Rpr 7/1 - 7/5

[TINK61]

First trip to Universal, and first time staying at the RPR. The RPR is beautiful. You really feel like you're in another place in another time. Beautifully landscaped and decorated. Staff was wonderful. We arrived at about 3:00 p.m. Went swimming at the hotel's pool until it started raining and we were told to clear the deck. Later that evening, we walked around City Walk to take in the sites and do a little shopping.

We stayed in Tower 1, room 1427. We had a wonderful view of IOA (the Hulk was just outside our window, as was Dr. Doom and the IOA lighthouse). How I'm am missing the sound of the Hulk coaster warming up in the morning before the park opens. This view worked out perfect for the 4th of July fireworks spectacular. It was a wonderful show. The fireworks were set up in the lagoons at Universal, IOA and City Walk. They were synchronized to go off from all three locations at the same time. We watched in awe from our room.


I was very impressed with Universal. This place really holds its own. Universal, IOA and City Walk are all very appealing to the eye. Especially City Walk. That place just draws you to it and makes you want to stay and ready to return any time.

Jimmy Neutron was great. We went on that ride four times at the request of my 9 year old DD. It truly is a "blast". (Tip: The further back in the theater you are, the more enjoyable the ride.)

I loved Shrek, but my kids aren't into the 3d stuff, so we only saw that once. They will go on 3D stuff, but will not wear the glasses. Sometimes I wonder if they are really my kids.

Spider Man has to be the most awesome attraction ever, anywhere. We went on this about 4 times as well. (Again, my kids wouldn't wear the glasses)

The live shows were great too. As I mentioned at the beginning, this was our very first trip to Universal, so every attraction was new to us. Back to the Future is another favorite, as well as Men in Black Alien Attack.

We were able to enjoy these rides over and over again, thanks to the FOTL room keys. This is the only way to go. Shrek had a 90 minute wait in the afternoon. Jimmy Neutron had 70 minute wait. We were on that ride in about 5 minutes.

On 4th of July morning, I took the girls to Wet n Wild. We got there for about 9:30, and stayed until 1:30. The girls had enough of being out in sun. Went back to room, got showered and changed, and headed back to the parks.

We ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe on the 4th. People were lined up to get in there. After showing our room keys we were sent to another entrance and were seated immediately. My 13 year old DD loved this restaurant. It's noisy, but fun. The employees love to cut up and dance around. They even had the kids doing a conga line around the place. The food was good as well as the service.

We used the water taxis to get to and from the hotel and the parks. Never seemed to have to wait except one night we left at the time the parks closed, so I think we waited about 15 minutes, if even that long. We took the walk back to room one afternoon for a break. The path is beautifully landscaped and the walk not bad, it's just after walking all day, it was a bit long. Maybe it's better to walk the path in the morning when you're fresh and full of energy.

Well, now I'm back home, wishing I was still over there. If anyone wonders if its worth going to Orlando just for Universal Studios - - my answer is a big YES! Disney is great. I love Disney World, but Universal is more of a hip, in-your-face type place. I saw no holes or weaknesses. This place stands on its own.

Sorry if this is too long.

Jane

 

[MadamG2U]

Enjoyed reading your trip report. We are going in Aug. staying at PBH. I can't wait!

 

[nicolep91]

Great report - thanks for posting!!

I was wondering if you inquired about an upgrade when you checked in and if you had the Entertainment rate, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[TINK61]

I didn't request an upgrade, but from what I hear, you can. I needed the two queen beds, and room for my DD's air matress. We were five total. I was afraid I would only get a king bed and a pull out type thing with an upgrade, so I just left it alone. We had plenty of room though.

I booked through Universal Vacations (stay 4 nights, get the 4th night free), so I did not use the entertainment rate. All in all, I still found the vacation to be quite a bargain.

 

[sherries]

We will be there in two weeks. Were you a Loews First member, and did you get your welcome gift? We also made our reservations through Universal Vacations. I was told they couldn't take my Loews number, but I have it to give to the checkin person, so I hope it works. Glad to hear your room was so nice. Great report, really enjoyed it. Did you go to any other restaurants?

 

[wendypooh]

Great trip report.......... We are going in Aug. 11-15 and we're staying at the rp. One question....... How "noisy" was the hulk ride in the morning........ I'd love to request that room, for the view, but not if it's toooo loud......... you know how cranky 3 year olds can be when they are awaken!! We are also a party of 5, and we thinking of an air mattress...... was there plenty of room for all of you? I have a 17, 15 and 3 year old. Also, was your room a NON smoking room???? Any more info you have would be very apprecaited!!! Thanks

 

[TINK61]

I am a Loews First Member, and was told the same thing that since we booked through Universal Vacations, we would not be able to use the number or get credit for it, so I didn't bother. It will not hurt to try. Everyone is so pleasant and eager to please. The girls each received a gift upon check-in. 9 year old received a shell necklace and a bucket and shovel. 13 year old received a Loews backpack stuffed with various snack items and sunsceen.

As far as restaurants, we mostly ate on the run, except for Hard Rock Cafe. We had burgers and milk shakes at Mel's Diner one evening (pretty neat 50s diner like the one in American Graffitti). In an attempt to save some $, I had packed sandwich fixings and drinks in an ice chest and had it hauled it up to our room. Many people who drive do this. It was fun!

 

[TINK61]

It's not loud at all. It's sort of in the background. It will not wake up anyone. It's just the humming of the coaster test running or warming up. I'm the only one that even noticed it or said anything about it. It will not be a problem.

What we did with the air matress was (and this is a queen size air matress), we moved the round table that is in the corner, in between the bed and the window, along with the chairs. It fit perfectly. In the morning, I would partially deflate the matress and stand it up against the wall in between the closet area and the dresser. It worked out good.

 

[TINK61]

Oh, and Yes. Room 1427 is a non-smoking room.

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks Tink.......... sounds great!!! I am going to call and request that room!! I am a loews member too, so hopefully it won't be a problem. I'm so excited, we haven't been to univ. since 95' and IOA wasn't even there!!!!!! We are all looking forward to it, since the next two summers we'll be having each son's graduations!!!! So, this is a special family trip!!!!!

 

[wendypooh]

I just noticed you were from La. me too, baton rouge........ geaux tigers!!!!

 

[TINK61]

Wendypooh - I may be heading to Baton Rouge, as I have done in the past, if this storm in the gulf decides to come here.

 

[sherries]

Thank you Tink. My son is 10 so I hope that he gets something as well. He'll be thrilled. It's good to hear that everyone is pleasant and willing to please. It was a long school year so we are all looking forward to this vacation. Sometimes, things aren't as you expect them to be, but I am hoping this will be even better.

We will be driving from VA. I'll probably do the same as you, take a cooler for munchies and probably breakfasts.

 

[wendypooh]

Yeah, Tink........ it's raining hard here right now!!!! It seems like it hasn't stopped raining since that last trop. storm last week. We better keep watching it. Where are you near????

 

[wendypooh]

sherries......... we plan to buy breakfast food too for the room....... as you can bring in coolers....... for 5, eating out every meal adds up!!!

 

[TINK61]

Wendypooh - I live in St. Bernard Parish. If you're not familar - it's just southeast of New Orleans.

 

[wendypooh]

OH, as you know were in Ascension Parish. Actually, I'm in Saint Amant, about 5 miles from Baton Rouge, but close to LSU. We used to live in Destrehan. I wasn't sure if you were nearer to the beach........ Grand Isle area. I hate all this rain!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TINK61]

Actually, Wendypooh, my parents live in Grand Isle. What a kick! And, yes - I'm sick of the rain too. Everything is going to mildew if we don't get a few days of sun shine.

 

[wendypooh]

My DH loves to go to Grand Isle, to fish. Last time we went we saw about 8-10 dolphins out in the water....... my little one said he was swimming with the dolphins....... better than seaworld.... haha. Could you tell if you tipped the valet, bellboy...... etc. I've asked and people have replied 1.00 a bag..... which is reasonable, just wondering your experience. Did you say you were a loews member....... if so, did you have a seperate check in??? someone else said we would check in at the loews member desk. I know, a million questions..... but, this is our first time staying there, so I just want to cover all the bases.


The rain seems to be slowing down a little bit........ to a drizzle, still it's rain!!!

 

[noseybuddy]

I had room 1327 when I was there 7/2 - 7/7. Also had the view of the Hulk. Loved it! Miss that sound also. I agree, it is not too loud. I rented a pullout bed for my son. Put it right next to the window, just had to move the one chair. So the pullout was out of our way.

When I checked in my kids did received a shell necklace and a backpack with a water bottle and snacks in it. I asked about the Grade A program and she told me that it was discontinued. Wasn't sure if that was true or not because she didn't seem to know alot of things that I was talking about. I had asked for turn down service and she said only club room get that. I said I don't think so and then another staff memeber came over and said yes that I can request it. I love turn down service. Like coming back at night and having my bed turned down with a little note and gift. But I didn't go any further with the free drink thing. I just let it go.