Booking the HRH for a night: worth it?

[lacrosse_lady72]

Little background:
My mom and I are going to be staying at Disney World September 4-16, staying at the Poly and Beach Club. Our plan was to go to Universal Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th (the Wed & Thursday right after Labor Day), and the Mears shuttle both times which is what... $18 or 19 per person per day round trip.

I was just now (as in the past couple of days) thinking that we could stay at the Hard Rock Hotel the night of the 7th and have the convenience of being on property, early entry, at the Express Pass, not to mention time saved going back and forth and extra trip Beach Club to/from Universal.

With taxes and the desire to stay at a pool view room, the room would cost $308. Money is not a huge issue, though I don't like just throwing money around.

Essentially what I kind of want to know is it worth it? If its just for convenience alone, then I don't think so... so really, are early entry and the Express Pass worth it at that time of year? From what I've gathered, it's basically the slowest time of year and it's slower the closer you get right after Labor Day. But will it still be busy enough to warrant needing those things?

We've been many times so a lot of things aren't new. The only things we haven't been on/to is Harry Potter, Rip Ride Rocket and the Simpsons ride. Obviously HP is of greatest concern and we would use early entry for HP both day. But still, do we really need those things for that time of year?

Wow, I just realized I said a lot, HA! Sorry, but any help would be helpful. Thanks .

 

[damo]

You may want to check out the RPR since it is closer to IOA and the prices are lower. You can also call for AAA rates.

 

[Suzanne74]

I am curious about this too. We are staying at Kidani village in Disney for 8 nights with the plan of doing 6 days at WDW and 2 at universal/ioa but now I am thinking of moving over to universal hotel all together the last 2 nights. We have a car and I really hate switching hotels but I think overall I will be happier with the move. I figure with all the time we save with early HP entrance and front of the line access, we will have more time to go back to the new pools or city walk and relax.

 

[Stinasmom]

Hi there OP!
My parents live in Beaverton... DH and I went to Sunset High... kinda near your "hood!"

We just got back from a big trip that included US/IOA. Because we traveled over spring break, we did book one night at the Royal Pacific Resort to get the Front of the Line priviliges which are almost equal to the highest level of Express pass available to regular ticket holders.

We spent about $313 on the room but to get 4 Express passes at this time of year for 2 days it would have been $632 + tax. Plus the room itself and the resort is really beautiful... oh, and the service was top notch!
DH and I stayed in the room that night while my parents took the kids back to the timeshare resort we were actually staying at. Made for a nice break for us too.

Being able to walk right up to the front of any ride or show/attraction was really great. We really saw and did everything we wanted at IOA by 4:30pm.
US takes more time because the rides and shows take longer to actually experience. When all 6 of us wanted to go on something, 4 would go then the kids would go again with the other 2 adults. Waiting for the second 4 to go was no big deal and way better than all 6 of us waiting in the standby line.

We also only paid $1.00 per day to self park. I think this might have been a mistake on their part, but not sure. My stepdad managed to self park at the hotel for free both days???

Also, on the second morning we took advantage of early entry to Harry Potter so we could get on FJ as basically a walk-on. Took pictures of the area without thick crowds too.

So, for us, booking the room was VERY worth it.
Although, for spring break, the park was not unmanagable without passes. The longest lines were later in the day for FJ, of course, but they never actually closed the Harry Potter area due to overcrowding like they have at other times of the year. Maybe the luster is starting to dull?

Would it be worth it for you?
Honestly, you are going at a relatively low crowd level time, as you mentioned. So I can see why you'd question it.
Here is why I would do it however:
*Being an onsite guest helps you get into restaurants faster, just mention it and show your room key.
*Even when the standby line is 10-15 minutes, it adds up when you go on 5-8 rides in a day. Your just so less tired when you don't stand in any lines!
*Doesn't hurt to feel kind of privilged!
*Park at the resort and take the boat or pathway there, way more pleasant than the huge parking garage and walkways for everyone else. Could be cheaper too, unless that was just a mistake they made for me!
*The resort(s) are REALLY beautiful! Take an overnight bag and actually stay there. They treated us so well. They made sure we knew we had resort privlieges through out the second day too... we could use the fitness center, changing rooms, and pool area even after checking out.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions!
I love talking about my trip and my friends don't want to hear anymore!

Marcy

 

[macraven]

i pulled this up for HRH for 9/7


Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
5800 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL, 32819
1-888-464-3617
ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE
Seasonal Rate Starting at : $239.00
Rate Description:
Room only rate, not combinable with other offers. Theme park tickets not included.
Standard 2 Queen Room
At 375 square feet, the standard rooms offer stylish décor, two queen beds and all the modern amenities. Experience the rockin' hotel activities and then chill out in the privacy of your own room, with limited views.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$239.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Garden View 2 Queen Room
You'll enjoy exceptional amenities, two queen beds and 375 square feet of space giving you ample room to rock out or just kick back with your entourage. Each Garden View room lets you look out upon a different area of the hotel's scenic grounds.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$249.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Pool View 2 Queen Room
Upgrade your view to overlook the centerpiece of the Hard Rock Hotel, the fabulous swimming pool area. Pool View rooms feature 375 square feet of space and two queen beds.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$274.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Deluxe King Rooms
Live large in one of our Deluxe King rooms with 400 square feet of living space. Room features a king bed and an adjoining study area.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$324.00 per night




sept is a low season.
prices can go down but not usually when it is for a one night only stay.


i would book a one night standard view at $239 and inquire about an upgrade when you check in.

file for the All Access card which does allow a free room upgrade at check in time for members if rooms are available.

rooms will not be sold out during this time period.



if you must have a pool view, then ask to upgrade for the price when you check in if you can not get a free upgrade.

let them know you are first time guests staying away from your disney resort to see what universal is all about.

i have over 22 stays at HRH and have seen many receive free upgrades from standard to pool view depending on availablity at check in.


try to get the upgrade without the additional charge.
if you don't then just upgrade and pay the difference in costs when you check in.





at RPH for info on cost comparison:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, FL, 32819
1-888-464-3617
ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE
Seasonal Rate Starting at : $219.00
Rate Description:
Room only rate, not combinable with other offers. Theme park tickets not included.
Standard King Room
Enjoy 335 square feet of tropical paradise in one of these inviting standard guest rooms. Each room offers one king bed and all of the modern amenities.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$219.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Standard 2 Queen Room
Enjoy 335 square feet of tropical paradise in one of these inviting standard guest rooms. Each room offers two queen beds and all of the modern amenities.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$219.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Water View King Room
Gaze out upon the hotel's spectacular lagoon pool or waterway. Enjoy 335 square feet of tropical paradise in one of these inviting water view guest rooms. Each room offers one king bed and all of the modern amenities.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$249.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Water View 2 Queen Room
Gaze out upon the hotel's spectacular lagoon pool or waterway. Enjoy 335 square feet of tropical paradise in one of these inviting water view guest rooms. Each room offers two queen beds and all of the modern amenities.
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$249.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Royal Club Level King Room
Upgrade to one of the Club Level rooms and enjoy access to the Royal Pacific’s Club Lounge including complimentary continental breakfast, evening beer and wine and additional privileges including complimentary admission to the fitness center. Club Level Rooms are 335 square feet with one king bed and either Standard or Water View. Additional room amenities include cordless phone, evening turndown service, and cotton signature bathrobes. Additional Royal Club Lounge amenities include personal concierge services, complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks throughout the day, hot & cold hors d'oeuvres each evening and “something sweet" each night. Lounge open daily 6:30a-10pm
FULL ROOM DESCRIPTION RATE INFO
$319.00 per night
BOOK THIS ROOM
Royal Club



i book king suite when i am at RPH.
for what you are paying at HRH for one night, you could get less at RPH.

RPH is closer to IOA
HRH is closer to the studio side.


which ever hotel you decide on, you can not go wrong.
both are wonderful hotels.

the benefits of staying onsite will be worth it.

 

[macraven]

the above rates i listed from the website are not including taxes on those figures.

 

[tinydancer09]

MAC I do want to bring up Rock the Universe. I don't know when the dates are this year (As the site says "Early September"), but last year we planned a trip for Sept 11th weekend. We ended up surrounded by high school kids and our passed proved worth it. You would know better than I when this event happens. We also wanted to get a room at RPR but hotel rooms were completely sold out by the time we tried to book. We ended up booking Portifino.. just because it was only 20 bucks more than HRH and I had been there before.

Oh! Just found the dates- September 9th and 10th.

 

[macraven]

MAC I do want to bring up Rock the Universe. I don't know when the dates are this year (As the site says "Early September"), but last year we planned a trip for Sept 11th weekend. We ended up surrounded by high school kids and our passed proved worth it. You would know better than I when this event happens. We also wanted to get a room at RPR but hotel rooms were completely sold out by the time we tried to book. We ended up booking Portifino.. just because it was only 20 bucks more than HRH and I had been there before.

Oh! Just found the dates- September 9th and 10th.

i can email you a copy of my ap newsletter if you need more info.

rock the universe is kewl.

book the room now so you won't be disappointed later if rph is full.

you can always cancel 6 days out without penalities for a full refund.

 

[tinydancer09]

i can email you a copy of my ap newsletter if you need more info.

rock the universe is kewl.

book the room now so you won't be disappointed later if rph is full.

you can always cancel 6 days out without penalities for a full refund.

Oh no. I'm not into all that jazz. Dealing with all those "kids" last year was enough for me. I was just stating it to keep in mind for her reservations and express pass need... then I realized it was not going on the same day she would be there.

 

[ziggy298]

We have stayed at the HRH twice now both times around Sep/Oct. It is an awesome hotel, love it. It isn't cheap so i would say if you are on any kind of tight budget then put up with the inconvenience of not being on site.
However the hotel is great, it is so handy for getting to the parks in a 5 min walk and this to me makes a huge difference. Along with the express pass that your room key acts as the benifits to me are well worth it - if you can stretch to the high room rates although there are sometimes some good offers on the website.

 

[nytimez]

Express Pass alone makes it worthwhile to stay on property.