HRH or RPR for 12 & 9 yo girls?

[Dismamx2]

Hi, We have booked the Disney part of our trip for next June 2012 and will be spending some time on I-Drive but want to spend 2 or 3 nights in a Universal hotel. My DD's will be 12 and 9 when we are there and I'm trying to decide which they will enjoy more. It seems HRH is closer to US and RPR is closer to IOA? I'm sure we will spend time in both parks and we are all thrill ride fans. Are any of the hotels close enough to walk to parks or do you need to go by shuttle/boat?
Also anybody know when the hotels will be available to book for next June? I know it's a long time off but like to be organised and know where we're staying etc.
TIA

 

[francie57]

We stay at the HRH each trip. We love the resort and like how quickly you can get to the parks. Universal is about a 5 min. walk and IOA is a few minutes past that. The pool area is really nice and has a sand area and slides. We have never been to RPR so I don't know anything about that resort. We will be returning to HRH in Aug. and our two (now in their 20s) have been going since they were teens and love the HRH. Either way I don't think you will be disappointed. There is a boat from HRH but we find it much quicker to walk since it is so close to the parks.

 

[christophfam]

You really can't go wrong with either hotel. What I would do is take a look at the resort photos online and see which one appeals to you the most. We always stay at RPR. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to get around at Universal. Yes, you can walk but boats are available also. Be careful... once you're spoiled with the Universal resorts and all of its perks it is hard to go back to Disney!!

http://www.oyster.com/orlando/hotels/universals-royal-pacific-resort-a-loews-hotel/photos/the-hotel/

http://www.oyster.com/orlando/hotels/hard-rock-hotel-at-universal-orlando-resort/photos/the-hotel/

 

[J'aime Paris]

We've stayed at both. I took my DD and neice to HRH when they were 6 and 9. Then we stayed at RPH when they were 11 and 14. They both like RPH better. And that's where we'll be again this summer

 

[Planogirl]

Both are great resorts!

RPR is more tropical and is quite beautiful. The HRH is more austere but has that cool factor. They both have amazing pool areas and the nice thing is that you are allowed to pool hop. It's really more a matter of personal taste. Frankly, this is a great problem to have!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We usually stay at PBH, but we enjoyed our stay at RPR. When we were at PBH earlier this month, we went to HRH to use the pool. DD12 asked to stay there next time - she thought it was cool. DD8 didn't care either way as long as it has a pool and slide.

Rooms at HRH are a little bigger than the ones at RPR. You can walk from either hotel, and you are right that HRH is closer to US and RPR is closer to IOA.

 

[Dismamx2]

Thanks for the replies, it seems we can't go wrong with either
Perhaps when the dates are available for booking I will let the kids decide by looking at some pics or vids (this is what we did for the Disney resort)
Thanks again