Resort Questions WDW versus Univeral

[Valera]

Can anyone who has been to both WDW Deluxe Resorts and Universal Resorts tell me what the differences are? We are trying to make a decision about our next trip.

I realize there are different themes at the resorts but what I want to know about is level of service, transportation, and pool areas.

Such as is there anything that compares to SAB or the Grotto?

I have posted over on the Universal page but I wanted to get the opinion of those that have been to WDW Resorts also. Such as we loved everything about the WL so would we enjoy a Universal Resort or should be stick with Disney?

Thank you for any and all help!

 

[alyssa810]

When we stayed at the Hard rock in 2002, it was the first time we stayed on site anyway, and it was awesome. The bed was the most comfortable one I've slept in of all the theme park resorts, but other than that, I thought the size of the room and basic set up were pretty similar to where we've stayed at WDW. I think the staff at both resorts were equally attentive and friendly; when we went to Universal though, we did have to pay to park - but that might have changed- where as at the Disney resorts, you don't have to pay. I felt that the pool at the Hard Rock was better than say, AKL ot WL, but only because of the music they pump in and the water seemed warmer there- it was the first week in January when we were there. I don't remember there being a cafeteria or quick serve type place to eat at that hotel like there are at the WDW resorts...we also walked over to Portofino, and that had a less casual atmosphere, but it too was quite beautiful, of what we saw.
I think you'll be pleased at either resort, I've only stayed at Universal that one time, and I've stayed at WL & AKL a few times each, and WL is our favorite resort overall, so I'm biased toward it. It might be nice to stay somewhere different though, if you're looking for a change.

 

[DisneyDW]

We stayed at RPH over Thanksgiving and very much enjoyed it. If you are doing Universal parks, the FOTL access for Universal Hotel guests cannot be beat. Also, the short walk was very convenient. I liked the rooms and amenities at RPH. The pool is very nice with zero entry and a boat or something in the middle with jets to amuse the kids. Restaurants there were very good as well. If I were going to Universal parks for a few days, I would definitely stay at one of their hotels for FOTL and location - plus it was a great hotel and very reasonable! I can only compare to CR for deluxe WDW which is just so different. We stayed there for monorail and MK view but if CR didn't have that, I would never stay there. I would love RPH at any location.

 

[budwmn]

We stayed at PBR in Fall 2002. It was nicer than any hotel we've stayed at in WDW. The room was stunning (I think it was a deluxe room, but not a suite). THe bathroom was huge and the whole place felt very luxurious, yet not stuffy. I would rate it as a notch above WDW deluxe resorts.

One thing I noticed was that it didn't feel as busy as WDW resorts. Pretty easy to get restaurant seating. The boat to and from the parks was fast and relaxing. We enjoyed our trip so much that we're having a family reunion there in March (2 nights at PBR 4 nights at AKL).

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We stayed at HRH last July before moving over to Disney. I think if you're doing Universal FOTL access can't be beat. We stayed in a deluxe room and it was great. Hotel was what I would expect for a deluxe hotel, either Disney or Universal. When we want to do Universal we split our stay, HRH then GF.

 

[webray]

We have stayed at all the disney deluxe resorts and both the Portofino and Royal Pacific over at Universal.

The Portofino is a notch above the Grand Floridian. The royal pacific..will compete head to head with any disney deluxe resort, better than some.

The restaurant options are wonderful. The quick boat access from the resorts to the park/citywalk area is excellent. You can't beat front of the line access. The room ammenities are much nicer, coffee maker in the rooms, the mini bar, beautiful decor, wonderful soaps and lotions.

Pool areas are very nice at Portofino and Royal Pacific. The dive in movies at nights are fun also.

 

[n2mm]

We too have stayed at PBR and Hard Rock. Both resorts are beautiful, but did feel more comfortable at Hard Rock. Loved being able to walk to US. The staffs were wonderful and the rooms much more lovey than the rooms at WDW. Stayed at BWI, AKL, WL and they are nice, but the rooms at US are much nicer. Of course we still always make it back to WDW, maybe it's because hubby is a CM and we can't beat the rates we get on our rooms. But the 2 times we stayed at USF we did get GREAT rates from the entertainment book (about 50% off).

 

[Cass]

Universal Hotels are first rate, service, pools, quality ~ they are on par with a Disney Deluxe.

Why not do both on your vacation? 3 days at Universal, 4 days at Disney... the best of both worlds

 

[MarkLem]

Just stayed at Hard Rock last week. I agree with all the comments: Universal hotels are excellent. Our room at Hard Rock was bigger and nicer than our room at the Swan. Service was excellent. FOTL can't be beat. You don't have to do the parks commando-style in order to see everything like we end up having to do at Disney. Loved Universal, and they seem to be very quick to get new rides from their movies up and going. Why can't Disney do this??

 

[Valera]

Thank you all for your wonderful reports!! Getting information from those that have done both WDW and Universal is invaluable!

Here's the other question I came up with. Which of the 3 has the best pool area? My DS wants to stay at BC for SAB but since we are looking at staying at least a couple days at Universal is there any pool that is close? I realize none of them have the lazy river, but the main thing is the pool slide. Which has the best pool slide? I have looked for pictures of them but so far havent found much.

If this helps at all we have stayed at both WL and POFQ and he enjoyed both of there slides. POFQ was a bit tame but the themeing was cute.

 

[minijeanie]

You didn't mention how old your son was....

We stayed at HRH 2x...pool is great, slide is good but probably not as good as the BC pool

but I will admit, I prefer HRH over BC anyday. Rooms so much bigger, easier to find seats around the pool. You can rent a cabana for the day there as well..
and my kids who were about 8 and 9 at the time were really not all that thrilled with the BC pool at all. They actually preferred the BW pool overall..

In my opinion, with fotl access, great restaurants and nice hotel I would definitely split my stay between wdw and universal...many,many, nice attractions at Universal...Spiderman, shrek 2 uncomparable to anything at wdw
we do mostly every time...