Need help deciding which on-site to use

[SolitaryPhoenix]

Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Resort, or Royal Pacific Resort? I'm planning a long weekend for myself, my daughter, and my niece as a present for my daughter's 16th birthday, probably sometime in October-ish. I've only been to Universal a couple of times, years ago, and never stayed on-site. I'm a DVC member and live fairly locally. so we've been to WDW many times, but I thought she'd really love this, as she hasn't been there, and she's a huge Harry Potter fan. My niece (who is 23) is her idol, loves Universal and HP also, but she's also an adult, so she and I wouldn't mind the occasional adult beverage. Any thoughts? Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted!

 

[donaldduck352]

My kids are all grown up and gone now.But at of all 3 resorts,they all loved RPR while growing up.But I realy think youre best bet would be the HardRock.It has a great vibe to it all the time.IMO

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

Actually, I was leaning towards those two more, thanks! Any other suggestions or thoughts?

 

[AJA]

For their ages, Hard Rock.

RPR is gorgeous but the atmosphere at HRH is tailored to older teens and young adults. RPR seems to have more young families, and PBH is the all out luxury resort with more adult couples.

All three hotels are gorgeous, you can't make a bad choice, but HRH would be my choice for a quick weekend trip with young adults.

 

[macraven]

since you will be in the parks most of the time, and it is a short trip, i would go with the one that had the cheapest rates for your trip.

you can always go to the other hotels and check them out, have something to eat there or swim in their pools.

it's allowed.
if you are a guest at one of the 3 hotels, you can enjoy the amenities at the other two.

 

[macraven]

you said you are going in october for a long weekend.

parks will close early, the studios at 5:00 due to a hard ticket event.
HHN is on weekends and some weekdays in october.

if you plan to go then, book the hotel early.
some of the hotels sell out on certain weekends.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

So, it sounds like Hard Rock is probably my best bet. As for October (thanks for the heads up!), I could probably make it for the 3rd or 4th weekend in September; her birthday is the 14th, and we're having a party the 15th. I was trying to give my wallet a break. Likely for my only child's 16th, right? Is the second half of September a better time? And thanks again to all who are posting!

 

[macraven]

last weekend in september has also been a hard ticket event for hhn.

the hhn schedule won't be out until later this summer.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

Ah, so I guess it's either the weekend right after her birthday, or sometime in November. I'll probably do the weekend after her birthday. And thanks again, I appreciate your advice.

 

[nytimez]

since you will be in the parks most of the time, and it is a short trip, i would go with the one that had the cheapest rates for your trip.

This is what I do... although if PBH is just a tad higher, I pick that one. It's the best of the three, IMO -- but all three are great and picking the cheapest is a terrific strategy.

Don't forget to book at the Florida resident rate -- it's usually a terrific discount.

 

[francie57]

Our two (ages 29 and 26) love the HRH. We have been staying there for years on our yearly trip. It is the closest to the Studios and only a few extra minute walk to IOA. The pool area is great and they enjoy the bar that is right there. We will be returning in Aug. since the "kids" still go on a family vacation each year in addition to all the other traveling they do during the year.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

Thanks everyone for your responses, I appreciate it.

 

[glocon]

Does your daughter like haunted houses? Maybe you guys would enjoy HHN ( the hard ticket event mentioned above). We too will be going in early October to celebrate our sons 16th birthday. Specifically because we love haunted houses and wanted to try HHN. Check it out!