Picking a room/EP? Sapphire falls or Hard Rock

[woodynjessiesmomma]

Ok we've almost decided on Fall Break in October and I was pricing rooms last night.
We like the location and theming of Hard Rock. The Deluxe Queen is the most cost effective for us, but we would love a suite with 2 bathrooms and at least one separate bedroom as currently the baby goes to sleep much earlier than the rest of us. Kids suites are ok, but some of the other hotel have parlor suites similar in cost. We thought about the suite at Sapphire Falls as its close in price to the Deluxe queen at Hard Rock, but no Express Passes included. Adding them in would be about $556 for for of us over 3 days based on what I'm seeing online.
I know Sapphire Falls isn't open yet, but pictures look neat.
ODS is 56" and will ride anything, DD is currently 42" and loves rollercoasters so I hope she isn't too disappointed about all the things she can't ride. YDS is 31" so I just hope he makes 36" by our trip but if not he is a good people watcher for now. DH doesn't go upside down but likes calm rollercoasters, ST & Soarin at WDW.
Is Express Pass needed for our group and mid October? Reading on Universal Informer says that time would be moderate but then says it can be done without Express Passes or wait and buy them when you get there. We will not be doing HHN.
Any thoughts on hotels?

 

[macraven]

Orlando schools have breaks also

There is a common phrase called hell week at the darkside parks

Ep would be a good thing to have if you hit that time period

If you don't want to stay at the deluxe hotels for the ep perk, you can buy them for the day if lines are too long

I lean towards hrh
Pbh might have better costs for the suites
Compare the prices for your dates to see which is cheaper for you

 

[damo]

Deluxe queen at HRH would work for you. There is a little area to the left as you walk in the front door where you could probably put a crib/pack and play. It is a separated space.

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

Thanks! I think DH would prefer HRH but he always wants a separate sleeping space. I think the Deluxe Queen could work. Maybe I should push more for the week after Thanksgiving if Fall Break is considered Hell Week and we won't be doing HHN.

 

[damo]

Thanks! I think DH would prefer HRH but he always wants a separate sleeping space. I think the Deluxe Queen could work. Maybe I should push more for the week after Thanksgiving if Fall Break is considered Hell Week and we won't be doing HHN.

If you're not doing HHN I would avoid October and avoid Thanksgiving. If you go after Thanksgiving, crowds are really low.

 

[macraven]

Early November is not bad for crowds

 

[Ruth B]

hi mac raven, when are the Orlando school hols in Oct? We are coming the 15th-20th( tied by U.K. School hols) many thanks

 

[pcstang]

Not Mac but it doesn't look like the 2016-17 school calendar has been released. You can google orange and Seminole county school calendars to see the break dates once the calendar is updated.

 

[macraven]

what he said......lol

schools in the northern states have columbus day off which is October 10th. (2016)
and the fall break from schools in the north can range from the wed prior to that date or the days after that monday the 10th.

when schools have days off or fall breaks, many families head to florida for trips.
that also brings in crowds for some weeks in the fall period.

columbus day holiday date changes yearly as it is the second monday in october.

local school breaks in florida vary by school districts.
like pcstang mentioned above, that info hasn't been released yet.

i'll be at universal this year from oct 2 to 13th.
first stay will be at wdw in late sept then to the darkside.
would love to do a meet and greet with you but i'll be leaving when you are arriving....

 

[Ruth B]

what he said......lol

schools in the northern states have columbus day off which is October 10th. (2016)
and the fall break from schools in the north can range from the wed prior to that date or the days after that monday the 10th.

when schools have days off or fall breaks, many families head to florida for trips.
that also brings in crowds for some weeks in the fall period.

columbus day holiday date changes yearly as it is the second monday in october.

local school breaks in florida vary by school districts.
like pcstang mentioned above, that info hasn't been released yet.

i'll be at universal this year from oct 2 to 13th.
first stay will be at wdw in late sept then to the darkside.
would love to do a meet and greet with you but i'll be leaving when you are arriving....

That a shame. We start at universal and then go to Disney. Hope you have a fab holiday. Maybe another time( I hope ...)

 

[macraven]

maybe next year or the year after that ......hopefully someday!