Staying on-site Universal vs. off-site near Universal?

[SandraC]

Hi All ~ What are the pros and cons of staying on-site vs. off-site.

All the Universal resorts look beautiful, but they are pricey.

Are there nice family hotels close to Universal that are reasonably priced?

If nothing fabulous comes up off-site, I think we'll stay at Royal Pacific.

But I have to ask about off-site resorts!

Thanks, Sandra

 

[DeblovesPoohbear]

They are beautiful and the number 1 reason is the front of the line access
To me, you can't put a price on that, it just makes your vacaion
so much better, no lines

But you didn't mention what month you were going, that makes a big difference. You may be able to get away without using express pass

 

[SandraC]

Hi ~ Front of the line access isn't an issue for my family because my daughter gets handicapped access.

Is it still worth staying on-site? Thanks, S

 

[damo]

Staying on site and not having to waste time transporting yourself to and from the parks is a huge plus. Going back to the hotel in the middle of the day is wonderful. Personally, I would never stay off-site just because I love to be immersed in the Universal Experience. I love to go back to the hotel, have some dinner, then hang out at Citywalk or do the dive-in movie at the hotel, etc., ect. If you are there for a Saturday in March, you can enjoy Mardi Gras and it is so nice to be able just to come and go as you please.

 

[DeblovesPoohbear]

Hi ~ Front of the line access isn't an issue for my family because my daughter gets handicapped access.

Is it still worth staying on-site? Thanks, S

That's a good question,
I am sure someone else will chime in with that info

But the resorts are incredible! They are clean, beautifuly themed, great food and entertainment. Plus they are close to both parks.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Stay on-site! The boat to the hotels alone is so relaxing and easy to use that it makes it all worth it! You can leave the park for an hour because it only takes minutes and get back to enjoy the rest of the day!

We were just at the Royal Pacific from August 4-6th! In one day we accomplished A LOT more than four days at Disney! Great hotels!!

 

[SandraC]

How long does it take to walk / boat to both parks from Royal Pacific? Strolling speed and regular walking [wheel chair] speed. Thanks, S

 

[gopack]

The onsite resorts are fabulous! I noticed on another thread that your kids are 9 and 15-the same age as my kids. Because of the large age gap we often split up for short periods of time in the theme parks because DD and DS don't always want to be doing the same activities. If you guys do this then the front of the line access may be more beneficial than you think. Both of my kids love HRH! We like RPR also but Hard Rock is number one with us. For the lenth of time you are going you may be able to get a great APH rate. They are not nearly as expensive as the Diney annual passes and you only need one to get a great rate on your hotel. The rates change on the website so check back often. I would give up a day or two of vacation to stay on site at Universal-that is how terrific it is.

 

[damo]

How long does it take to walk / boat to both parks from Royal Pacific? Strolling speed and regular walking [wheel chair] speed. Thanks, S

It takes about 10-12 minutes to walk to IOA and add another 3 to Universal.

 

[damo]

Hi ~ Front of the line access isn't an issue for my family because my daughter gets handicapped access.

Is it still worth staying on-site? Thanks, S

Sandra, I remember someone a while back stating that they waited in line just like everyone else with their wheelchair. Are all wheelchair users supposed to get FOTL?

 

[macraven]

Sandra, I remember someone a while back stating that they waited in line just like everyone else with their wheelchair. Are all wheelchair users supposed to get FOTL?

you have to go thru guest services for the handicap pass.
it is different and has different levels to it.

i have had the handicap pass before but prefer the fotl better.

i still get the fotl and a way with no stairs when necessary.

if you have a wheelchair from home, it is easier to stay on site as the rooms/hotels and walkways are handicap accessible.

the lines at universal are handicap accessible so you can use the regular lines for most of all rides/attractions.
for shows, you are on the bottom level and no stairs involved.
when stairs are involved, there are some other ways to go for the ride.

i saw at hhn one year that a person wanted a special pass due to the wheelchair they used. the lines and lanes can accomodate a wc so no special pass is needed.