Opinions on Trip

[JessiMommy]

OK DH & I are due for a little alone time... Plus our anniversary is in November. We used to go to both WDW & Universal but since the arrival of DD in 2000 we haven't been back to Universal. We are theme park junkies so to us that is a romantic getaway ha ha!!

Anyway, we are in the process of getting ready to sell our house & buy a new one so money is a little tight. How can we save on a 2-3 day getaway to Universal? We live in South FL so we would drive. I'd love to stay at a Universal Hotel. I've heard both great & horrible things though. Guess I'll never know for myself unless I try right?

What kind of discounts can I get? Both on tickets & Resorts. I know about the Entertainment Book. I have the South FL edition but it doesn't seem to have any hotel discounts in it. Just some City Walk coupons. It has the entertainment discount card in the front. Anyone know about this? Any help planning this would be greatly appreciated. I'll take all opinions on how to save & what you think about the Uni. Resorts! Thanks!

 

[BarryHom]

If you're doing 2-3 days, you might want to get the 2 day pass with an extra day free. It'll cost around $80 or so. However, I think the better deal may be the Bonus Pass at $90 or even an AP with blackout dates for around $109. Staying onsite is great, but you may be able to stay offsite and use the Express pass that you purchase. It's not as good as your room key (room key gives you unlimited Universal Express priviledges, while the paid one is used once per ride), but it may be a trade-off for a budget. Orlando does have a bunch of hotel rooms, so discounts aren't hard to find, unless you're travelling during a peak time.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Certain hotels give you up to 50% discount with the entertainment membership. All you need is your Entetainment Card. There should be a list of hotels for each city and state, that offer this discount.

The Universal Resorts honor this, as does AmeriSuites and Fairfield Inn...if I remember correctly...but, each year the hotel list can change, so you'll want to check to make sure.

I also agree about AP. This way you can go again later on, if you get the chance, and you won't have to worry about buying tickets.

HOWEVER, sometimes they have a sale on the Preferred AP...though I'm not sure if and when they'll do this again. But, you get free parking and discounts with it...which can save loads of money during trips.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Hi,
I called late August to get discounts rates for the onsite hotels in Nov. There were NO entertainment rates at all, I did manage to get a fan club rate for RPR. If you want to go, I would call ASAP. Also, hotel kingdom has great rates right now for the onsite hotels - book as soon as you can though. We will be there Nov. 7 -10 for our romantic anniversary trip without the kids -c an't wait!!!!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Definitely stay on site to maximize your stay. With the discount, you will be able to swing it. Also, read these boards...you will find the tricks of the trade here!

 

[wendypooh]

Totally agree, stay onsite........ the RPR is gorgeous, we loved it. Even though we had the kids with us, it was still VERY romantic, and so beautiful. Keep trying for a discount though..... you never know.

 

[JessiMommy]

Originally posted by TigerLilly's Mom
Hi,
I called late August to get discounts rates for the onsite hotels in Nov. There were NO entertainment rates at all, I did manage to get a fan club rate for RPR. If you want to go, I would call ASAP. Also, hotel kingdom has great rates right now for the onsite hotels - book as soon as you can though. We will be there Nov. 7 -10 for our romantic anniversary trip without the kids -c an't wait!!!!

Oh no... I better herry & fugure something out! I really want to stay onsite. What is Hotel Kingdom? TIA!

 

[JessiMommy]

Originally posted by JessiMommy
Oh no... I better herry & fugure something out! I really want to stay onsite. What is Hotel Kingdom? TIA!

Oh my gosh... look at the mess of spelling mistakes... I'm in too big of a hurry I guess.... woops!

 

[wendypooh]

www.hotelkingdom.com


a great place for discounts on hotels...... also try hotwire.

 

[JessiMommy]

Originally posted by wendypooh
www.hotelkingdom.com


a great place for discounts on hotels...... also try hotwire.

Cool...thanks!

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

if money is a real concern and staying site is not in your budget. try this. go to hotemartusa.com some of the hotels have excellent prices with all taxes included. it takes about 3 days to receive your email confirmation. once you receive it . call the hotel local number and confirm your reservation. i have used them before for the holiday inn mercado on universal blvd. the cost including taxes was 56.95 per night. each room included micro, fridge, and coffee maker. there is a buffet breakfast which adult must pay about 6 dollars for but kids eat free. out door pool.

you can also book at the holiday inns web site. www.priorityclub.com you can book an entertainment rate directly on the website with no money down. but this way costs about 59.95 plus tax per night. payable when checking in.

 

[andrewgh423]

Ride ALL rides! They are so fun and don't be scarred of any of them!