Universal AP discount room rates.

[Master Yoda]

Our Disney APs expire in October and we are seriously considering switching from Disney to Universal APs for the 2013-2014 time frame. (if we travel at all) What I have not been able to lock down is the availability of AP rates relative to our travel habits.

Like with Disney, we plan on staying on property when we go. We do not spend much time in the room so Royal Pacific will more than likely be our resort of choice as it seems to be the least expensive and with the free express pass. We tend to travel mostly on the weekends, so stays would be of the Friday-Saturday night variety. Trips will most likely be taken in mid October, early December, February, April and May.

In your opinion, where would AP rate availability fall on the scale of "probable" to "are you freaking high?". Lastly, what is the typical AP rate discount and are there better ones.

 

[Master Yoda]

Universal AP discounts vary considerably. I've seen, for example, $139/night at the Royal Pacific for the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That rate was available until (I think) December 22, 2012 and December 24, 2011. I really remember December 24, 2011 because I thought how cool it would be to wake up at the Royal Pacific on Christmas morning but the rate almost tripled if I wanted to stay one more night.

This July (including July 4), I see $209 for Portofino but no discounts for the Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. In August, that changes to $244 for Portofino, $284 for Hard Rock, and $204 for Royal Pacific.

APH rates typically are released only a few months before; enough time to book a flight but not enough to plan way in advance. AP rates are not being offered for September or October at this time although, based on previous years, they almost certainly will be. In my experience, the only times completely blocked off are Easter & Christmas weeks, Thanksgiving (Wednesday to Saturday), and perhaps a few peak spring break weeks as well.

You can use the Universal website to check APH rates. Just type "APH" for the code. You can even book it. However, you'll need your AP to check-in.

Depending on your travel dates, one strategy is to purchase one Preferred Pass (for the room discounts) but purchase less expensive Power Passes (which have blackout dates and no room discounts) for everyone else. However, you have to make sure the blackout dates work for you.

Alternatively, if you intend to visit only once, you often can save a lot by purchasing one Preferred Pass for the room discount and regular tickets for everyone else.

Either way, park at the hotel and head over to the theme parks to pick up your AP before checking in.

Sounds like WDW for the most part.

As to what kind of AP I was looking at doing exactly what you suggested. I need to run the numbers and see if the extras such as a HHN ticket and CityWalk access might make it worth it to get more than 1.

 

[OFTeric]

Sounds like WDW for the most part.

As to what kind of AP I was looking at doing exactly what you suggested. I need to run the numbers and see if the extras such as a HHN ticket and CityWalk access might make it worth it to get more than 1.

I have the Premier Pass, and I get free Express Pass after 4pm and free Valet. Let me tell you the free Valet is simply incredible as I honestly hate finding my car! lol

With the premier you also get a free room upgrade. But if you are looking at rates, look at the Florida resident rates as the APH rate normally follows that rate curve.

I love my Premier Annual Pass, and I love all the perks I get with it!

 

[ParentsOf4]

In your opinion, where would AP rate availability fall on the scale of "probable" to "are you freaking high?". Lastly, what is the typical AP rate discount and are there better ones.

Universal AP fall discounts are out. Sample rate for late October is $179/night at the Royal Pacific vs. rack rate of $254/night. This is not a particularly good discount, only 30% off, but HHN is extremely popular.

For the Sunday to Tuesday nights before Thanksgiving, it's $254/night vs. $154/night, about 40%.