Did I say I was content at the Best Western? Hard Rock Hotel blows it out of the water! It's fantastic here. I have stayed at Royal Pacific before, and thought I liked it. From the time I pulled up, the treatment was royal. I've seen others say that but it's true, and not in that icky fake way.
I'm sad that I'm checking out today, going to Disney's Boardwalk Villas.
Here's the story on my fantastic day. We woke up at Best Western, had the complimentary breakfast, which was very nice including eggs, turkey sausage, biscuit and gravy. Murl, my son, got the bell cart. We loaded all our stuff and drove across the street to HRH.
We pulled in and Biggs loaded our bags for us and called bell services to take it to our room. He had great conversation with us during this. That doesn't seem unusual, but it is. I've stayed at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville and other nice places. People tend to be polite, they don't just stand there talking to you. Biggs wasn't the exception. Everyone we encountered was wonderful.
So, our room was ready already. We have an excellent view of the pool from the 5th floor. Mom and I belted on our fanny packs and walked straight to IOA to experience Harry Potter. There was a 40 minute wait by 9:30. This place fills up as the day progresses. We're planning to get over there during early entry this morning to experience this area without so many others. Mother loved it. She and Murl have read the books. I watched the movies. She got on Dueling Dragons with us. The only ride she refused during the day was the Rip Ride Rocket. Yes, we were all over the place. We did Universal yesterday evening.
We did all the wet water rides, one after the other, rode the Hulk, then took the water taxi back to the hotel. I made sandwiches in the room. We swam in the pool til 4:00.
The pool is shallow, has a nice slide, and if you put your head under there is music playing. There was a fellow singing while playing a guitar. Very relaxing.
We walked back to Citywalk and ate at Bubba Gumps before visiting Universal. Mom was chosen for the grandma bit in the Disaster ride. Cute! She hasn't been to Universal before. She went to Disney with one of my sisters 12 years ago. Make a Wish paid for that. My niece had a blood disease when she was 5. She's fine now.
We watched the Cinematic Spectacular from a table behind the Simpson's area. I was underwhelmed. Saw it once, won't stay to see it again. People crowded us too. There are many viewing areas around the lagoon. Does your child have to stand on my table to see?! How many children fit on my table? Enough to annoy me.
That was day 1. I'll add pictures when I get home.
