RPR 6/18-6/21 (a few tips)

[kdudley3]

I have to start out saying that this was probably the best vacation we've ever had. OK, enough of the mushy stuff.

We were on the Gulf in the beginning of our trip. We got a visit from Alberto. Very invigorating waves. Great boogie boarding

We travel from Indian Shores to USF on Father's Day, and get there a little late. We arrived at 9:30 am and find out that we can't use the luggage carts on our own (meaning that we have to tip someone).

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind tipping, but for a family of 5, that makes for alot of $ spent when I don't mind doing it myself.

OK, grab a valet, unload the bags and head off for express check-in (boy I love express).

123...done. Room wasn't ready....didn't care. Just give me my room keys for FOTL and I'm good.

On to USF.

I'll comment more on the parks on the other boards, just want to keep this one on RPR for people that are researching.

The room was ready after we closed the parks at 9:30. My welcome gift (Loews member) of wine and nuts were there. Only complaint on the room (1419) was that the carpeting was dirty. I don't know if they clean it, but it should be.

I will say that Everyone that worked there was very pleasant and always greeted us with a "Good morning", "Have a nice day", etc., very nice to hear. It wasn't like that in the parks.

OK, a couple minor tips, if you eat the continental buffet in the Orchid Court, it is expensive. To shave a few bucks off, bring the coffee from your room. Also (I've never heard this on these boards before) if you go to the hotel lobby (check-in) they have juice there. I was never offered any, so I asked if it was complimentary and they told me "Yes". So every morning, I would take the family and ask for juice and go to the Orchid Court (with my coffee and juice...free) while everyone else paid for it. Also, My son and I just got bagels and the cashier asked if we would like water with them. I said "Yes" and she gave us 2 waters in cups with ice and lids. So if you don't want to pay $2.75 for bottled water, just ask the cashier.

Also, there are free hard candies on the ground level between Jake's and the Island restaurant (they're really good).

Enough for now, I need to go to bed.

I'll fill you in on Jake's and the rest of the stay later.

 

[TheresaNY]

We arrived at 9:30 am and find out that we can't use the luggage carts on our own (meaning that we have to tip someone).

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind tipping, but for a family of 5, that makes for alot of $ spent when I don't mind doing it myself.

We leave in 20 hours....going to Universal 7/3 through 7/8. Staying at RPR 7/5 - 7/8. I agree about the luggage. Is there a place to park, walk in and check in, then go back at your leisure for your luggage ? We will be travelling to many different places and I don't necessarily want to bring in ALL of our luggage when we check in but if we use a bellhop I probably would then not be able to move in the room !

Which tower do you suggest we request ? We have never been there. What is the best way to get to the parks.... ferry or walk ? Are there food courts at RPR like at the WDW resorts? I joined Lowes AFTER I booked the room (DUH) so should I tell them when I check in ? I haven't gotten my card but I could print out the email with the number they sent me. Is it worth it ? What do you get with it ? We have an AAA rate...any perks with that ?

Would love to hear more about your trip and any other advice you have ! Thanks in advance !!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Several times when we go I ask my son if he wants the luggage tip and if he does we simply self park and check in. If the room is ready we send him to get the luggage and if the room isn't ready we leave the luggage in the van until they call and tell us our room number.

TheresaNY- Just ask to add the Loew's 1st number at check in. Go to the far end of the reception desk for the separate Loew's 1st check in station. If you go to the Loew's First site you can see the welcome amenities that they offer. A nice one at RPR is the Regional Surprise which is a wooden basket with a sea shell with the RPR logo carved in it. The basket has candy too but it isn't good. The best Tower for a standard room is Tower 1 on a high floor and ask if it has a view of the parks. From Tower 1 you can take the stairs to the walkway to IOA but you'll want to try the water taxi as well. The quickest way to get to the Studios is the bus that stops at the valet entrance to Tchoup Chop. Remember this option if it is raining because they don't run the boats if there is lightning.
Another breakfast option if you have access to a car is the McDonald's on Sandlake and I-Drive. I've made it there and back in 15 minutes and it always works to awaken my always hungry family. Four big breakfasts will set you back $12+/-. We take a cooler for our favorite drinks.

 

[bubba's mom]

Just ask to add the Loew's 1st number at check in. Go to the far end of the reception desk for the separate Loew's 1st check in station.

We have a Loew's card....should we check in here or any check in line?? Is there a difference? (Besides how many people in line, obviously?)

 

[kdudley3]

OK...I'm back (busy day shopping). I hate it when you come back from vacation and have to re-buy all of the stuff you thought would go bad while you were gone. OH well.

I'll try to answer a few questions first before continuing with my report.

Yes, you can just go park and leave your luggage in your car and go back at your leisure. If you pull up to the drop off, you'll be approached by a valet. You can drop off your luggage and family (carrying it up yourself, of course) and self park.

We've only been in Tower 1. When I get there, I'm SSSSOOOOOO excited that I don't bother to ask for a room upgrade or a specific tower because we just sleep, shower and snack in the room. The time that we spend at the resort is either at the pool or a restaurant.

No, no food courts. There's Jake's American Bar (hated it) All of the food was terrible. We only ate there because a storm blew in (loudest thunder I've ever heard) and they closed the Bula Bar & Grill. Everyone ran out of the pool area like there was a "Twister" coming. Next is the Orchid Lounge, they have a continental breakfast and I believe a bar service during the day (we weren't there during the day this time). Then there's The Island's Restaurant and Tchoup Tchoup. So pretty much restaurants unless you go offsite to some fast food.

As far as being a Loew's member, call before your go and make sure that they have everyone in your party included with their info. This way all of your info (each person's name and age (kids)) and when you check in they'll be able to print off your cards asap. Also tell them your welcome gift preference when you call. Oh, the Express Checkin is at the end of the lobby (before the concierge and car rental) you'll see the sign. It's so funny to see the "Other" people see you gatting waited on first. Same thing with FOTL.

No additional perks with AAA.

I'm in love with the pool towels. I'm pretty tall (5'11"") and have had 3 kids, so I'm not "svelte". But these towels just wrapped around me. I thought about calling them and asking to buy some.

I noticed one evening that there were coconuts hanging from one of the palm trees (about a dozen of them). The next morning, my husband and I opened the pool (8 am) and there were workers trimming the trees. When I told my husband "Hey, the coconuts must have fallen off". I didn't realize that the workers trim them off so that someone wouldn't get bonked in the head. So we went over and thought about taking one home and the workers came back and we asked and they told us we could take one. Well, on the way back up to the room to wake the kids and go to the parks, we ran into a man and his daughter. He said "We were up in our room watching you take a grab a coconut and we had to do the same thing". It was funny.

We ran back to the parks and did as much as possible before leaving for our flight home.

I could go on for hours, but I'll just put more info on the other boards.

Hope everyone that is planning has a GREAT time like we did.

 

[Motherfletcher]

We have a Loew's card....should we check in here or any check in line?? Is there a difference? (Besides how many people in line, obviously?)

Check in at the Loew's First desk. At PBH they used to have a Loew's First check in but the last time we went they didn't. When I asked about it they said that all of their check in clerks were trained for the Loew's First check ins making it sound as if there is a difference. It probably has to do with the upgrades, how to find them, when to give them, etc.

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks Motherfletcher....will do!

 

[kdudley3]

Check in at the Loew's First desk. At PBH they used to have a Loew's First check in but the last time we went they didn't. When I asked about it they said that all of their check in clerks were trained for the Loew's First check ins making it sound as if there is a difference. It probably has to do with the upgrades, how to find them, when to give them, etc.

They still have the Loew's express check in at RPR (all the way at the end). I thought that it was part of the perks...being waited on first before the lowly non-members.

I know that everytime I went there, (for juice, toothbrush & questions) they came to me first and let the lowly non-members wait. (I love being special).

I hope that you didn't have to wait too long to get help.

 

[bubba's mom]

We went to the members express check-in..... (even tho it wasn't too crowded when we arrived!) BUT, i somehow de-magnetized my room key and couldn't charge anything on it, so when we returned to the hotel that night, I went to the desk to get a replacement. There were 3 men in line waiting for the only person working the desk (she was helping another). Well, after I saw 3 men in line, I waited in the Membership line. She took me right away BEFORE the 3 guys that were standing there in line waiting. The look on their face was priceless . Definately was a good thing to join that....not a regret! Altho, DH was disappointed he didn't get a "welcome" gift each day....

 

[Dislifer]

We went to the members express check-in..... (even tho it wasn't too crowded when we arrived!) BUT, i somehow de-magnetized my room key and couldn't charge anything on it, so when we returned to the hotel that night, I went to the desk to get a replacement. There were 3 men in line waiting for the only person working the desk (she was helping another). Well, after I saw 3 men in line, I waited in the Membership line. She took me right away BEFORE the 3 guys that were standing there in line waiting. The look on their face was priceless . Definately was a good thing to join that....not a regret! Altho, DH was disappointed he didn't get a "welcome" gift each day....

When you say "members express check-in" you mean the Loews First members, right? When you went back to get a new room key, and were standing behind the 3 men in line, how did she know you were a Loews First member??

 

[bubba's mom]

When you say "members express check-in" you mean the Loews First members, right? When you went back to get a new room key, and were standing behind the 3 men in line, how did she know you were a Loews First member??

Yes, that's what I mean and she knew I was a Loew's member because it was the very last check-in window with a sign posted at that line entrance that said this line was for Loews members. I didn't stand in the regular line behind the 3 men, I went to the last "window" with the sign posted for members....I walked past the 3 guys.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the great tips! We'll be checking in on July 25 for our very first stay at RPR. Can't wait!

 

[Dislifer]

Yes, that's what I mean and she knew I was a Loew's member because it was the very last check-in window with a sign posted at that line entrance that said this line was for Loews members. I didn't stand in the regular line behind the 3 men, I went to the last "window" with the sign posted for members....I walked past the 3 guys.

I see...don't you feel so special going in front of others????

 

[bubba's mom]

I see...don't you feel so special going in front of others????

For that AND the FOTL....kinda felt sorry for those peeps standing in those lines....but, was grateful it wasn't us!

 

[njziggy]

As far as food courts go....check concierge & front desk- they have lists of restaurants that deliver to the hotel. We will often order pizza & eat it by the pool for a quick and cheap meal.

 

[buzz2400]

just wanted to subscribe since we are going there in august.