RPR stay 4/17-4/21

[gwen10]

Hi all,

Just back from another great trip to Universal and RPR. Thought I would share a few things of note:

1. Love, love, love RPR. The staff is always very friendly and this trip was no exception. We arrived around midnight and were given an upgraded view room to help ease the pain of 4 hour flight delay. Our room looked out over the parks with a great view of Hulk Fear Fall, etc. Loved being able to see the fireworks at night as well.

2. One Fish, Two Fish, in Seuss Landing is closed. It was open on Saturday evening, but when we walked by on Sunday morning it was all fenced off. No idea what is happening there.

3. Be aware the HP Dragon Challenge is experiencing delayed openings due to nearby construction. I was able to confirm that Dragon Challenge is scheduled to open at noon Thurs-Sun in upcoming months. This seems a bit fluid though, as it opened at different times each day of our stay - 9am, 8:30am, and about 10am. Good news was there was nothing wrong with the ride itself, they are just unable to operate it during some of the construction nearby.

4. As we have all heard, there is something HUGE being built at the back of Universal Studios. It is my opinion that this MUST be Gringotts. We heard rumors from a few different staff (and pedi cab drivers - lol) that there will be a Hogwarts Express train that runs from this new area over to HP in IOA. And from the view above Dragon Challenge, it certainly appears that new construction (see #3 above) could certainly be some type of a train station.

5. Lots of minor tech problems with many rides: FJ, Rockit, Dragon, Ripsaw Falls, Minion Mayhem, etc. But they were all fairly short - no longer than about 5-10 minutes.

6. Best money saving tip for water drinkers: Buy collapsible water bottles and have them refilled at any of the snack stands or restaurants. I estimate I saved $50+ on this trip alone. This is the third trip I have used this collapsible bottle with success. Employees are very friendly and agreeable when asked to fill it up. Similar to this. You can buy them pretty much anywhere and they easily fit into the smallest bags.

7. If you stay at the RPR and are going to IOA, it is really easier to walk the path than to ride the boat. The walk from the boat landing to the IOA gate is about the same distance as the path from RPR to IOA. We stayed in Tower 1 this time and loved how close to the park we were. Just our opinion.

 

[labfan]

Glad to hear you had a great time. Looking forward to our stay there in June. How were the restaurants at both City Walk and the resort?

 

[gwen10]

Glad to hear you had a great time. Looking forward to our stay there in June. How were the restaurants at both City Walk and the resort?

We usually just grab and go - cheeseburgers at Suess Landing and Dino Diggs (I think) in Jurassic Park, churros, etc. The one place I DO NOT recommend is the Green Eggs and Ham outdoor eating area in Suess. Only rude/indifferent employee we encountered was at that food stand. We also eat at the pool area at RPR. The one restaurant we went to was NASCAR on the City Walk. It was fun and the food was ok, but DO NOT order the boneless chicken wings - they make McDonalds nuggets look gourmet.

 

[Nancy for Disney]

Thanks for the tips. What is a collabsible water bottle? Where do you get them? I may not bring any bag at all to avoid the lockers. Will it get small enough to put in your cargo pants pocket?

 

[gwen10]

Thanks for the tips. What is a collabsible water bottle? Where do you get them? I may not bring any bag at all to avoid the lockers. Will it get small enough to put in your cargo pants pocket?

I posted a link above, but here is another one. They roll up super small so they fit in basically anything, including a cargo pocket. I bought mine years ago at a luggage store, but they have them at Container Store, REI, sporting goods stores, etc. A few different brands available as well.

I carry a very small fanny pack with a 3 prong closure - I extend the straps all the way and wear it as a crossbody while walking through the parks and then fit it around my waist for the rides. I just can't do the fanny pack thing while walking around, but for the rides it is ok. Be sure your fanny pack has a 3 prong closure because they will check and if it doesn't you will have to use a locker.

 

[wiigirl]

Thanks for the tips. What is a collabsible water bottle? Where do you get them? I may not bring any bag at all to avoid the lockers. Will it get small enough to put in your cargo pants pocket?

I got my water bottles from Amazon....there all sorts of shapes and sizes.

 

[Paigemitchell]

Thanks so much for advice. I am searching amazon for a 3 prong closure fanny pack and I'm not certain what I'm looking for. Is there any chance you would be willing to post a pic of yours or a link to one that is "ride" acceptable. I'd appreciate it so much!

 

[gwen10]

Here is a pic of mine, bought at the Container Store. Not a great picture of the 3 prong closure, but any bag made to be worn around the waist should have a similar closure. Just ask a sales associate at any store and they can guide you.

Thanks so much for advice. I am searching amazon for a 3 prong closure fanny pack and I'm not certain what I'm looking for. Is there any chance you would be willing to post a pic of yours or a link to one that is "ride" acceptable. I'd appreciate it so much!

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[pas130]

Agreed the RPR staff is fantastic!!! We've stayed 3 times, loved each stay.

 

[Paigemitchell]

OK! I was confused. Thinking it had to have some sort of three piece "zipper". But, it's the actual piece that snaps together. (duh? CLOSURE!) Thanks for clearing up my confusion!