1st time Universal - Need planning help

[glewis1123]

This will be our first trip to Universal and need planning help. Sorry if this gets long

Who: Me, hubby and 11 yr old son

When: End of April or beginning of May 2005

Itenerary: Plan to spend 2 or 3 nights at Universal before going to WDW for 7 nights.

Questions:

1. We're coming from Calif so our plane won't get in til 430 or 5PM. We are figureing one day for each park. Will that be enough time? Should we stay 2 nights and go to WDW late afternoon on 3rd day or spend 3 nights at Universal?

2. Hotel - We have it narrowed down to either PB or HR. My son says he doesn't care but wants the one with the best pool slide.

3. How should I book the hotel? Through the hotel directly or is there any other sources that are better?

Thanks for all the help

 

[polkadotminnie]

I would think that your son would probably like HRH better. The pool slide is fun and it has a more laid back atmosphere. You will get addicted to FOTL access and will love the parks! I have been the first week of May twice before and it is an awesome time to go. There are not very many people in the parks except on weekends. Have a great time!

 

[glewis1123]

Hi Kris

Thanks for responding.

Do they have grad nights that I need to be concerned about when booking our vacation - when they shut the park down early.

Anyone have advice for me

I really need planning help

Thanks

 

[GeminiMom]

Originally posted by glewis1123
2. Hotel - We have it narrowed down to either PB or HR. My son says he doesn't care but wants the one with the best pool slide.

3. How should I book the hotel? Through the hotel directly or is there any other sources that are better?

Thanks for all the help

glewis,
You can check rates for the PB or HR online @ www.loewshotels.com or by calling 1-800-23LOEWS. They can give you discount rates if available for Entertainment rate, FAN Club rate, AAA rate, Annual Passholder Rate, or of course rack rate. The Entertainment rate will not be given to you online, only by calling the above Loews number. You can also call 1-800-BEASTAR to check rates. This is through Universal & they have a certain number of rooms available at the above rates at the on-site hotels. Happy hunting, I hope you find a rate that fits your budget!

 

[zaxmom]

I would stay at Hard Rock. Unless the rates are much better at one of the others, because you can pool hop. One full day and 2 1/2 days should be enough with FOTL. You might want the luxury of an extra night to go at a slower pace and enjoy the pool more. I think they have Grad Nights, but I would have no idea when. If I remember right, they close the parks at 6 or 7 at night at that time frame anyways.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I am a mother of a 12 yo. son, and if your son is like most preteen/teenagers, I would definitely suggest HRH. At this Resort, teenagers seem to reign supreme. If your used to him and his friends running around the house, you'll feel right at home. It really is a fun place! We have also stayed at PBH when our son was younger, and if it were only my husband and myself (which never happens ), we would go there. PBH is a very nice resort (more romantic), and they are very accomodating to children. Sort of like Yacht/Beach club. HRH, on the other hand, is more than accomodating to them, they treat them like it's all about them. And nothing beats the short walk from HRH to CityWalk and the parks. The pool at HRH is also a lot of fun. As zaxmom said, I think the extra night would give you more time to take advantage of the things UO and HRH have to offer.

Just throwing this out there, but have you considered going to Universal after WDW. I know that you have probably read on here many times before, about Universal's exp. access for on site guest, but IMO it can't be stressed enough, how difficult it is to stand in the long lines at WDW after experiencing Universal as an on-site guest. I am a WDW fanatic, who had season tickets 3 years in a row until this year. What happened you may ask... I made the mistake of taking my DH and son to Universal, staying at HRH. Now they complain about the lines, even though we usually only used FOTL at WDW anyway, plus UO really is more fun for teens. Don't get me wrong. Would I go back to WDW... yes tomorrow! It's still my fav., and I'm planning a pre-Christmas trip now. However, I would not go to UO right before going there. JMO

Sorry this is so long, and if I can help in any way to try to present Universal to you from a pre-teen point of view (my son's anyway ) I'd be glad to. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[glewis1123]

Thanks for all the great info - I really appreciate it.

We plan on going to Universal at the start of our trip as I want to be at WDW for Mother's Day.

I leaning towards the HRH - although - being an Italian I would love to stay at PB. But since we won't be bringing a companion for our son this trip I think the HRH's themeing might be more suited.

Thanks once again