must see/ must do tips??

[jeanie]

Hi,


The thing I like best about staying on-site is that I have not planned one thing for this vacation!! We did WDW in February and it was commando touring the whole week. I love Disney but it is not really relaxing...

At UO the pace is much more relaxing with FOTL, we can go with the flow....

So, since I have nothing planned, I was wondering if anyone has some must see, must do or must eat suggestions?? This will be our third trip to Universal, first time at the HRH...so we know which rides and restaurants we like but I was wondering if there are any "stop and smell the roses" type things that we should do...?

Are there any hidden things to look for in the parks, or quiet areas in the park to take a break? At the HRH are there any special areas in the hotel to read a book, have a drink...

We will be there for 6 days so we have plenty of time to explore and check out things we have never seen before!!
One day we would like to go to Seaworld and one day for Epcot (Flower and Garden ) but other than that we are winging it!

Also any suggestions on things to do after dinner?? Our kids are 13 and 15 so we won't be able to do the clubs but can hang out at CityWalk for the "street" shows...


TIA

Two more weeks till our vacation at the HRH

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Some suggestions for HRH & US/IOA

- Check out the talking water fountain in IOA - it is incredibley comical and relaxing; time well spent.
- Dine at Mythos (inside IOA) - Best theme park restaurant in USA. I would say the quality is close to Emerils at half the price.
- At the HRH Pool (the pool is a must) - Enjoy the music while swimming under and above water (very neat) as well as music 24/7 at all locations on site.
- The ice cream / soda shop on the lower level of the HRH is always fun to hang out at and have a snack while people watching
- Check out all the memorabelia (thats a given I suppose) throughout the HRH
- Check and see if any shows are going on during your stay at Hard Rock Live Concert Hall.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

If you go through the Velvet Lounge at the HRH, you can go outside to a nice patio with chairs and tables. DH & I love it out there. We'll often bring our own drink from the room, too.

Another big vote for Mythos.

The back outdoor patio at O'Briens is very nice for a cup of coffee and a bag of beignets after dinner -- or just eat your dinner out there. There isn't a cover charge until nine p.m., I believe. It isn't "bar-like" back there, either. I think it would be very appropriate for families with teens.

I'm really not a strange person, I swear, but I've always got to check out the ladies room right at the check-in area of the HRH. If you're standing facing the checkout folks, it's around the corner to your left. It's got to be one of the coolest restrooms I've ever been in. Lots of HR memorabilia in there, too.

Don't forget the upper level of Citywalk's shopping area. There's a pretty neat store up there. I think it's called Dippy Dap -- something like that. It's directly across from the cigar place on the same side as the big theater.

 

[jeanie]

Now this is what I am talking about....Thanks for the tips so far!!!

The week we are there the parks close at 7:00.... Would you recommend Mythos for dinner or lunch in this case?? Will I need reservations or does the room key get you next available? Do I have to be in the park to make reservations or can I make them from the hotel...

A cool bathroom is always worth a visit I will definately check it out

How is the restaurant by the pool area at the HRH? Is lunch poolside worth it?

Where is this talking fountain? I don't believe I have heard of this before?

 

[patster734]

The talking fountain is in the Lost Continent section near the Sindbad stunt show.

For relaxation, there's a seldom used path in Seuss Landing that exists on the backside of the Seuss shops and buildings, between those buildings and the IOA central pond. Along this path are several scenes from different Suess stories.

 

[macraven]

i agree on sitting and watching the action at the mystic fountain.
i usually spend up to an hour there.
if there are kids around, it makes the show.

i stay at the hrh and i explore it at different stays in case there are changes.

don't laugh but this is what i have done when "exploring the hotel"

i take the elevator to each floor and get out and look at the memorabilia on the walls on each floor, especially around the elevator. you won't be able to do the 7th floor unless you are staying on club.
don't overlook the halls away from the elevator area where there are offices. lots of nice things there to see.
check out the gift shop.
and check out the gift shop at hrcafe.

the rest room (it's gorgeous) around the corner by the Palms at the west portion of the lobby area has an attendant in there. it freaked me out the first time i saw her.
don't know why, maybe i don't do nice places enough. look at the mural of U2 on the end of the hall opposite of the RR.

stroll to the other two hotels and check out their lobbies and grounds.

at the studios, i am always amused at how many people take the traditional picture with the kids/spouse with their heads in the upside down hanging shark in amityville. i take pictures of them taking pictures of it. sit there for a bit and watch the people do that.

walk down the streets in the studios and look at the decor.
the area around finnigans, blues brothers show, outside seating by the pizza joint dead end alley way.......

stroll leisurely through seussland. if you have ever read dr. seuss's books, that land is set up just like it is described in the books.

 

[macraven]

you know you can pool hop if you stay on site.
besides checking out the other lobbies, check out the pools.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

This thread has some fun ideas and tips and hints.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=909615&highlight=hidden+secrets

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Would you recommend Mythos for dinner or lunch in this case?? Will I need reservations or does the room key get you next available? Do I have to be in the park to make reservations or can I make them from the hotel...

I have eaten there for both lunch and dinner and the portions are large (and so good you dont want to leave a morsel on the plate). With that considered, I think I'd recommend dinner (unless you have no plans for an hour or two afterward to digest and relax).

I am uncertain about the room key giving you next available seating.

We usually make reservations (upon arrival to HRH) for dinner on our chosen evening and usually just walk in if going for lunch.

 

[jeanie]

Thanks for all the great tips!!

Can't wait to explore the parks and HRH.... I have been looking forward to this vacation for 6 months and now only two weeks to go

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Be sure to send us a follow up after the trip... public or PM.

 

[macraven]

nay, make it public.

post in the trip report thread.

many of us check out the threads there and lately, not many postings....

we live through each others reports.