Travel Agent for Universal?

[jacknsally19]

Hi everyone - I'm a regular visitor to WDW but I am planning our first trip to Universal. I will be going Jan 28 - Feb 1; just overlapping the Harry Potter event. Given that the event goes on sale in two days, I figured I needed to book my plans prior to that. My plan is to stay on property at the Royal Pacific Resort. My question to all of you is - should I use a travel agent? or should I book directly through Universal? I'm certainly aware of the benefits of a travel agent with WDW not sure they exist with Universal.

TIA!

 

[RMulieri]

It doesnt really need a travel agent.There is nowhere NEAR the extent of planning that Disney requires..Packages rarely save money and often come with penalties for changes or cancellations..Book the resort at Loewshotels.com, get your tickets from whereever you choose ( we use Undercover tourist) .That is really it..Early entry and express are tied to your resort not your tickets.Dining also does not nearly require the planning disney does.You can book ressies for most restaurants ( if you want) at opentable.com, though the timeframe for reservation bookings vary with the restuarants( some are 60 days, some 30 days ) .Most times you don't need to even do that.

 

[jacknsally19]

Thanks! I was leaning towards that and just changing at a later date if necessary.

I kind of wanted the HP package so that I could get breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron / 3 Broomsticks but its only available until the end of 2014. But its certainly not that big of deal since I could eat lunch or dinner at one of those spots. Off to book my hotel room!

 

[RMulieri]

Thanks! I was leaning towards that and just changing at a later date if necessary.

I kind of wanted the HP package so that I could get breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron / 3 Broomsticks but its only available until the end of 2014. But its certainly not that big of deal since I could eat lunch or dinner at one of those spots. Off to book my hotel room!

from what I have read, it is not that hard just to walk up to either of those for breakfast.

 

[bumbershoot]

from what I have read, it is not that hard just to walk up to either of those for breakfast.

Correct. No need for a package for those.

We were at uni at the time of this year's event and it was fine. We weren't taking part in it but had the fortune to happen upon Ms Evanna Lynch back behind the 3 broomsticks. Pretty awesome little moment.

 

[Grumpy92]

I have to say I have used dreams unlimited for universal and they are great. I really like that they are always looking for a lower rate for me.

 

[jacknsally19]

Thanks for the info about walking up... Travelling to WDW makes you a bit paranoid that you won't be able to do something unless you schedule it months in advance!

 

[Wild4Walt]

Travel agents are extremely helpful, but be forewarned - not all are created equal.

I would work with an agent who specializes in Universal. As one of the PP said, Dreams Unlimited seems to have it quite together.