First Time Staying Onsite

[BeerMe]

since 2000 we have been to Universal several times - the last time we were there was October 2016, but our trips have always been in conjunction with a Disney trip. In December 2017 we are going to Disney and staying at POFQ, but at the end of the trip we will spend 3 days at Hard Rock. I love Universal at Christmas and that plays a big part in the decision, but the FOTL (or what ever it's called now) played a BIG part in the decision.

We're very familiar with the parks, but having never stayed at a Universal resort, I feel unprepared. If there is any advice you can give, fire away. TIA

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

You've done all of the planning you need. Pending on how anxious you are to get to the parks, I would spend about ten minutes when you get there getting familiar with the hotel (lobby is on floor 3 I believe), and you can get turned around the first time you go to level 1 with The Kitchen, Emack and Bolios, the pool, and the walkway/boats to the parks. Just a few exits to get familiar with, all in close proximity to each other, then off you go!

I think I walked out the wrong door a few times pending on where I was going. Just felt stupid, I am sure no one was paying attention to me .

 

[PantherPete]

since 2000 we have been to Universal several times - the last time we were there was October 2016, but our trips have always been in conjunction with a Disney trip. In December 2017 we are going to Disney and staying at POFQ, but at the end of the trip we will spend 3 days at Hard Rock. I love Universal at Christmas and that plays a big part in the decision, but the FOTL (or what ever it's called now) played a BIG part in the decision.

We're very familiar with the parks, but having never stayed at a Universal resort, I feel unprepared. If there is any advice you can give, fire away. TIA

Only advice I have is to enjoy the heck out of being able to walk 5 to 10 minutes from your hotel and be in one of the parks or at the City Walk. You're going to love the HRH. Great location, theme and service. The only downside is that the rooms don't have balconies. That is why I love the Yacht Club at Disney. I love sitting out on the balcony enjoying an adult beverage and taking in the sites and sounds at the end of a long day in the parks.

 

[wookiebeck]

After check-in, you will be directed to the kiosks off to the side where you insert your room keys to print out your Express Passes. Only when you each have a park ticket, express pass and room key should you run off to the parks!