Need LOTS of help here........

[dizneefamily5]

We are selling our DVC ownership and we are now considering at stay at the "U word". We have never stayed anywhere but onsite at DVC resorts and have been nowhere in Orlando but WDW. Our dd's are 10,9 and 3 and teh older two suggested Universal. Where should we stay?? Give me your best tips!!

 

[d4est]

First of all "universal" is not a naughty word here on the Universal boards!

As far as where to stay...depends on what you like for theming and what you want to pay. PBH is the most expensive & the quietest, HRH is the medium with a "hip" feel...lots of music & coolness (have read that CM's are aloof in that "cool" way, but others see it as kinda rude), RPR is the least expensive with a tropical feel...very south seas). Each has their own pool. You can walk to the parks or take the boat. Of course the biggest perk to staying on site would be front of the line access (FOTL)...your room key puts you in the express line every time, except during high, peak times when they put slight restrictions on FOTL.

Either way, I think you will enjoy a trip to Universal and eventually be able to "say" the word without guilt or hesitation! Happy planning...

 

[JessicaR]

I'm telling.....you said the "U" word!!!

I agree with the above. Pick a theme Italy secluded more quiet very pampering, Rock and Roll funky and fun, Tropical polynesian very tranquil but lots of families. You cant go wrong with any, I love em all! Try one and next time you can try another. If $ is an factor RPR is usually the least expensive with HRH following and finally PBH. 3 girls at their ages first time, I think I would go with Royal Pacific first, but thats just me.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

I'm in the same boat as the OP ~ 1st stay at Universal.
I was wondering if there is a reason why RPR is the cheapest (not that it's cheap by any means) - are the rooms smaller?
Is HRH the most centrally located between UO & IOA?
What's the wait like for the boat transportation (we'll be there in Aug)?
Many thanks for your thoughts!

 

[AllieKat]

Hi Pink Flamingo!

Yep, the rooms are smaller at Royal Pacific. I've been to Hard Rock & Royal Pacific and I personally prefer RPR over HRH. They're both beautiful hotels, but I just like the feel and the location of RPR better. I'm happy to have been lucky enough to experience both of them.

HRH is located closest to USO and RPR is located closest to IOA.

I don't think I ever waited more than 5 minutes or so for a water taxi. The wait never seemed long at all.

Happy trip planning!

 

[Immelman]

I'm wondering why anyone would sell their DVC ownership? I've heard so many good things.

 

[robvia]

The HRH is nice because it's the closest to the parks when it comes to walking. That comes in handy if someone is tired and doesn't want to go back. You can split up letting the spouse and tired visit the pool, while you visit the parks and party. The kids will like the pool with the slide, they'll stay there for hours.

 

[dizneefamily5]

THanks for all of your input. We are selling DVC so I can quit my job to stay home with the kids . I HATE to get rid of it because it is wonderful but it is a luxury item that must go! I think the RPR may be the one for us. We do need to keep expenses low and I don't think we'll be in the room a whole lot. Does Universal put out the "codes" that Disney does for discounts or I am stuck with rack rate?

 

[d4est]

THanks for all of your input. We are selling DVC so I can quit my job to stay home with the kids . I HATE to get rid of it because it is wonderful but it is a luxury item that must go! I think the RPR may be the one for us. We do need to keep expenses low and I don't think we'll be in the room a whole lot. Does Universal put out the "codes" that Disney does for discounts or I am stuck with rack rate?

Getting a "good' rate depends a lot on when you go! Discount rates that I know of are as follows: AAA (obvious, I know....automotive), APH (annual passholder), ENT (entertainment book), FAN (fan club, get a card from a participating employer), and there's florida resident, georgia resident and maybe military??

Right now, discounts pretty much suck. The only ones I have seen are AP and AAA. Loews have also run a few promotions, "stay and play" (check the website, universalorlando.com) and "stay 4 or more nights, get up to 25% off." Decide when you want to go and then play around. Put in different codes to see what you can get.

**Go to loewshotels.com and sign up for loewsfirst!! It is free and might get you some added perks. And then you should also start receiving emails from them about promotions.

Good luck!