Newbie wanting to stay at RPH in July. What do I need to know?

[leighe]

Hi! DH, my sister and her boyfriend, and I want to spend a few days at Universal before our extended family Disney trip. We are interested in RPH mainly because it's the most inexpensive Universal resort and we are planning on spending all our time in the parks - none of us have ever been to Universal before. I'm very familiar with Disney AP rates and codes, but have no clue about Universal. We do have an entertainment book. What do I need to know? Any advice? Do I need to go ahead and book for a July trip?

 

[d4est]

Well, if you know your dates, you should check the ressie page and see if there is availablity and what the rates are like. Good discounts are hard to find this year. The best seem to be AAA and APH (annual passholder). If you are staying for 4 or more nights, they sometimes offer up to 25% off. There also might be the stay and play deal, where your price includes two free length of stay passes to both parks. Entertainment rates have NOT been released and rumor has it that it is UNLIKELY that they ever will be. You can also check expedia.com, orangevacations.com, and hotelkingdom.com

Good luck with your search. If you have more specific questions, fire away!

 

[giddygirl]

You also might be interested to know that RPH does not have a food court like some WDW resorts do. Nor do they have vending machines. Thus, we tried the breakfast at the restaurant one morning only to find it WAY overpriced. If you are wanting a quick bite before the parks or a soda after, I would highly recommend stocking up before check-in!

 

[Pink Flamingo]

You also might be interested to know that RPH does not have a food court . . .

Oh wow! I didn't realize that. That's certainly something to consider. Does HRH or PBH have a food court or a place to pick up some light eats?

 

[patsal]

Be cautious with your dates--I tried to book RPH for July 8-10 on the universal website and they were booked.

 

[leighe]

Thanks for the advice! I'm going to check the website now and see if my dates are available.

 

[JessicaR]

You also might be interested to know that RPH does not have a food court like some WDW resorts do. Nor do they have vending machines. Thus, we tried the breakfast at the restaurant one morning only to find it WAY overpriced. If you are wanting a quick bite before the parks or a soda after, I would highly recommend stocking up before check-in!

Actually they do offer a continental breakfast, located at the Orchid Lounge daily. You can get danish, muffins, bagels, fruits. cereals, coffee's and tea's, juices and other breakfast items. There are also places to have breakfast on the way to USO and IOA at City Walk and inside the parks as well.

 

[leighe]

Um, the lowest rate I got for a standard room was $284. Wow! I'm not sure front of the line is worth that much money. I may just add some days to our WL ressie or go with a moderate for the beginning of the trip. We'll have a car. Is driving a huge hassle?