Hi ERika,
I remember your picture from the resorts boards board thread...seems like you are staying at the CBR for the majority of your trip.
I am not sure why you want to stay near Universal the first night, but my suggestions are trying quikbook.com to see if HRH is available on that website.
I have used quikbook and they are reliable. My other suggestion is Hawthorn suites, Ameriisuites and Holiday Inn near Universal. I have not stayed at any these except the HRH. However, I have read many favorable posts on this board about the hotels.
If you want to stay near Disney, I really like the Marriott Residence Inn LBV (opened last summer) book thru quikbook for $95 for a l br suite plus free breakfast. We loved staying there. It is in a new section of palm parkway north of dt disney.
If you need more help pm. me
Herc
p.s. The CBR is a great resort, have fun!