Too Soon For 2005 rate watch thread?

[E&B's Mom]

I tried yet again this morning for AAA rate (Club level at RPR 8/5-8/9) and asked for the person to check each night, and guess what . . . now AAA is available for all 4 nights. He said they have a new system where he has to put in a special rate code (duh!). It pays to try again. This was my third call after I heard that others had AAA rates for August. Now I'm down to $305 per night. Still higher than I want, but I'll wait and see.

 

[NandP]

It's amazing how prices fluxuate... I was playin with dates and codes, and just on day difference changes the rate by $10-$20 a night...

It would be nice if you could see a calendar with EVERY available rate for each night for each hotel.... but that is a fantasy... unless travel agents can get that info???? Might be worth getting a travel agent license...

Wish you could do that with Airline tickets arental cars as well... it is so funny how rates change by just picking a different day of the week... It is the secret world of travel agents that conspire against us!

Anyone know what rates are actually available? and what are the 3-letter codes that they use?
example:
AAA - obvious
ENT - Entertainment???
GOV - Government Employee??? do they honor that one?

Thanks,

 

[cdpa4d]

The only rate available I know of AAA. The other rate not mentioned was APH which is not available for 2005 yet. That is usually a pretty good rate.
ADP

 

[E&B's Mom]

Don't forget FAN.

NandP, are you a government employee too? Do the resorts give a Government rate?

 

[TracyK]

We want to go in Feb and heard that Ent rates would be out in September. Does anybody know when they came out last year?
Thanks
Tracy

 

[bjakmom]

Last year the discount rates didn't come out until mid-late Nov. I was desperately hoping, as I had several rooms booked at AAA rates for Jan! I had no problem switching my rates to Fan club - even booked a couple of the rooms through Hotelkingdom when they had a great sale at about the same time- their club rates went down to 216.00.

The AAA and Fl resident rates were earlier, same as this year.

 

[TracyK]

Thanks. Looks like I'll have to be patient.
Tracy

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by bjakmom
Last year the discount rates didn't come out until mid-late Nov. I was desperately hoping, as I had several rooms booked at AAA rates for Jan! I had no problem switching my rates to Fan club - even booked a couple of the rooms through Hotelkingdom when they had a great sale at about the same time- their club rates went down to 216.00.

The AAA and Fl resident rates were earlier, same as this year.

Yes, this is exactly my memory. We ended up buying from HK in November.

So I don't know why I keep checking every day! LOL!

 

[deelam]

I called today(10/5). Still no AP rates. I was going to book at the AAA, but held off.
I have a question. The CM told me that there would be a rate change during my stay. I guess it represents going from Regular to value season. My dates are 4/30-5/4. We are hoping to stay at RP. The cheaper nights are 5/1-5/4. If I book at the AAA rate online, will I be able to see the rate that is charged for each night? How does Universal handle rate changes. Will I have to have two reservations?
Also, how hard is it to switch from AAA to AP rate?
I just don't know if I want to book at the higher rate. I'm thinking if they sell out, they won't release AP rates, but then I won't have a room if they sell out. I'm puzzled on what to do.


Deneen

 

[bjakmom]

Deneen - don't know about the rate change issue, but I would go ahead and try it online and see what you come up with.

As for changing from one rate to another - I haven't had any problem doing this, but I've always kept a close eye on the boards and called frequently - if they sell out of a discount rate quickly, I think they are gone. Here's how I figure it for myself - last year I held out booking my rooms until I booked my airfare - once I felt that I would pay the higher rate (if I couldn't get a discount rate) rather than cancel my trip, I went ahead and booked my rooms and watched (and hoped) for a lower rate. I knew that I would rather have paid the higher rate than been without a particular hotel or room choice. On a trip where it wasn't important if I stayed on-site or in which hotel or type of room, or if the lower rate was crucial to my being able to afford to stay, I might be more likely to wait it out. It's a tough choice and a lot of effort, but always worth it to save the $$ IMHO

 

[deelam]

My dates are set, I have my flight into Universal and I really want to stay onsite. So I guess I should book to make sure I have a room. I guess for nights at the AAA rate is better than nothing. I'll keep looking for that AP rate though.

Deneen

 

[d4est]

anyone check today?

 

[cdpa4d]

I just checked the Universal Orlando site. No ENT, APH, or FAN rates available for 2005 yet. The only thing available is AAA.
ADP

 

[deelam]

I'm waiting for the AP, but I booked at the AAA.
I didn't want to chance not getting a room.
Does anyone remember if they first release the ENT, then Fan club & AP rates. or do they release them all at once. Also, is it best to call, or will the web have the rates listed right away?

Deneen

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Is November when most of the discounted rates come out? Just wondering since I booked at a rack rate of $294 ouch! I've been debating now if it's worth it to stay onsite or if I should just do without the FOTL pass.

 

[mom23guys2]

Still no discounts for Easter week, not even AAA. They've always had them in the past but they are not out for Easter, 2005. Do you think they will be release in Nov. along with the other discounts? Maybe they're holding off until they see if they can fill the rooms at rack rates. If there are no discounts I'll be staying at Disney with a AAA discount.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

I talked with a really helpful person at Loew's reservation desk today. She said that most of the discounts don't get put on to their system until mid to late November.

 

[smagacz]

I am new to your forum but I wanted to let youk now how HAPPY I was to stumble upon it when I decided to book an Orlando vacation for next year. I have never been (nor my 3 teen boys) but after reviewing literally hundreds of posts on here I was able to make some great decisions about where to stay and what to do. Despite hearing that HRH may be looking a little beat and service less than top notch, I still decided this would be the best choice for three young teens. I made a reservation a couple of days ago for April 3-9, 2005. AAA rate was available and the rate went down after April 2nd. My original plan had been to come in on April 1st which I quickly changed due to a pretty significant rate change beginning with the 3rd. I was still quoted $300.00 for club level but have a feeling that may not get much better due to the "spring break" time frame. I think I will keep checking and trying, though...thanks to this forum for all the great tips......

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Welcome smagacz! So glad you found the DIS. I'm sure you'll find lots of info. here for your upcoming trip. Hope you have a great one.

 

[Kourtnie]

I just spoke with a res agent and she said they are planning on having rates in by Nov 1st. I also spoke with one yesterday and she had said she could see they were loading them in the system but they werent released yet