Entire Week at US/IOA - Too Much?

[cookpr]

Looking at some early 2013 planning and am thinking of ditching Disney (I know, sac-religious to many on here) and giving US/IOA our complete wallet this time around.

While I know I will miss the Disney "magic" - in that you do feel like you are somewhere else when you stay onsite and get in that Disney bubble - I think my two boys (5 and 6) would absolutely love US/IOA.

They love Disney - but they are not at all fans of rides like Small World, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, etc, or shows like Mermaid, Lion King, Muppets etc....so we end up pounding Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, ToT, Space Mountain, Everest (and formerly Test Track) non stop. They even don't care for Soarin' (which I kind of agree with them).

My plan would be to stay on site at the Hard Rock or Royal Pacific (which both seem fabulous) and then buy those really slick Universal Unlimited 14-day passes.

Given my kids like to hang at the pools just as much as the parks - I figured 1/2 day at the park each of 7 days, and 1/2 day at the pool.

Will we be happy (being used to Disney)? I am hoping so, as it really looks like Universal is the one innovating now, and really want to give it a shot.

And double dipping (going to US and Disney) is not something I want to do in one trip (thats too much running around, and I just don't think it maximizes your vacation dollar).

 

[NY Disney fan]

If you have a car rental you can take short drives to Sea World, Wet & Wild, Discovery Cove (even thought that is pricey but worth it), Aquatica. You can see Universal / IOA in 2 days so with a whole week you can do so much more. You can also just explore the area (outlet shopping). Lots to do in 1 week.

I'm actually waiting until Fantasy Land is completely open before going back to WDW.

 

[cookpr]

If you have a car rental you can take short drives to Sea World, Wet & Wild, Discovery Cove (even thought that is pricey but worth it), Aquatica. You can see Universal / IOA in 2 days so with a whole week you can do so much more. You can also just explore the area (outlet shopping). Lots to do in 1 week.

I'm actually waiting until Fantasy Land is completely open before going back to WDW.

SeaWorld struck me when I saw a picutre the other day. I have not been there since I was a kid in the late 80's. When the heck did they put a monorail in there? They seem to be doing some great innovating as well.

I will certainly keep that in the back of my mind.

 

[FlashJim]

A whole week is fine. You won't feel as rushed to do everything.

Last October we did 4 days a US and it rained the entire time. Ponchos and a baseball cap fixed that, but it slowed us down. We felt like we didn't see everything and certainly didn't take advantage of everything Royal Pacific offered.

We're confirmed for 7 nights at RP this October and we can't wait! We drive from Texas and didn't want to stay just a few days after two days on the road. This time we'll relax, maybe hit the pool if it's not raining and actually go to City Walk. That's another thing we didn't do last time.

 

[Bluer101]

We leave Saturday for 9 days. We always try to grab a week or more during the summer. We stay at RPR everytime and enjoy every minute. When you stay that long you have a lot of down time for relaxing. You don't feel like you have to maximize your time in the parks. Just do what you wish each day.

 

[cookpr]

We leave Saturday for 9 days. We always try to grab a week or more during the summer. We stay at RPR everytime and enjoy every minute. When you stay that long you have a lot of down time for relaxing. You don't feel like you have to maximize your time in the parks. Just do what you wish each day.

Wow, looking at your profile tag - you have been there a few times!! You sound like you fit the mold we fit into...love the parks, but don't want them to run our vacation...it is a vacation afterall, you want to chill a little.

You ever tried the Hard Rock? Why do you particularly love the RPR? What are the things that make it so special to you? They seem comparable to me, yet quite often, I have seen 7 days cost $500 more at HRH versus RPR.

The only difference I think my kids would like is the slide at the Hard Rock.

Are you a Disney person to, or you just prefer HS/IOA?

 

[glocon]

Even if you stay at RPR you can take a day and pool hop to HRH and PBH. You will be there long enough to hit all the pools and that can be a fun adventure for you and your kids! You can check out all the resorts and maybe make plans for future visits.

 

[RLMinVA]

Cook,

We have stayed at both RP and HR twice...and have been to Disney twice. Since our kids hit the roller coaster age, we have not gone back to Disney. Universal seems to keep things fresh and current, appealing to the new internet and fast-paced kid model. We love both hotels and I don't think you can go wrong either way. FOr your kids' ages, I think I would favor RP. Hard Rock is more aimed at the teen crowd or adults. The pools are open for any guest of any of the three hotels...so try them all.

We are headed to HRH for five day on July 8! Can't wait!

 

[JessicaR]

I'm one that thinks a week on-site is THE best! Our longest trip was 10 days and I could have stayed longer.

Like you, I enjoy the down time making it a real vacation. A nice mix of pool and parks is great. Your kids may really enjoy the water area at RPR. Since you can pool hop pick the place the suits you best.

We always have the greatest intention to get to Seaworld each trip and most times we never leave Universal.

 

[cookpr]

I'm one that thinks a week on-site is THE best! Our longest trip was 10 days and I could have stayed longer.

Like you, I enjoy the down time making it a real vacation. A nice mix of pool and parks is great. Your kids may really enjoy the water area at RPR. Since you can pool hop pick the place the suits you best.

We always have the greatest intention to get to Seaworld each trip and most times we never leave Universal.

Awesome! Seems like I am not alone in my plans/thoughts.

Per the pool hopping - so is it "officially" allowed, or is it more like Disney, where it is not official, and kind of frowned upon by some, but most do it anyhow?

 

[Bluer101]

Wow, looking at your profile tag - you have been there a few times!! You sound like you fit the mold we fit into...love the parks, but don't want them to run our vacation...it is a vacation afterall, you want to chill a little.

You ever tried the Hard Rock? Why do you particularly love the RPR? What are the things that make it so special to you? They seem comparable to me, yet quite often, I have seen 7 days cost $500 more at HRH versus RPR.

The only difference I think my kids would like is the slide at the Hard Rock.

Are you a Disney person to, or you just prefer HS/IOA?

We choose RPR due to the style, atmosphere, and the layout of the hotel. I have been many times more than I have listed, one of the benefits of living in Florida.

As others have mentioned you just pool hop. We end up doing this a lot. For instance, we will put on our board shorts, t shirts, and water sandals a few mornings and head to IOA. We will ride the water rides over and over. Hit camp Jurrasic for the water play area. Then around 11-12 we leave and walk over to HRH. We will sit at the poolside Beachclub and have lunch. My son normally swims and uses the slide while we wait for food. After lunch we will get some chairs poolside in the shade and spend some time using the pool and slide. My son loves poolside games also. After a nice afternoon we catch a boat back to RPR. We get showered up and relax before heading out to Citywalk for dinner. Have an early dinner then go back to the parks for fun.

We will also do the same thing right there at RPR. Great pool and activities also. Bula Bar and grill poolside is awesome too.

As for room size, yes RPR is smaller than the other 2 hotels. But we normally font hang out in the room when there is plenty of other nice places around the resorts to hang. Save the money, that's our opinion. Let's us visit more.

 

[Bluer101]

Awesome! Seems like I am not alone in my plans/thoughts.

Per the pool hopping - so is it "officially" allowed, or is it more like Disney, where it is not official, and kind of frowned upon by some, but most do it anyhow?

It's encouraged, just show your hotel key and they will give you towels.

 

[JessicaR]

Awesome! Seems like I am not alone in my plans/thoughts.

Per the pool hopping - so is it "officially" allowed, or is it more like Disney, where it is not official, and kind of frowned upon by some, but most do it anyhow?

It is officially allowed and encouraged!

 

[macraven]

i think the op will enjoy the week long stay onsite.

i'll be staying onsite this fall and will have 10 full days in the parks.



i find there is always something to do.
last year i only stayed 8 nights onsite and needed to extend that to more time there for this year.

if you want to venture off for a day, there is a free shuttle to SW, Aquatica, Wet and Wild for onsite hotel guests.
you sign up for your shuttle seat the night prior for it.
you can sign up the day of if seats are available.

the luxury bus for hotel guests to busch gardens is $10 pp for rt from the hotel.

 

[AJA]

We stayed 7 nights in September and went back for 6 more in May.

My 7 year old and DH both love Universal (more than Disney eek!). I really think it's because Universal is so relaxed and easy. -we did slip in a trip to Sea World with each visit.

You can pool hop at the three Universal resorts. We usually do 2 park days and then a relaxing pool day. Staying on site and having the express pass are awesome. You can head to the parks at either the cooler or less crowded part of the day, then hit the pool the rest of the time. City Walk has a huge movie theater and two new mini golf courses.

IMO as long as relaxing is part of your agenda Universal for a week is awesome.

ETA: you might want to look at the cost of a Premier pass for one of the adults. I can't remember the percentage, but it will save you a lot on your meals and any shopping you may do. If you'll be onsite eating for that many days it may be worth it, it was for us. Also the food at Universal IMO is better than Disney -have fun!!

 

[cookpr]

i think the op will enjoy the week long stay onsite.

i'll be staying onsite this fall and will have 10 full days in the parks.



i find there is always something to do.
last year i only stayed 8 nights onsite and needed to extend that to more time there for this year.

if you want to venture off for a day, there is a free shuttle to SW, Aquatica, Wet and Wild for onsite hotel guests.
you sign up for your shuttle seat the night prior for it.
you can sign up the day of if seats are available.

the luxury bus for hotel guests to busch gardens is $10 pp for rt from the hotel.

Thanks - that is great info on the shuttles - I had no idea they offered FREE to Sea World and Wet N Wild...it at least makes them a more viable option as I prefer to keep away from renting a car (just another stress/hassle to deal with).

We stayed 7 nights in September and went back for 6 more in May.

My 7 year old and DH both love Universal (more than Disney eek!). I really think it's because Universal is so relaxed and easy. -we did slip in a trip to Sea World with each visit.

You can pool hop at the three Universal resorts. We usually do 2 park days and then a relaxing pool day. Staying on site and having the express pass are awesome. You can head to the parks at either the cooler or less crowded part of the day, then hit the pool the rest of the time. City Walk has a huge movie theater and two new mini golf courses.

IMO as long as relaxing is part of your agenda Universal for a week is awesome.

ETA: you might want to look at the cost of a Premier pass for one of the adults. I can't remember the percentage, but it will save you a lot on your meals and any shopping you may do. If you'll be onsite eating for that many days it may be worth it, it was for us. Also the food at Universal IMO is better than Disney -have fun!!

Thanks - I will check out the premier pass - again, had no idea. Used to the Disney lingo and process.

 

[bumbershoot]

Awesome! Seems like I am not alone in my plans/thoughts.

Per the pool hopping - so is it "officially" allowed, or is it more like Disney, where it is not official, and kind of frowned upon by some, but most do it anyhow?

Totally official at Universal. And, wait...at Disney it's NOT allowed, and frowned on by all. Unless you are a DVC owner staying on points during certain times of the year, and there are more rules on top of that.



If you aren't going to the *other* parks in that big pass, look at the dates of the Power Pass, see if that works for you. It's not as expensive as the multi-park ticket. And yes, for at least one of you, look at the Preferred or Premier AP. Both get you discounts, but the Premier gives you higher discounts.

This site allows you to see rates for all 3 hotels at once. Put "APH" into the code box and see if there are AP rates. If so, buy someone a Preferred (or Premier...the website only says Premier gets the hotel rates but I've stayed twice with AP rates with a Preferred!) AP if the total makes sense to do so!



Our first universal trip was 4 days in the middle of a huge WDW trip (our first WDW trip too). We yearned for more, and it was a serious bummer to go back to WDW's sad and clunky FastPass system, after having the hotel express pass. Our second trip was at the end of WDW and we still wanted more. Our third trip, last Feb, was ONLY Universal, was several days, and we were STILL sad to go so early! Even more so b/c they were just about a week or two away from opening the minigolf place in Citywalk, and we saw it getting built up each day and we wanted to stay so much to play there!

I think a week would be awesome. So relaxing!

 

[damo]

We love a week at Universal too. You can do other things and have a real vacation!

 

[cookpr]

Totally official at Universal. And, wait...at Disney it's NOT allowed, and frowned on by all. Unless you are a DVC owner staying on points during certain times of the year, and there are more rules on top of that.



If you aren't going to the *other* parks in that big pass, look at the dates of the Power Pass, see if that works for you. It's not as expensive as the multi-park ticket. And yes, for at least one of you, look at the Preferred or Premier AP. Both get you discounts, but the Premier gives you higher discounts.

This site allows you to see rates for all 3 hotels at once. Put "APH" into the code box and see if there are AP rates. If so, buy someone a Preferred (or Premier...the website only says Premier gets the hotel rates but I've stayed twice with AP rates with a Preferred!) AP if the total makes sense to do so!



Our first universal trip was 4 days in the middle of a huge WDW trip (our first WDW trip too). We yearned for more, and it was a serious bummer to go back to WDW's sad and clunky FastPass system, after having the hotel express pass. Our second trip was at the end of WDW and we still wanted more. Our third trip, last Feb, was ONLY Universal, was several days, and we were STILL sad to go so early! Even more so b/c they were just about a week or two away from opening the minigolf place in Citywalk, and we saw it getting built up each day and we wanted to stay so much to play there!

I think a week would be awesome. So relaxing!

Thank you...this information is great! Now if only Universal would release bookings beyond 2012

 

[Metro West]

Thanks - I will check out the premier pass - again, had no idea. Used to the Disney lingo and process.

I think the Preferred AP is fine for a tourist instead of the Premier AP. There are several benefits that really only apply if you're going to the parks a lot throughout the year but you'll have to do the math and see if the additional cost of the Premier is worth it for you. I would stick with the Preferred.