Question re: different annual passes, and hotel discount

[peacefrogdog]

Was checking out the Annual pass prices and have a couple of questions:

1. There is the Power pass, preferred pass and Premier Pass. For each of these, does the year that the pass is valid start on whatever date you buy or purchase the pass? Or is it the start of the calender year?

2. In order to get the Universal hotel discounts (when available), do you have to get a certain pass, or do only need to have any of the 3 annual pass options?

3. Approximately how much is the discount on hotel rooms with the annual pass? How likely would it be to get a discount for mid November (the week before Thanksgiving week) or late August-early September?

4. Also, it looks like you can get the actual pass at the ticketing gate at the parks. however, if getting an annual pass discount on on-site hotel rooms, can you still get the discount if you physically haven't picked up the pass yet (e.g. if you're checking in before you go to the parks)?

 

[damo]

Was checking out the Annual pass prices and have a couple of questions:

1. There is the Power pass, preferred pass and Premier Pass. For each of these, does the year that the pass is valid start on whatever date you buy or purchase the pass? Or is it the start of the calender year?

The pass is valid on whatever day you activate it at the park.

2. In order to get the Universal hotel discounts (when available), do you have to get a certain pass, or do only need to have any of the 3 annual pass options?

You do not get discounts with the Power Pass or Season Pass

3. Approximately how much is the discount on hotel rooms with the annual pass? How likely would it be to get a discount for mid November (the week before Thanksgiving week) or late August-early September?

As an example, I am getting Portofino Bay Hotel for $159 in mid August when regular rate was well above $200.

4. Also, it looks like you can get the actual pass at the ticketing gate at the parks. however, if getting an annual pass discount on on-site hotel rooms, can you still get the discount if you physically haven't picked up the pass yet (e.g. if you're checking in before you go to the parks)?

Yes. You do not need to have to pass to reserve your room or check in but you need to be able to show it before you check out.

 

[scrabblegirl]

3. The website says "up to 30% off". Looking at the week before Thanksgiving, the "Stay more save more" rate is better than APH (annual pass holder) if you're staying 5 nights or more. Go to www.loewshotels.com with your dates and try with and without choosing "promotion" and entering "APH" in the code box. Not sure how to get AAA rates, but I've heard they're great too.

 

[macraven]

call to book and request the AAA discount.


i usually go with the AAA discount as i have a better discount with it for the time period i go to universal and stay onsite.

i switched from AAA to the SuperBowl discount in March.
the SB rate was much sweeter....

i have not been lucky on getting a great discount with my AP the last few years so i stick with the AAA one.

 

[peacefrogdog]

call to book and request the AAA discount.


i usually go with the AAA discount as i have a better discount with it for the time period i go to universal and stay onsite.

i switched from AAA to the SuperBowl discount in March.
the SB rate was much sweeter....

i have not been lucky on getting a great discount with my AP the last few years so i stick with the AAA one.

How much of a discount has the AAA rate been?

 

[damo]

The good thing is that you don't have to actually have AAA or an annual pass or anything to book. So what you do is call and find out the best rate and then figure out what is actually cheaper for you before you purchase an annual pass or AAA membership. Book using the cheapest rate and continue to watch rates as you get closer to your dates. If better rates come up, call and change your booking. Once you finalize your dates and rates ( 7 days before you arrive) you can purchase your annual pass or AAA if necessary.

 

[peacefrogdog]

The good thing is that you don't have to actually have AAA or an annual pass or anything to book. So what you do is call and find out the best rate and then figure out what is actually cheaper for you before you purchase an annual pass or AAA membership. Book using the cheapest rate and continue to watch rates as you get closer to your dates. If better rates come up, call and change your booking. Once you finalize your dates and rates ( 7 days before you arrive) you can purchase your annual pass or AAA if necessary.

Thanks so much.

Is there a way to check AAA rates online? Using an earlier tip I can use the APH code for the Annual Pass discount. Can I check the AAA rate online? I tried typing as the code, but it says 'Promotion not available'

 

[damo]

Thanks so much.

Is there a way to check AAA rates online? Using an earlier tip I can use the APH code for the Annual Pass discount. Can I check the AAA rate online? I tried typing as the code, but it says 'Promotion not available'

You can't check them on the Loews website. You can go into the AAA website and check them though. I find it faster just to call.