As the Ticker Turns~The next chapter of the Resort Changers Saga...*RC trips pg.238

[chimo2u]

I knew you'd get the obscure reference. I almost picked that one too. I just turned my dad on to YouTube clips of the Gong Show. We love that show.


Hi stepdisney! Nice to see you back.


BACK TO RC-ing: I need help with picking a US/IoA Resort. We will do a night at WDW with my bro at CSR (his choice and I promised I wouldn't change it this time ) and then I want to switch to US/IoA. Any help in this foreign territory for me would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Magic

I absoulutely LOVE the Hard Rock Hotel...and if you can swing it....club level there! They sure know how to treat you like a rock star! check in was amazing...we got a great room, amazing view.....fun pool, loved the lounge, snacks/ breakfast was perfect for a quick start morning.....Hard Rock HOtel is closest to the parks, which ,trust me.....was GREAT after a week of walking at Disney!! I used those pedal bike rickshaws more than once....it was a nice, quick and fun trip to the park enterance
I'd highly recommend HRH.....I went to Portofino Bay for pizza one night because I wanted to scope it out (I originally wanted to stay there)....in the end, I was happy we went with HRH....Portofino was so removed from the parks, I felt it really was a long way away! HRH ROCKS!

 

[padawans]

We got back Monday night. We left on April 27. If you're counting that's 17 nights. We decided to leave on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morining. We got the last 4 seats on the second flight we tried for. Of course all middle seats and scattered all over the plane. My kids have gotten used to sitting in airports, and sitting with strangers when we fly. Thats the downside to flying for free. We spent the first night at the Grand Hyatt at DFW. Of all the resorts we stayed at this one had the nicest rooms. If you ever find yourself stuck at DFW I recommend it. We slept for 5 hours and caught the 6:15 flight to MCO. It was nice getting into Orlando in the morning instead of early evening. I may do this on all future trips.

We spent 2 nights at BW. I booked a gv room and requested a room close to lobby. We got a room close to lobby and were upgraded to water view room. This was our second time at this resort and I still love it. No problems at all. My 9 year old spent all his pool time sitting at the bar talking to two men from Boston about Hockey and baseball. I think I got a glimpse of where he'll be hanging out in the future.

We spent the next 4 days at HRH. This was our second time here and it was just as great as before. My 9 year old made the 54 inch mark so I had to do all the coasters this year. They're fun they just bang your head around more than I like. We always meet some very interesting people here. We saw The Fray walking around. Vince Neel from Motley Crue. We also met Kelly Monacos parents. They we're a riot. They were there with their other daughter(who's a nurse) and their grandkids. They were fun to talk to too for a few hours. All in all it was another great stay at the Hardrock. The Club level was great as always.

The next 6 nights we were at the Poly GV CL. We were not upgraded to Lv, but I got my request for third floor. We probably had the best GV view room right over the quiet pool. Our room was perfect as always( 4th stay here). No issues at all. The Club level lounge is amazing. The best thing about it besides the evening apps.. Yum.. was the location. It's right next to the pool. My kids are right at home at any of these resorts, but were really able to be more independent here. They could go from the pool to the lounge by themselves to get snacks or drinks. It was perfect for us. The breakfast was your standard fare. No hardboiled eggs was a bummer. The apps were the best of the 3 Club levels. The best part. The Poly punch.I will stay there again just for this punch.

We spent our last 4 nights at the YC Cl. I requested Close to lobby. Our room was right over the lobby and we we're upgraded again to a lagoon View. This may be my new favorite resort, but I wasn't that crazy about the Club level. The cm's were wonderful. The nicest out of the three resorts, but it just felt a little stuffy for me. I think we were the only ones that ever went into the lounge with bathing suit coverups and flip flops. I guess people on the Yc side don't swim. I also did not like the fact that they didn't have plasitic cups or paper plates to take to pool. My dh had to take his beer over to hurricane Hannahs to get a cup. Most days my kids did not want to leave the pool so I would go the lounge and get them snacks. I had to wrap the food in napkins. Kind of strange I thought. The food was good and the cm's wonderful. I like the Yc better than BC, but I may try the BC cl next time. I just prefer the more laid back atmosphere at Poly and Hrh.

We really enjoyed the Cl experience. It worked out well for my family. We never eat dinner before 8pm so the snack after my afternoon workout was great. We like to get to parks early and be back by 1pm then workout , relax by the pool until about 730 before heading out to eat. The tables in wonderland was great. I definetely saved money on food this trip, but we did not eat at as many signatures as normal. Only 4 this trip. We ate CS for lunch and a TS for dinner. On the dxdp we would have had more Ts at lunch. I do think I enjoyed the club level over the dxdp.

It was a great vacation. Aerosmith roller coaster is still my favorite ride in Orlando. I haven't got up the nerve for summit plummit yet, but my 7 and 9 year old love it. Any questions feel free to ask.

I should probably change my ticker or maybe I'll just leave it and do the same thing next year.

 

[pas130]

padawans Welcome home! I had similar feelings re: YC CL. Glad you enjoyed all 3 resorts! Between you & Marie I a doubting my change from HRH was a good one

 

[Mousemommy1]

padawans!!! Welcome back!!! Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip!! I'll bet those 17 days went by fast.

Well, at least you can start planning your next trip now!!!! Let the decisions begin!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

padawans welcome back from your wonderful trip! I just love long vacations! And I think you should leave the ticker just as it is and do the same trip next year!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Padawans: Welcome Home!!!

I'm glad you had a great trip!!

If I could transport YC's offerings, pool, and staff over to the Poly w/ the amazing view and resort amenities..... I would be in heaven. That would be my perfect resort. The staff was friendlier at YC, but I they are all in that little area when you get off the elevator--and to some it may seem intimidating. There was also a big convention when I was there so it was a bunch of conventioneers--and not so many families. For us--it was a nice change coming from the Poly where there were only families. BC crossed my mind--but I dunno--I think I'm YC for life. I did love the location of the Hawaii building, and DH let me know that it was the ONLY building he would be staying in We ended up being upgraded at Poly and YC which was awesome--I'm glad you got 2 upgrades too!! We did better on TIW too--it was so stinking hot that our daytime appetite was non existant. We also weren't uncomfortable from eating too much from the DxDDP.

Welcome Back!!

 

[padawans]

padawans Welcome home! I had similar feelings re: YC CL. Glad you enjoyed all 3 resorts! Between you & Marie I a doubting my change from HRH was a good one

I haven't stayed at RPR, I really love the Hardrock. The Yc was great. It was just a little different atmosphere than the Poly. I would'nt hesitate to stay there again. Unfortunately, I think I will have to book a LV now. I got spoiled. I'm so glad Poly didn't upgrade me to a LV. If you do switch to HRH make sure you visit emack and Bolios. $6.50 for a Manic Sunday that is big enough to feed all five kids. It's the best deal in Orlando.

 

[padawans]

Padawans: Welcome Home!!!

I'm glad you had a great trip!!

If I could transport YC's offerings, pool, and staff over to the Poly w/ the amazing view and resort amenities..... I would be in heaven. That would be my perfect resort. The staff was friendlier at YC, but I they are all in that little area when you get off the elevator--and to some it may seem intimidating. There was also a big convention when I was there so it was a bunch of conventioneers--and not so many families. For us--it was a nice change coming from the Poly where there were only families. BC crossed my mind--but I dunno--I think I'm YC for life. I did love the location of the Hawaii building, and DH let me know that it was the ONLY building he would be staying in We ended up being upgraded at Poly and YC which was awesome--I'm glad you got 2 upgrades too!! We did better on TIW too--it was so stinking hot that our daytime appetite was non existant. We also weren't uncomfortable from eating too much from the DxDDP.

Welcome Back!!

Staff was very friendly at Yc. My son had 3 cms waiting on him hand and foot when he was sick one day. They were really great to my kids. The Poly cm's kind of ignore you which is fine too. I really don't need the attention. I liked the evening offering at Poly better, but I liked the breakfast at Yc better. I also didn't like the fact that the Yc lounge closes at certain times. Poly was open all the time. It would be nice if they moved the Yc pool and staff to the Poly. Then we would have the perfect resort.

I thought the weather was great. It was a lot cooler than last the last 2 Mays we were there. The first part of our trip was hotter than last. I think it cooled down a lot after you left.

 

[padawans]

padawans welcome back from your wonderful trip! I just love long vacations! And I think you should leave the ticker just as it is and do the same trip next year!

I agree. I love long vacations. I think I will leave my ticker. We are planning on the same thing next year. I might replace Universal with a 4 day Dream cruise or I might not.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I agree. I love long vacations. I think I will leave my ticker. We are planning on the same thing next year. I might replace Universal with a 4 day Dream cruise or I might not.

I like it. Right now I'm feeling sad since my October trip is "only" 12 nights and that I see that in writing I feel like a spoiled brat! But it is a long way from CA so I should get my moneys worth out of the plane ticket! Right?

 

[chimo2u]

Welcome home Padawans! Glad to hear you had a great trip....and that the HRH was still the same amazing place I remember! What is a Sunday Maniac??? I'm staying at HRH CL Oct 4,5,6....so I would love to know what that is!

I am also glad to hear another RCer friend come back and say they enjoyed the POLY....that it wasn't the run down, frightning '70s flashback that some allude to! I think I will enjoy my POLY stay and keep a positive mind about it

How fast 2.5 weeks goes, I can hardly believe you where gone that long!!! we are happy to have you home

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I just wanted to say that I had a most un-magical CRO CM today. He sounded younger, un-interested, and wanted to get me off the phone. He said his name so fast, but I think it started with a D.

It was hard enough giving up the Polynesian honeymoon suite for Art of Animation.... a little kindness and love would have been nice I wish I could call and ask for Passion everytime. She's great, lol. Is it bad when we start to know their names?? There's one I hang up on too, lol--and older guy that always puts DH as the lead guest and messes everything up.

That's all, just a vent. I feel like calling to change, and just change back to hear someone nice talk to me

 

[disneydreamin247]

Welcome home Padawans! Glad to hear you had a great trip....and that the HRH was still the same amazing place I remember! What is a Sunday Maniac??? I'm staying at HRH CL Oct 4,5,6....so I would love to know what that is!

I am also glad to hear another RCer friend come back and say they enjoyed the POLY....that it wasn't the run down, frightning '70s flashback that some allude to! I think I will enjoy my POLY stay and keep a positive mind about it

How fast 2.5 weeks goes, I can hardly believe you where gone that long!!! we are happy to have you home

I'll be posting live for 13 days so you'll have a lot of info to base your decision on.

 

[chimo2u]

I'll be posting live for 13 days so you'll have a lot of info to base your decision on.

YIPEE!!! can't wait!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I'll be posting live for 13 days so you'll have a lot of info to base your decision on.

And you'll post pictures too?

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

OK so I think ANY of the 3 onsite resorts are great. The cheapest is Royal Pacific, with the AP discount it is cheaper than a Royal Room . It has tropical theming, I can report back when I get home. Portofino (the most expensive, but still not bad is BEAUTIFUL & QUIET. Then there's Hard Rock which I am indifferent about (IDK why), but there's rock&roll stuff there, and it looks very upscale. You can pool hop to any pool! There's shuttles and water taxis to the park...I never used the shuttle...loved the boat!! .....Let me mention US hotels are easy to change too, just sayin but if you change resorts you need to put a new deposit..date changes etc. no penalty up to 5 days prior. Just got my refund from Hard Rock back

Thanks pas130, I look forward to hearing all about RPR. I am a sucker for a boat too. Are there other discounts to be had or is Rack Rate more common there? We won't do APs for sure (we may like it too much and then another AP monster will have been created). I live too close and it is toooo dangerous. I found that out with my WDW AP.

This sounds like a perfect trip. I just love to spend time just relaxing at the resort.

Yes. It will be different for us and relaxing. I forgot to mention we DO have ADRs for breakfast at the AK Rainforest, lunch at Sci Fi, and dinner at Via Napoli... so I guess we must leave Poly sometime. Maybe we can lump all three of these together on one day and get them out of the way so we can get back to Poly asap! I also snagged a Chef Mickey and a Whispering Canyon for just in case Spirit of Aloha is canceled due to rain and storms (daily in FL in late August) so that we have a nearby backup plan.

Hi Magic I absolutely LOVE the Hard Rock Hotel...

Thanks chimo2u for the great HRH tips and info. Wow, so much to think about. I've always felt I was cheating on WDW so it has been YEARS since we've done US, actually since before IoA and no onsite hotels either if memory serves. Lots to take in. I am looking for a big overview map so I can get my bearings there. Are there any must-do attractions or dining there? Any CL really sounds like a “must-do” there, huh? That shouldn't be too difficult to fit in the mix.

We got back Monday night. ...We spent 2 nights at BW. ...We spent the next 4 days at HRH. This was our second time here and it was just as great as before. ...The next 6 nights we were at the Poly GV CL. ...We spent our last 4 nights at the YC Cl. ...We really enjoyed the Cl experience. ...I do think I enjoyed the club level over the dxdp. ...It was a great vacation. Aerosmith roller coaster is still my favorite ride in Orlando. ...I should probably change my ticker or maybe I'll just leave it and do the same thing next year.

Great informative report padawans. Thanks. I am so glad you had very good experiences most every step of the way. Regarding next year: if it ain't broke, don't fix it (unless you are a RCer)! I was just inquiring about US/IoA so I appreciate your report of HRH.

It was hard enough giving up the Polynesian honeymoon suite for Art of Animation.... a little kindness and love would have been nice

The CM you got was not Passion-ate enough, eh? Sorry I couldn't resist. Seriously though, I agree. Some of the CMs lately just make me furious anymore. Anyway, AoA will be still be shiny and new and so much fun for you.

We leave on the 17th. Maybe we can meet at Tambu Lounge for a drink!

Ok so we overlap by a couple days. Maybe this could work in the name of all things LapuLapu! Where does you itinerary find you the evening of 15th? Any ADRs?

 

[chimo2u]

Magic: Must do Attractions.....of course ALL of them! I loved all of them....although I found the Universal side a bit more boring....I absoulutely Loved IOA! Universal had a lot of waits to watch Pre-shows then go on similator rides....I found it long and tedious at times, and just wished I could start skipping the pre-show, I really enjoyed all the rides at IOA....I tried every coaster for my first time, and it was a ton of fun!

Food-wise, I'd really recommend Mythos (in IOA) for lunch and Bubba Gumps in City Walk....two restaurants my son and I really enjoyed and are definitely headed back to this fall!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Magic: Must do Attractions.....of course ALL of them! I loved all of them....although I found the Universal side a bit more boring....I absoulutely Loved IOA! Universal had a lot of waits to watch Pre-shows then go on similator rides....I found it long and tedious at times, and just wished I could start skipping the pre-show, I really enjoyed all the rides at IOA....I tried every coaster for my first time, and it was a ton of fun!

Food-wise, I'd really recommend Mythos (in IOA) for lunch and Bubba Gumps in City Walk....two restaurants my son and I really enjoyed and are definitely headed back to this fall!

I haven't been to US/IOA since 2000!!!! Back when DH and I were just poor college kids... IOA was awesome!!! We still talk about the Hulk roller coaster!!! We haven't taken the girls yet because they are still a bit too small for most of them...even though my DD8 is super tall, she's not quite 54" yet and my little peanut DD5 is only 42", she can't even do Space Mountain yet!

I think our trip in Feb 2014 (yes, already planning that one too ) will involve a split with US/IOA, the girls will be 7 and almost 10 at that point! They should be big enough!

 

[disneydreamin247]

And you'll post pictures too?

As much as possible! Mostly iPhone shots because I won't e able to process my DSLR photos while down there. I'm only bringing an iPad.

Magic I'm pretty sure we are at 'Ohana that night! I will check when I get home.

 

[padawans]

Welcome home Padawans! Glad to hear you had a great trip....and that the HRH was still the same amazing place I remember! What is a Sunday Maniac??? I'm staying at HRH CL Oct 4,5,6....so I would love to know what that is!

I am also glad to hear another RCer friend come back and say they enjoyed the POLY....that it wasn't the run down, frightning '70s flashback that some allude to! I think I will enjoy my POLY stay and keep a positive mind about it

How fast 2.5 weeks goes, I can hardly believe you where gone that long!!! we are happy to have you home

It's 3 large scoops of ice cream with all the toppings you want. My boys get a little carried away with the toppings. You're raising boys so you know how much they eat.

Yeah stay postitive about the Poly. It is old, but our rooms have always been in great shape. I don't get the where the 70's flashback thing comes from. The lounge is great. I hope you like polynesian asian type food. I miss the punch already. I really can't emphasize enough how great the location is. If you spend a lot of time at the pool like we do it's so convenient.