Can you help me out with RPR please?

[Shell820810]

Hi

Before I book I have a few questions: (planning to go 21st -28th Apr).

1. This seems to be the most popular hotel for families with young children (from what I am reading)? Dont expect to go to Orlando and not find children, but its our honeymoon, and I would prefer a bit of quiet time round the pool or in the bar, rather than it being full of squealing children. Should I consider another hotel? The theming of this one appeals the most to us. (Hope I dont offend the parent of those squealing children! )
2. When are the renovations due to finish, and what all is being renovated? Will there be freshly redecorated rooms by April time?
3. Are standard queen rooms and king rooms the same price, and how likely is it that we will be able to get a king room?
4. Also posted this on the Park page, but do you think 7 nights out of 15 is too long at Universal? At Universal we will be doing Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Seaworld, Aquatica (if its open!), Gatorland, & Shopping & International Drive. And then 8 nights at Disney. I havent been to either before, and neither of us like the really high thrill rides (like hulk etc), so do you think the number of days in each is ok?
5. When at Disney, we are going to stay at Saratoga Springs - which would you do first Disney or Universal? We were thinking Universal, as then we can use the DTD Virgin check in for returning, also its cheaper in May. But the RPR looks so much nicer than Saratoga (or most of the Disney resorts), I thinking we'll maybe get a bit of a let down moving??

Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[calgarygary]

Hi

Before I book I have a few questions: (planning to go 21st -28th Apr).

1. This seems to be the most popular hotel for families with young children (from what I am reading)? Dont expect to go to Orlando and not find children, but its our honeymoon, and I would prefer a bit of quiet time round the pool or in the bar, rather than it being full of squealing children. Should I consider another hotel? The theming of this one appeals the most to us. (Hope I dont offend the parent of those squealing children! )

1. 
   Pretty sure a bar won't be filled with squealing children; I personally would suggest PBH though. The villa pool is almost always quiet and the whole hotel lends itself to a more romantic feel. A quiet drink in the American Bar, an evening cocktail in the piazza while listening to opera singers, a quiet dip in the villa pool.
   

   [*]When are the renovations due to finish, and what all is being renovated? Will there be freshly redecorated rooms by April time?

   Can't help you here but I'm sure others will have this info.
   

   [*]Are standard queen rooms and king rooms the same price, and how likely is it that we will be able to get a king room?

   Make sure you have both your room request and the fact that you are on your honeymoon noted on your reservation. Also, make sure when checking in, that you also tell this to the front desk staff.
   

   [*]Also posted this on the Park page, but do you think 7 nights out of 15 is too long at Universal? At Universal we will be doing Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Seaworld, Aquatica (if its open!), Gatorland, & Shopping & International Drive. And then 8 nights at Disney. I havent been to either before, and neither of us like the really high thrill rides (like hulk etc), so do you think the number of days in each is ok?

   I think the split is fine but remember, it's your honeymoon. Don't go all park/Orlando commando trying to see as much as possible. That's the beauty of staying onsite at Universal, you can really slow your pace down and enjoy the parks and hotels without racing from morning to night.
   

   [*]When at Disney, we are going to stay at Saratoga Springs - which would you do first Disney or Universal? We were thinking Universal, as then we can use the DTD Virgin check in for returning, also its cheaper in May. But the RPR looks so much nicer than Saratoga (or most of the Disney resorts), I thinking we'll maybe get a bit of a let down moving??

Definitely do WDW first. These are the days that will require the most energy and patience (for lines) that you are likely to have at the start of your trip. The proximity to the parks, front of the line, and the luxury of Universal's hotels will spoil you if you do them first.

 

[perdidobay]

Having stayed at RPR 5 times in the past, there were lots of kids around, but as two adults traveling, we didn't find them too distracting.
RPR is my favorite for themeing, and being able to walk right out to Margaritaville-and the rest of citywalk is nice.
King rooms are the same price as queen rooms.

I too recommend doing Disney first, you might be let down if you do Universal first.

 

[Shell820810]

Its funny, on the Disney forums, they say do Disney last as its the best, and here its the other way around. Thanks for your replies. Hopefully I'll get a few more opinions on it.

"Definitely do WDW first. These are the days that will require the most energy and patience (for lines) that you are likely to have at the start of your trip. The proximity to the parks, front of the line, and the luxury of Universal's hotels will spoil you if you do them first."

Think we will need a few days R & R after the wedding so this would be welcome at the start of the holiday too!

 

[perdidobay]

I'm a HUGE Disney parks fan, but I love Universal Parks too. That said,
and also noting that I've bought DVC, so our accomadations at WDW are good, but RPR is a step up from that, IMHO.

There is a more adult relaxed feeling to me with the Universal resorts
(could be those Margaritas at Margaritaville )

 

[rpbert1]

definetly do Universal last, i failed to take this advice when i first went. Also at Universal its a more relaxed stay, no rushing to get to the park before the crowds, just stroll over for a few hours then back to the pool.

We go in July, and never had a problem with screaming kids[except my own, you hear her everywhere-lucky for you we wont be there in April]
PBH as said , the Villa pool is really nice .

The renovations at RPR ,are expected to be finished at the end of the year,I think.

When making your reservation ask for it to be noted what room you would like, they are the same price. Also general opinion on here is to fax room request as well a few days prior to departure.

 

[Kimberle]

Its funny, on the Disney forums, they say do Disney last as its the best, and here its the other way around. Thanks for your replies. Hopefully I'll get a few more opinions on it.

"Definitely do WDW first. These are the days that will require the most energy and patience (for lines) that you are likely to have at the start of your trip. The proximity to the parks, front of the line, and the luxury of Universal's hotels will spoil you if you do them first."

Think we will need a few days R & R after the wedding so this would be welcome at the start of the holiday too!

Oh I agree! It was very hard "doing" Disney this year after US last year. I was very spoiled with the FOTL access. Plus, I could eat when I wanted where I wanted. During our WDW stay, if you didn't have a ADR, you didn't get a table. It's hard planning when you'll be hungry 3-6 months out..... Plus, I REALLY LOVED the poolside resturants at RPR and HR. Shucks, the waiter's will even bring your meal to you poolside!

The resort pool is so big, it never really seemed crowded. I could always get a chair.

Don't forget, you can stay at 1, but play at all 3! Pool hopping is most diffently allowed!!

 

[calgarygary]

Its funny, on the Disney forums, they say do Disney last as its the best, and here its the other way around. Thanks for your replies. Hopefully I'll get a few more opinions on it.

"Definitely do WDW first. These are the days that will require the most energy and patience (for lines) that you are likely to have at the start of your trip. The proximity to the parks, front of the line, and the luxury of Universal's hotels will spoil you if you do them first."

Think we will need a few days R & R after the wedding so this would be welcome at the start of the holiday too!

I'll try not to get into a debate about which park is best and better saved to last. Rather, I think most of the people on the boards that suggest saving Disney for last, have not stayed onsite at universal. Standing in long lines, for rides, shows, and meals is never fun. Doing it after staying onsite at Universal, is especially trying. Having FOTL changes your entire approach to park touring. You do not need to rush off first thing in the am if you don't want to. You don't need to criss-cross the parks following UG, TGM or whatever guide to get the most out of your visit. Returning to the resort for a mid-day break is both quick and pleasant. I appreciate what you are saying about maybe this is the pace you will want immediately after the wedding but I'm sure that almost all the US/IOA experts here will agree, save universal for after WDW.

 

[AlexandNessa]

You should have no trouble getting a King room at RPR. The Queen/King rooms are all the same size. We are 2 adults, and have only been bothered by rugrats there a few times, just as we might be bothered at any other hotel (and really, it's not the rugrats who bother us, but more of the parents who refuse to parent and let their children run wild, isn't it?). Might I suggest splurging on Club at RPR since it's your honeymoon? You'll love beer o'clock in the Club Lounge, and the staff are so friendly and helpful. The continental breakfast is so nice, and the club staff will help you arrange all your transportation and ticket needs since it sounds like you have other things planned besides the parks.

BTW, of course I totally agree with the others... do Universal last. You will get to relax and be so spoiled by FOTL.

 

[Julma]

I second the recommendation for Club Level. IMHO worth the extra $. Also, keep in mind that Massachusetts, as well as a few other states, start their spring break on the 21st. We have gone to Disney during spring break and while it is not crazy crowded, it is crowded enough to warrant some planning. We have also been to Universal during break and with FOTL passes no problem at all. That may play into your, which to do first decision.

 

[Shell820810]

I second the recommendation for Club Level. IMHO worth the extra $. Also, keep in mind that Massachusetts, as well as a few other states, start their spring break on the 21st. We have gone to Disney during spring break and while it is not crazy crowded, it is crowded enough to warrant some planning. We have also been to Universal during break and with FOTL passes no problem at all. That may play into your, which to do first decision.

Most of the spring break crowds should be gone by then shouldn't they? How long do the schools normally have off? Is there a website that shows the dates for all states?

By the way, thanks all for the help. Am definitely swaying towards leaving Universal to the end now. The only thing that would sway me would be if there is going to be a big difference in the crowds at Disney on 21st April and the week after.

Thanks again

 

[Kimberle]

Most schools in CT break the 3rd week in April.

 

[wwessing]

Keep in mind that Easter is early in 2008. It is March 23, so many schools will break the week before and/or after. It will be 4 weeks away from Easter by April 20, 2008 and 5 weeks away by April 27 and most breaks will be long over. We are going during this time also, as our school made a brilliant decision to have no spring break in 2008, other than the Friday and Monday at Easter. So, because we had planned our trip, purchased tickets, made reservations, told our kids, we had no choice but to still go. It's just that we now have the luxury to go after spring breaks are over and before my dh's work demands prevent us from going. We chose end of april/beginning of may because we figured spring breaks would be over and room rates would drop substantially.

BTW, we have 3 of those screaming littles (all girls too) who will be there at the same time you will be, but we're at HRH! If you listen carefully, you may hear them from your pool. Ok, truly, kids will be kids but we don't think all that shrieking and throat deteriorating screaming is necessary and there is definitely a time when our kids are told enough of the ear drum busting, hearing damaging noise being produced from your face. Our kids manage to have tons of fun without permanently damaging their vocal cords.

 

[bubba's mom]

I'll try not to get into a debate about which park is best and better saved to last. Rather, I think most of the people on the boards that suggest saving Disney for last, have not stayed onsite at universal. Standing in long lines, for rides, shows, and meals is never fun. Doing it after staying onsite at Universal, is especially trying. Having FOTL changes your entire approach to park touring. You do not need to rush off first thing in the am if you don't want to. You don't need to criss-cross the parks following UG, TGM or whatever guide to get the most out of your visit. Returning to the resort for a mid-day break is both quick and pleasant. I appreciate what you are saying about maybe this is the pace you will want immediately after the wedding but I'm sure that almost all the US/IOA experts here will agree, save universal for after WDW.

I would agree with staying after Disney. Think of the "craziness": wedding, relax at UO, go to Disney and rush for FP and stand in lines uh...no.... Try this: crazy wedding, little less crazy at Disney...totally relaxed at UO...great way to end the trip and be rested up for your return home. I wouldn't want the "tiredness" of the wedding, then relax, then get crazy/rushed again....do all the 'busy' at the beginning and save the best (definately most relaxed) for the end And, congrats by the way!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Another vote for saving USO for last. We love both WDW and USO. I also agree that most people on the Disney boards don't even know that FOTL exists let alone have experienced it.
We just returned from 5 days in Orlando last weekend. (HRH)
We went to MK after just 1 day of IOA with FOTL. The line in BTMR was 20 mins. long. (not very long by WDW standards) My ds7 stomped his foot and said, "I am not waiting in a 20 minute line!" We all laughed and ds10 commented on how nice it was to be VIPs at Universal.
We're going back in Nov. and now we know to save UO for the end. JMHO.
congrats and have a great time at your wedding and honeymoon.

 

[bubba's mom]

The line in BTMR was 20 mins. long. (not very long by WDW standards) My ds7 stomped his foot and said, "I am not waiting in a 20 minute line!"

Classic!!! Love it!