Reasons NOT to book through Orbitz/Cheaptickets?

[jenifera2]

I feel like I read somewhere - and cannot for the life of me remember where - that booking through a site like Orbitz/Cheaptickets rather than directly through UOR or Loews meant missing out on one or more perks, but again, I can't remember what.

So, other than price, is there a downside to booking through a site like Orbitz/Cheaptickets? We are not taking kids on this trip. It's just 2 adults. If we book Royal Pacific I know we'd still get early entry and express pass. Is there something else I should be aware of that we might be missing out on?

Thanks!

 

[macraven]

Those that joined YouFirst Loews loyalty program need to book thru universal or Loews to earn their credits yearly

Blue, gold and platinum levels have perks that most don't want to lose

That is why I don't use the other discount sites
I'm at platinum level and enjoy the benefits that are allowed
My favorite is the free upgrade of room type

Anyone booked at the deluxe hotels receive the basic perks such as early entry

If you have no desire to earn the credits in the YouFirst program, go with orbitz etc and get their room discounts

 

[damo]

You have to pay the whole stay upfront. That's the only other disadvantage along with the one that Mac said.

 

[keishashadow]

I've been vocal about how I found it irritating that the orbitz rate was usually priced lower than the APH rate last year.

For dates I've checked during several months this year, the APH rates have been slightly better.Hope that trend continues.

 

[jenifera2]

Thanks for that helpful information! I'm not sure yet whether we care about the YouFirst perks, but I'll look into it. And for Royal Pacific in May the APH rate is higher than the general public rate by about $10/night!

 

[macraven]

The smsm room rate is considered eligible for the you first program

 

[damo]

Thanks for that helpful information! I'm not sure yet whether we care about the YouFirst perks, but I'll look into it. And for Royal Pacific in May the APH rate is higher than the general public rate by about $10/night!

That doesn't sound right. What are your dates?

 

[macraven]

AP rates are available thruMay 27 or 28
Glanced at the site

 

[damo]

AP rates are available thruMay 27 or 28
Glanced at the site

Ya, did a quick search May 10-13. APH rate is $179. SMSM rate is $251 for standard queen room.

 

[kohlby]

I went through Orbitz and did have to pay the entire thing upfront - though I can cancel and get it back.

Orbitz was significantly cheaper for our next trip - cheaper than SMSM and APH rates. (CB in April). The rates did change quite often though so this can be the case one day but not the next. We used a PIN code last time (Start of Dec this past year RPR) and going direct was cheaper.

 

[imprint]

If you need multiple rooms, I believe Orbitz, etc. cannot guarantee connecting rooms.

 

[MamaKate]

I've been looking for rooms on Orbitz for various dates this year and the beginning of next, but it always shows "Sold Out" for Universal hotels. Is it really sold out or do they not release rooms to Orbitz all the time?

 

[damo]

I've been looking for rooms on Orbitz for various dates this year and the beginning of next, but it always shows "Sold Out" for Universal hotels. Is it really sold out or do they not release rooms to Orbitz all the time?

You can always double check on the Loews or Universal site to see if they are really sold out.

 

[macraven]

what damo said....

 

[MamaKate]

You can always double check on the Loews or Universal site to see if they are really sold out.

what damo said....

I did that and they are not sold out for the majority of the dates. That's why I'm wondering if they release rooms to Orbitz at a certain time or only if there a lot of rooms available.

 

[damo]

I did that and they are not sold out for the majority of the dates. That's why I'm wondering if they release rooms to Orbitz at a certain time or only if there a lot of rooms available.

I would assume that they give third party dealers only a certain number of rooms. It would not be in Loews/Universal's best interests otherwise.