First timer... help please!

[AustinTink]

Hi everyone! We're WDW and DLR vets embarking on our first trip to Universal. I've booked the Royal Pacific already. We're Loews First members, we stay at the Loews in San Diego annually. So, we're super excited to stay at our favorite hotel chain at Universal.

The hotel is the only thing I'm sure about! I know absolutely nothing else going into this trip. My DS12 is a mega Harry Potter fan, so getting to Forbidden Journey our number one priority on day one. Question: Is is quicker/easier to walk from RPR, rather than take the water taxi?

Also, what do we need to know about dining? Are reservations a must way ahead of time, similar to WDW? Aside from Citywalk and hotel dining, DS wants to eat at the Three Broomsticks. Is that walk up or reservation based?

Also, does the RPR have a market where we can buy bottled drinks, snacks, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[HLAuburn]

Hi everyone! We're WDW and DLR vets embarking on our first trip to Universal. I've booked the Royal Pacific already. We're Loews First members, we stay at the Loews in San Diego annually. So, we're super excited to stay at our favorite hotel chain at Universal.

The hotel is the only thing I'm sure about! I know absolutely nothing else going into this trip. My DS12 is a mega Harry Potter fan, so getting to Forbidden Journey our number one priority on day one. Question: Is is quicker/easier to walk from RPR, rather than take the water taxi?

Also, what do we need to know about dining? Are reservations a must way ahead of time, similar to WDW? Aside from Citywalk and hotel dining, DS wants to eat at the Three Broomsticks. Is that walk up or reservation based?

Also, does the RPR have a market where we can buy bottled drinks, snacks, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Definitely take advanatge of the early entry for onsite guests. I'd plan on being AT the gate about 20 min before they open for Universal Hotel guests. Everyone there will be heading for WWoHP, but the later it gets, the crazier it gets, so the earlier the better. Try to hit Ollivander's and FJ first.

As for walking vs boat...depending on where your room is, I would do a quick check to see if there's a boat ready to go and if not, I'd walk. The walk isn't bad at all and you might end up waiting 15-20 min for a boat.

Mythos at IOA is pretty popular and you can make advanced reservations, if you know when you might want to go. Otherwise, they usually take walk-ups, but I've seen waits 45+ minutes. It's really good - a lot to choose from and the prices aren't too bad for a "sit down" theme park restaurant. Three BS is more like Disney's counter services...you walk up and order and pick up your food and take it to the table. Does get busy during peak times, but slows down in the late afternoon.

RP has a couple gift shop type places with drinks and snacks, and in the morning, Orchid Court serves quick "take and go" type breakfast items. Good for a quick bite before heading to the park.

Have a great trip!

 

[AustinTink]

Thanks for the info! I'm making my way through the stickies, there is a lot of great information on the Universal boards!

 

[IdesOmarch]

The water taxi is the preferred method of transpo to and from the parks to your hotel IMO. You can walk, and we do sometimes walk, but its a nice little hike. Plus the boats are just so cool and peaceful, kind of like a theme park ride in and of itself.

I would advise stocking up on water and snacks and stuff at the local grocer before going. Like Disney, these resorts will try and eeck every last $ out of you, so you know you'll pay triple the prices or more for water, snacks etc. There is a Walgreens very close to the RP for food and snacks.

IMO you don't need dinner reservations really at all at any of the restaurants, unless you are going at a peak time, during peak dinner time at one of the more popular restaurants on site like Emerils. I have never made a dinner reservation there and have stayed there on about 5 or 6 trips.

A few tips on all of the must dos for your trip.

Rides: 1) Everything in Harry Potter, 2) Jurassic Park, 3) Spiderman, 4) The mummy, 5) Jaws, 6) Men In Black, 7) Terminator, 8) Twister, 9) ET just for starters.

Restaurants MUST DO 1) Mythos (In Islands of Adventure)

other to do 2) Tchoup Choup (At the RP), and 3) Margaritavilles ( a personal favorite of mine.)