Has anyone stayed at the Ritz or the JW for Universal trips?

[bizeemom4]

Hi. I just fell in love with the pictures of the Ritz Carlton. I also like the looks of the lazy river pool at the JW which would be available to us as RC guests. They offer shuttle service to Sea World and Universal parks. I also have a 2 night reservation for RPR for part of this week but I'm trying not to hotel hop too much.

I guess my question is how inconvient is it to stay at Ritz and use their shuttle to the parks. Would there be super long lines at that time of year (mid-June)? If we give ourselves 2 days at IOA and 1 day at Universal would it really matter that we don't have express pass?

Any help you can provide is appreciated.

 

[Metro West]

Since most people on this particular board (Universal Resorts) have stayed onsite and you're asking about an offsite hotel, I'm going to move this to a more appropriate board. I don't think you would get many responses where the thread is now...so hopefully offsite people will response to your questions.

 

[cantwait101]

OMG...YOU will LOVE the lazy river!!! It is seriously the nicest one I have ever seen! As for going to the parks...I stayed there 7 years ago, so things might have changed, but it was not horribly convenient. The shuttle driver told us the wrong place for pick up at WDW, ended up waiting FOREVER until we figured out where to go. Decided to go with a taxi to Seaworld which was a little better than the shuttle + they spoke English so I was able to understand the directions for return service easier. I would call the concierge at the Ritz and get the scoop on shuttle service vs taxi service.
WE went in September so the lines I am not so sure about.
Have a great time!!! I can't imagine you wont

 

[jeepgirl30]

I have stayed here for business and the property is very pretty. We had dinner at Norman's one night and Bobby Flay came in with I think his wife. Norman's is out of this world.