I'm planning a long weekend in late January to Universal (family of 4). We know Disney well, but it's been many years since we've gone to Universal. I really wanted to stay a night at the Royal Pacific to get 2 days of Express Passes and the early admission, but the price seems excessive. Even at an off-peak time, rooms are going for $274 plus tax. The Hyatt Place Universal (which I understand is a 10 minute walk to the gate) is 8000 points (which I can easily gin up for $50), and we'll get a plausible free breakfast (the Hyatt is over $200 if you had to pay for it).

I'd pay $100 extra just for the Express Passes, but the difference between staying at the Royal Pacific instead of the Hyatt is more like $250. The last time I was at Universal, it was early February and uncrowded, but now I figure the parks are always somewhat crowded. Any ideas on how to get the Royal Pacific for less? Otherwise, practicality would dictate I stay at the Hyatt.