What am I doing wrong?

[patsal]

I have not taken the family to US/IOA in about 4 years, and last time I did a big all inclusive package. This time I just want to do a long weekend between DVC stays. Taking into account hotel room and admission for a family of four (3 adult tickets and one child) I'm coming up with a total of around $1000. Does this sound correct? Am I doing something wrong? Is there a less expensive way to do this?Here is what I have done--Universal website with AAA for a code rooms are coming back about $264.00. Tickets are $119. each I believe. So how is this less expensive than Disney (according to the US/IOA website). What am I doing wrong?

 

[Immelman]

I'm not sure what time of year you're going, but as far as resorts go, I don't think you're doing anything wrong. UO isn't being as aggresive with resort discounts in 2005.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

If you have a child that is under 9 then I would consider the deal that they are offering on the universal website. If you buy one adult ticket you get one childs ticket free.

You did not say what your dates are so it is hard to be able to break it down for you.

If you have 3 adults in one room they will also charge you an extra 25 dollars a night.

If you want to bring the price for the hotel down I would suggest staying only one night on site. And two nights off site. One night stay will give you 2 full days of fotl. If you dont mind the inconvience of two different hotels inbetween going back to disney.

Or you could also stay two nights and get 3 days of fotl with the last night off site.

Sorry i am not too much help

 

[patsal]

Thanks for the replies--didn't really think about the stay one night and get two days---now that's a great $$ saver! I don't mind the moving around, so that would not be a problem. Because I'm going in July the kids free pass is not going to work--I listed DS as an adult because of ticket media price though he is 13, so that did not add to the room rate. Maybe it is because tourism is on the rise so they don't have to discount as deeply-- all things considered I'll give up the discounts for a more stable economy. The last time we stayed at Portafino Bay and it was well worth what we paid--beautiful, but for a weekend,the price was steep!
Any other suggestions are welcome!

 

[robvia]

Onsite hotels at USF have gone way up in price. It's all about supply and demand, they know everyone wants to stay for the FOTL. Staying off site one night could save you between $150-$200 if you don't mind moving. You could get a cheap hotel for between $60-$100. You would still have FOTL and full use of the hotel facilities both days.
The only problem with doing this, is the day you check in, your room would not be ready until 4pm or so, and then you'll be checking out the next morning at 11am, which is kinda rushed.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

If you are signed up as a loews member your can request an extended check out. I think the extended check out could be as late as 1 pm. check at the front desk to see if this option is available to you.

Kimberly

 

[patsal]

Thanks so much for the replies--I know my kids really want to do this and I hate to say no, but two weeks pay for two days was a bit out of hand. DH travels a ton for work and is a Lowe's frequent member, so we may be able to secure late check out--I must admit that Homeless feeling when changing hotels can be a bit frustrating! However, with the expiration lifted from the free child's ticket that will take me to about $608 total. Anyone know if the free tickets are transferrable? I will get one for each adult pass I buy, so that would leave me with two extra children's passes. If they are transferrable, maybe I could sell them ( is it alright to do that?) and reduce the price a bit more!

 

[Cass]

I have not taken the family to US/IOA in about 4 years, and last time I did a big all inclusive package. This time I just want to do a long weekend between DVC stays. Taking into account hotel room and admission for a family of four (3 adult tickets and one child) I'm coming up with a total of around $1000.

So let me get this straight... a long weekend is 3 nights?

1000.00 ~ so that is $333.00 a night for a luxurious resort with wonderful ammenities - for 4 people staying

- park passes to 2 excellent parks for 4 people

- enjoyng FOTL access to ride the rides with little or no wait. (something you would NEVER have at Disney)

- Transportation to the parks for 4 people

 

[disneywithkids]

Patsal - I just wanted to let you know that the kids free deal expires in February after all. The Universal website page changed since I bought those passes for our trip in February, and now the expiration isn't mentioned until you go to pay for them - that's why I thought they no longer expired. Sorry about the false info! I was just about to buy more for a future visit as well!

 

[patsal]

Actually, my weekend is 2 nights. So that works out to $504 per night, and it isn't worth it to me. As I said, that is two weeks pay for two nights. Though FOTL is a very nice amenity, the Lowe's hotels on property are fabulous--I won't be in the room much since I only have two days for the parks...you see where this is going. I have a breaking point--$600 is much more doable and maybe if they extend the ticket media deal after Feb. I'll take the family (see, I'd pay $333. per night, not $500).

 

[Cass]

Actually, my weekend is 2 nights. So that works out to $504 per night, and it isn't worth it to me. .

Okay.. sorry, it was the long weekend thing that threw me off.... a 2 day weekend is a normal weekend

It makes a big difference!

 

[Immelman]

man, Cass, you still nailed in right on the head on a three day trip. try getting Bucs tickets for a family of 4 for $333.00. not that anyone wants to go to a Bucs game this season.