RPR vs. HRH with kids?

[Aggie89]

We're going to WDW and Universal the first week in August. We know WDW but have never ventured over to Universal and it will be our first visit. We want to stay on site for the FOTL passes but where should we stay with 2 boys ages 9 and 4? Which resort is more kid friendly? We will only be at Universal for 3 days. RPR is $229 a night and HRH is $259 a night. Is HRH worth the extra $30? DH and I love rock n roll but our boys are just boys. Any opinions? Thanks in advance.

 

[t-and-a]

We stayed at RPR with 3 kids and loved it! We haven't stayed at HRH, though so I can't compare the two. We got a preferred annual pass and saved $100 per night by doing so. The AP also got us 20% off on merchandise in the parks, and discounts on meals in the parks and at City Walk. You can check the rates for the time you are going and under Promotional Code, type in APH and see what comes up. We also considered AAA, but found that the advantages to buying just one AP far outweighed the advantages of AAA. If you want to see what the AAA rate would be, just type in AAA under in the Promotional Code box.

 

[wdwnut61]

Definately look into buying an AP You only need one to secure the much lower rate. Visit either the Loews or the Universal website. Enter your dates and under the discount/promotional code type in APH. During the first week in August, Monday - Thursday is $129.00 a night at RPH. Friday and Saturday nights are usually higher. In addition, the AP can be used for discounts on food and merchandise.

We'll be there August 7- 13 and our rates dropped from $300.00 to $129.00 for the first 4 nights and $159.00 for Friday and Saturday The savings has already more than paid for the AP.

This trip will be our first time to Universal so I can't help with which is more kid friendly. I think both are a great choice for kids. Hope you and your family have a wonderful trip

 

[robvia]

The kids would probably like the HRH because the pool has the slide, and it's closer to the parks being only 5 minutes to USF. The walk from the RPR is slightly farther, being 7 minutes. So you midas well pay the extra money this year and stay closer, which will make it easier going back and forth.

On your next visit you could try the RPR and the kids will be older and won't mind the farther walk.

 

[fiveforall]

We've stayed at both and while RPR is great, we LOVED HRH. The pool and the water slide are great. Our kids wanted to stay at the pool instead of going to the parks! Also, we had more room at HRH. The bathroom was much, much bigger. You'll be happy at either one, but I think the kids would like the HRH pool the best.

BTW, we used to always do Disney, but after one trip to US/IOA, we were HOOKED!

 

[Aggie89]

Thanks for the great info. I think the Hard Rock will be worth the extra $30. Sounds awesome! About the AP discount...I checked into it but we will be only staying 2 nights at Universal so the savings seems to even out until you take into consideration the 20% merchandise and dining discount although we were hoping to take advantage of the meal deal. Do you have to have the AP to book the room? Do I need to order it online to have it before we check in? We will get one 2 day pass for $100 which includes a child free but is the other child $100 too since we're getting one AP? Sorry for the questions which have probably been posted before and I appreciate the advice.

 

[bigthundermountain]

we stayed at Royal Pacific and it was really nice. The dining was fantastic and there seemed to be alot of kid-friendly things to do. The pool was very kid-interactive.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Thanks for the great info. I think the Hard Rock will be worth the extra $30. Sounds awesome! About the AP discount...I checked into it but we will be only staying 2 nights at Universal so the savings seems to even out until you take into consideration the 20% merchandise and dining discount although we were hoping to take advantage of the meal deal. Do you have to have the AP to book the room? Do I need to order it online to have it before we check in? We will get one 2 day pass for $100 which includes a child free but is the other child $100 too since we're getting one AP? Sorry for the questions which have probably been posted before and I appreciate the advice.

You dont need the actual AP to book the AP room rate. Even if you ordered it online you would not be mailed the actual AP, just a voucher to get your AP.

 

[lookingforward]

Either way you will love it. I like the HRH for the pool, it is much easier to navigate and watch the kids there than at the RPR. If you booked club room I would say go with RPR but otherwise HRH is in a better location with a better pool and bigger rooms. Sign up for Loews First too, especially if you book at rack rate. Have FUN!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I agree with robvia and fiveforall.

Stayed at HRH a couple of weeks ago and my DSis was at the RPH at the same time.

HRH is a little closer to the parks.

The rooms seem a little larger at HRH.

The HRH pool has a nice slide.

Both resorts are family friendly.

The HRH is very contemporary looking, while the RPH is beautifully south pacific themed. You could do RPH next time. I think we're going to try Portifino next - kids are getting bigger and it's a little further away from parks.

Have a great trip!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Oh, one more thing. My kids stayed at the Lil' Rock kid's club a couple of evenings and they loved it! The employees there were great, I think it's actually done by Kid's Night Out - at least that's what the form said. They came back with lots of crafts

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I am going back to the RPR in a few weeks time as my kids loved it the first time they stayed there, the pool and interactive water area was the best bit and the Islands cafe character meals.

 

[Melanie230]

We went to RPR over Spring Break and our kids ages 4 and 7 loved it. We plan on staying at HRH next year just to switch it up a little. However if you stay at one hotel you have access to all 3 hotels pools. So it is just a personal preference whether to pay the extra $$. I also recommend staying in the Club Level Rooms if you can swing it. It made breakfast, and getting the kids in from the park so much easier. The kids made great friends in the evenings playing in the Lounge. Have fun!