Royal Pacific vs. Sapphire Falls ... couple questions

[Leeba]

We have a trip booked for the Royal Pacific, and I'd like to alter the dates slightly. Unfortunately, there's not availability for the new dates at the RP for the kids suite (with the separate room for the kids w/ bunk beds). The reservation person quoted me a similar room at Sapphire Falls, and added on the "Express Unlimited" since it's not included, and for 4 nights it works out to $200 more at Sapphire Falls.

I'm stuck. The new dates will fit our plans better (we're doing a couple different things in Orlando that week). But with RP being a "deluxe" and SF not, I'm having a hard time paying more for the non-Deluxe resort.

I've never been to UO, let alone any of these hotels. Is the Sapphire Falls resort really a step down? The pictures & reviews look amazing at both, and of course we could visit the pool, etc, at RP if we wanted to. I guess we'd miss out on the Jurassic Park themed kids room at RP, because the SF kids room is more plain. That's not a big concern for us though.

Any other thoughts?

 

[markey]

You are not paying more for the hotel, you are paying extra for express pass. When are you going, may not need EP. I would book without EP and then buy at the park if needed

 

[bchbetha]

Sapphire Falls is lovely. I agree, you are paying for the express passes and that might not be something you really need, depending on when you are traveling (and for how long- several days then a few long lines won't be the end of the world!).

 

[schumigirl]

I think the Kids suites at SF are actually much nicer than the JP rooms at RP.

Although we stay exclusively at RP we really like SF. It doesn't feel like a downgrade at all. It really is a beautiful resort and is well finished with lovely food options.

I wouldn't purchase the EP in advance though.

Depending on when you are going you may or not need them. Buy them if you feel them necessary.

But, don't feel you're taking a huge step down in quality by staying at SF , you're not........I think you'd be happy there.......

 

[Leeba]

I'm going during "Jersey week" so it might be necessary. And it was a perk I was really looking forward to, after schlubbing it around through the regular line in my local Six Flags all summer.

I know I'm not paying more for the hotel, it's specifically the express pass, but when it's a bundle, and it comes out to more overall at the non-Deluxe.

 

[iivye]

We have a Six Flags near us so I know exactly what you mean. I love the Express Pass and would never go without it (even in slow times). If changing dates fits your vacation better then I would move to Sapphire Falls and just pay the additional $200. With decisions like that I usually break the cost down to a daily rate, is it worth $50 a day for me to get the express pass? I would say yes. While I prefer Royal Pacific, I have also stayed at Sapphire Falls and thought the property was beautiful.