Just back from YC and HRH 3/23-3/31

[sarha]

We stayed at the YC for 5 nights and then onto the HRH for 3 nights. We had a blast. We stayed in a standard room overlooking the wedding gazebo that had a nice view and was very conveniently located near the elevators. My 11 and 13 yo's took turns sleeping on the daybed and said it was comfortable ( DD is 5'2). The room was very clean and housekeeping did a fine job. All the CM's we encountered were pleasent and helpful.
The parks were crowded as expected for the week before Easter, but we got there half hour before opening and got fast passes before going on our favorite rides and we were easily able to do everything we wanted. What a difference fastpass makes! I am amazed that so many people still don't use it.
The weather was sunny and in the upper 80's the whole week. We spent the afternoons at SAB which is a great pool. I am really amazed that we were able to have a relxing vacation and still do everything we wanted. We went at Easter a few years ago and vowed never to do it again, but fastpass really has made it possible to experience our favorite rides, just get there early!
We also loved Universal and the HRH. It is a really wonderful hotel, and the front of the line access is an unbelievable perk.
I'll try to answer any questions people might have.

 

[4merlurkerchris]

Welcome Back!
Glad you had a great time!
Chris

 

[Humphrey1227]

what type room did you have at hrh? we had the club floor/ pool view and was really small compared to cr rooms. The feeling there is really quiet different. But fotl is very worth it.

 

[KarenT]

I'm interested in hearing how you liked the HRH. Any info?




KarenT

 

[sarha]

We had a garden view room that was about the same size as the room we had at the YC, but it seemed larger because our YC room had a daybed in it.
The pool was nicely designed, but it quite shallow so the water gets warm and wasn't very refreshing on hot days. We reserved a cabana our last day because we had a late flight home. We were able to relax by the pool and retreat to our cabana for refrshments. It also gave us a place to change out of our bathing suits.
My husband felt we got more for the money here than at the YC and he and my 11 & 13 yo's preferred it while I prefered YC. It is a different feeling than WDW, not better or worse, just different, but well worth trying especially with FOTL.
My husband also liked their fitness room and felt it was better equipt than YC.
My only quibble is that they charge you $6/day for parking which I felt was nickle and diming you.

 

[gschmerl]

Karen,
We love the HRH. The express access perk is the BEST! The pool is shallow, but very nice, and the slide is great.
It is also only about a five minute walk from the parks!! Everything is so convenient.

 

[Kitty 34]

Thanks for the info especially on the HRH as we're staying there a few days, too, our next trip.

How far in advance did you order the Cabana? We want to do that our last day, too as we have an early evening flight. Is it still $35 for six hours? What all comes with this price?

 

[sarha]

We booked our cabana a few weeks ahead since we wanted it on Easter Sunday. You don't need to put down a deposit, they just put your name down and tell you what cabana you've been assigned to.
The cabana has a ceiling fan and a tv. It also comes with a fridge stocked with soda and a lovely fruit basket. There are a table & chairs inside. We made good use of it.
We had it from 8am-3pm and it was still $35, but I was told they might start allowing only full day rentals.

 

[Kitty 34]

Thanks Sarha for the Cabana info. Did you call HRH's direct number to reserve it? I went thru Loew's for my room reservations so I've never called HRH, directly. Sounds like it was well worth the $35!!