Royal Pacific(or offsite)

[peggy5]

Hi, considering staying at Universal on site & trying to compare 2 days at RP or Hilton Int'l Dr with diff being $100 more total at RP(net after express pass, parking, etc). There's more room to spread out at hilton with the 1 br unit(it's DH, DS 5and I). But was wondering if should take the opportunity to stay at RP(since we've been staying at disney onsite all other times).

Thanks.

 

[francie57]

I would go with the on-site. The unlimited express pass is worth every penny in itself. We have been staying at the HRH for years before heading to Disney and just love it. You will be able to tour the parks in a more relaxing way and will have the early entry to Harry Potter. Your room key will also give you priority seating at some of the City Walk restaurants during the week. You will be able to go to the park and then also have time to enjoy the pool. If you are a member of AAA you will get a 10% discount at the restaurants in the parks and most in City Walk. Also gives you a discount in the stores. We always book our two rooms at HRH with the AAA discount since it is usually the only discount we can use since the stay more discount is for more nights than we stay. You won't be disappointed - not sure in your post when you talk about parking but you will be charged for parking at the resort.

 

[francie57]

I would go with the on-site. The unlimited express pass is worth every penny in itself. We have been staying at the HRH for years before heading to Disney and just love it. You will be able to tour the parks in a more relaxing way and will have the early entry to Harry Potter. Your room key will also give you priority seating at some of the City Walk restaurants during the week. You will be able to go to the park and then also have time to enjoy the pool. If you are a member of AAA you will get a 10% discount at the restaurants in the parks and most in City Walk. Also gives you a discount in the stores. We always book our two rooms at HRH with the AAA discount since it is usually the only discount we can use since the stay more discount is for more nights than we stay. You won't be disappointed - not sure in your post when you talk about parking but you will be charged for parking at the resort.

 

[damo]

When are you going? If you are going during moderate or peak time, staying on-site is a huge advantage.

 

[peggy5]

We're going end of May(wk before memorial day). I had included the cost for hilton & buying express passes, vs, staying at RP(& getting express passes in the room) & that's where the $100 diff was, with RP still being higher for the 2 nts. So in either case we'd have the express pass(buy if stay at hilton) or get if stay at RP. I was just debating the space, whether go for more space the hilton or take the opportunity to stay onsite just for being onsite Also could go with Hard Rock, and the total diff would be $140. My DH is a GE employee so we get a 25% discount on the rack rates.

Thanks again

 

[JessicaR]

On-site especially with your dates. However, honestly staying on-site anytime of year is the BEST experience. Of course that's my opinion. But for the $ difference I would not hesitate to stay on-site.

Have a great trip!

 

[macraven]

Hi, considering staying at Universal on site & trying to compare 2 days at RP or Hilton Int'l Dr with diff being $100 more total at RP(net after express pass, parking, etc). There's more room to spread out at hilton with the 1 br unit(it's DH, DS 5and I). But was wondering if should take the opportunity to stay at RP(since we've been staying at disney onsite all other times).

Thanks.

if i was going to universal and had a one year old with me on the vacation, hands down i would stay on site.

you never can tell when a little just needs to take a break and have a nap.
being onsite makes it possible for you to return to the hotel room and rest for a while.
one parent could stay in the park with the 5 year old during this time.

very easy to go back to the park after the break at the room.

if you stayed offsite, it might not be as simple to go back to the hotel and try to return later to the same park.

 

[patster734]

I usually suggest staying on-property. Not only is unlimited express pass awesome, but travelling between the on-site hotels and Citywalk/the parks is a breeze.

The only question I have is what kind of transportation are you using? If you have a car, you will also pay a parking fee at RPR. However, if you're using public transportation (taxi or town car service), you'll be able to avoid the parking fee.

 

[gabzee]

There is a difference between the perks you get when buying the express pass and staying offsite and the perks you get when staying onsite and you get the express pass with your stay. Only when you stay onsite can you ride the rides as many times as you want. I would highly recommend staying onsite especially with a young kid. If they get tired you would be able to take an afternoon break and then go back to the park later.

 

[d1gitman]

we just returned from our first trip ever to universal. we stayed at RP and loved it. there are a few touches in service an amenities that Disney could learn from. Disney or Universal, we are fans of staying onsite.

one thing to consider too is there was a nice service available, rickshaws from resort to park entrance. there is no fee per say, just a voluntary tip. we tipped heavily since the driver had a family of four to pedal around. let me just say that the time and added footsteps saved were well worth it, plus it was fun.

we were extremely pleased with RP staff, accomodations and amenities. highly recommend.

also the 1hr early entrance to HP is well worth it. Hogsmeade fills up quick!

 

[AJA]

Stay onsite if you can. RPR is a gorgeous hotel and it's so nice to be 5-10 mins from the hotel at the end of the day when you're tired.

 

[patster734]

Stay onsite if you can. RPR is a gorgeous hotel and it's so nice to be 5-10 mins from the hotel at the end of the day when you're tired.

or had a few drinks at Citywalk!