Just Returned From HRH - any questions???

[pixie dust gal!]

Hi All!

Just returned from our 9 day vaca at HRH and USF/IOA. We had a fabulous time - the best yet!!!!!!! I will post a trip report - but in the meantime, does anyone have questions???????

Stayed at HRH kids suite - same room as last time. Rented a cabana for the whole time there - cabana #10 - great location! Lots of kids activities at the pool area throughout the day. Fireworks every evening that you could view right from the pool - just beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! They have that movie by the pool on Friday evenings; well, friday it was so cool and a wind was blowing that they brought the screen (HUGE) and party indoors. They turned it into a pajama party - right in the lobby - you go down a few steps into a carpeted area and they removed most of the chairs, sofas, etc. and gave all the kids pillows and blankets. The kids all ordered food or brought down snacks and watched "Jimmy Neutron". It was wall-to-wall kiddies, but you didn't hear a peep - they looked sooooooooo adorable in their pj's and blankets.

Brought DS's report card with us for Grade A Kids Club. He presented it upon check in and he received a wrist band and refillable mug - even his room key card said "Grade A Kid" on it - he felt very important and everytime a staff member saw the wrist band made a fuss over his accomplishments in school.

Sorry, this is turning into a trip report............

We had a fabulous time, got to meet the Exec. Chef and talk "food"/"recipes" how great is that??????? My DH had to pull me away. Got invited to a private cocktail party by GM(some club floor guests/VIP's got invited) the Pat Travers band performed and it was fabulous.......... Had lots of Cosmopolitans (yum...........) Lots of muscial celebs were there too. Guitarist from Santana, Pat Travers and his band, singer from Loverboy, guitarist from Rush and others. DH was in heaven................(he is a drummer for 40 years!!!!!!) They were very friendly and DH talked nothing but music w/them. While we were eating at the pool, a celeb appeared and there was a mob of people taking pics - it looked exactly like Billy Idol - his pose, wardrobe and salute. DS's said "who is Billy Idol" DH and I looked at eachother and felt "OLD" - when asked the same question again, I replied "he was the singer at the end of the movie the Wedding Singer" w/Adam Sandler - to which they replied "cool".

DS(18) met another "love of his life" from England and divided himself between the family and the young lady from England. He had a great time.................... (If he read this, he would kill me)LOL

I will stop here.........

Please post if you have any questions...........

Debbie

 

[JC Butterfly]

Since its still fresh in your mind, I want it all!

1) What form of transportation did you use from airport to hotel? Were you satisfied?

2) How was the efficiency of check-in? How would you rate the staff on providing you with your "first impression" of the trip?

3) Did you make any special requests for room location? Were they honored? Describe what the room looked like, please.

4) How efficient were the shuttles/water taxis or did you choose to walk?

5) Did you eat on site at all? Did you notice the character meal taking place here?

6) What is the single best thing about staying at HRH? and the worst?

I have thousands of questions, but let's start with these. Sounds like an awesome time!

Brenda

 

[gschmerl]

I can answer some of your questions.
We were at the HRH July 3-7.

1.We used Mears and they were fine. If you have three or more people it's cheaper(and more convenient) to hire a town car.

2.Our check in was fast and our room was ready early.

3.We made no special requests. We were given a pool view room. Two queen beds-small sitting area-bathroom with sink- vanity area with another sink.

4.We walked all the time. It's SOOOOOO close to the parks.

5. Didn't eat at the hotel at all. Prefer eating at the parks or CityWalk.

6.Best thing is the EXPRESS ACCESS with the room key and the CLOSE proximity to the parks. Nothing really bad--we had some noisy neighbors.

This was our second stay at the HRH and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

 

[Robinrs]

I have just one question... what took you so long to post this, girl??

I was gonna post a "Welcome back" thread for ya when I got home. I knew you'd have a great time, you seem to enjoy whatEVER you do!

Glad to see you again!

 

[pixie dust gal!]

JC,

Here we go...........

We rented a car - Avis - full size- for 9 days total: $225.00
We always rent a car because I love to drive to the stores when I want and shop for things for the room, cabana, etc.

This was our third stay at HRH. I love it here. Check in took 5 min. if that. Actually, we requested the Club Floor and 2 days before we arrived found out that someone checked in and was staying for 2 weeks in those rooms. There are only 2 kids suites on that floor - so we were out of luck. I was disappointed, to say the least. So, we took the room we have had the last 2 stays. We could have had any other room at club level - but we really wanted 2 adjoining rooms - they didn't have any adjoining rooms at all on club.

The staff are awesome. Always friendly.......... But very laid back. That still takes me some getting used to. Funny story... When I placed a few calls to the operator, etc. at the end of every call they said "take it easy". My feathers got a little ruffled and I kept saying to DH, "I am not upset, why do they keep saying "take it easy". Well, after the third phone call, I realized they had changed from the usual "rock on" to "take it easy" an Eagle's song. Everything they say and do in that resort is based upon a song. It takes some getting used to - I guess I am an old fart and used to different behavior. I go off on my ds's for telling me to "chill" - and here the staff there say things very similar to that. Just signs of old age.............. I will continue to stay at HRH (we just made ressies for Feb.) because my kids love the resort and it gives dh and I time to kick back too.

We walked everywhere - it is so close; especially using the walkway near the pool - 3 min. to USF.

We ate at the Sunset Grill several times, the pool and at Mama Della's twice and La Trattoria at PBH. We did do a character dinner, but at La Trat - not HRH. It was cute, but empty - Woody Woodpecker was there and Scooby.

The best thing about HRH is the 'energy' of the resort. It is always filled w/ music, laughter, youth and a "fun" atmosphere. IMVHO, I do not have a bad thing to say about them. They treat the kids with great respect and always are engaging. My first time staying there, I remember the GM coming up to me and introducing himself, welcoming us and saying if there is anything he can do, do not hesitate to ask. The staff there are very loyal and love Lou (GM) because his personality fits right in w/ that resort.

Hope this helps...........

Feel free to ask again.............

Debbie

 

[pixie dust gal!]

Robin,

I had a fabulous time............. The best ever. Both boys were occupied day and night which gave dh and I time to talk and giggle.

But, Spidey wasn't posing for pics the 4 times I went to IOA. They would say come back in about 1 hour. Nothing! I did see him w/ his motorcade of friends and got a great pix of him (I hope). I wanted so badly to take a pix w/him, but not this time.

For the first time, I was not ready to return. We had such great days that DH said to go ahead and make ressies for Feb. so I would stop whining about it being our last night................

I did not miss Disney one bit. As a matter of fact, we were supposed to do Dolphin Cove and we didn't go. The kids were so busy at the HRH that they didn't want to go.........

Thank you for welcoming me back.........

Debbie

 

[Robinrs]

Too bad you didn't get a chance to tell the red and blue guy that I've DUMPED him until he works out a bit more!

I've NEVER been ready to leave. I'm convinced I could live there and never get sick of going. I just know that!

 

[Praise2Him]

We're staying at the HRH in October and I have a pool question. I read on another post that the HRH pool is usually crowded. Did you find that to be the case? Also, when I made the ressie, the CM told me that you can pool hop to either of the other hotels' pools. Has anyone done that, and how far is it to walk?

 

[pixie dust gal!]

Praise,

The pool can be crowded. Of the 9 days we were there, 2 days there were no chaise lounges by 10am; the rest of the time it was fine.

You can pool hop, but you couldn't walk to the RPH and PBH is a bit of a hike (imvho). Try it once, and if it is too much, take the water taxi back. The pool at PBH seems to be empty most of the time - I am sure you will find that to be the case too.

Hope this helps........

Debbie

 

[cstocks]

Glad to hear you had such a good time! We loved HRH so much last August that we are coming back 8/4 for five nights.

Just a couple questions for you. When I reserved our cabana a few days ago (we like #1), the girl told me there are activities at the pool in the afternoon. Can you tell me about these? Our DDs are 12 and 15, would it be something they would like?

Also, we are going to rent a car for the first time (the girls want to see the ocean, so we're going to make a side trip one day). Is it easy to find HRH coming from MCO? Did you have any trouble getting around town?

Thanks,

Cindy

 

[pixie dust gal!]

Cstocks,

Yes, we did have a great time!

The activities by the pool consisted of a water relay race in inner tubes (funny); water basketball; tie-dying tee shirts; flag football; volleyball games; limbo contest; hula-hoop contest. That is all I can remember right now, but there were more.

It is VERY EASY getting from MCO to Universal - Just ask for directions when you rent the car - they have them printed already. It takes about 15-20 min. Simple, simple!

Getting around from the hotel is so easy. You must go to the Super Wal-Mart off Kirkman. Just take a left out of the driveway from the hotel-go to the stop light and take a right - go to next light and take a left onto Kirkman - drive about 2-3 miles it is on the left hand side (you have to look really close because it sits way back. (So, you take a left, a right and a left). I go crazy for this store - it has EVERYTHING - even a McDonalds and salon. Besides, there are alot of restaurants on Kirkman too. (W. Sand Lake Rd. too).

May I make a suggestion? If going to the beach, try either Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna Beach - both are more family oriented.

Hope this helps.........

Debbie

 

[KarenT]

Gee Pixie Dust Gal,
You've really got me in the mood for my trip to HRH in February. When in Freb will you be there and were ther any room discounts available when you made your ressie? I booked a Deluxe, but it's $309 a night. Yikes! I'm looking for some sort of discounts, but when I've called I'm told to try later. I'm glad you had such a great time. My kids and I can't wait.




KarenT

 

[pixie dust gal!]

Karen,

You will have a great time! Our ressies are for Feb. 9th. I did not get any discounts as they haven't released those dates yet for discounts. So I just held my room and awaiting the discounts. Believe me, if they don't come, I will not be going. I will just reschedule for better dates. I will let you know when I hear about the discounts........

Debbie

 

[scanmom]

We are staying at HRH in Nov. and I am starting to get so excited! Thanks for all your descriptions...they are super! My ? is this....how much $ was the kids suite? I hope I am not being too nosy, but I would love to upgrade to a suite, but don't know if I can swing the $$$. We are also doning WDW this trip, so a budget is a must! Thanks

 

[pixie dust gal!]

Scanmom,

Sorry for the delay. We were away and I have not been able to get to a computer.

I think we paid approx. $275-$300 for the kids suite w/fan card. Next visit we will be getting the kids their own room - sometimes that is even less expensive than getting a kids suite -- as long as I can get connecting rooms.

Hope this helps........

Debbie

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Do they offer any?

 

[PartyofSix]

I think there is a thread at the top of the page. Character Dining you may check there.

 

[paulakim]

Originally posted by pixie dust gal!
JC,

Here we go...........

We rented a car - Avis - full size- for 9 days total: $225.00
We always rent a car because I love to drive to the stores when I want and shop for things for the room, cabana, etc.

This was our third stay at HRH. I love it here. Check in took 5 min. if that. Actually, we requested the Club Floor and 2 days before we arrived found out that someone checked in and was staying for 2 weeks in those rooms. There are only 2 kids suites on that floor - so we were out of luck. I was disappointed, to say the least. So, we took the room we have had the last 2 stays. We could have had any other room at club level - but we really wanted 2 adjoining rooms - they didn't have any adjoining rooms at all on club.

The staff are awesome. Always friendly.......... But very laid back. That still takes me some getting used to. Funny story... When I placed a few calls to the operator, etc. at the end of every call they said "take it easy". My feathers got a little ruffled and I kept saying to DH, "I am not upset, why do they keep saying "take it easy". Well, after the third phone call, I realized they had changed from the usual "rock on" to "take it easy" an Eagle's song. Everything they say and do in that resort is based upon a song. It takes some getting used to - I guess I am an old fart and used to different behavior. I go off on my ds's for telling me to "chill" - and here the staff there say things very similar to that. Just signs of old age.............. I will continue to stay at HRH (we just made ressies for Feb.) because my kids love the resort and it gives dh and I time to kick back too.

We walked everywhere - it is so close; especially using the walkway near the pool - 3 min. to USF.

We ate at the Sunset Grill several times, the pool and at Mama Della's twice and La Trattoria at PBH. We did do a character dinner, but at La Trat - not HRH. It was cute, but empty - Woody Woodpecker was there and Scooby.

The best thing about HRH is the 'energy' of the resort. It is always filled w/ music, laughter, youth and a "fun" atmosphere. IMVHO, I do not have a bad thing to say about them. They treat the kids with great respect and always are engaging. My first time staying there, I remember the GM coming up to me and introducing himself, welcoming us and saying if there is anything he can do, do not hesitate to ask. The staff there are very loyal and love Lou (GM) because his personality fits right in w/ that resort.

Hope this helps...........

Feel free to ask again.............

Debbie

Debbie
We have a kids suite held for nov and my ? is what is club level and is there an extra charge if I request it? Do you have any pictures of the kids suites or know of anywhere i could find some. (do they look like the pics from the HRH site). Also, are the bathrooms large? What floor or area of the hotel should I request. THANKS SO MUCH! Paula

 

[paulakim]

Originally posted by scanmom
We are staying at HRH in Nov. and I am starting to get so excited! Thanks for all your descriptions...they are super! My ? is this....how much $ was the kids suite? I hope I am not being too nosy, but I would love to upgrade to a suite, but don't know if I can swing the $$$. We are also doning WDW this trip, so a budget is a must! Thanks

We are also going to HRH in Nov. and have a kids suite booked @ $299 for 6 nights AAA. I just hope they dont do away with the fotl access or we will cancel our trip. we are going thanksgiving week. when will your family be there. paula