it!

Kimberle, thanks so much for telling me about the crowds being low at that time of the year, that is really good to hear. Did you do okay with the heat? I'm a bit worried about that but August will be the only time we can go. My son is going to Europe for a 19 day stay, in June and part of July with the People to People student Ambassdor program--hubby and I are so jealous we would love to go, but I guess we will settle for a Univeral trip! We were going to wait until next year to go to Universal, but I couldn't stand it so I figured we'd just go in August!

 

[Kimberle]

I just went and bought the book on Amazon that was recommended, Kelly Monaghan's "Universal Orlando". Can't wait to get it!

Kimberle, thanks so much for telling me about the crowds being low at that time of the year, that is really good to hear. Did you do okay with the heat? I'm a bit worried about that but August will be the only time we can go. My son is going to Europe for a 19 day stay, in June and part of July with the People to People student Ambassdor program--hubby and I are so jealous we would love to go, but I guess we will settle for a Univeral trip! We were going to wait until next year to go to Universal, but I couldn't stand it so I figured we'd just go in August!

The heat was fine. IOA is a pretty "wet" park, lots of water rides, etc. The parks in general seem cooler than WDW. They have more shade, water misters, etc. There was even one night we had to come in from the pool around 7pm because we were getting *cold*. *LOL* Never thought I'd have to do that in Aug.