HRH advice and making the most of it

[Cyrano]

We have 2 nights booked at HRH in July so that we can benefit from FOTL and also to get a Universal fix in the middle of a Disney holiday. This is a surprise for the family.
We are a family of 5 so will have a roll up for the 3rd child.
Any suggestions regarding getting a good room location ? When and what number should we call ?
Do I need to book breakfast in The Kitchen? What about restaurants in the evening?

 

[macraven]

last october, i ate at the Kitchen for breakfast for 4 mornings straight.
no ressie really needed.

now if you show up at 9 for breakfast, you might have a tad bit of a wait.

you can be seated inside or outside on the patio.
the wait staff will tend to your coffee, water, tea replacements no matter where you sit.

i prefer ordering the breakfast buffet rather than the menu.


you can call 4 days before you arrive and request a specific room or location.
if you booked a standard room, you probably will be in a garden view or water view.

if you booked a pool view, then that is what you will receive.

i always ask for a higher floor as i like to use the park lights as my night light in the room.
i leave my drapes open all night.

do let it be known you don't want an obstructed view if the view is important to you. many of the trees and foliage has grown over the years and some rooms don't have the best view.

i always state my preferences at the time i book then call about 4 days out from arrival to make sure it is listed on my ressie.

calling the front desk won't be that much of a help in advance.
they have a person that does the room assignments just like disney does.

the obstructed views are discounted rooms.
if you get one and not the cheaper rate, bring it up to the TM's at the check in lobby counter.


depending on the date in july you are going, would determine if you need to make dining reservations. if you are going on the holiday/4th, time period, make a ressie a week or two out for city walk restaurants.

when you say roll up for the 3rd child, do you mean roll away bed?
there is a $25 charge per night for that.

bring along an air mattress and use that if it is for a smaller child.

use the star service button on the phone in your hotel room for blankets, pillows, sheets etc for the mattress on the floor.

housekeeping will provide all of that for no charge.

i have done that before.
why spend the extra money if the child doesn't mind using an air mattress.


if you have the AAA card, show it everywhere you go.
you will receive a 10% discount on all food and merch in the parks. city walk for the most part also honors AAA at the restaurants.

 

[ADP]

Make sure to spend some quality time at the HRH pool. It's one of the best pools in Orlando.