RPR and USO/IOA Opinions Please

[KevinB]

Today I spoke with someone who just returned from a Universal vacation and had a negative opinion of RPR, US, and IOA. I'm hoping that his opinion is not typical and that many of you have had positive experiences. He told me that he had a bad experience and cut his stay short by one day and moved to WDW.

I asked him for specifics hoping that he was not overreacting.

He stated that he requested extra towels for his room and received a snobby reply and that he was told that extra pillows were not available. I know that he stayed at RPR, but I have no idea what tower or room.

When I asked him about USO and IOA he stated that the employees were rude, not as friendly, and non-Disney like. I am the first to admit that guests of WDW are SPOILED when it comes to service.

Specifically he also stated that the counter food service was poor and slow. He also said that the park was dirty and unkept.

I do not want to judge the RPR, USO and IOA on this one person. Would you please tell me your opinions. By the way, my DW and I are staying 1 night at RPR using the FOTL pass for 2 days then off to CSR for a few more days. We both love WDW but look forward to ISO and USO as this will be our first trip to USO/IOA since 10/01.

I would love to hear any recent experiences with regard to RPR and the Universal Parks - positive or negative.
Thank you.

 

[YenSid1222]

There is one thing that I tell everyone....

Universal is not Disney. It is apples and oranges. There are things that Disney does better, there are things that Universal does better. Everyone I have talked to that goes to Universal expecting Disney seems to have some sort of negative opinion. At Universal, things are often a bit "edgier". Just Beetlejuice's monologue at Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue should be enough for anyone to realize that they aren't in the magic kingdom any more!

But remember, that is what Universal's brand is all about...not being Disney...its about doing what they do best, and being something different than the parks down the street. It would make no sense for the parks to be the same.

As for service, I have seen mixed at both places. I happen to love both Disney and Universal, and have had just as many good experiences as bad at both places. No matter where, you may run into those who don't care that much about service. As for being spoiled at Disney...well, I haven't felt spoiled at WDW since about 1992.

At RPR, you will find many people who rave about the hotel. I can tell you that everyone there strives to give great service. Does it always happen? Will someone be unhappy? Well, with 1000 rooms..thats going to happen.

Personally, I wouldn't take this one persons advice. Listen to everyone, read lots of the posts here on the boards, and remember when you arrive that you are not at Disney.

I leave you with this story of the best Guest Service I ever received...I had pulled into the parking lot...had to park near the back part of the lanes. As I started to walk down the aisle to the entrance, one of those freak Florida rainstorms started. Out of nowhere a white security van pulled up next to me and told me to get in so that I wouldnt get wet walking to the front. This happened at Universal Studios Florida (before the parking garages!). I remember that to this day...and it is a main reason that I stayed loyal for many years after that.

 

[YenSid1222]

There is one thing that I tell everyone....

Universal is not Disney. It is apples and oranges. There are things that Disney does better, there are things that Universal does better. Everyone I have talked to that goes to Universal expecting Disney seems to have some sort of negative opinion. At Universal, things are often a bit "edgier". Just Beetlejuice's monologue at Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue should be enough for anyone to realize that they aren't in the magic kingdom any more!

But remember, that is what Universal's brand is all about...not being Disney...its about doing what they do best, and being something different than the parks down the street. It would make no sense for the parks to be the same.

As for service, I have seen mixed at both places. I happen to love both Disney and Universal, and have had just as many good experiences as bad at both places. No matter where, you may run into those who don't care that much about service. As for being spoiled at Disney...well, I haven't felt spoiled at WDW since about 1992.

At RPR, you will find many people who rave about the hotel. I can tell you that everyone there strives to give great service. Does it always happen? Will someone be unhappy? Well, with 1000 rooms..thats going to happen.

Personally, I wouldn't take this one persons advice. Listen to everyone, read lots of the posts here on the boards, and remember when you arrive that you are not at Disney.

I leave you with this story of the best Guest Service I ever received...I had pulled into the parking lot...had to park near the back part of the lanes. As I started to walk down the aisle to the entrance, one of those freak Florida rainstorms started. Out of nowhere a white security van pulled up next to me and told me to get in so that I wouldnt get wet walking to the front. This happened at Universal Studios Florida (before the parking garages!). I remember that to this day...and it is a main reason that I stayed loyal for many years after that.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The only TRUE way is to go there and experience it for yourself. DO NOT go there and expect Disney, as yensid said. You could very well be setting yourself up for trouble. Go there expecting to have fun and you will. It's okay to hold high expectations, but not brutally high, or you might be disappointed.

 

[noseybuddy]

I have been to Disney 8 times since 1994. I went last August and it was the first time I was disappointed. I stayed at the Grand Floridian. Checked into my room and it was very dirty. Couldn't believe it! Went down to the desk to get another room and had to wait hours. Finally got a new room but it still wasn't as clean as it should have been. The lobby floor in the building I was in was dirty everyday. I only saw it being cleaned one day.

The parks were not to clean either. Couldn't believe it! I remember going to Disney any always seeing staff picking up trash all the time. Things have changed at Disney. Isn't like it used to be. Even many staff members were not very friendly.

So I think Universal will be fine for you. Don't think you'll be missing much at Disney.

 

[webray]

We absolutely love the Royal Pacific resort and Universal/IOA...

The RPR is as nice as, if not nicer than Disney's deluxe resorts...and the amenities are far better. Recently we have found the rooms to be much cleaner than at the disney resorts.

As far as the parks...IOA is probably the most outstanding Park that Orlando has to offer...we have found both IOA and Universal cleaner than disney recently.

Don't get me wrong...we love Disney and we spend a lot of time there. They are just cutting back in the wrong places and you can definately tell. Universal resorts/parks however...just continue to improve quality and service for their guest.

Go and have a great time...you will love it!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by the Dark Marauder
The only TRUE way is to go there and experience it for yourself. DO NOT go there and expect Disney, as yensid said. You could very well be setting yourself up for trouble. Go there expecting to have fun and you will. It's okay to hold high expectations, but not brutally high, or you might be disappointed.

Ditto.
I might add, however, the employees at Universal are EXTREMELY nice. I, myself, have not encountered a rude worker, needless to say a lot of them.
Universal is so much different from Disney. Although a couple rides are similar, for instance:
Cat in the Hat (IoA) similar to Winnie the Pooh
Men in Black (US) similar to Buzz Lightyear (but MIB is MUCH better)

Expect to mostly do shows at Universal and mostly rides at IoA. Certain "rides" like Twister aren't exactly rides. Twister, for instance, you are just standing there watching something happen in front of you.

If you go to US, see the Horror Makeup Show!! Promise me that!

I haven't heard negative comments about RPH, but I'll be staying there for the first time tomorrow and can tell you my first-hand experiences. My mom spoke with some employees on the phone and they were VERY kind.

Expect more of a grown-up theme park, at Universal and IoA, instead of more of a kiddie-park like Disney.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

personally, my son and I thought royal pacific was great. Everyone whom I encounter at the royal was very nice and very helpful.

My only comment is they assume most people leave early to go to the parks. And by 8:30 I had the housekeeping staff knocking on the door to service the room. and again at 9:30 and again at 10:30. If you do not want to be bothered don't forget to put your do not distrub on the door.

For the amount of money the rooms cost you would think they would be bigger.
But, hey , the real reason we stayed at the royal wasn't for the hotel amenities it was for the fotl priveledges. Fotl priveldges are the best. Fotl was such a time saver and we were able to ride on so many rides in such a short amount of time. Even though it was memorial day weekend we still did not have more than a 15 minute wait in the express line. And let me tell you we won't ever go to universal from now on without staying at one of the loews hotels.

ps I got my milk and cookies. and they were great.

 

[damo]

We stayed at RPR for 4 days in December. Could not find one thing to complain about. We paid $129 for a room that was about the same size, maybe a bit bigger, than the room we paid $299 for at WL . The difference between the two rooms was that the carpet was not coming up at the RPR, the walls were not banged up and the bathroom was very clean and posh. The people were very friendly and we could actually walk to the park in under ten minutes. The parks were immaculate.

We were back at the HRH for 7 days in May. Again, the parks and hotel were immaculate and the people were extremely friendly. We brought along two other families and they are already planning for their next trip back. For $129/night it can't be beat.

Great resorts! Have fun! Remember, it's not Disney, thank goodness.

 

[lenny l]

deleted

 

[*Fantasia*]

You are going to have a super dooper time!!! You will love RPR. Everyone there is soooo friendly and always eager to help. It is a beautiful resort!! I found both parks wonderful!! It is very clean. The bathroom facilities are clean. The food counters are very clean as well. You will have a great time! Can you tell we had a great time and a wonderfuls stay at RPR cause we are hading back there in 8 days!!

 

[UniversalAddict]

RPR is our favorite hotel we have ever stayed at. In fact we're going again this weekend. It is absolutely beautiful. I think RP is comparable to a deluxe disney hotel at the moderate hotel price.

We go to Universal (US or IOA) at least once a month and have never encountered the problems your friend had. If there were those problems we definitely would not be going back. I still love Disney too but Universal is definitely worth a try, especially if your staying on-site.

 

[ksdave]

Been to WDW 18 times. Stayed at just about all of their resorts. Although I still love WDW, I now love UO more. The hotels are incredible, especially PBH, the attractions are more intense, the parks are clean, and the employees wonderful. With my job the way it is, I don't get to take week-long plus vacations very often. When we get a four day trip opportunity, we do just UO. If we get a week again, it will be UO for 4 days and WDW for 3.

 

[Disney Debbie]

Well - we just got back yesterday and I couldn't have a more opposite opinion! I asked for extra towels the first day and got them without asking from then on. I called and they brought them immediately. My husband asked for FOUR extra pillows - again - brought immediately with no problem. They have a little sign on the table where they list all the things they will provide on request and they not only have extra pillows - they have several different types of pillows! They'll also bring a CD player, lighted make up mirror, and other stuff like that. Our room was clean, the hotel was clean and beautiful and the parks were clean. There was one rude girl at the Dippin Dots kiosk in Toon Lagoon and there were some "indifferent" people at other food kiosks. (I'm guessing that's where they either start you out - or put the "border line" employees!) Other then that I didn't have a single rude person at the parks or resort and most were more then friendly.

Someone asked me today which I liked best - Universal or Disney. I really don't want to pick - but as far as getting a whole lot more for your money - Universal. I stayed in a beautiful resort with a lovely landscaped pool and first class restaurants for the same price as an All Stars. And it was also much less hassle and more relaxation because of the FOTL. Yesterday we went to the park for our last time at about 10:30. We did the Hulk, Dr. Doom, Spiderman and Ripsaw Falls, had a lemon slushie break and took pictures in Toon Lagoon and were out of there by 12:00. Hulk, Spiderman and Ripsaw Falls had posted waits of 45 minutes and Dr. Doom 20. You just can't beat the convenience of FOTL.

 

[ksdave]

Disney Debbie;
Glad to hear you had a great time!!
You make a great point that I try to stress to people who are so hooked on WDW that they can't imagine going anywhere else...the value of a UO vacation. Our room at PBH was at least twice the size of the room we had at Port Orleans FQ. The restaurants (Mama Della's!!!!) are much better than the food court at FQ. And FOTL at UO makes you feel really special. The only "special" part of staying on-site at WDW anymore is the bus ride....UGH.

 

[Aisling]

Disney Debbie, welcome back, I love reading your posts!

I have 26 more days of waiting!

And something wonderfully unexpected happened today...I got a call from RPR concierge to tell me that the characters at the character dinner I have ressies for have been changed! I thought that was so nice, that they thought the change of characters might make a difference to us (it does!) and gave us the chance to change our night. And then she asked if there were any other ressies she could make for me. And THEN she said she sees on my ressie that I have a teenager and said there was a teen night at the Groove in City Walk on june 30 when we check in! What service!

 

[KevinB]

Thank you very much for your replies.

I can see from all of your information that the expereinces of the person I talked with are not typical. I am now even more excited about our upcoming vacation.

I hope to post a review or trip report for those interested when I return.

21 days and counting!