Anyone splitting their stay between HRH/PBH and Disney?

[*Fantasia*]

Hi! I'm just curious if anyone is splitting their stay between US and Disney? Which one are you doing first? I'm debating to whether stay at Disney first or do US first. :rolleyes:

I have a DS 4 and DD 2 and hubby and I are going in September. We are going to MK and MGM and possibly do AK. We are planning to stay at PO for 4 nights. We also want to do US or IOA and stay in HRH for 3 nights.

Should we do Disney first? Should we just stay there for 3 nights and stay at HRH for 4 nights? What do you guys think? We never been to US in Florida before. My family never been to US before! I have only been to US in CA, but that was about 20 yrs ago!

Any advice would be greatly apreciated! :)

[antmaril]

We are splitting our time between Universal and Disney. We are staying four nights at Disney's Beach Club and three nights at Hard Rock Hotel. When I booked the trip, I had not yet discovered these boards and I planned Universal first and then Disney. If I could do it over again, I would book Disney first and then Universal. The reason I would reverse it is that by staying at the Hard Rock Hotel, we get FOTL access at Universal. Of course, at Disney that is not possible. The only option available at Disney to help with long lines, is FastPass, but FastPass will not be as enjoyable as FOTL. Another consideration for us is that we are going at the end of June and the lines and heat will be awful. If you are going in September, you will not experience the same crowds as summer. However, I still think it would be better to do Disney first and have FOTL at Universal to look forward to.

I think you will want more days for Disney than Universal.

I hope this is helpful

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks! I thought about the same thing too! I'm afraid that we may get spoiled using the FOTL first then moving to Disney. I also was thinking that since HRH is a deluxe hotel, then going to PO moderate resort, that we might not enjoy PO as much. Did you try to see if you can change your ressies? Is it kind of too late? Thanks again for your opinion.

Anyne else out there doing the split? I'd like to hear more on this one and which one are you doing first and why? Thanks!

[Amy]

We're going the end of June, and we're splitting---5 nights at PO (French) and 3 nights at HRH. Originally, we had planned just to stay at WDW the entire trip, rent a car and see USF/IOA on day trips. But I got a USF fan club discount card at work and was able to save 30% on the HRH; since HRH now only costs $10 more per night than PO, it's just cheaper to switch hotels than to rent a car. Then, I found out about the FOTL for on-site guests, and HRH looked better and better! We'll see how it goes!! :D

[*Fantasia*]

Hi Amy! That's where we're staying also at PO-FQ! I'm thinking of 4 nights there (or maybe 3), then moving over to HRH for 3 nights (or 4).

Is doing Disney first better or HRH first? What was your reason to decide to do Disney first? Thanks!

Anyone else splitting their stay? Which one are you doing first and why is it better? Thanks!

[antmaril]

I did try to change the ressies, but I booked the HRH using my Entertainment card (got a rate of $129 for a poolview. Unfortunately, the Entertainment rate was sold out for the days I wanted to switch to. Even though I'd love to do Disney first, it isn't worth the big difference in $$$.

[WebmasterBarry]

Other than convience, I've never really seen any benefit to stay onsite at Disney. FOTL made me consider staying onsite at Universal. If I do visit both Disney and Universal, then I generally stay offsite.

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks Barry Hom! This is the reason why I want to try this resort is for FOTL and HRH looks like a wonderful place to stay, it's a deluxe resort. Once we try this resort, I have a feeling there is no going back to Disney to stay. I just wish there would be more pictures of HRH out there for me to see. Oh well. I'm sure we will like hotel a lot. Most of the reviews I have read is mostly positive ones. :cool:

[ripleysmom]

In August we're staying at BWV for 5 nights then moving to PBH for 2 nights. I am debating about whether to change from PBH to HRH since I would save more money but I think I am going to leave it alone. I can't wait to try out FOTL access.

[milor4487]

:bounce: We are going to WDW in one week and are staying 5 nights at All Star Mov first, then Hard Rock for 2 nights. FOTL access from what I understand is priceless. Have a great time, I know my family will!

[vwrose14]

Myself, DH, DS 10, DS 6, and DD 1 are staying at the HRH 5 nights and then are moving over to ASMo for 14 nights in 206 days

[mattman2k]

15 days to go!

We're leaving in 15 days and doing ASMovies for 5 nights then HRH for 3 nights. Can't remember why we choose this order, I think it just happened that way but after reading all the boards here it is definitely a good plan! The HRH will certainly be a step up from the ASMovies and we're REALLY looking forward to FOTL!

:bounce:

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks everyone for responding! I'm still thinking of doing Disney first and then USF last. I love Disney a lot and I hope going from Disney to USF is not a let down, BUT how could it be if I'm going from moderate resort to a deluxe resort AND from waiting in line (sometimes even if you have a FastPass in your hand) to FOTL. How could I go wrong doing it this way, I can't go wrong.

Anyone else out there doing a split? Which one are you going first and why? Thanks! :p

[EpcotBill]

Hmmmm, I posted on this same subject just a couple of weeks ago. I'm splitting between HRH and OKW. Going to HRH first because Disney's value season starts two days after we arrive and they wanted to charge us regular season rate for the entire stay. So, we got the Entertainment rate for 2 nights at HRH, then check in to OKW November 4 for 8 nights

[Rash]

Staying 2 nights at HRH, then 4 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We leave in 4 days - can't wait!
As far as doing Disney first because of FOTL - that's a minor consideration in my opinion. I'm just thankful to be going, the rest is peanuts!

[grumpyandbashful]

Rash - when you get back, please let us know your opinion of HRH! We're going in June (AKL first, then either PBH or HRH last - can't make up my mind!). Let us know about room size and pool, and FOTL, etc. PLEASE!! Thanks:D

[KimCon]

Grumpy, When are you going in June? I was just wondering, because HRH is sold out for several days at the end of June. I was unable to get any type of discount for this time.

Good luck!

Kim:bounce:

[grumpyandbashful]

Hi Kim - I just made ressies within the last couple days for both PBH and HRH (now I need to decide!). The first time I called Universal reservations, they told me both hotels were sold out (June 25-28 are dates I'm looking at). Then I got some hints by reading these boards. Got on expedia.com and travelocity.com - they both had rooms for HRH and PBH, but rack rate for the lower end rooms. Then I got on hotelkingdom.com and got a $174.90 rate for a garden view room at HRH. Not as cheap as Entertainment, but better than the $205 rack rate. The PBH room I reserved directly thru Universal. The second time I called back, I asked about Entertainment rates there - nothing doing, but after I asked if there were any special rates, she offered the deluxe pool view room for $229. So I've booked both and now I need to decide. I want the bigger room at PBH (there are 5 of us), and my teenager wants HRH, of course!:rolleyes:

[pixie dust gal!]

We split our stay last year - 5 days WDW and 5 days Universal.

This year we will be doing the same 3 days WDW and 5 days Universal.

Last year we stayed at Portofino in a kids suite and this year we will be staying at Hard Rock in a kids suite again.

This year my kids didn't even care if returned to Disney, they just wanted to return to Universal for one thing only - FOTL access! That's why, IMHO, it is impt. to visit WDW first and Universal second. You will be sooooo spoiled by the FOTL priviledge!!!

Hope this helps!:bounce:

[grumpyandbashful]

pixie - what did you think of Portofino? Did your kids enjoy it, or was it more adult-oriented?

[Bstanley]

As the 'planner' of the family I've got us staying at HRH for the first three nights of our trip this Nov/Dec and the next five nights at Disney (1st choice BC, 2nd choice AKL - we'll wait and see what discounts we can get ;-).

In fact I 'pre'-extended the trip two days because of Universal's EE and FOTL perks for hotel guests. Even though we will be at Universal/IOA over Thanksgiving weekend (which I expect to be busy) we should be able to 'Ride the Movies' without fuss because of those wonderful perks!

I don't think it matters much about which one should come first. I think Universal does a great job at their parks. IOA is easily as good as a Disney park - although they do tend to be geared somewhat for older kids. If their hotel partner (Lowe's ?) does as good a job as Disney does we'll probably end up splitting the trip each time from now one.

I would pick which one I do first for 'functional' reasons - i.e. staying at Universal on known 'busier days' to take advantage of the perks. Or discount start dates, etc.

Have Fun!
-bruce

[Robinrs]

I originally planned my trip to Disney in May for 7 days at the Dolphin. I always visit IOA/USF regardless, but I was going to spend the entire onsite at Disney.

After receiving the Universal free video and a week of Travel Channel specials, my son starting harping about the FOTL. I thought this late in the game it would be impossible to find a deal. Well, I couldn't get the dates I wanted on the Ent Rate so I thought I was out of luck, but thanks to these boards I checked out www.hoteldiscounts.com which offered me those two sold out days for $139 a nite. :p

So now the dilemma... we stay at the Hard Rock for our FIRST two days and the Dolphin for 5. My son is now whining that he wants to stay at the Hard Rock longer, and you know what, so do I! I checked and even the prices on that website have gone up so I think we'll stick with the Dolphin. where we have a two room suite but the pull of FOTL beats square footage anyday!!

oh well.....

[pixie dust gal!]

My kids loved PBH! Never once did they remark on how quiet it was or that it was more 'adult' oriented.

PBH has the quiet elegance of The Grand Floridian but with a definite european flair. It is sooo peaceful to sit outside in the early evening on the piazza to hear the gentle music playing and enjoying a glass of wine. As a matter of fact, I soooo loved the music they piped in and had playing that I bought the CD for home. It reminds me of our trip every time I listen to it.

There are quite a large number of families at the main pool area and my kids found some pool friends within 5 mintues of being in the pool. I loved this pool because it has 'zero entry' meaning you just walk in and it gradually gets deeper - no steps or anything - like being on a shoreline - and it makes it great for the little ones to sit right in front of you where the water is just inches deep. No matter what time you were at the pool, there were plenty of lounge chairs and it was never crowded (and we went when the hotel was sold out for 3 days!

It is a fabulous place and you won't be sorry!

:D

[RhondaS]

We will be staying 7 nights at the WDW Swan hotel, then 2 nights at the HRH, both thanks to Entertainment rates!

I chose to put the Universal hotel last because it will be giving us Front of the Line access on a holiday weekend, when I am counting on it to be simply priceless. :D

[Disney-Kim]

we are staying our first night at HRH and then on to 7 nights at the Polynesian.
We are staying at HRH for the fotl access, so only 1 night. we are going to IOA that next day and on to WDW that night.....:cool:

[msr709]

My vacation is planned for August 18-Aug. 25, first 5days/4nites at ASMu (with Mary Waring discount code) and then on to HRH 4days/3nits (w/Entertainment discount). I have been to Disney before and I wanted to get it out of my system before I tried something new! I figured the FOTL at USE would make it worth it!:p :p :p :p :p :p :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Lalalindica]

We were in Orlando last for Christmas/New Years of last year. We spent Christmas Eve/Day at the Portofino, then spent 5 nights at the Dolphin.

I would definately recommend doing Disney first. FOTL and the convenience of the on-site hotels at Universal does spoil you.

Everything seemed so spread out when we moved our stay to the Dolphin. Getting to and from the parks seemed to take forever, not to mention our impatience with long lines. Another thing: I was letting my kids explore the parks on their own a bit (with walkie-talkies). That would have been unthinkable for me to do at Disney.

The reason we started off at the Portofino is that I wanted us to be on Disney property for New Year's Eve/Day . (Portofino's prices for New Year's Eve made the decision easier - something like $444 a night, while I was able to stay at the Dolphin at a government rate of $119.00. )

My kids (then ages 10 & 11) loved the Portofino! How can you not love it, no matter what age - it's the most gorgeous hotel I've ever been to!

This year we are headed for Orlando in July. We are going to be staying at the Wyndham Palace & Resort for 3 nights (through priceline) and then we're going to try the HRH for two nights! I cant' wait!
:pinkbounc

[beattyfamily]

We split our vacation last December; 2 days USF and then 6 days WDW.

This year we're doing the same except now we're staying onsite at HRH 2 nights then 4 days at the GF and then 3 day DCL cruise. Can't wait!!

We prefer to do Universal first. Just our preference.

[No11's Mom]

I'm so jealous of all you guys going in the next few months. We have to wait until next March!:( Right now we have 5 night reserved at WDW - Port Orleans/French Quarter, and 4 nights at HRH. Unfortunately there are no discounts available at either resort as of yet - but I will keep trying. I agree with the other posters, I think the lines at WDW would be too much of an aggravation after FOTL. Plus we just like the Universal parks better than WDW, so we're saving the best for last. If it weren't for the fact that my sister's family is traveling with us, and she has a 6 year old that has never seen WDW, I'm sure we would be spending the majority of the vacation at HRH.

[Peggy Sue]

We are heading down to Orlando 11/27 - 12/9. We are Disney Vacation Club members. We were planning to stay at OKW for 12 nights, but after reading about FOTL, we decided to cut our OKW stay to 10 nights and I just booked a Garden View room at the Universal PB.

We will go to Disney first, and then PB.

Why?...Well, we want to be at Disney to particpate in the DIS gathering of Friends convention that begins on 11/28. So, that put Diseny at the beginning of our trip.

The other reason is, we are going to PB for Fri/Sat night, and DVC reservations require higher point usage for Fri/Sat nights...so, we are moving to a deluxe hotel, saving on DVC points that can be used for future trips.

We think after spending 10 nights at Disney we will be ready to try another location, and we hear Portofino Bay is a beautiful resort. Can't wait!

[BuzzLightYear3]

We're going in early June....the first day of my 8 yo DS' summer vacation. We'll spend 3 nights at HRH and then 6 nights at BWV. We ended up adding on the HRH hotel segment of the trip after the BWV trip was already planned....wanted to see Universal/IOA and take advantage of FOTL and we needed to take vacation days to cover my DS' school break anyway, so the only reason we are going to HRH first is for scheduling reasons.

Seems like good reasoning to save FOTL for late in the trip.

With our kids being young...just turned 8, just turned 4, and 21 months, I'm viewing Universal/IOA as more park-intensive days early in the trip. We won't even go into Disney parks some of the days we're at BWV....some of those will be more relaxing play-at-the-pool days, so I rationalized that that will be better towards the end of the trip.

I'm sure it will be a great vacation either way! Have fun!

[pixie dust gal!]

We did this last year and are doing it again this year.

We stayed at Poly/BC/PBH! how is that for exhausting? It really wasn't bad at all. We do this for convenience sake - Poly for MK, then BC for Epcot/MGM and PBH for Universal. We just love PBH and splitting our stay. I am glad we did Disney first because getting used to FOTL and then having to WAIT on lines at Disney, you will start whining about how great it was at Universal even though there isn't anything like Disney Magic, the lines can really tire you out; especially in the heat. The other way you end your vacation saying, "wow, that was the BEST".

As mentioned, I will be doing the same again this year except doing Poly/HRH - my ds wants HRH so badly - otherwise, I would kill to go back to PBH - nothing like it. You won't regret your decision.

[Pugsley]

One factor I would consider is crowds. It might make sense to stay at Universal during the more crowded portion of your trip (i.e. over the weekend) since you'll have FOTL privileges.