Just back did both parks in 6 hrs.

[sarehm]

Hi everyone! Just back from RPR and we did both parks in a few hours last Friday. Noboday was there because it was so freaken cold. And staying on-site is such a great benefit to not have to wait in line. We saw all that we wanted too. Did the shows as well as the coasters and between both parks we had a nice lunch at NASCAR Cafe. We were at IOA at opening and I think they might have opened a few minutes early too.

Jimmy Neutron opened that day but we didn't feel like waiting for that or even riding it since it's seems like a kiddie ride.

I was bummed because I didn't get to see Spongebob but oh well. I guess I'll have to go back. It was our first time there and I loved it. Dueling Dragons has to be my favorite ride now.

RPR was wonderful. I just wish it was a little warmer to hang out by the pool and get a little sun!

 

[BarryHom]

6 hours is pretty amazing for both parks, but did you see everything at both parks or just the highlights?

 

[sarehm]

We saw most of it. We had Hulk and Spiderman done by 9:15 am! I wanted to do Jaws, Earthquake, twister, T2 and ET and of course all the major attractions. Didn't do any of the show shows like Wild Wild West or Animal Planet because of the show times.

And because it was so cold the only "water" ride we did was Jurassic park.

But I still think we could have easily done both parks because of the front of the line access. That is such a wonderful feature!

 

[floridafam]

Can you give any more info on RPR? Did you really like it? What were the rooms like, did you feel it was adult oriented or a good hotel for children?

Any info would be appreciated. Did you eat at the hotel?

 

[sarehm]

The hotel was beautiful and the rooms are lovely and quite large with plenty of seating besides on the bed. All South Pacific themed. Dark woods and bedding. There's a mini bar and a fairly large closet and a large dresser. Coffee pot in the room. And even a little wodden back scratcher in the bathroom! We saw a big bag of them on the maid service cart so I assume you can take it.

The only meal we ate at the hotel was at Jake's and the food was very good and much more of a casual atmosphere. We saw tons of people at the pool because it's heated 82 degrees I think and lots of kids. Even though it's more upscale it's not a stuffy place. We ate at Citywalk at Hard Rock and Nascar cafe and had a few drinks at Margaritaville. We were only there 2 days. Prices at the resort are pretty steep and I only eat simple food (no gourmet, steaks, seafood, etc.) so I don't think I would have been happy eating at any of the other RPR restaurants. Paid $9.00 for a Long Island Iced Tea at the lobby bar and it wasn't even that good! (I think they forgot the Long Island part of it)

I would stay there again in a second! The walk over to Citywalk is very nice, ecspecially if there's good weather. Very friendly attentive staff. A+

 

[Paris]

Jimmy Neutron opened that day but we didn't feel like waiting for that or even riding it since it's seems like a kiddie ride.

And

I was bummed because I didn't get to see Spongebob but oh well.

Sarehm, I hate to tell you this now that your trip is over but there is one place you will find SpongeBob for sure -- He's IN the Jimmy Neutron ride. Various Nicktoon characters have significant cameos.

Next time!

 

[sarehm]

That's what I heard but I wanted to take a picture with him. Can you imagine the poor soul that wears that costume??? Probably pretty top heavy! The only I got that day was w/ Cat and the Hat and 2 of those IT things w/ blue hair. They were funny because I have very curly hair and it was pulled up in a pontytail and they pulled out my scrunchie and started messing up my hair and putting it in my face so I looked like one of them!

 

[Robinrs]

I totally understand your problem with the weather. It was 54 degrees when we hit IOA Thursday morning...BRRRR!

I had one outfit for myself and my son for the cool weather so we were okay but I saw lots of underdressed people in shorts and tee shirts (and goosebumps)!

I agree with your review of the Royal Pacific, very comfortable and beautiful. I put in my post on the Universal Resorts board that the kid's meals were the best deals at Jakes and Islands. They were enough for an adult and only $3.50!

Jimmy Neutron is not a "kiddie" ride, it's based on cartoons but a great ride for all ages. If you love Spongebob you would've loved his part in it! After the ride my son had a great photo op with his "idol!"

I just wanted to add that I went to the parks for two days my first trip in 1999. I've been back more times than I can imagine since and I find and experience something new everytime. The best time I spent at the parks was when I went and noticed everything EXCEPT the rides. That's when you really get to enjoy everything Universal has to offer!

 

[highlander447]

The people in shorts & T-shirts probably us Brits u know 55c not bad for us I can't wait until next year to try RPR 2 weeks of sheer bliss

 

[Robinrs]

LOL, highlander! I did see some very comfortable people in tiny clothing but the ones that were running in place and shivering were the ones I noticed!

 

[bbowers]

OK, here's my burning question - did you use the FOTL the day you checked in, or the day you checked out? (I'm making an assumption you only stayed one day.)

I'm worried that if I use it the day I check out, it becomes invalid at some point, and worried about the day I check in that they won't be able to give me a room key at 8:30 AM so I can be at park opening. And then again, I've been bored lately and just feel like possibly rearranging my schedule for our Nov trip...

 

[highlander447]

The way I understand it u have FOTL access all day both days great perk

 

[BarryHom]

Originally posted by bbowers
I'm worried that if I use it the day I check out, it becomes invalid at some point, and worried about the day I check in that they won't be able to give me a room key at 8:30 AM so I can be at park opening. And then again, I've been bored lately and just feel like possibly rearranging my schedule for our Nov trip...

I've gotten room keys as early as 7 am. The room may not be ready that early, though. You can use the room key up to midnight of your check out day.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We used our room key for FOTL the day we checked in and the day we checked out. My favorite place to use it was the Make-up Show. We were ushered into our air conditioned seats about 10 minutes before the rest of the people were allowed in. We felt very special and were in the front row. BTW, that was a must-see show and we all loved it!