Help for First timer!

[chrissyc]

We just decided tonight to take a trip from May13th to May 20th. We called and there was not much to choose from. Portofino, Garden View, Hard Rock, obstruction only, Royal Pacific, Upgraded Room only. It is me and hubby and dd 11, ds 9. I am guessing that is a busy week since it is almost all booked. Can anyone here recommend where we should stay. Thanks!

 

[Disneyhappy]

I find that the views are not the most important thing for my family when we are on a "park trip." Portofino (PBR) is the most beautiful and most deluxe out of the three but it is the farthest (not by far) from the parks and Citiwalk. My family's choice is either the Hardrock (HR) or Royal Pacific Resort (RPR). Two totally different themes, both absolutely wonderful! RPR rooms are slightly smaller than the HRH rooms if that makes a difference. Both have great pools but I give the edge to RPR although HR has a slide and RPR does not. (Pool hopping is allowed!) HR is only a 5 minute walk to Universal Studios (US). RPR is a 7 minute walk to Islands of Adventure (IOA). US is on one end of Citiwalk and IOA is on the other end if you can picture it. All three resorts have boats that take you to the center of Citiwalk. We stay at RPR more often than HR, usually club level simply because all things considered eqaul, RPR is more economical. If we can grab a decent rate for HR, we'll take it as well. DS16 prefers HR but he is, afterall, a teenager and loves the atmosphere of the HR. Someone here will be able to talk more about PBR as we have stayed there the least amount of times compared to the RPR & HR. One thing I can gaurantee is that your children are at a great age and you will all love your Universal experience!

Don't forget to ask for any AAA discounts if you are a member.
I just realized you are going for a whole week. In that case, you will very likely be spending more time at the resort unless you are planning a lot of day trips to places like Seaworld etc. View and room size may then make more of a difference. Good luckin your choices. You will get great advice here from the awesome veterans.

 

[damo]

Obstructed views are great. Usually there is a palm tree or something at your window. The rates are better.

Portofino Garden view can also be lovely. I would just take whichever is the cheapest.

 

[Cass]

I would take the cheapest too, anywhere you pick is going to be great. PB is my favourite, HR second and RP third, although I think I should try RP again because there was some construction going on when I was there and it's all done now.

 

[mslclark]

I'd pick the Hard Rock because it's the closest. RP would be my second choice.

 

[Bobo912]

We like the Hard Rock. I guess we've always had an obstructed view, because all we could see was trees and some of the waterway. I thought it was a nice, quiet location for our room. We really enjoy the pool. And especially love how convenient it is to the parks.