Competition for our beloved Polynesian?

[J. Thornhill]

What does everyone think of the new Royal Pacific at Universal?
Would you stay there? Will the Polynesian have to "Step up it's game" in order to compete? This place looks pretty lush!

http://www.themeparks.com/unifl/pacific01.htm

http://www.themeparks.com/unifl/pacific02.htm

J.-

 

[jaguar9748]

I've seen it from a distance and was not impressed. It is a sickly yellow color. No balconies. Of the 3 Universal resorts, I think Portofino Bay is the best looking - IMHO.

 

[Kim&Chris]

I don't think it will effect our Poly at all. Disney's Polynesian is more than just a hotel; it's a total experience. Our visits to WDW are not complete without a monorail ride to the Poly, breakfast at Kona's or drinks at the Tambu Lounge after a wonderful day at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Bstanley]

But after having stayed at the HRH last trip I am looking forward to giving the Royal Pacific a try for a couple of days. I wonder - since it is a 'convention' hotel just how nice it will be. HRH was very comfortable so I am expecting RP to be also.

If (like us) you drive to Orlando (or you are renting a car) and if you are planning to visit USF/IoA it makes sense to stay at one of the USF hotels for a day or two. It takes long enough to drive there from WDW that it's annoying. Also the FOTL access is very handy.

Conversely though I can't imagine staying at the Royal Pacific and driving to WDW so the second part of our trip will be back at our 'First Love' - The Polynesian

 

[SeaSpray]

Nothing can replace or compete with the Polynesian!


But I have to say, it does look like a nice hotel DS11 will be staying there in August for a week, I wish I was going with him!

 

[JerseyJanice]

It looks very, very nice!

And with rates starting at $159, we'll definitely check it out on some future trip.

 

[pooh6890]

I got a Fla Resident Rate of $129 for June 28 & 29......the hotel looks to be very nice. It's opening on June 18. Hope they have the kinks worked out by my stay. Although I love the Disney hotels and would never stay anywhere else while visiting there, I am so looking forward to the Royal Pacific and checking out the Portofino and HRH. Plus, now with FOTL it really pays to stay there if you can get a really great rate. BUT, nothing compares to Disney EVER I have been told the Universal hotels are far superior than Disney as far as service and personnel.....guess I will find out soon.

 

[daannzzz]

In the past I would not have thought about staying near Universal. Now with the Portofino and The Royal Pacific ( I am not a fan of the Hard rock theme) on my next trip I will spend a couple nights over at Uni before heading to WDW property. The art work and picrute of the room sure make the Royal Pacific seem like it will be nice. Wether it is compatition for the Polynesian will depend on how well they have integrated the theme and how extensive it is. If it is just a veneer than I would think it is nice but no contest. If they make it immersive, I think it will be a bit of a contest but will not lure me off of Disney property while I am visiting Disney Parks. It would take alot to do that.

 

[pooh6890]

I totally agree. When we do Disney, we only stay at Disney Hotels. Haven't been to Uni for a while now. I assume it will be the same total experience now that they have 3 hotels over there. Check in, take their transportation and hop from park to park to Citywalk. Works for me....the Portofino looks absolutely gorgeous. Wanted to stay there first but $129 for Royal was just too good to pass up.

 

[Tikiman]

I doesn't look very South Pacific to me.

JMHO

Steve

 

[pooh6890]

Oh Tikiman, I wondered when we would see your opinion....I just had to laugh....by the way, you have one of the BEST websites for a Disney hotel out there.....keep up the good work!

 

[Tikiman]

Thanks pooh6890. Yeah I had to say something.

Steve

 

[*Belle*]

I agree with Tikiman. Not very South Pacific.

 

[Tikiman]

Hum...lets see....Magic Kingdom outside your door or Universal....

I PICK THE MK!!!

Steve

 

[sgtdisney]

Not to mention that the rooms are 335 square feet compared to the Polynesian which is over 400. Sometimes size does count for something.....