Need some advice quick please

[allie&mattsmom]

We have a trip planned for Disney for Oct. 6 through the 10th. Out of curiosity, I called Universal this a.m. and got an okay rate for these nights at RPR. A little background, we've been to Disney many times and will probalby go back in May. I'm trying to decide if we should switch over to Universal? Our kids are 8 & 10. The one and only time we went to Universal was when they were 3 & 5. My ?? is, will we/they get bored with three days at US/IOA? Also, at this time of the year, the parks close early, like 5 or 6. Will we be bored at night and regret we're not at Disney? Universal will be costing us about $400 more b/c we already have our WDW passes and we got an awesome deal on the Disney resort. I'm so on the fence and have to make my decision by 10 pm Eastern time tonight. If anyone can offer any advice, or sway me in one or the other direction, I'd love to hear from you. TIA!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have pass's to both.. so I can't help you decide. My kids are 19, 17 & 12. The older 2 like Universal better, the younger still likes Disney better.. I like them both. I love the fact that Universal Resorts give you FOLT while in the parks, to me that beats Disney's perks.... however the cheapest resort is equal to the lower end of Disney's deluxe so the rates are higher.... unless you can get a great deal. In Dec I am paying $129 for RPR (with FOLT) then going over to Disney to PO-R at $110 per night... that isn't much of a price difference that time of year & a big difference in resorts.... you need to look at everything that matters to you. If money is a major factor, then go with where you already have your pass's & save for the next trip ... Disney resorts all have food courts where you can grab something to eat fairly inexpensive, Universal's do not.. Universal charges you to park at their resorts, Disney's doesn't... there are lots of things to look at...write the pro's & con's down & see with what you come up with

 

[robvia]

Go to the RPR, it's a great resort.
And like you said, you're going back to Disney in May.
Even though the parks close early, you can go to the pool and everyone will have fun. There are two basketball hoops and a volleyball net in the RPR pool.
If you want to pool hop, you can head over to the HRH and go swimming there. That pool is a bunch of people throwing nerf balls around, with music playing, and the slide. You can use that pool since you are staying at the RPR.
You will be able to walk to the parks, only takes about 7 minutes. You will be so spoiled walking to the parks, and not waiting in line.

Also, if you rent the car, you could drive over to Disney at night and visit the parks. You're only staying a few days, so renting the car will be to your advantage. Yes, you'll have to pay for gas, and parking fees, but the convience makes up for it.

So each morning you visit USF/IOA, go back to your room to rest, then you either go to the pool, or drive over to a Disney park for the evening.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Thanks guys for your replies. I just went ahead and "bit the bullet" and booked RPR and cancelled Disney. So it's a done deal and we are all looking forward to it! Thanks again!

 

[ksdave]

Hope you have a great trip!! Make sure you read up on this board about all the attractions, etc. Planning your touring at UO is just as important as WDW to make sure you don't waste alot of time and energy. Alot has changed in the last 5 years so you should have plenty of new stuff to see.
I also recommend touring the other resorts. Our favorite is Portofino. Take the kids to their Beach Pool, they will love it. Also try and eat a dinner at Mama Dellas!! You can make reservations by calling Star Service.

 

['Canes Fan]

after 5 years and that big of an age jump, you made a good choice. you'll have plenty of thing to do to fill up those 3 days. and the RP is very nice. have a blast.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Thanks for making me feel better guys. I'm such a "creature of habit" and, well, I guess Disney has kindof been my habit . So as an onsite guest we can pool hop to the other on site pools?

 

[ksdave]

Absolutely!! Just hop on the boat at RPR and travel to Citywalk, then jump on the boat to HRH or PBH (note: the walk between HRH and PBH are very short and quite nice. Or you can ride the boats). Make sure you explore the other two hotels and see all the extras they have to offer.

 

[etink67]

Citywalk is great for the evening too. My DD loved watching a show on the water and doing some line dancing. Dinner at Margaritaville was fun too. We went with a 6 and 4 year old this summer and they are already asking to go back.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

HHN will be going on during your stay. You could attend that one night...

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Who knows...you may find that your trip to the World in May is replaced by a return trip to Universal!