Universal Newbie! Questions....

[Lesley]

Okay, I'm seriously considering starting our trip next year with a stay at one of the Universal hotels and visiting the Universal parks....this would be in Oct. 2003. We are 2 adults and at the time of the trip our kids will be 3 and 8.

I'd really like to know how to get good rates on the Universal hotels (I'd love to stay at Portofino, but the rack rates are a bit too high!) plus any of the ins and outs of planning a Universal trip that I might not have thought of. Ticket discounts? Any thing else?

Our only experience with Universal is an evening at City Walk...had dinner at Emeril's in 1999 and then we walked around a bit (didn't go to any clubs as we had a 4yo with us) I'm really curious to see the parks, but up until now WDW has taken up all of our time and $.

Thanks!

 

[MsDisney]

I'd really like to know how to get good rates on the Universal hotels (I'd love to stay at Portofino, but the rack rates are a bit too high!) plus any of the ins and outs of planning a Universal trip that I might not have thought of. Ticket discounts? Any thing else?

At the top of the main discussion page here for Universal/IOA, there is a thread specific to the resorts and the rates, etc. "What is your date and rate" I would read through that to get ideas of what people are paying and when, etc.
Also, there are usually a couple of threads at the top with the current ticket promo's as well.

If you don't see the answers you're looking for and have specific questions, I'm sure you'll receive lots of help and advice!

Karen

 

[crazyme5kids]

A lot of people here get really good rates using the entertainment book. I just got my 2003 book, and hope to try it one day. I think it also depends when you are going. We are going just after Christmas, and it seems good rates are hard to come by. There are Fan Club and AAA rates. I also notice that people get good deals using internet sites like Hotelkingdom, priceline etc. I've never tried it, mainly because I feel like I don't understand the process, and also because I need two rooms all the time and just am afraid I might not get them. Definitly look into it, you will only need one room for the four of you, and some of the prices people get are fantastic. You'll love staying on-site, and Universal is so much fun!

 

[robvia]

Most people book their trips in the beginning of the year when the Entertainment book comes out. You get a good deal on the hotel rooms, but only a certain amount are available. You have to call the hotel over and over, and ask if the Entertainment rate is available for when you want to stay. You don't need to have the card with you when you call. Many book it, then buy the book later. Most of the time, the rooms are not available. So you have to call back and keep trying. If you lurk around here long enough, you'll see lot's of posts of people celebrating they got a deal. You have a year to save up and learn. I'm sure you'll get a good deal by then.