Should I expect large crowds at Universal and IOA during a November weekend? Also, I've heard people mention an Entertainment discount for Hard Rock Hotel. What is that?
i cant help you with your question about november crowds. this year will be my first time going in november. however, the entertainment rate everyone is talking about is the entertainment books that a lot schools sell as a fund raiser. if you call and book with the entertainment card you get (i think) 50% off the rack rate. if you dont know of anyone selling the entertainment book in your area, you can access their website at www.entertainment.com. hope this is helpful. have a great trip.
Once the hotel predicts 80% occupancy, entertainment rates are not available. Make sure to get the rate before you buy the book. You don't have to give an entertainment card number when you book. You just need to have the card with you when you check in. If you don't know anyone who is selling them, you can order online at www.entertainment.com (but then you have to pay a $5 shipping fee.
By the way, I got a $113 garden view rate for one of days in December. It was not available for the other two. I got AAA rate of $149 for another day. The AAA shot way up for our third day of stay, so I got an All Access rate of $149 for the third night (Xmas Eve, when the room rate skyrockets).
In case you need the info, you can get the All Access card on hardrock.com. I think it was $30. You get a substantial discount on the hotel and also automatically get $20 credit at Hard Rock Cafe (so the card essentially costs you $10).
Good luck!