What were some of the noticeable differences? We’ve never stayed at Universal, and it’s been years since I’ve visited. Kids have never gone. Curious to hear how it compared, and if we’d be better making UO a day trip from WDW.
Here's a few - I've asked the family chat to share their thoughts in case I missed anything and will add that on later when I hear back from them.
Universal - Loews Royal Pacific
Pros
1. As a regular hotel, we got housekeeping every day.
2. Several food options in the hotel - quick service at Tuk Tuk w/ grab and go options as well, Jack's American Bar and Orchid Lounge were all in the lobby.
3. 2 bedroom suite had THREE full bathrooms - loved it! Only bathroom w/ a tub was in the 2 queen room so my sister had to bathe the twins there and then they would waddle on over to the King bed room to get dressed.
4. Ability to text concierge any questions or request things is amazing. They were very quick to reply and send over any requested items - i.e. high chairs and playpens.
5. Having unlimited express for Universal Studios & IOA is great! Will love it more if/when Epic is added.
Cons -
1. Loews will not accept perishable items on your behalf (learned that this trip)
I got a text from the delivery person, as I'm trying to get off the plane, that Loews won't accept the order. The concierge person got on the chat and said they don't accept perishables and guests have to be there to get them from the delivery person. I told her I was trying to get off my plane and wouldn't be there for an hour so would they please help me out. She said she would make a one-time exception.
The same happened w/ my sister's order and they left the whole order outside by the bellman - this included 1.5 gallons of MILK and several boxes of yogurt pouches in high temp heat. Thankfully we arrived about 30 min after that delivery arrived and bellman were keeping an eye on it.
2. There was some sort of leaking or drainage in our 2 queen room of the suite that made the carpet next to the A/C vent went. Initially it was just damp, but later on it was more noticeable. I never had time to bring it up to the hotel as we were in/out each day very early. I would just place a hand towel on that spot. As it was carpeted, it wasn't a slipping hazard.
3. Remotes wouldn't work reliably - had to have the living room remote changed twice.
4. TVs are outdated - Nothing on the resort TVs for younger kids to watch. Obviously no Disney channel and other than that there was PBS - great in the morning while getting read or Nick, which we don't like. I couldn't airplay/stream to the TVs either.
5. If you order to go food from one of the resort's restaurants - they will charge you a gratuity fee WHEN YOU ARE PICKING UP THE FOOD & TAKING IT TO GO! Absurd.
Disney:
Pros
1. Disney will accept & hold perishable items - they even have refrigeration available for it.
When we arrived at Disney, we did another order of perishables and I already knew they would accept the order and refrigerate it for us. They called me and thankfully we were in the room as they were asking if I'd like it brought up to the room now. I didn't even have to ask to have it brought up.
2. Bell services CMs were fast and courteous getting our luggage loaded and later taken to our room.
3. TVs in each room are newer - can stream to any of them, we connected our
Disney+ for the kids so they could watch bluey and Kim Possible - KP is a huge hit with the girls ages 5, 8, 11 and the ALL the kids love Bluey so that was a sanity keeper as kids waited for their turn in the shower/bath at night.
4. HUGE tub in the 1 bedroom bathroom with a separate shower/toilet was very helpful. Twins could get bathed while someone else showered on the other side.
5. Studio was large enough to have my ECV in the entry way without blocking the door or bathroom area so I could charge it overnight and leave easily.
6. Having pack n plays already in the king bedroom, being able to bring up high chairs for the twins.
Cons - I'm DVC so this is very specific to that
1. No daily housekeeping and it sucks when you're a large group. We had to ask for towels every day as we were 9 bodies. I tried having the kids hang up towels but it didn't stick LOL
2. Washer/dryer are VERY loud and the dryer takes several cycles to dry. The detergent didn't leave the clothes smelling super clean so next time we'd bring our own detergent.
3. Having to leave the building to refill my mug at the boardwalk Deli. This is a huge disadvantage to the Boardwalk Villas and I'll never understand why they didn't make their QS accessible from inside the resort. Even if I had to walk over to the Inn side, I would have preferred that. Neither the QS or Screendoor (their general/merch store) have access from inside the resort, you have to head out to the boardwalk.
4. Joffrey's In room coffee and coffee in the parks is terrible - so weak and watery; we were going to Sbux every day b/c idk what they're thinking saying Joffrey's is good coffee.
. Had no issues getting the times I wanted. I also paid off the last little balance I had on the CR stay from when I upgraded to TPV so I am all paid up. 
