Royal Pacific or Sapphire Falls?

[firstwdw]

if express pass and cost is not part of the decision which is your favorite, Royal Pacific or Sapphire Falls and why? Are both in good shape, updated/renovated? Pool looks bigger with slide at Sapphire than the Royal Pacific pool. Other pros/cons to these two resorts aside from express passes not offered at Sapphire and cost differences.

 

[Skippyboo]

You can actually pool hop at Universal. RP is closer to the parks. It’s a short walk to IoA.

 

[cfoxga]

While both have boat access, SF probably sees a decent number of people for CB and Aventura. I've always wanted to stay at SF, but we got spoiled by EPs long ago...

 

[mamapenguin]

We stayed at both last year 6 nights at Sapphire and 5 at Royal Pacific. The grab and go at Royal had a few better food choices. The gift shop at Sapphire was bigger and better than the gift shop at Royal (lobby) which was disappointing. The view at Royal -club 2 queen floor 7 was bad. Sapphire standard view 2 queen was good- could see Hulk and Dudley Do Right. I like the light up big mirror in the bathroom at Sapphire. This year we have 6 nights booked at Sapphire and 5 at Royal. We have after 4 express, so while unlimited express is nice it isn’t the deciding factor for us.

 

[hhoope01]

My personal opinion is that SF is just a newer version of RPR without the EPs. So if you take EPs out of the equation, I'd pick SF as it is much newer. Though if you were willing to splurge for club access, SF doesn't have a club lounge.

 

[ClapYourHands]

RPR's pool is okay, and it has a nice splash area, but it's nothing special. SF has a much larger pool with a slide.

RPR is closer to the parks along the walking trail. SF is a bit further from the parks, though still walkable, and closer to Cabana Bay. Because pool hopping is officially allowed, going over from SF to the Cabana Bay lazy river is something to consider. I have not personally used them, but I hear SF has fire pits like Cabana Bay, and I know RPR does not. It's a small thing, but we like to do s'mores at least once a trip.

Usually when I stay at RPR it's specifically because I want the express passes. If I didn't care about EP, I'd probably prefer the amenities of SF.

 

[firstwdw]

RPR's pool is okay, and it has a nice splash area, but it's nothing special. SF has a much larger pool with a slide.

RPR is closer to the parks along the walking trail. SF is a bit further from the parks, though still walkable, and closer to Cabana Bay. Because pool hopping is officially allowed, going over from SF to the Cabana Bay lazy river is something to consider. I have not personally used them, but I hear SF has fire pits like Cabana Bay, and I know RPR does not. It's a small thing, but we like to do s'mores at least once a trip.

Usually when I stay at RPR it's specifically because I want the express passes. If I didn't care about EP, I'd probably prefer the amenities of SF.

This is great and super helpful advice! Thank you!!!

 

[gharter]

Have not stayed at SF, we enjoyed our stay at Royal Pacific. Loved the theme, good restaurants. Short walk to the parks and City Walk.