ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT Information

[macraven]

Hi again...yet another question...I have read posts regarding transportation transfers from the airport. Mears, CBC and MH have been used by some. Can you let me know who you prefer (cost, reliability, stops to grocery store). I was actually shocked at the price difference between Mears and the others. There are 10 of us in our party. All going from airport to RPH Thanks for your input.

hi homie, you might get more help if you place this question in the other forum.

i suggest the main forum where more people browse.
not everyone clicks on the rph stickie unless they are staying there or just want to check it out.

 

[M2DD's]

Hi again...yet another question...I have read posts regarding transportation transfers from the airport. Mears, CBC and MH have been used by some. Can you let me know who you prefer (cost, reliability, stops to grocery store). I was actually shocked at the price difference between Mears and the others. There are 10 of us in our party. All going from airport to RPH Thanks for your input.

There are also 10 in my party and we are taking precison limousine. This was recommended by the RPH conceirge. You get a 20% discount for staying at the resort and the conceirge desk sets up the transfers for you. The total is 108 each way(216 RT) to and from MCO this includes tax,gratuity and toll roads. The van holds 10 plus luggage and car seats/boosterseats for kids. Is leather and and has a DVD player. Its looks really nice and I don't think thats a bad price at all. Were not trying it till thanksgiving. HTH

 

[Davefrompgh]

thanks for info..I forgot I was still in the sticky..oops

 

[macraven]

oh, no problem. it is just more would read your question in a place where most post.


leave the question here and also list it in one of the other forums for more suggestions.

 

[wannabeinfl]

Thanks so much everyone. We will be leaving on the 14th to stay our first time at RP and can't wait. I am learning so much from you guys!
Have a question for ya. How far of a walk from the parking yourself lot is it to the main building? Will by DH be beat after unloading the van and want to sit and watch TV all day?

 

[APB513]

We will be staying one nite at RPR (8/12 - 8/13) . I read something about a pool rehab.

Will the RPR pool be open during our stay? If so, how late is the pool open in the evening? If not, what are the hours for the pools @ HRH and PBH?

Thanks

 

[lrauers]

the parking lot is right in front of hotel. You can pull up to the main entrance, employees will help you unload your van and thten you drive over to the parking lot.

 

[torismom]

Are there refrigarators in the rooms?

Thank you

 

[macraven]

Are there refrigarators in the rooms?

Thank you

you can rent a fridge for your stay

 

[stepdisney]

Newbie at Universal here. I have several questions.

* Is the pool going to be closed during our August stay??!! I was not informed of this.

*I read somewhere that pool hopping is encouraged, is this encouragement from the hotels themselves?

*Also, how far are the resorts from each other. Just in case we swim at, say.... HRH, how would we get back and forth, is it walking distance or a quick boat ride like GF to Poly?

*Are there pool slides at each resort and does anyone have pictures?

Thanks guys.

 

[sunshine1010]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the Universal experience. I'm trying my best to be prepared for everything, to plan it all, and to get all my ducks-in-a-row. I am a big planner and I suppose you can say that I can be a control-freak.

I have a few questions. Some may be totally ignorant to you, and I apologize:

1. Is there a way that I can sign up, or be informed of....specials for RPR? I can't find a place that I can do this with...

2. I am going March 17-25, 2009. When I was first trying to make the reservation, I couldn't do it online. I was told it was because the rates aren't out yet for that time period. BUT...when I called by phone, I was able to make a reservation and have that cost at a locked rate, so it won't go up when the rate ARE released. My cost is: 309.00 per night, and then 324.00 on the weekend. When I'm reading this thread, everyone seems to be getting their rates at half the cost I am quoted. Is this rate ridiculous?

3. I have AAA - how and when will specials come out?

4. I've read about a so-called 'Entertainment rate'. I know that there is a book of this. But I've also read that that Loew's no longer takes this. Any comments...or info on this?

5. Does RPR have a store to buy milk for kids, OJ, doughnuts, etc?

6. How much is it to rent a fridge per day? If I am understanding correctly, there is a fridge that is stocked and they will give you a key. They'll also check it daily to see (if) what you've used. I don't want to pay 50.00 for a coke...he he...so I am wondering if it's best to get a cooler at a store, or if I should just rent a fridge so my son can have milk every night. If they don't sell milk and cokes there, then why would I get a cooler? (make sense?)

7. Are there fridges in the standard rooms?

8. Club level was quoted at 80.00 more per night. Is it worth this much? What do you get? Has anyone on this board been on club level....if so, opinions?

9. I know Disney has made it that all hotel/resort rooms are non-smoking. Has Loew's hotels followed this?

10. I heard there are 3 towers at RPR. Which towers have certain things? Which is the best tower for a pool view?

11. What is a supersaver rate?...and how would I get it?

12. Dinner reservations: I know Disney does the whole 180 day thing. What about Universal/Loew's restaurants? How soon can I make reservations?

13. What are Spring Break crowds like at Universal? Horrible like at Disney?

I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I'm in the beginning stages of my planning. I'm sure I'll have more questions, and I'm asking them here instead of another forum because all of you seem to be so well-informed.

 

[GinaBean]

I am also new to Universal, but thanks to tips that I read here I saved 35% on my room by joining AAA. I just told the reservationist that I was a member, and the discount was applied. I have to show my card at check in.

 

[macraven]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the Universal experience. I'm trying my best to be prepared for everything, to plan it all, and to get all my ducks-in-a-row. I am a big planner and I suppose you can say that I can be a control-freak.

we all, well, most of us have been in your position before so we understand.

I have a few questions. Some may be totally ignorant to you, and I apologize:

1. Is there a way that I can sign up, or be informed of....specials for RPR? I can't find a place that I can do this with...

if you have the universal AP, you get emails or newsletters by snail. they do include specials at the hotels.

you can sign up for Loewsfirst.com
loews sends out specials by email for rates/promos/specials for their hotels.

2. I am going March 17-25, 2009. When I was first trying to make the reservation, I couldn't do it online. I was told it was because the rates aren't out yet for that time period. BUT...when I called by phone, I was able to make a reservation and have that cost at a locked rate, so it won't go up when the rate ARE released. My cost is: 309.00 per night, and then 324.00 on the weekend. When I'm reading this thread, everyone seems to be getting their rates at half the cost I am quoted. Is this rate ridiculous?

no, but high. call frequently and have your rate modified. AAA rates usually are up to 35% off rack rates.
AP rates also lower your room cost.
most vets of universal hotels book early and modify frequently or later

3. I have AAA - how and when will specials come out?

check the loews website or universalorlando.com (hotel section)
or call an AAA travel office.

4. I've read about a so-called 'Entertainment rate'. I know that there is a book of this. But I've also read that that Loew's no longer takes this. Any comments...or info on this?

entertainment rate is handled different now. you have to book thru entertainment group, turn in your receipt to them with the rebate form and wait for the check. it is based on # of days at the onsite hotel.
check with them direct for more details if you don't have the current ENT book

5. Does RPR have a store to buy milk for kids, OJ, doughnuts, etc?



6. How much is it to rent a fridge per day? If I am understanding correctly, there is a fridge that is stocked and they will give you a key. They'll also check it daily to see (if) what you've used. I don't want to pay 50.00 for a coke...he he...so I am wondering if it's best to get a cooler at a store, or if I should just rent a fridge so my son can have milk every night. If they don't sell milk and cokes there, then why would I get a cooler? (make sense?)

last time i checked, the fridge cost $10 a night.
buy a styrofoam cooler at the local supermart on the way to the hotel for $4
fill it with ice with the machines at the hotel. leave the cooler in the bathtub when you go to the park

7. Are there fridges in the standard rooms?

you have the stocked fridge but it is not a real fridge. it just keeps things cool. the fridge that is rentable is a real mini fridge

8. Club level was quoted at 80.00 more per night. Is it worth this much? What do you get? Has anyone on this board been on club level....if so, opinions?

i have done club before.
i did not have that charge you were quoted. it was lower.
it is a personal choice. base your choice on how many in your group and what would you be paying per day for breakfast, snacks, water, soda, beer, desserts, etc
if that figure is more than $80 of what you were quoted, then there is your answer.

9. I know Disney has made it that all hotel/resort rooms are non-smoking. Has Loew's hotels followed this?

smoking rooms were available last october. don't know if policy has changed

10. I heard there are 3 towers at RPR. Which towers have certain things? Which is the best tower for a pool view?

check out the sticky for RPH

11. What is a supersaver rate?...and how would I get it?

there are different ones. some are for the tickets and room of at least 2 day stay while other supersaver rates are for 4 nights and no tickets.
i use the 4 night/no ticket promo
it is advertised on the uo website

12. Dinner reservations: I know Disney does the whole 180 day thing. What about Universal/Loew's restaurants? How soon can I make reservations?

the day you arrive. only need to be concerned with mythos. do that one 3 days in advance if you want.


13. What are Spring Break crowds like at Universal? Horrible like at Disney?

yes, but if you stay on site, and use the FOTL pass, it will help on all waits for rides/shows/attractions.

I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I'm in the beginning stages of my planning. I'm sure I'll have more questions, and I'm asking them here instead of another forum because all of you seem to be so well-informed.

good luck

 

[wannabeinfl]

We leave for RPR on Monday the 14th. I requested a non smoking room due to medical reasons and was wondering if I should request a certain section or room.
I joined the lowes thing after making my ressies.. My card will not be here before we go should I call them and give them the number or just wait till my next trip?

 

[macraven]

call loews for your number.

give that number when you check in at rph.

you don't need the card present with you, only the number.

it takes loews 72 hours to process an app on line to assign a number to you for the loewsfirst program.

as long as that 72 hour period has passed, they will give it to you over the phone.

 

[sunshine1010]

macraven,

Thanks for all the answers.

I am not (nor will be) an AP member. I'm assuming that is an Annual Passholder. So, there packages/discounts won't affect me.

I've already bought the tickets with one of their specials: 7 days for 81.00 per person. Not bad....

I'm totally confused about the Entertainment rate thing. I looked it up on the net and the book for 2009 isn't for sale yet.

10.00 a night for a fridge....no thanks. But do they sell 2L's of coke and stuff like that?

Can you get the supersaver rate without getting tickets?

You stated that it is crowded during spring break....how bad exactly. Through pictures on the net, it seems as though walkways are thinner at Universal vs. Disney. I'm sure it will seem a lot more crowded because of this.

We can use the onsite FOTL passes for shows also? .....cool

 

[macraven]

macraven,

Thanks for all the answers.

I am not (nor will be) an AP member. I'm assuming that is an Annual Passholder. So, there packages/discounts won't affect me.

i have been going to universal since 1992. i didn't buy the annual pass until 2 years ago. i used the orlando magic card, AAA card and the past official card - universal orlando mastercard for great deals.
you can get very good rates with AAA membership cards.

I've already bought the tickets with one of their specials: 7 days for 81.00 per person. Not bad....

excellent choice

I'm totally confused about the Entertainment rate thing. I looked it up on the net and the book for 2009 isn't for sale yet.

i am a yearly renewal subscriber for ent book. if you are, you can order them now for 2009. i get mine end of august usually.
the entertainment rate promo is not worth it in my opinion. you have to book thru the company for that ent rate. you get a $$ back rebate once you return and send in the rebate form to them with your receipt of payment for the hotel room. last time it ran a $20 rebate for 2 night stay, and it went up to a high of $40 rebate back

10.00 a night for a fridge....no thanks. But do they sell 2L's of coke and stuff like that?

stop at the public down the street and buy your 2L's there.
cheaper than buying soda at the hotel/parks
also i suggested before to buy the $4 styro foam cooler to use in your room

Can you get the supersaver rate without getting tickets?
yes. the 4 night stay does not include tickets.
the 2 night stay does include tickets.

ss started out sometime back for those having a 4 night stay on site.

You stated that it is crowded during spring break....how bad exactly. Through pictures on the net, it seems as though walkways are thinner at Universal vs. Disney. I'm sure it will seem a lot more crowded because of this.

it is crowded then. why else would uo extend the hours at that time period. spring break varies based on region. there are some days where crowds will not be horrible as eating bugs.

We can use the onsite FOTL passes for shows also? .....cool

the fotl is valid for ALL rides (except p flyers), attractions, shows.
i use it all the time for horror make up show and beetle juice show

 

[sunshine1010]

Ugh....I don't want a lot of crowds. But, hopefully the weather will be nice. It seems as though I am better at handling crowds when it's not 90 degrees. Speaking of...what IS the weather in March like?

Oh yeeeeaaaahhhh.....are the love bugs out during March?

I'll be able to stop off at a grocery store with my transportation from the airport. I'll buy some 2liters then (or perhaps a 12 pack of coke --- it would stay fresher longer....and I can walk around with them instead of putting them in a glass if I bought a 2liter)

I'm sure the FOTL passes will help enormously.

 

[wannabeinfl]

Thanks for the advice. I called and got my lowes number. Guess since this will be our first stay it really only helps us get to use the gym. Right? But when we go back in Feb. it will get us more maybe.

Next question... What is a okay tip to give the bell hops or whatever you call them that help unload your car or load it?

 

[macraven]

double