Pulled the trigger. 1st Visit!

[lazer]

We've done Disney well over 10 times, and after the last three trips being more and more crowded...we're switching. It's me, DH, DS5 and DS2. I'm excited, but it's weird not to be planning a lot. Staying 6 nights at Royal Pacific. Can't wait to have my son look at videos and pictures (not too many though) and see what he'll be looking forward to. Also, the thrill rides will definitely be a highlight for DH and I.

Thanks for all the help this board has provided. We're excited to try something new. So, if there are any hotel tips, or not to be missed tips that are worth repeating. I'm all over it

 

[RMulieri]

Go with an open mind, enjoy and TRY not to compare it all to Disney..That is a recipe for disappointment.Relax and enjoy the downtime.

 

[lazer]

Go with an open mind, enjoy and TRY not to compare it all to Disney..That is a recipe for disappointment.Relax and enjoy the downtime.

I'm most excited about the downtime. I can't wait to relax a little, and just slow down!

 

[glocon]

Take time to enjoy all your resort has to offer is my advice. Explore it, eat at the restaurants, see what there is to do there. We've only stayed at HRH but enjoyed the pool, the fitness center, The Kitchen, Emak and Bolios, explored the lobby, the gift shop, movie night at the pool, the game room area... And definitely eat at Mythos in IoA.

 

[dsdeleon]

RPR is sooo nice. We found all of Universal quaint and a much more relaxing vacation before we headed over to Disney. I can't wait to go back! Have fun!

 

[UFyellowfin]

We've done Disney well over 10 times, and after the last three trips being more and more crowded...we're switching. It's me, DH, DS5 and DS2. I'm excited, but it's weird not to be planning a lot. Staying 6 nights at Royal Pacific. Can't wait to have my son look at videos and pictures (not too many though) and see what he'll be looking forward to. Also, the thrill rides will definitely be a highlight for DH and I.

Thanks for all the help this board has provided. We're excited to try something new. So, if there are any hotel tips, or not to be missed tips that are worth repeating. I'm all over it

The complimentary express passes are amazing and really make the experience so much more relaxing. I really recommend trying a place called Confisco's in IOA, its on the right side at the T where you can go to either the Hulk or Dr Seuss.

As someone else said, dont try to compare it to Disney because it's not and really doesnt try to be. Have fun.

 

[bumbershoot]

When you're in Universal Studios park, near the Woody Woodpecker coaster, you'll notice a Curious George water play area. Whether or not you want to go into the water area, if you follow the footprints on the ground it will take you to the side and beyond the water fun, and into a terrific soft-ball play area. You can vacuum up balls (always seems that the moms do this, LOL), they go into a hopper and you can do things with them, you can shoot them from blasters, there are two stories of all of this. The balls are truly truly soft, and I haven't seen anyone having a bad time. The place does get a bit hot on hot days and cold on cold days, so you might not want to spend hours there, but it's a lot of fun.

Don't be surprised if the kids just want to swim.

I'm sure you know this, but rider switch (baby swap) is actually inside the lines. So everyone can go through a line and then exit before seating if they want to.

 

[Herbie]

RPR has an awesome pool with a mini water park.

do not forget to eat at MYTHOS!!

 

[lazer]

Thanks for all the tips. Meal at Mythos booked! And, I'll definitely be writing down some of this! My almost two year old will love the Curious George area!

 

[Seeker615]

If your kids likes Super heros be sure to be at the Marvel area at IOA to see them ride in on the ATV's. It's pretty cool and then you can get pictures with them. (I was thrilled to meet Wolverine and got a great photo with him!) Spiderman is there as well and the kids love interacting with him.

In the Jurassic park area the discovery building has a lot of hands on things to do relating to dinosaurs. They can even see a baby dino hatching!

There is a lot of photo opportunities with characters over at the studios side. The lines are always reasonable too. There is Sponge Bob, Dora, Scooby Doo, Minions and Curious George just name a few.

Take everything in and don't be afraid to try everything once.

I loved Royal Pacific. Such a pretty resort and the pool area is small but nicely set up.

There is an excellent Mini Golf course at City Walk. If you go to the Universal website there is a great deal for mini golf and dinner. It was well worth it.

Have a great trip!

 

[schumigirl]

Absolutely take the time to enjoy the resort as well.

RPR is amazing......we love the pool area and we don`t usually hang around pools. The Bula Bar serves beautiful food and huge portions too so we sometimes share 2 meals between the 3 of us.

It`s a great atmosphere, not too quiet and not too rowdy. We never pool hop as we find this one suits us down to the ground.

We never want to leave RPR