trying to get room

[jovigirlnj]

I am trying to get two rooms for my family for next Aug 2009 - I have never been to unuversal before and wanted to spend a few days there before going to Disney - I tried all three onsite hotels and all of them say not one room is available - is that true?? DO they book up that fast??

I also tried to book at the Gaylord Hotel and couldnt. That place looks nice aswell. Am I trying to early?? When can you book for 2009? And also what hotel is best out of the 4? Is the Gaylord hotel close to Universal? we plan on for 4 nights and do universal 2 days and sea world 2 then on to Disney. thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[Subi WRX]

Yes, you are trying too early. You'll need to wait to book till probably late fall. That's usually when they start opening up the summer of the following year. You don't need to book a year early like at Disney.

 

[jovigirlnj]

great thanks so much!!

 

[01Sweetpea]

You can call the hotel directly and reservc 2 rooms, but the prices will be rack rate, there are no room discounts out for 2009 yet.

 

[michelle1]

The same thing happened to me when trying to book for January 22-25th...is it too early for Jan as well or is something big going on that weekend in the area?

 

[fuse04]

You can call the hotel directly and reservc 2 rooms, but the prices will be rack rate, there are no room discounts out for 2009 yet.

yes I can confirm this. We tried to book on line and had the same problem as reported. Phoned the hotel and booked fine for 4 nights at HRH next Mat at rack rates. Was advised that if we see any better offers we can change the booking to the cheaper rate for no charge.

Only problem for us is that being in the UK it is difficult to find out when the APH rates are out, other than to call ($$$).

Anyone any idea when APH might be relased for May (22-26)?

 

[macraven]

when ap rates are out for 09, you'll see someone post it on the forum threads.

if you really really have to book your rooms now, the only way you can do it is by calling direct.

you book now at rack rates and pay one night deposit, then modify when discount rates come out.

i have been doing that for a long time.

and the extra money i paid in advance is on my bill.
just means i pay a tad less when i check out of the hotel.

they get my money one way or the other so it is not an issue for me if i pay more in advance and less at check out time.

at disney you have to pay in full for your room when you check in.
at universal you pay the bill once you are checking out after your stay.

 

[mapmakerj]

Called yesterday to see if I could get a room for June 2009. They wouldn't even let me book at rack. I hung up and tried a second time and that rep. also wouldn't let me book yet. Not a big deal but I found it funny. Both told me that they were hoping to have 2009 rates available for booking by the end of Aug or the beginning of Sept. The second rep said many people are getting upset and telling them that if they can't get their rooms soon that they will just go to Disney instead, so they are trying to get the rates out soon. I asked about AAA and she said they should be out at the same time, although they more than likely wouldn't be as good as in the past.

 

[rwdavis2]

Back in June I called and booked HRH for January 2009 with no problems.
Bob

 

[Nie0214]

I'm relieved (and scared?) that I don't have to book a year ahead of time like Disney, but when does Universal usually release 2009 discounts? (I'm thinking of going Feb 5th to Feb 9th.)

 

[AdWayInc]

I have never stayed at one of the Universal hotels...
and I also would like to stay at Hardrock Hotel for a couple of day before going to Disney..
what is the usual room rate and do they also have dining like DDP and tickets? I am so new to Universal.... ask me about DVC and I can answer that...

Thanks.

 

[macraven]

I have never stayed at one of the Universal hotels...
and I also would like to stay at Hardrock Hotel for a couple of day before going to Disney..
what is the usual room rate and do they also have dining like DDP and tickets? I am so new to Universal.... ask me about DVC and I can answer that...

Thanks.

rates vary, they depend on the dates you will be there.
whats a ddp?

tickets are not attached to the room key.
universal does not own the hotels on site.

 

[Nie0214]

I have never stayed at one of the Universal hotels...
and I also would like to stay at Hardrock Hotel for a couple of day before going to Disney..
what is the usual room rate and do they also have dining like DDP and tickets? I am so new to Universal.... ask me about DVC and I can answer that...

Thanks.

They have a dining ticket but it's nothing like the DDP. It is called the Universal Meal Deal. It is only valid at certain restaurants, and it is for an entree and desert (no beverage). It's unlimited eating for the entire day for a certain price.

You can read about it here: http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets/meal-deal.html

It isn't really worth the price though, it is mostly chickenfingers/pizza/burger/etc. (counterservice type) meals that cost at most $11 on their own.. so you'd need to eat more than two meals to break even on the cost.

 

[AdWayInc]

Thanks for info... looking to stay for 2-3 days in March - 2-4
and ddp = Disney Dining Plan