So frustrated trying to book a package

[wish_upon_a_star35]

I am getting so frustrated!! I am trying to book a package for my daughter and myself. We would like to go to Universal for 3-4 days sometime next month or early March.

My preference was to stay onsite, but all of the dates that we want are booked. I didn't want to stay off site because we want FOTL!!!!!

Also I do not want to rent a car, and since I had planned to stay onsite I figured we wouldn't need one!!

So my question is, if we stay off site are we able to purchase something like Disney's Fast pass? Do they even have that? Has anyone else ever stayed off site without renting a car?

 

[tricky1]

Not sure of your dates but Hotels .com is showing availibilty
for the end of feb - early march.

If you do stay off site you can purchase express passes.

 

[damo]

With the new Wizarding World, you've got to book really early for any popular dates. One suggestion for you is to book the Harry Potter package at an offsite hotel, so at least you will get early entry. Do the Wizarding World stuff early and the rest of the parks later.

Personally, I wouldn't advise purchasing a package onsite. Just book your hotel on http://www.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotels=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR and then buy your tickets separately.

If you give us the dates you want, we'll try to help.

There is space available through the last week of Feb. and early March. With the annual pass rate, rooms at the Royal Pacific are $189. An annual pass will cost you $229.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

You guys are awesome!!!

My dates are actually really flexible.

I'd like to go anytime on or after the 14th of February through the begining of March. During the week would be best and I'd like to stay for three nights!

 

[damo]

There are great prices at the Portofino (top deluxe there) for $197/night from Feb. 15-18. If you get an annual pass, Royal Pacific is $139/night during that same time and Portofino is $159.

You don't want to go in President's week...it is much more expensive and booked.

If you go Feb. 27-March 3 time frame Royal Pacific is $189 using an AP and $279/night without it.

Sound like mid Feb. is the cheapest.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

There are great prices at the Portofino (top deluxe there) for $197/night from Feb. 15-18. If you get an annual pass, Royal Pacific is $139/night during that same time and Portofino is $159.

You don't want to go in President's week...it is much more expensive and booked.

If you go Feb. 27-March 3 time frame Royal Pacific is $189 using an AP and $279/night without it.

Sound like mid Feb. is the cheapest.

Thanks again for your help. Did you find these rights on the universal website? Those are awesome rates!

 

[damo]

Thanks again for your help. Did you find these rights on the universal website? Those are awesome rates!

Yes, everything is on the website.

 

[jackal]

With the new Wizarding World, you've got to book really early for any popular dates.

Personally, I wouldn't advise purchasing a package onsite. Just book your hotel on http://www.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotels=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR and then buy your tickets separately.

I have seen a lot of people say they wouldn't book a package onsite. Can I ask the reasoning? I booked a package and it came out cheaper than if I would have booked everything seperately. Is there another reason besides price? I booked 9 nines, so the package was a better deal then booking a hotel only plus tickets.

 

[damo]

I have seen a lot of people say they wouldn't book a package onsite. Can I ask the reasoning? I booked a package and it came out cheaper than if I would have booked everything seperately. Is there another reason besides price? I booked 9 nines, so the package was a better deal then booking a hotel only plus tickets.

Often the cancellation and change policies come with fees that you won't get in a normal reservation.

Revision Fees:
Once deposit and/or full payment is received, a $50 revision fee per transaction, plus any applicable services fees or price increases, will be assessed for any changes made to the reservation including, but not limited to, dates, air carrier, hotel, and ground transportation. If your vacation includes airline reservations, air change fees apply, plus a $50 per reservation revision fee and any other fees or price increases imposed by the airline will be charged. Fees are non-refundable. Certain types of airline reservation changes, including name changes, are prohibited based upon restrictions imposed by the carrier.

Cancellation Fee for Bookings:
DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL - PENALTIES
45 days or more - Full refund*

44-6 days - $100 fee per reservation, plus fees imposed by hotel, airline and/or other components

5-0 days - $200 fee per reservation, plus fees imposed by hotel, airline and/or other components



Quite often with the purchase of one annual pass, you can cut your room rates dramatically and save considerable amounts of money. Also, rates change considerably and with a package price you won't be able to call up and get that rate changed like you can with a normal room only reservation.

 

[jackal]

Thanks. That makes sense. We are going during spring break and I am pretty sure I got the best rate out there as I was watching the pricing for months. Also, I changed my reservation 2 times and they were nice enough to waive the fees. Which I thought was great.

I never checked in to an AP. I probably should have but I know for a fact our next vacation will be to disney

 

[damo]

Thanks. That makes sense. We are going during spring break and I am pretty sure I got the best rate out there as I was watching the pricing for months. Also, I changed my reservation 2 times and they were nice enough to waive the fees. Which I thought was great.

I never checked in to an AP. I probably should have but I know for a fact our next vacation will be to disney

An ap is only $229 and even if you aren't going to use it again this year, it can sometimes save you $100 per night in hotel bookings. It also gets you discounts on food and merchandise. Renewal rate is only $149 which is about the same price as a 3 day ticket.

 

[jackal]

An ap is only $229 and even if you aren't going to use it again this year, it can sometimes save you $100 per night in hotel bookings. It also gets you discounts on food and merchandise. Renewal rate is only $149 which is about the same price as a 3 day ticket.

Oh my! That is quite the savings. I'm going to check on the AP rate. I am still 45 days out on my package so if I can get it cheaper through the AP Rate, I will cancel and rebook. Thanks for the tip! Do you discounts at restaurants and such with an AP?