Well folks, I'm in, and looking forward to it !

[JMCDAD]

Just booked HRH for July , family of 5, 3 kiddies, first timers
May also do SeaWorld for a day
I opted for the room at a the lower rate without the 2 free tickets because I belieive it will be little cheaper if I bought the tickets myself
There is also an option when you buy the tickets, if you use mastercard you get a coupon book, I did that
anyone familiar with this coupon book, how useful is it?

I am really excited, the money is always an issue, but family vacations are important and worth it . We'll be driving down.

So I will continue to read these great boards and welcome any tips advice etc

 

[damo]

No one seems to have gotten the ticket book yet. Let us know when you get it, what it's all about.

You will have a great time. Universal vacations are the greatest!!!

 

[JMCDAD]

THANKS !

I think I have to wait and get the coupon book onsite

I can't wait!

I am especially looking forward to FOTL

 

[bubba's mom]

I am especially looking forward to FOTL

there is NO turning back....you WILL be spoiled!

 

[macraven]

for the last 3 years, i have picked up the coupon booklet.
one year was for the survey in the park.
twice for ordering on line tickets before a deadline.

if it is the same as the past years, then it will include discounts for various places. some buy one get one free items such as the hotel dinners.

i am looking at last years one right now.
food discounts for finnegans, lombards, richter, cafe la bamba, mythos, confisco grille, berger diggs, cafe 4, etc.

for city walkfree kids meal w/ adult meal bought at pastamore, hrc, jimmy buffet, nba city, etc....
some for gift shops, discount off, in cw.

i used some of the coupons last year. the good discount at the 2 merch shops were winners for me.

if the coupon booklet is the same this year, then i will be glad.

i received a postcard from universal and went to the site listed on it.
i received an email for picking up the coupon booklet when i go this year.


i won't be there until october. you will be there before me. clue us in if the coupons are similar to the last years one if you can.

of course, universal could change this tri fold coupon booklet this year into something else. since 2003, they have been the same each year.

 

[phamton]

The coupon book is about the same as in previous years. (See Macraven's post above) The coupons are good for up to 6 people and are for Citywalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios.

JMCDAD, welcome to the board here. Everyone is very helpful in answering questions. We're all excited for you, too! You made a wise choice by staying onsite. That's the best way to experience the parks.

 

[rpbert1]

how do you get a booklet

 

[phamton]

You get a coupon from certain online orders. The easiest way is to stop at the Guest Services Lobby inside either park, show them the coupon and they will give you your discount booklet.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Welcome to the Dark Side!

 

[rie'smom]

You are going to love Universal. The experience of taking your time and "smelling the roses" instead of rushing from one ride to another is great. No lines-great. To quote the Dsiney song,"It's a Whole New World".

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Glad you're in JMCDAD! Welcome to the Universal side of things and enjoy your stay.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Welcome to the Dark Side,

where the enlightened reside.

We've gotten the coupon book almost every trip for one reason or another. Like macraven, we always use the discount at the gift shops, but that's about it. Our son is older though. The booklet would save someone with kids that are still considered a "child" by UO standards a lot of money.


JMCDAD,
You're going to love your onsite vacation. It really is a themepark experience like no other.

 

[macraven]

each year i let it be known i have left over coupons and will give them to anyone that wants them.
i go in october and the yearly coupons expire 12/31.
i only use the 20% off coupon for the merch store and mythos

i have the ap and aaa cards for discounts so i have used them in the past years not the coupons.
since the ap discounts have dropped, i probably will use some of the dining coupons in the booklet if they are 15% off. i can't use the 2 for 1 coupons or free child meal w/ adult as i go solo.

i'll list my give aways once i return from my oct trip in case those traveling after me would need them.

i have a lot of expired coupons and was reading off from them when i made the list above. no one took me up on the offer of free coupons last year.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

each year i let it be known i have left over coupons and will give them to anyone that wants them.
i go in october and the yearly coupons expire 12/31.
i only use the 20% off coupon for the merch store and mythos

i have the ap and aaa cards for discounts so i have used them in the past years not the coupons.
since the ap discounts have dropped, i probably will use some of the dining coupons in the booklet if they are 15% off. i can't use the 2 for 1 coupons or free child meal w/ adult as i go solo.

i'll list my give aways once i return from my oct trip in case those traveling after me would need them.

i have a lot of expired coupons and was reading off from them when i made the list above. no one took me up on the offer of free coupons last year.

Thanks for the Mythos reminder. We use that one too.

 

[tlinus]

JMCDAD,

You will totally love the onsite experience!! Congrats and if you need info, this is the place to get it!! There are alot of wonderful people here who have alot of awesome advice!!!

Looky, I am under 20 days now whooooooo hoooooo!!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

Looky, I am under 20 days now whooooooo hoooooo!!!!

ya know......we are all expecting lotsa pix when you get back

 

[tlinus]

ya know......we are all expecting lotsa pix when you get back

yeah yeah yeah......good thing for all of you that DH is the KING of obscure picture taking

 

[JMCDAD]

Thank you all for the wonderful replies

I plan on hopefully doing a trip report when I return

 

[PlutoLuvr]

JM, I think you're going to be blown away staying at HRH for your first visit to USO!

I'll never forget my first stay. Pulling up after being in the car for a few hours, all these guys with tattoos and piercings opening the car doors for us as soon as we pulled up, saying with big smiles, "Welcome to the Hard Rock Hotel." The music you hear everywhere makes it just way cool, too. I even remember the song I heard as I got out of the car and walked into the lobby, Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion. Talk about fitting

Whether you're an old rocker, a new rocker or somewhere in between, the HRH/USO experience is tough to beat!

Please fill us in when you return

 

[JMCDAD]

With FOTL does it really matter whether I hit the parks on a weekend or a weekday ?
Also do they do anything special for birthdays at park/resorts/hotels ?
Thanks