Any info. on Universal's third hotel: Royal Pacific???

[JCO]

There seems to be precious little info. out there on the third hotel at Universal Orlando's third on-site hotel, the Royal Pacific.

About the best info. I've come across is from Kelly Monaghan's excellent book (a must-read for anyone going to Universal, in my opinion):

"The development of Universal Orlando will continue in phases. The Portofino Bay Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel, described in this chapter, are the first phase. They are located on the Universal Studios Florida side of the property. They will be followed in the Spring of 2002 by the Royal Pacific Resort, located on the far side of Islands of Adventure. The Royal Pacific will blend the best the Pacific Rim has to offer, evoking the pleasures of Polynesia, the sophistication of Hong Kong and Singapore, and the exoticism of Bali and Thailand. With 1,000 rooms and room rates beginning at $175 a night, it will cater more to the group tourism trade."

That's better info. than I found on the official Universal Web site, which doesn't say a whole lot. It does show a map with the location of the hotel, which is right in front of Islands of Adventure on the opposite side of CityWalk from Portofino Bay.
Is there any more specific information on when this hotel is scheduled to open? My family and I are planning on a four-night stay at either PBH, HRH or the Royal Pacific in July 2002.
I'm sure there will be a lot more info. on Royal Pacific in the next few months, but I'd love to find out a bit more if anyone has additional info.

 

[BarryHom]

The last time I saw the site was from Fearfall. The site just mounds of dirt with a big pool of water.

 

[JCO]

Hmmmm .... sounds the spring 2002 opening might be a little too optimistic?

 

[roomster]

It's not a 'mounds of dirt with a big pool of water' anymore! You can see a big structure building up from the USO parking lot and from I-4. The construction seems to be in full swing!(I drive by everyday on the way to work)

I don't know if it would be up and running by July next year, though.

 

[KimCon]

I have been really curious about the Royal Pacific Resort also, as usually with a new resort you can get some pretty good introductory rates. We stayed at HRH and PB a couple of weeks ago and loved them both. Anyway, I emailed Loews Hotels to see if I could get any info on the new resort. If they respond I will let you know what I found out.

Kim

 

[MIB999999]

It is rising from the dirt and water but it is still bare concrete and in the initial phase of construction. Universal is not always the best at advanced information.

 

[BarryHom]

If you hop on board Fearfall, you might be lucky enough to see it from the air!

 

[fboy9287]

Personaly Dr Doom is only good for the views. Now since that is up #'s 1 & 2 will have something to look at!

 

[kellymonaghan]

I believe they are now saying Summer 2002 for the Royal Pacific opening.