Why are Jan rates so high? $199@RPH

[cindybear]

We are going to Orlando in Jan and staying off site for the WDW part of our trip but really wanted to stay onsite for US/IOA. The cheapest rate we can get right now is $199 at RPH, they say to call back in Sep. for Entertainment card rates. Is it safe to wait till Sep. to make our hotel reservations? I like to have all my hotel reservations made before purchasing airline tickets. Should I book our rooms now then try for an entertainment rate later or would they not let us change once the reservation is made.
PBH and HRH are both holiday rates also, I would have thought rates would be lower towards the end of Jan. (26-29). Are the parks crowded enough this time of year to make it worth the extra $$ to stay onsite so we can use the all day Express pass?
This is our first trip to US/IOA and want to make the most of it. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Although the theme parks are less crowded in January, the winter is "high" season for Florida and since RPH is a resort hotel, I think that explains the prices. Also, RPH has been offering especially low rates now because the hotel is brand new and just opened.

 

[Erica]

But I thought that is on the Coasts?

Both Disney and Universal Parks show Jan as a Value time. I hope that we will see some better rates then 200 a night!

*bumps thread cause she hopes someone had gotten a better rate last year*

-Erica

 

[pathubia]

We stayed at the HRH last Jan 18 - 21 for $99 per night, garden view. It was a AAA special, I think it was for southern states, but they honored it for me. Hopefully they will run it again!!

Patty

 

[CPM]

Originally posted by pathubia
We stayed at the HRH last Jan 18 - 21 for $99 per night, garden view. It was a AAA special, I think it was for southern states, but they honored it for me. Hopefully they will run it again!!
Patty

We also had the HRH AAA special $99.00 Jan. rate. I bet it's just too early for jan. specials to be out. I do believe there were specials for PBH also last Jan. (not $99.00).