Late Arrival at hotel

[Paigemitchell]

My family and I will be flying in to Orlando, arriving at 8:15. We have a shuttle that will pick us up and have a 30 minute grocery stop (YEA! I just found out about that!)

I assume it will be close to 10 before we actually get to check in our room at RP. I am very disappointed with the fact that we will be arriving too late to do anything! But there just isn't another option, other than flying in the day before and adding another night. (which we'd rather not do because of expenses)

Has anyone ever stayed at a cheaper hotel very near by the Universal property and then checked in the next day at their Universal hotel? I'm wondering if it would be too much of a hassle.

We will have 4 full days, 3 in the parks and one at the resorts.

I guess I'm just lookng for opnions. Should we have two full days to hang out and do other things (on Universal's property....no car)

Or will we have plenty of time to enjoy the resort' pools, etc. without adding in that extra day...and the hassle of swapping hotels?

 

[bumbershoot]

After a few trips of staying somewhere cheaper, I've now realized that it's quite lovely to wake up in the place you will be staying. Gives you a little extra sleep. And you don't have to figure out transportation from the first hotel to the second. so I personally would just stay there.

Grocery stop...do you know where you're going that late? Are you renting a fridge to keep the groceries in? The fridges are *small* dorm-type fridges. Very small. Not even as big as the tall ones at disney moderates. I *love* the Loews resorts at Universal, but the fridge situation isn't the best.

Also, if you're bigtime coffee drinkers, you might pick up a box of k-cups at the grocery stop, since the resorts have started charging if you request more k-cups than the normally provide with housekeeping each day.

 

[Paigemitchell]

You are probably right. I KNOW that i would rather wake up at the RP, but it will be another $215! Hummm, I'll have to think about that.

The "grocery stop" will be more for water and snacks. I wanted to get a small cooler at least and maybe keep some drinks cold. But, not really planning on buying "groceries".

And I was just assuming that there would be something close by that would still be open at 9 or 10 o'clock. I know there is a Walgreens close by. Do y'all know of any other grocery store on the way from the airport to the hotel?

 

[rpbert1]

Like PP, i would buy a Styrofoam cooler to fill with ice for drinks etc, as you will not fit anything in the fridge, unless you are renting one, and you cannot empty it yourself as it is checked everyday, and anything missing out of it will be noted an added to your room account.
Considered doing a stay at a cheaper resort when arriving late, but like pp said its nice waking up and not having to move, and when you factor in the price of the cheaper hotel and taxi costs, it prob does not work out that much of a saving with the hassle you have of moving and then waiting till your room is ready.
4 days should be good to hang out at the pools etc, but an extra day would be better, as you will prob wished you had booked it when checking out after 4 days lol

 

[anniemck]

There is a Days Inn literally 2 blocks from the parking garage, we actually walked it one night to go to City Walk, I would stay there for the first night. They do have a great pool and a Denny's onsite for breakfast before you head over to the Resort.

 

[Bluer101]

I would stay at RPR, let your mind run down, and get a good night sleep. Then wake up refreshed and enjoy your time, no hassle.

 

[macraven]

There is a Days Inn literally 2 blocks from the parking garage, we actually walked it one night to go to City Walk, I would stay there for the first night. They do have a great pool and a Denny's onsite for breakfast before you head over to the Resort.

some have stayed at days inn at caravan court.
too many issus have happened there..........

 

[anniemck]

some have stayed at days inn at caravan court.
too many issus have happened there..........

WE as in my family *ex, myself and 3 daughters stayed here several times. Also just myself, 3 daughters and two of their friends, and most recently my daughter and several of her friends.

There can be issues anywhere if you are not alert to your surroundings.