A weekend away~just returned from RPR

[pas130]

Hi DISers
I had started up at PTR for August...which changed to a WDW trip. I had a WDW trip planned for DH and I to go to Epcot for flower & garden, which changed into a US/IoA trip.

We left our kiddos home, so it was just DH & I. For couples wanting a great trip away...it was FANTASTIC

We stayed 2 nights at Royal Pacific in a Club King room which I was able to get 15% off through Orbitz (it's something ). We were in room 3737 which is at the end of the hall and very quiet. Highway view of I think I-4..but that was no problem at all. We arrived after the lounge closed the first night. So we went to City Walk, it just stopped raining so there weren't any crowds. We ate at Hard Rock Cafe and loved it! Then we strolled to Fat Tuesdays and Margaritaville to sample the cocktails. We took the boat back to RPR! As always the bed was SUPER comfy, and we also had a pull out couch (it was nice to have a sofa in the room but IDK if it's standard for the King rooms).

In the morning we had 1 full day with park to park tickets. Hours were 8a-10p. It was 7a for early entry which we slept through..whoops
Breakfast in the lounge was great. Then by 10am we were at US. We left for lunch around 2pm (we had a rental so we went offsite to Bubbalou's BBQ) Lunch was cheap and delicious, and a 5 min ride if that (it's right by Flippers pizza). It rained a little but we headed back to do IoA. HP was a 75min wait, so we did Hippogriff twice, and then the wait was down to 30min. Even though it was crowded the Express Passes allowed us to do every ride we wanted to...some twice!! We closed the park and went back to CityWalk. We ate at Pastamore...I didn't care for it one bit The manager comped my pizza since my waiter noticed I didn't eat but one bite. There was nothing that tasted good here...maybe just a bad night???But we ended up going to Bubba Gump..this was pretty tasty! After some more margaritas...back to RPR....we left the next day.

Boat service was great, I didn't walk And the club staff were very nice. The hours changed from November a little, and the lounge was PACKED in the morning. We skipped dessert hour (only 8-9pm) and the evening offerings were just okay. Again it was only the one evening, so I won't judge them on that. All good. Overall, it was great, and has this WDW fanatic thinking of changing that summer trip back to US/IoA......

Any specific questions...ask away! Thanks for reading!!!

 

[Sue M]

Last time we went to Universal we stayed at HR, if we ever go back, will try the RP. The halls at HR were awful, every sound was magnified. I swear, if someone dropped a pin outside our room we would have heard it. Acoustic was yuck.

We loved Margaritaville. Have been to the Bubba Gumps in Ft Lauderdale and like it.

Nooooo, you can't change your Aug trip to Universal im looking forward to our meet!!!

 

[pas130]

Last time we went to Universal we stayed at HR, if we ever go back, will try the RP. The halls at HR were awful, every sound was magnified. I swear, if someone dropped a pin outside our room we would have heard it. Acoustic was yuck.

We loved Margaritaville. Have been to the Bubba Gumps in Ft Lauderdale and like it.

Nooooo, you can't change your Aug trip to Universal im looking forward to our meet!!!

No matter where I stay...Bree and I will find our way to WDW, we need to see our castle We have a car, and will totally come find ya!! Way too soon to know where I will end up

 

[Missoutandabout]

Welcome home, Jeanette!

You guys were able to get so much fun stuff packed in to your mini-vacation!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi, Jeannette! I made it to the first page!!

Sounds wonderful!! I'm not fan of Universal (went twice, too hot, no shade!), but will very much enjoy hearing all about your little getaway!

:group:

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves.

Bubbalou's is great! The next trip down, you'll have to try Four Rivers BBQ.

 

[hstrickland]

Hi there


Welcome back!! Looking forward to reading about your mini vaca! We've been considering US/IoA trip, but haven't bit the bullet, yet. I could be asking LOTS of questions I hate going somewhere and feeling like a fish out of water ..... I'm kind of a planner, ya know


Now to go back and read!!

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Told you I would have questions! So here they go...


1. Does US offer deals as frequently as WDW?


2. Are there rooms for a family of 5? How do the rooms compare to Disney?


3. Do we go for the CL or skip it?? I've heard that CL at US resorts are better than WDW resorts....any truth to this?


4. I'm guessing that it's a huge plus to have those Express Passes??? And you have to stay onsite to get those, right?


5. Does US offer a dining plan??


Thanks!

 

[sjs314]

Jeanette sounds like your weekend was perfect! Makes me want to use that 40% pin and book a trip but then I have to give up the Poly. Fingers crossed I get more Pins from US for 2014.

 

[Metro West]

4. I'm guessing that it's a huge plus to have those Express Passes??? And you have to stay onsite to get those, right? It depends on when you're travelling. If it's a busy travel period (summer, Christmas week, Spring Break) then yes...unlimited Express access will cut the wait times down considerably. If you are travelling during a slow period, there's really no advantage...IMHO. You do not have to stay onsite to use EPs however, if you don't stay onsite you'll have to purchase the passes which could add up.


5. Does US offer a dining plan?? Universal has their meal deal but it's nothing like Disney's. There are only three restaurants per park that are included and the food is fair...typical theme park offerings. Frankly there are much better places to eat that are not on the meal deal plus the portion sizes are such that you could share to keep the costs down. You cannot share on the meal deal.

Here are a couple of answers to your questions. Since I live in Orlando I don't stay onsite so others will have to give you their opinions on the resorts. That said...lots of posters who've stayed at both Universal and Disney say the Universal resorts are far superior to anything Disney can offer. Check out the Universal resorts boards for more information.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi DISers
I had started up at PTR for August...which changed to a WDW trip. I had a WDW trip planned for DH and I to go to Epcot for flower & garden, which changed into a US/IoA trip.

We left our kiddos home, so it was just DH & I. For couples wanting a great trip away...it was FANTASTIC

We stayed 2 nights at Royal Pacific in a Club King room which I was able to get 15% off through Orbitz (it's something ). We were in room 3737 which is at the end of the hall and very quiet. Highway view of I think I-4..but that was no problem at all. We arrived after the lounge closed the first night. So we went to City Walk, it just stopped raining so there weren't any crowds. We ate at Hard Rock Cafe and loved it! Then we strolled to Fat Tuesdays and Margaritaville to sample the cocktails. We took the boat back to RPR! As always the bed was SUPER comfy, and we also had a pull out couch (it was nice to have a sofa in the room but IDK if it's standard for the King rooms).

In the morning we had 1 full day with park to park tickets. Hours were 8a-10p. It was 7a for early entry which we slept through..whoops
Breakfast in the lounge was great. Then by 10am we were at US. We left for lunch around 2pm (we had a rental so we went offsite to Bubbalou's BBQ) Lunch was cheap and delicious, and a 5 min ride if that (it's right by Flippers pizza). It rained a little but we headed back to do IoA. HP was a 75min wait, so we did Hippogriff twice, and then the wait was down to 30min. Even though it was crowded the Express Passes allowed us to do every ride we wanted to...some twice!! We closed the park and went back to CityWalk. We ate at Pastamore...I didn't care for it one bit The manager comped my pizza since my waiter noticed I didn't eat but one bite. There was nothing that tasted good here...maybe just a bad night???But we ended up going to Bubba Gump..this was pretty tasty! After some more margaritas...back to RPR....we left the next day.

Boat service was great, I didn't walk And the club staff were very nice. The hours changed from November a little, and the lounge was PACKED in the morning. We skipped dessert hour (only 8-9pm) and the evening offerings were just okay. Again it was only the one evening, so I won't judge them on that. All good. Overall, it was great, and has this WDW fanatic thinking of changing that summer trip back to US/IoA......

Any specific questions...ask away! Thanks for reading!!!

home my friend! I feel lost waaaaaaaay over here - I can't see Bay Lake

Sounds like you and DH had a quick, but fun getaway. Will you be posting some photographic evidence of the aforementioned trip? Is that a ticker change I see? Will have to go to your RC thread for more 411.

 

[Sue M]

Hi Heather . We didn't stay CL at HR, but the Fast Pass/Front of the Line, whatever they call it was great. We were able to ride our fave attractions 2 or 3 times. When we went last The Simpsons just opened, and we rode it 4 times.
I just got an offer for 40% off for 3 or more days, and don't think I didn't briefly entertain cancelling my 1 night Pop, and 2 day GF to do it. BUT Ashley would have killed me. She's not a huge Universal fan, so I just couldn't do it to her. And I'm also very excited about our GF stay.
Maybe next summer I'll sneak in a UA trip before WDW.

 

[Sue M]

No matter where I stay...Bree and I will find our way to WDW, we need to see our castle We have a car, and will totally come find ya!! Way too soon to know where I will end up

 

[pas130]

Welcome home, Jeanette!

You guys were able to get so much fun stuff packed in to your mini-vacation!

Thanks Miss E I knew WDW was Couplestastic, but US/IoA even better

Hi, Jeannette! I made it to the first page!!

Sounds wonderful!! I'm not fan of Universal (went twice, too hot, no shade!), but will very much enjoy hearing all about your little getaway!

It was great Christine! DH and I did so much, but because of the express pass no lines, and so it was relaxed

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves.

Bubbalou's is great! The next trip down, you'll have to try Four Rivers BBQ.

Four Rivers, it's nearby?? Do Tell!!! We LOVE our BBQ!! Thanks for reading!

Hi there


Welcome back!! Looking forward to reading about your mini vaca! We've been considering US/IoA trip, but haven't bit the bullet, yet. I could be asking LOTS of questions I hate going somewhere and feeling like a fish out of water ..... I'm kind of a planner, ya know


Now to go back and read!!

Heather

Hi Heather!! You would all love US/IoA!

Told you I would have questions! So here they go...


1. Does US offer deals as frequently as WDW?Our last 3 trips we had 40% off. Once was with the AP discount, and every year I have been fortunate enough to get a PIN code. Being that the rack rates are MUCH better than Disney, it's worth it. If you join Loews Youfirst you may get an upgrade. $$$ wise it's a great deal. This summer I have the Stay More Save More which is 30% off since I booked 7 nights. It's 25%for 5-6 nights.


2. Are there rooms for a family of 5? How do the rooms compare to Disney?The biggest difference is no balconies. I think some at PBH have them. Size wize Royal Pacific is WL/AKL size, HRH and PBH are comparable with YC/BWI. We had an upgrade at Portofino to a 2Q deluxe room which had a pullout sleeper chair my son LOVED! I did see lots of rollaways in the hallways when we checked out so that may be an option. There is also a Portofino suite which is 2 Q in a bedroom and a Queen sleeper in the parlor area..most suites qualify for discounts too!!!


3. Do we go for the CL or skip it?? I've heard that CL at US resorts are better than WDW resorts....any truth to this?The offerings are far superior to WDW, this is JMHO. HRH had chicken wings one night, which was awesome. You can make a full breakfast in the CL. Oatmeal, prepackaged cereal, fruit, bagels, hardboiled eggs, toast, minimuffins..HOT cinnamon rolls..YUM, yogurt...lunch there were chips, trail mix, granola bars, uncrustables and cans of soda. You can get bottled water as well!!


4. I'm guessing that it's a huge plus to have those Express Passes??? And you have to stay onsite to get those, right?The express pass alone is enough of a reason to stay onsite. Heather, the waits were 70-85 min on some rides..we walked on EVERY RIDE!! Except Harry Potter, but they have Early entry for that one. The cost of the passes alone for 5 people pays for a room ..just saying


5. Does US offer a dining plan??There is a allday dining plan, buy a bracelet and get unlimited food. But we usually go offsite for meals. Flippers, IHOP, MCD, BK are so close...plus the onsite dining you can get same day reservations from the concierge lounge, they get priority I think...they also offer discounts on cabanas if you stay CL. I've never done Portofino CL, but that hotel the CL rooms aren't on the same floor. HRH and RPR are 7th floor CL. FYI RPR/HRH CL is priced rack rate less than a lot of the standard rooms at WDW Deluxes. You can pool hop to any of the pools, and they are all walking distance or boat to parks. The theming at RPR is our favorite..very tropical, when it rains they open the kids clubs for movies and playing, my girls adored arts and crafts time! They are true "resorts"


Thanks!

Happy to help my friend

Jeanette sounds like your weekend was perfect! Makes me want to use that 40% pin and book a trip but then I have to give up the Poly. Fingers crossed I get more Pins from US for 2014.

I bet you will!!! I haven't gotten one this year. I am really struggling between RPR and YC

Here are a couple of answers to your questions. Since I live in Orlando I don't stay onsite so others will have to give you their opinions on the resorts. That said...lots of posters who've stayed at both Universal and Disney say the Universal resorts are far superior to anything Disney can offer. Check out the Universal resorts boards for more information.

Our family now has two vacations booked, and we have to pick..if it were a democracy Universal would win...but I am more of a dictator Universal has an edge on WDW as far as onsite perks

home my friend! I feel lost waaaaaaaay over here - I can't see Bay Lake

Sounds like you and DH had a quick, but fun getaway. Will you be posting some photographic evidence of the aforementioned trip? Is that a ticker change I see? Will have to go to your RC thread for more 411.

I took no pics...how sad is that..it was raining so I didn't really carry my cell I did almost take a few pics at MCO of Magical Express

 

[Janet B]

Hi Pas!

Quick vaca but it sounds like you guys packed it in and had a blast!! Did you ride Forbidden Journey??

We loved Margaritaville. Have been to the Bubba Gumps in Ft Lauderdale and like it.

Nooooo, you can't change your Aug trip to Universal im looking forward to our meet!!!

Hey Sue, Pas will find her way for a meet with us!!

No matter where I stay...Bree and I will find our way to WDW, we need to see our castle We have a car, and will totally come find ya!! Way too soon to know where I will end up

and we know you ..... you can pull a switcheroo on the way to Florida too!!

Hi there


Welcome back!! Looking forward to reading about your mini vaca! We've been considering US/IoA trip, but haven't bit the bullet, yet. I could be asking LOTS of questions I hate going somewhere and feeling like a fish out of water ..... I'm kind of a planner, ya know


Now to go back and read!!

Heather

Hi heather! Always nice to "see" you!! Miss ya!

 

[pas130]

Hi Pas!

Quick vaca but it sounds like you guys packed it in and had a blast!! Did you ride Forbidden Journey??

We did BFF!!! Although I see Maddie and Kate are tall enough it may be a bit too much for them. Soon I am sure. We also did Dr. Doom. This was a dare for DH and I, neither of us thought the other would go on....Needless to say Brian said he's never heard me scream so loud Yep, tried it...never again

They have lots of projects going on. Saw the Transformers building on our walk, also busy by Simpsons and the old Jaws area. And over by HP as well.

BTW our 1st ride was Despicable Me

 

[pas130]

Hey Sue, Pas will find her way for a meet with us!!

Absolutely!!!!!! I missed Lulu'smom this trip..however if I had an extra day..that wouldn't have happened

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I'm just sure I need to book a Universal stay for fall 2014!!!

 

[macraven]

Told you I would have questions! So here they go...


1. Does US offer deals as frequently as WDW?

UO has general public discount codes when you stay 3 or more nights onsite.
AAA alllows for room discounts.
AP allows discounts
pin code sent out by random.
military rates for discounted rooms.


2. Are there rooms for a family of 5? How do the rooms compare to Disney?
all rooms allow for 5.
villa suites at pbh allow for more peeps.
check room sizes on the www.universalorlando.com site under the hotels.


3. Do we go for the CL or skip it?? I've heard that CL at US resorts are better than WDW resorts....any truth to this?

personal choice.
i have stayed club level and non club level at the hotels at UO.

some peeps in their darkside trip reports compare the two club levels.


4. I'm guessing that it's a huge plus to have those Express Passes??? And you have to stay onsite to get those, right?

guests at the 3 onsite hotels receive hotel perks.
two of them are the unlimited usage of the express lines in the parks.
also, early entry to the parks.
only those onsite are allowed the unlimited express lines.

some of the offsite partner hotel packages allow for early entry.

if you stay offsite, you can purchase the basic express pass which allows you to use the express lines once per ride/show.
or
you can purchase the unlimited express pass on the UO website.
(cheaper to stay onsite and get free perks though)


5. Does US offer a dining plan??

they have a meal deal and a beverage deal.
i don't think it is anything fantastic.

a few of the 6 places that participates in the meal deal, are very good.
if you are only going to be in the parks for a few days, you probably would rather not limit yourself to the restrictive restaurants.
you wouldn't be able to eat at more popular places if you did the meal deal.
you can read about it on the UO website in detail.


Thanks!

i answered above after your questions.

 

[Metro West]

Four Rivers, it's nearby?? Do Tell!!! We LOVE our BBQ!! Thanks for reading!

The closest location to the tourist area is probably the Winter Garden location. You would need a car though.

Here's the website:

http://4rsmokehouse.com