Where to find the DEALS for the Universal Resorts?

[edk35]

I know WDW....but have only been to US twice once in 98 and once recently in Jan. 09. We want to stay at one of the US Resorts but how does one go about getting discounts? Can you check places like Expedia? Or just keep looking here or the Universal Website??? Thanks

 

[damo]

Best way is to call the resorts and ask.

 

[edk35]

Thanks

 

[Cosmo.Kramer]

I'd like to stay at a Uni resort but they seem very expensive.

 

[edk35]

I'd like to stay at a Uni resort but they seem very expensive.

Yeah they are but you get those wonderful EXPRESS PASSES plus they are nice from what I have heard and read. We are going to try Hard Rock out for 2 or 3 nights this summer in conjunction with our WDW stay.

 

[Cosmo.Kramer]

Yeah I have heard they are really nice.

 

[busy mom]

Mousesavers.com has a section on Universal which may offer some suggestions on discounts. We were able to get HRH for under $200 night (deluxe room) by way of a buy 3 night get 2 free promotion. We loved the resort. We walked to the parks, Citywalk, never even used our rental car. So convenient. Can't wait to return.

 

[edk35]

Mousesavers.com has a section on Universal which may offer some suggestions on discounts. We were able to get HRH for under $200 night (deluxe room) by way of a buy 3 night get 2 free promotion. We loved the resort. We walked to the parks, Citywalk, never even used our rental car. So convenient. Can't wait to return.

Thanks for the info

 

[TLinden16]

You can get good deals with a AAA card. It saved me about $45-50 per night at the HRH. I actually signed up for AAA just to get the discount.

You also get discounts on food and merchandise in the parks with AAA, so if you aren't a member, it may be worth signing up to get the discounts.

 

[picktails]

Just booked HRH for July 4 at APH rate of $179 a night - learned about the special here! Just have to buy 1 annual pass at $229.99, which is exactly $100 more than a 3 day park-to-park ticket, and it offers lots of other discounts, including 15% off park tickets! So for the 3 other 3 day park-to-park passes I have to buy I'll save $58.47. The $41.53 balance (from the extra $100 spent on an annual pass) is more than made up for by saving $110 a night at the hotel! Whoo hoo!

 

[princesslondon]

picktails,
did you know ahead of time what kind of discount you would get by getting an AP?

 

[momtoce&j]

You can get good deals with a AAA card. It saved me about $45-50 per night at the HRH. I actually signed up for AAA just to get the discount.

You also get discounts on food and merchandise in the parks with AAA, so if you aren't a member, it may be worth signing up to get the discounts.

ok...I give....how did you get the AAA rate?? Everytime I go to the hotel's site and check rates, I get $304 a night. HELP

 

[damo]

ok...I give....how did you get the AAA rate?? Everytime I go to the hotel's site and check rates, I get $304 a night. HELP

You have to call for the AAA rate. It is not online for the Universal hotels.

 

[momtoce&j]

Thanks.

Sorry....am I calling the hotel directly? or do I have to book thru my AAA office?

 

[momtoce&j]

Just booked HRH for July 4 at APH rate of $179 a night - learned about the special here! Just have to buy 1 annual pass at $229.99, which is exactly $100 more than a 3 day park-to-park ticket, and it offers lots of other discounts, including 15% off park tickets! So for the 3 other 3 day park-to-park passes I have to buy I'll save $58.47. The $41.53 balance (from the extra $100 spent on an annual pass) is more than made up for by saving $110 a night at the hotel! Whoo hoo!

ok.....walk me through this. I'm also from NJ (although that makes no difference in this ?)

I buy an annual pass for $229.99, I then get 15% off the other 6 tickets I need plus get upto 30% off an onsite hotel room?? Oh and we will also be there the week of July 4th. We are actually driving down on the 5th and are planning on doing disney the 7th and US/IOA the 8th, 9th & 10th.

Thanks for spoon feeding me this info.

 

[picktails]

Yes! You just need one AP to show them at check in. I'm all reserved, but haven't bought tix yet - have to get through taxes this week first

 

[momandkidslovedisney]

Just booked HRH for July 4 at APH rate of $179 a night - learned about the special here! Just have to buy 1 annual pass at $229.99, which is exactly $100 more than a 3 day park-to-park ticket, and it offers lots of other discounts, including 15% off park tickets! So for the 3 other 3 day park-to-park passes I have to buy I'll save $58.47. The $41.53 balance (from the extra $100 spent on an annual pass) is more than made up for by saving $110 a night at the hotel! Whoo hoo!

This sounds like the deal I want!!

Do you know if they have date restrictions for the AP discount? Better yet, is there a website that shows the benefits of being an AP holder?

Thanks!!

 

[mjohnson96]

This sounds like the deal I want!!

Do you know if they have date restrictions for the AP discount? Better yet, is there a website that shows the benefits of being an AP holder?

Thanks!!

You can go out to the Universal Website for AP holders or here is some basic info

You can enjoy 365 days of unlimited park-to-park admission to both Universal Studios Florida & Universal's Islands of Adventure with no blockout dates, free parking^, and discounts on food and merchandise for the regular price of $219.99 plus tax.

In addition, the 2-Park Preferred Annual Pass includes:


•10% savings on 1-day and 15% savings on multi-day theme park tickets (up to 6 people)
•Free admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras & Holidays
•Special discounts on separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
•10% savings at most merchandise stores (restrictions apply on select merchandise)
•Savings of up to 10% at all restaurants (excluding carts and alcohol)
•Enjoy exclusive Passholder parties and event viewing areas.


See a complete list of 2-Park Preferred Annual Pass discounts.

I purchased an AP pass last year when we went and it saved us a ton, plus it is good for this year when we go to WWOHP and I plan to renew, especially since the renewel rate is less than some of the ticket prices.

We are going the week of June 20th and staying at RPH for the first 4 nights at a rate of $159 and then it went up on the last night because the other 2 hotels were sold out. But it still saved us over the stay more rate of $189 that were would have paid for the 5 nights.

Last year I also did the flex pay so that it didn't hurt the travel funds at once, but when I renewed I went off flex pay so that I could get the better discount.

FYI - the price above is for FL Residents, I think it is a little more for Non FL Residents. I'm from KS but my family is in Florida so a good excuse to have to go to Florida

One more note....if you go and check out the rates the promotion code is APH so that way you can see what you are saving in advance to check out the worth to you. You can book the AP rate but you have to show your pass at checkin or you will end up paying full price for the room.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Does only 1 person have to buy the pass, and then u can still buy tickets for all? Thanks for the info. Oh I see that was answered, thanks.

 

[U2_rocks!]

The AP discount is only 10% for October. Right now it won't pay me to upgrade my $99 ticket to an AP - we don't need any more tickets, and we're only staying 2 nights - not long enough for the discount on the room and food to add up. I do have the room booked at the AP rate, just in case. The only thing I'm worried about is if the rack rate goes up by the time we check in without the AP (if we decide not to upgrade), we'll be charged the higher rack rate. I wouldn't normally expect that to happen, but if WWOHP is a huge success and the hotel is full, could they possibly raise the rack rate higher than it is now?