We have never been to US/IOA and have just found out that we will be attending a March 2009 cheer competition there. What would be the best hotel for a large group to book into? The cheer company was offering $235 at Royal Pacific. Is this a good price?
also, if the on site hotels are just too expensive for a large group, is the Hilton Garden Inn okay? We stay at this chain for a couple of other competitions and found 1 to be great and 1 only so so.
Hey Kidzmom!

I have seen you on the cheer thread.
Which competition is this? Is this a national? I have to beg our gym owners to let us go. We love Universal.

In fact, at UCA in March, dd and I stayed at Buena Vista Palace while the rest of the family stayed at Universal. So, it would be wonderful if we could actually be at a competition at Universal. And after March, the gym decided not to do UCA anymore because of the cost (park hoppers, etc.) so maybe they would consider it
Royal Pacific would be great, definitely better than offsite. But make sure what the transportation to the competition site would be. Is the cheer travel group going to provide busses? The walk to the parks is about 7 minutes and then another few minutes to the soundstages where I would assume the competitions would be. While great for families, herding hundreds of cheerleaders down that path would be fun, to say the least
There is a large convention facility at RPR so meeting rooms are abundant. There is plenty of room on the grounds if your team sets up their own practice tent/mats.
The pools are great (although our cheerleaders are not allowed to swim when on cheer time - so don't know if your gym is the same) and you can pool hop.
Personally, for a cheer competition, I would pick Hard Rock due to the proximity and the vibe for the teens. However, for cost purposes, the Royal Pacific is the best choice.
Ask away if there are any other competition/Universal questions you might have.