Had Our First Stay Saturday Night at PBH

[bean bunny]

So we've ALMOST stayed on property at US/IOA many times but we were hesitant to spend the night anywhere other than Disney. Well this year our trip coincided with the marathon and we needed to be at the airport Sunday morning. We had no idea what impact the marathon might have on us getting there via our rental car so we thought it was a great opportunity to FINALLY stay on property. We got a great AP rate of $210ish (I think - it was around that amount.)

We checked in around 12:30 and were able to go to our room right away. We received an upgrade to a Bay View room over in the West Wing. It was a beautiful view and very close to the boat launch. We were so impressed from the drive up to the walk to the room with the resort. It is a fantastic looking property - you don't feel like your a 10 minute walk from a theme park.

Our room was in great shape and the bathroom is quite impressive - just huge! I loved the little couch set up - there were multiple places to sit other than the bed which was really nice. The room was very clean and as a t.v. addict I was happy to see so many channels - a big change from Disney hotels!

We walked over to US and couldn't believe how close it was. We were prepared for a much longer walk. What a great perk to just pop up next to the Studios!

We loved the express pass and while I'm not a huge rider of anything remotely scary, motion simulated, dropping, etc. (E.T. is more my speed ) the husband rode quite a few things he wouldn't have normally just because of the pass.

On our walk to the parks and back there were lots of pedicabs. I think they are a good option for people but they were sprinkled throughout the walk and each asked if you wanted a ride. After a while it got a little old to keep saying no we want to walk and I felt a little guilty with the big signs saying they made no salary or wage and relied solely on tips but we wanted to walk!

We had dinner at Sal's (to go pizza) it was quick and GREAT! We were really happy with our experience there.

I checked in at the front desk to ask about the check out process as I'd forgotten when we checked in and asked if Loews was still doing the welcome gift. She didn't really confirm one way or another but we did receive cookies and milk about an hour and half later. Anyone know if this program is discontinued unless you specifically ask?

We were SO impressed with the level of service at PBH. Every person we came in contact with said hello, asked if they could help us, called us by name when appropriate and just really excelled in the service arena!

We have decided going forward we'll split our stay between PBH and Disney and enjoy each. It was nice to finally make the leap and find it exceeded our expectations. We were sorry we waited so long and weren't staying longer!

Any questions?? I'm happy to help if I can based on our short trip!

 

[Disneyhappy]

So glad you had a wonderful time. We were Disney fanatics who started to enjoy USO about 8 years ago. PBR is our absolute favorite resort between WDW and USO so I am especailly happy that you seemed to enjoy it as much as we do. It is great to split your stay and enjoy what each resort area has to offer. We always end out stay at USO though because FOTL access spoils us if we do USO first.

 

[jackal]

Glad you had a great time. We just booked PBH and while not our first choice, I was a little concerned. Thank you for the great review. I was worried about the distance to the parks as we like to walk.

How much would be a good tip for the bikes? We have four people in our party.

 

[bean bunny]

We didn't use the bikes but we talked about that. I'm guessing $20 if you went from PB to US? I think it's a 10-15 minute walk (we walk fast though ) I think you'll be really happy at PB it's not too far at all. There's a boat but if you want to walk it's a really lovely walk along the water and we found it to be much shorter than we were anticipating.

 

[Wadekind]

How long of a walk to IOA?

 

[damo]

It is about a 12-15 minute walk if you go through the HRH parking lot.

$20 is way too much to tip the bikes. $10 is plenty.

 

[CornishPixie]

Thank Goodness you posted that! I was panicked that I had grossly undertipped the bike guys!! I usually give them around $10 - coming or going to HRH or RPR. We are talking about a 2-3 minute ride. We will be at PBH this Saturday (for the first time) and can't wait!!

 

[chimo2u]

Thank Goodness you posted that! I was panicked that I had grossly undertipped the bike guys!! I usually give them around $10 - coming or going to HRH or RPR. We are talking about a 2-3 minute ride. We will be at PBH this Saturday (for the first time) and can't wait!!

Can you please let us know how you like PBH??? I switched my ressie from PBH and am staying at HRH this trip as a surprise for my 14 yo music-addicted son! I'd still love to try PBH sometime....perhaps when we get back to WDW in 5 yrs for our 25 anniversary trip, hubby and I could add on a couple days at Universal and stay at PBH...couple only trip!!

 

[IdesOmarch]

Welcome to the dark side.

PBH is my favorite resort. We usually stay at the RP just to save a little dollars, did you get a chance to take advantage of that great pool at PBH? I love that pool.

 

[CornishPixie]

Can you please let us know how you like PBH??? I switched my ressie from PBH and am staying at HRH this trip as a surprise for my 14 yo music-addicted son! I'd still love to try PBH sometime....perhaps when we get back to WDW in 5 yrs for our 25 anniversary trip, hubby and I could add on a couple days at Universal and stay at PBH...couple only trip!!

Yes, absolutely! I think I remember reading about you switching over to HRH. Last June I took 3 teenage girls to HRH and we stayed on club level. They LOVED it!! Your son will too. There is too much cool stuff in this hotel! We wanted to try PBH this trip because it is the only one we haven't stayed in and when we walked over to check it out the last time we were there we were very impressed. We check in Sunday (bright and early) so I will try to keep good trip notes!

 

[elbodans]

great review! that makes me feel much better about having booked it (based solely on my husband's desire to stay there--i would have been fine paying slightly less to stay at Royal Pacific!) thanks!!!

 

[chimo2u]

Yes, absolutely! I think I remember reading about you switching over to HRH. Last June I took 3 teenage girls to HRH and we stayed on club level. They LOVED it!! Your son will too. There is too much cool stuff in this hotel! We wanted to try PBH this trip because it is the only one we haven't stayed in and when we walked over to check it out the last time we were there we were very impressed. We check in Sunday (bright and early) so I will try to keep good trip notes!

Thanks for your reply! I am glad to hear your positive review....I am just relaxing now and have come to terms with the switch, I don't see much that could dissapoint me, I am pretty easy-going when it comes to hotels. I have often loved the nice Best Western's/Holiday Inn's I've stayed at, so I am sure that HRH will be sure to please
We are excited....only 15 days until we leave!

 

[CornishPixie]

Thanks for your reply! I am glad to hear your positive review....I am just relaxing now and have come to terms with the switch, I don't see much that could dissapoint me, I am pretty easy-going when it comes to hotels. I have often loved the nice Best Western's/Holiday Inn's I've stayed at, so I am sure that HRH will be sure to please
We are excited....only 15 days until we leave!

Let me say, I tend to be pretty easygoing myself when if comes to hotels as long as they are clean! We have traveled a LOT and have stayed in everything from a 2 star - 5 star. I am all about getting what you pay for and great amenities. That said, all three of the US resorts are awesome and have great theming. Add in the FOTL passes, cool pools and closeness to parks and you automatically have money well spent.
I also got a great rate ($174 a night for PBH) and I feel like the splurge is worth it. The first night in town we are saving a little money and staying at Crowne Plaza (great rate from Hotwire for $69!) The only thing that I hate is that US hotels charge for parking and wifi in rooms.

 

[Hug the Mouse]

My kids biggest memory of our RP stay was the milk and cookies waiting in our room after day at parks...must remember to ask again in March.

Glad you enjoyed your stay.

 

[damo]

My kids biggest memory of our RP stay was the milk and cookies waiting in our room after day at parks...must remember to ask again in March.

Glad you enjoyed your stay.

No milk and cookies anymore. If you rank high enough in the youfirst benefits program, you can get a selection of fruit.