Newbie to the whole Universal thang...

[RickinNYC]

On our trip back from WDW a couple of weeks back, we gave up our seats and were given two $300 flight vouchers. We thought perhaps it'd be fun to use them and go down to Universal/IOA for a long weekend and include Halloween Horror Nights, bagging Disney for the rest of this year altogether.

We've never stayed at one of their resorts and I have absolutely no idea whether the prices I see are good, reasonable or outrageous. Out of curiosity, I looked at the Royal Pacific resort, put in our potential dates for four nights in October, arrive Wednesday night and leaving Sunday afternoon. It was a king room with what I assume is concierge (continental b-fast in a.m. and beer, etc... in pm), two passes for length of stay to both parks and City Walk stuff, all the other amenities of being a resort guest. Came to $1,260 which I thought was reasonable.

But is it really?

Any thoughts? Like Disney, should I just book things individually? ANY suggestions you can provide would be incredibly appreciated.

One huge perk that really makes me want to stay at their resort is the express pass ability. Love that. But couldnt' I buy them if we to stay offsite?

 

[calgarygary]

Based on the info. you provided, I think you looked at a package. Most of the times, it is significantly cheaper for you to book things individually however in this case, if it is club for four nights in October, I think you have a great rate.

 

[donaldduck352]

Based on the info. you provided, I think you looked at a package. Most of the times, it is significantly cheaper for you to book things individually however in this case, if it is club for four nights in October, I think you have a great rate.

That donn't sound bad at all.But shop around. If your a AAA member,Leowes member(it's free to join),you may find a better deal You never know.Just do alittle

 

[goofy!]

One huge perk that really makes me want to stay at their resort is the express pass ability. Love that. But couldnt' I buy them if we to stay offsite?

You can purchase the Express passes. However, the difference between the onsite perk and the purchased Express passes is that your onsite hotel key gets you unlimited Express access from the minute you check in to park closing of the day you check out. You can ride as many rides as you want as many times as you want. If you want to ride MIB 10 times in a row, you can do it.

The Express passes that you purchase are for the day you purchase them only. And it limits you to one express access per ride. So, if you wanted to ride MIB 10 times, you could do it once with your Express pass and then the other 9 times you would have to stand in the regular lines.

 

[disneyfreakk]

That's not a horrible price, but I think you can do better.

Are you a AAA member? You can call loews and ask them if they have any AAA rates avail. If you are not a AAA member, I would go ahead and book your room online (They used to not charge a deposit when you booked online, not sure about now.) Then keep checking the website for the super savers rates to come out. The super saver rate for Oct. usually opens back up a few months before Oct. Then just call the reservation number and have them switch the rates.

We have gone to the HRH every year since 2003 for HHN. You might want to look at the AP passes and see if it would be more cost effective to buy one just for the discounts on the HHN tickets. Or, I am sure you have friends who have the AP, just ask them to get your tickets for you using their AP discount. When you enter HHN, they don't check to see if you are an AP holder (and I doubt they care. )

HHN info should be released sometime around June/July.

The tickets 7 day/ 2 park tickets that are being offered online at Universal.com is the best deal out there. I would go ahead and get those.

 

[Kimberle]

The best price we got was with a AAA discount. It was better than the free tickets promotion they were running at the time.

Right now, you can buy the park hopper tickets for around $81 for 7 days (consecutive use). You can't beat that price even if you only use 3 or 4 days. Book your room separate.

Just an FYI, only about 1/3 of the concierge rooms at RPR have a pool/park view. The rest are "garden", a/k/a highway. If a good view is important, you'd have a better chance staying in a regular room. We did stay concerige and loved the service. The staff was friendly and the food was good. They have plenty of soda and water bottles which you can take to the parks.

All 3 resorts are luxury so you can't go wrong with any. Plus, pool hopping is allowed. If you really want to treat yourself, book a cabanna at the HR pool. (You can do this even if you're staying at RPR.)

US is a wonderful, very relaxing vacation. The FOTL access really spoils you. Plus, the FOTL works at most resturants also (except the very popular ones.)

 

[macraven]

i've gone to universal each year since 2000 for hhn.
prior to that went when they opened.

each year i do a split between disney and UO.


you MUST try hhn.........i absolutely am completely and totally addicted to it.

the day park tickets are not valid for the hhn event, it is a hard ticket just like mnsshp would be.


get the loews card and it gives you amenities with the membership.
you get miles for american, amtrak if you choose. you will receive a welcome gift while staying at a loews hotel.

sign up at loewsfirst.com


it is free.


book your rooms by august.
the on site hotels book up quickly for October hhn nights.

it is cheaper to not do a package.

if you stay at hrh, and have AAA, your discount can be up to 35% off per night. that could make your room around $260 / night, buy the promo tickets for $79.99 which are valid for 7 days. even if you only use them for 2 days, you are ahead financially.

AAA discounts are available for all 3 hotels.
rph usually runs the lowest on room costs.

you said you were getting a king room.
that could be a standard room, king bed.

all rooms come as 2 queens.

the king suites do run more but i have not checked out the promo packages

without doing so, you may be ahead of the game. usually, you do better buying everything separately like at disney.


let me know if i can help you..

depending on which weekend you plan to do UO, HHN can be open for wed/thur/fri/sat/sun.

i go the columbus day weekend and hhn is open on the thursday for that week.

 

[RickinNYC]

Holy moly, now I know what it feels like for the newbies to the DIS in general when they're completely overwhelmed when planning a trip to WDW.

Thanks for all the info folks? I'm still confused but I guess the gist of it is that it's to our interest to book everything separately and not do the package. Good to know. I suspected as much. And we should buy the tix at the promo price now. And book the room through AAA (yes we're members) OR through the Loews program (which I did join thanks to your suggestions.)

Views are completely irrelevant to us. Never cared about them because I'm not one to stay too long in our room, regardless of where we're vacationing, whether Disney, a cruise, etc...

Thanks again folks and keep your suggestions coming!

 

[goofy!]

Holy moly, now I know what it feels like for the newbies to the DIS in general when they're completely overwhelmed when planning a trip to WDW.

Thanks for all the info folks? I'm still confused but I guess the gist of it is that it's to our interest to book everything separately and not do the package. Good to know. I suspected as much. And we should buy the tix at the promo price now. And book the room through AAA (yes we're members) OR through the Loews program (which I did join thanks to your suggestions.)

Views are completely irrelevant to us. Never cared about them because I'm not one to stay too long in our room, regardless of where we're vacationing, whether Disney, a cruise, etc...

Thanks again folks and keep your suggestions coming!

Don't forget that your hotel room key is also an Express pass to the restaurants. If you show your key, you get next available seating. (usually).

Worked great for us our last trip. Margaritaville wait was an hour and 10 minutes. Our wait was literally less than 3 minutes. The desk handed us the flashie thing, we turned around to go into the store and it started flashing.

So, no need for any kind of advance planning on where you want to eat.

Onsite Universal visits are the polar opposites of the well-planned Disney trip. You don't need a touring plan at all if you don't want one.

 

[macraven]

call and book thru the loews number. tell them you have the AAA card and want to get the best discount on a room with it. i have received up to 35% discount before using my AAA.

if the room rate drops at anytime before you check in, call and have your ressie modified and the rate will be adjusted to the lower amount.
it is like disney, they don't change the rate unless you call to request it.


they will get your info and might transfer you to universal orlando booking agents then.

that is what they did when i booked in january for my october trip before.

as a blue card member, you can request a free upgrade from garden view to pool view at the time you check in.

once you are past the blue level and on gold level, you can more than likely get the upgrade free at time of booking.

i am at platinum level.
i book at garden view, the cheapest rate and get a free upgrade to king suite each time i go.

i love having a great room and getting it for the cheapest rate.


book the room now, you will only be making a one night deposit. you pay the rest of the costs when you check out of the hotel.

sometimes, you are not charged the deposit but your room is just held. no rhyme or reason why that happens. it has happened to me a couple of times.

i have stayed on all three on site hotels.
this october will be #18 at the hrh for me.

i prefer choosing a different welcome gift.
i tell them at check in time, i want cookies and coke. i'm not a milk drinker. and they comply with 2 bottles of coke per guest on my ressie also the cookies.

at blue, you can request a later check out time but it is not guaranteed. you can always try if you need it longer.

if you will be at the parks for the day you check out, your room key is valid for fotl benefits that entire day until the park closes.
you can have your luggage held by the bell hops.
when you return to the park and if you need a shower or want to freshen up, you are allowed to use the shower rooms by the pool. towels are provided free even if you have checked out already.

you are encouraged to pool hop at the three on site hotels.
to me, i don't cause it takes time from ride time at the parks.


buy the ticket promo now. if for some reason you don't go on this trip, the tickets will be valid anytime in the future as long as you have not activated them. by that i mean, haven't used one day of the pass.

many are buying the 7 day, 2 park tickets and holding on to them for next year when potter opens at UO.

if you have more questions, many of us regulars here would be thrilled to help you out.

feel free to ask any questions or pm me if you need more assistance.

anything to help another homie have a great trip to the darkside.

Holy moly, now I know what it feels like for the newbies to the DIS in general when they're completely overwhelmed when planning a trip to WDW.

Thanks for all the info folks? I'm still confused but I guess the gist of it is that it's to our interest to book everything separately and not do the package. Good to know. I suspected as much. And we should buy the tix at the promo price now. And book the room through AAA (yes we're members) OR through the Loews program (which I did join thanks to your suggestions.)

Views are completely irrelevant to us. Never cared about them because I'm not one to stay too long in our room, regardless of where we're vacationing, whether Disney, a cruise, etc...

Thanks again folks and keep your suggestions coming!

 

[calgarygary]

I guess I'm in the minority on this one. I still think that 4 nights of club at the RPR in October and tickets for $1260 is a good deal - great if it includes taxes. This is working out to apx. $270/night for club over a weekend in October when room rates are often at a premium. If taxes were included then the rate is significantly lower. I'm seeing APH rates for club in Aug. for $283 and in Oct. at $323.

 

[macraven]

I guess I'm in the minority on this one. I still think that 4 nights of club at the RPR in October and tickets for $1260 is a good deal - great if it includes taxes. This is working out to apx. $270/night for club over a weekend in October when room rates are often at a premium. If taxes were included then the rate is significantly lower. I'm seeing APH rates for club in Aug. for $283 and in Oct. at $323.

if his trip was oct 9-13,
this would be the rate if he stayed 4 nights or more which would include the park tickets for 2.


CLUB ROOM KING BED Sleeps up to 3 Special Benefits include Continental Brkfst Fitness center access Evening beer wine
Rate Details 359.00 * 1436.00 *

KING SUITE King Bedroom 670 Sq Ft. Suite with bedroom plus large Living Room Sleeps up to 3
Rate Details 394.00 * 1576.00 *



the other promo is the free breakfast for 2 but no park tickets.
that cost would be:

CLUB ROOM KING BED Sleeps up to 3 Special Benefits include Continental Brkfst Fitness center access Evening beer wine
Rate Details 384.00 * 1536.00 *

KING SUITE King Bedroom 670 Sq Ft. Suite with bedroom plus large Living Room Sleeps up to 3
Rate Details 419.00 * 1676.00 *



i used the King bed club level
and king suite non club level for the above figures.


when rick said a premium room, i don't know if he means club or non club room


this would be for a standard room , king bed: it is the promo also.
weekends are higher than weekdays for the rates.



Promotion Code:
FREE TICKETS- 4 NIGHTS OR MORE
TWO FREE TICKETS FOR UP TO 7 DAYS ADMISSIONTO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
Room Type:
STANDARD ROOM KING BED 335 Sq Ft
Relaxing Tropical DecorSleeps up to 3
Rates Information
Avg Nightly Rate:
251.50 (per room)
Total Cost w/o Taxes:
1006.00 (per room)
Taxes:
Total Taxes:
125.75 (per room) Resort Tax : 6.50 percent per room per night
County Tax : 6.00 percent per room per night
Total Cost Including Taxes:
1131.75 (per room)
Currency:
US Dollars
Other Charges:
NA
* Rate Changes: Daily Rate commencing on the indicated dates

09-Oct-08 10-Oct-08 12-Oct-08

244.00 259.00 244.00



i used the dates i am going but if rick went the first week, he could get the value rate which is much cheaper.



the above are rack rates or close to it with the promo.

if you have the AAA, room costs are much less.
and you still get the loews benefits if you book direct with loews.


calgary gary, you do have a point but the breakfast for the buffet is $16.95 a person at rph. you get that free on one promo. the other you get the tickets free.

if the person does not stay all 4 nights, the rate will be higher for the room.

if a person would stay 4 nights, the super saver rate is cheaper than any promo out there. i did that last year. i booked first with ap, then switched to the aaa and then switched to the super saver rate.

 

[goofy!]

I guess I'm in the minority on this one. I still think that 4 nights of club at the RPR in October and tickets for $1260 is a good deal - great if it includes taxes. This is working out to apx. $270/night for club over a weekend in October when room rates are often at a premium. If taxes were included then the rate is significantly lower. I'm seeing APH rates for club in Aug. for $283 and in Oct. at $323.

Nope, you are not in the minority. I also think it is a decent rate. While I would hesitate to recommend a package, this seems to be a good one.

Since I was checking similar dates for us, I ran a sample for October 15th - October 19th, a Wednesday through Sunday like Rick and Joe are proposing.

The King club with the tickets for 4+ nights is $1,436.
The seasonal rate for the King Club without the tickets is also $1,436.
APH for a King Club (without tickets) is $1,293
There is no AAA King Club available that weekend (it is standard rate), but the cheapest AAA is a standard garden view, 2 queen for $880. But no club and no tickets. Club add-on would be $75-$100 per night if available at check-in and the tickets would be another $160.00.

The only thing that would make me rethink booking a package would be if there were restrictions that would really lock me into that price.

I like the freedom to change my rates if they go down lower.

 

[RickinNYC]

Ok folks, how about this question? We don't care which of the three resorts we stay in, but would love to pay the cheapest going rate for the room and don't give a hoot about whether we get a continental b-fast or beer at night. Just the room.

 

[macraven]

Ok folks, how about this question? We don't care which of the three resorts we stay in, but would love to pay the cheapest going rate for the room and don't give a hoot about whether we get a continental b-fast or beer at night. Just the room.

give me your dates and i'll try to pull it up for you.

value season is cheaper than regular season.

part of october is value season

 

[calgarygary]

If you provide us your specific dates, a more informed opinion can be provided to you. As the OP has come back and said that club was not important, disregard my earlier posts as the were based on the op having a club quote

(continental b-fast in a.m. and beer, etc... in pm)

Currently, I am seeing AAA rates in Oct. at the RPR as low as 220 and APH rates at 233.

OP, you can expect that the RPR will have the lowest rate of the 3 but if the room rate is close, you will have a much larger room at the HRH or PBH.

 

[goofy!]

Ok folks, how about this question? We don't care which of the three resorts we stay in, but would love to pay the cheapest going rate for the room and don't give a hoot about whether we get a continental b-fast or beer at night. Just the room.

As Mac said, the weekend you chose is going to determine the rate.

AAA right now is your cheapest option. And since I am sitting here bored and being held hostage waiting (dr's appt) - here are some of the rates from AAA

So, for the weekend of:
10/01 - 10/05 The cheapest AAA rate is $170.21 for the first 2 nights and $220.15 for the 2nd two nights for a total of $782.70 + tax. This is for a garden view 2 queen. (Garden view king should be the same except there is no availability showing right now)
AAA Member Discount
Must Present Valid AAA ID Card At Check In
Rates Subject To Restrictions And Black Outs
USD 171.20
Starting 01 Oct For 2 Nights
USD 220.15
Starting 03 Oct For 2 Nights
USD 782.70
Sub Total For Stay

10/08 - 10/13 or 10/15 - 10/19 The cheapest AAA rate is $207.40 per night for the first 2 nights and $220.15 per night for the last two nights for a total of $885.10 + tax. This is for a garden view 2 queen room. (The garden view King should be the same, but not showing availability on the AAA site.)
AAA Member Discount
Must Present Valid AAA ID Card At Check In
Rates Subject To Restrictions And Black Outs
USD 207.40
Starting 15 Oct For 2 Nights
USD 220.15
Starting 17 Oct For 2 Nights
USD 855.10
Sub Total For Stay

10/22 - 10/26 - The cheapest AAA rate is $232.90 for the first two nights and $246.65 for the second two nights for a total of $957.10 + tax (again for a garden view 2 queen)
AAA Member Discount
Must Present Valid AAA ID Card At Check In
Rates Subject To Restrictions And Black Outs
USD 232.90
Starting 22 Oct For 2 Nights
USD 245.65
Starting 24 Oct For 2 Nights
USD 957.10
Sub Total For Stay

10/25 - 11/02 - Only room available on AAA.com is a standard room that requires advance payment and has other restrictions. $255 per night for a total of $1,020.00 + tax.
Room: Standard

Cancellation: If cancellations are received more than 14 days prior to 12:00 on the date of scheduled check-in, the cancellation fee is $25 USD per reservation, plus any additional hotel or other cancellation fees which may apply. If cancellations are received less than 14 days prior to 12:00 noon on the date of scheduled check-in, the cancellation fee is the first night room and tax charges, unless otherwise noted at time of reservation. Failure to check-in to the hotel as scheduled without prior notice of cancellation (no show) will result in no refund and the balance of any reservation will be cancelled and nonrefundable. Separate cancellation fees or booking conditions may apply over holiday or special event periods and will be disclosed at the time of booking. Any change to an existing hotel reservation will result in a $25 USD administrative fee.

Rate: Total Rate: USD $1,020.00
Rate includes taxes and is valid for all travelers
Award points and airline mileage may not be awarded when booking this rate

If any of these sound promising, book through Loews by calling their reservation line.

 

[keishashadow]

yeah, what the experts said

my advice re AAA, even if you THINK you want to go; book the non-refundable rate and cancel later (believe it's 48 prior?). My AAA (East) sells both refundable & non-refundable rates - heads up.

i've also found no availability on the website and have called Lowes and there are rooms, so don't give up.

ps, isn't it great to score free airline tix , i usually have to run a zillion dollars thru CC or lose a piece of luggage

spill the beans...what airline & did you volunteer before hand or wait & pounce when they announced the oversell , nebby minds need to know