First Trip: when to book

Universal Orlando Resort
1

I’m planning my first trip to UOR for late August 2017. It is for myself and DDs 10 & 8. When should I look to book the hotel? Was planning on 4 full parks days, is this plenty? Big Harry Potter fans!

2

I’m heading to WDW in August of 2017 and already have my hotel booked, sooner is better in my opinion. Four days is great! (I’m a HP nerd myself, so I could do two days easily just in the Harry Potter Experience of both parks with no problems). My DD (15) and I went this past February to Universal and had three days in the parks. It was a little crowded, so I wished I had about one more full day to really explore (and a less cranky teenager in the morning, but that’s a whole other issue!)- though it was my FIRST time to Universal since the HP went in (her second). Have fun!

3

I booked our room for Aug 2016 in Sept 2015. And 4 days is perfect in my opinion, that’s what we always do.

4

I book ASAP I have used Hotels.com and called the hotel directly. That way I have something locked in. If you do a room only (which I suggest) you can call back and change as rates change in your favor. For Universal - I would certainly buy everything separate and at a site that offers the best deal with flexibility.

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5

Any suggestions on booking, is it best to book directly through US, or are online realtors better?

6

Try both. The one thing with universal is that there is NO cost benefit for booking a package. So I book the best prices.

I ended up booking directly through LOWES - but very easily could have done it via Hotels / expedia etc. If you are splitting your stay between US and WDW - check the days of week. I switched our time at US to the beginning of our trip as I saved several hundred dollars by doing so. Also know that the longer you stay - the lower the average cost is per night. So 3 nights total may be just a bit more than 2 nights. So just play around with it.

If you are able to stay at one of the delux - DO IT. The front of the line pass is WELL WORTH IT!!! Also look at a broker to get your park tickets - I got mine via Undercover Tourist. Saved $$ and no problems.

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