Hi all!
We just got back this evening from our first trip to Universal. I had cancelled the WDW part of this trip before we left, and added one more day to our Universal reservations. I wanted to give Universal a real chance and not short change it or half do Disney, either.
We checked into RPR around noon on Sunday after a Priceline night at the Peabody, and we were having such a great time by Wednesday night that I added an *extra* night on letting us check out today.
I love Universal Studios- just love it.
I like IOA very much, but the Studios are more my speed. My children made me ride in the front of dueling dragons, until I had almost lost my voice from screaming by Monday night. I still sound a bit like Marge Simpson.
Mythos was very good. We ate there twice. Finnigans and Lombard's Landing were good as well.
My kids liked the pool at Hard Rock, but preferred RPR pool for the pick-up pool volleyball games. I walked to Hard Rock from the Studios, and found it to be a fairly easy walk.
The walk to IOA from the RPR was quick and easy. We had room 1649, and we could take the stairs down to the path for a bit of a short cut. We were originally assigned a room in tower 2 on the third floor. Having left my dog at a kennel and quitting my smoking habit last year, I wanted to be in tower 1 away from both. Since I didn't mind at all waiting until 4 o'clock for our room, my request was granted.
I think in square footage our room was a bit smaller than those at Wilderness Lodge. It felt about a third larger however, even though there was no balcony. The decor was very nice, and things were set up to maximize the available space.
The parks are plenty big enough and small enough at the same time. I went to the Studios by myself one evening, while DH and the kids swam at Hard Rock. Another day DH went to the gym (he enjoyed the sauna) and had a lazy day at the resort, while the boys and I went to IOA. It was no big deal, because I didn't feel that we were all that far apart. The distances were not overwhelming, even for a complete newbie.
We didn't get bored once, although we were there from Sunday till today (Friday). The different attendants can put their own spin on a ride (Jaws, the Shrek preshow, even Jimmy Nuetron) in such a way that it just doesn't get old. They seem to be part of the attraction themselves, rather than simply directors of traffic.
I'll admit that on Sunday and even Monday, I was missing the comfort of knowing my way around WDW almost like the back of my hand. It is unsettling for me to be in a totally foreign environment. By Tuesday, though, I had the hang of things at Universal, and I was having a blast!
If I had treated Universal as a day trip, then I know I wouldn't have loved it like I do. My whole family had a fantastic vacation, and we look forward to going back. Thanks to all who helped with their advice, tips, and info!
We just got back this evening from our first trip to Universal. I had cancelled the WDW part of this trip before we left, and added one more day to our Universal reservations. I wanted to give Universal a real chance and not short change it or half do Disney, either.
We checked into RPR around noon on Sunday after a Priceline night at the Peabody, and we were having such a great time by Wednesday night that I added an *extra* night on letting us check out today.
I love Universal Studios- just love it.
I like IOA very much, but the Studios are more my speed. My children made me ride in the front of dueling dragons, until I had almost lost my voice from screaming by Monday night. I still sound a bit like Marge Simpson.
Mythos was very good. We ate there twice. Finnigans and Lombard's Landing were good as well.
My kids liked the pool at Hard Rock, but preferred RPR pool for the pick-up pool volleyball games. I walked to Hard Rock from the Studios, and found it to be a fairly easy walk.
The walk to IOA from the RPR was quick and easy. We had room 1649, and we could take the stairs down to the path for a bit of a short cut. We were originally assigned a room in tower 2 on the third floor. Having left my dog at a kennel and quitting my smoking habit last year, I wanted to be in tower 1 away from both. Since I didn't mind at all waiting until 4 o'clock for our room, my request was granted.
I think in square footage our room was a bit smaller than those at Wilderness Lodge. It felt about a third larger however, even though there was no balcony. The decor was very nice, and things were set up to maximize the available space.
The parks are plenty big enough and small enough at the same time. I went to the Studios by myself one evening, while DH and the kids swam at Hard Rock. Another day DH went to the gym (he enjoyed the sauna) and had a lazy day at the resort, while the boys and I went to IOA. It was no big deal, because I didn't feel that we were all that far apart. The distances were not overwhelming, even for a complete newbie.
We didn't get bored once, although we were there from Sunday till today (Friday). The different attendants can put their own spin on a ride (Jaws, the Shrek preshow, even Jimmy Nuetron) in such a way that it just doesn't get old. They seem to be part of the attraction themselves, rather than simply directors of traffic.
I'll admit that on Sunday and even Monday, I was missing the comfort of knowing my way around WDW almost like the back of my hand. It is unsettling for me to be in a totally foreign environment. By Tuesday, though, I had the hang of things at Universal, and I was having a blast!
If I had treated Universal as a day trip, then I know I wouldn't have loved it like I do. My whole family had a fantastic vacation, and we look forward to going back. Thanks to all who helped with their advice, tips, and info!
it's good to see another family realizes Universal is a destination, rather than a distraction from WDW.
I'm glad to hear that the B-Line Diner is delicious...we'll definitely dine there. The little hot cakes sound devine! Thank you for the tip about the pool, we'll probably take a swim so that's good info to know. Your comment about housekeeping giving your DH $9 worth of duck soaps made me laugh. 
The Hulk is very good, but I always ended up with a headache. My head kept hitting the restraining bar. I quit riding it after 3 or 4 times. 
, I haven't visited it, but it sounds pretty cool! I'll try to find it and add it, unless someone else can post it. At Universal the two parks and CityWalk are all together within walking distance of eachother too...which makes park hopping very simple...and also offers additional entertainment/dining choices without having to go far! 
) Thank you all !!
