To those getting frustrated with waiting...

[thessaly]

I'm not trying to start a debate, just wanted to give people something to think about... When I was booking my recent trip, I was very surprised when I learned about the resorts at Universal. There are three of them with different "themes". They all sound very nice. There are restaurants, bars, character meals, "FOTL" access (Universal's equivalent of Fastpass, only it sounds better), CityWalk (like Pleasure Island), etc...

You can find out more about them right here on these boards:

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=75

I know it's not Disney and I don't have really strong opinions either way (I will be staying at Universal at the Hard Rock for the first time, in September, but also at AKL)... I was just thinking, seems like spending your vacation at Universal entirely (instead of staying off site and still giving Disney your ticket/food money) would be an even better way to get the message across to Disney.

It's possible to book Deluxe rooms at the Universal resorts (up to 500 square foot rooms) for under $200, using the Entertainment rate. Anyone can use this rate with a $10 investment, as long as it's available for your dates.

Again... I'm not trying to start an argument, just trying to provide info to people who might not be aware how extensive the Universal resort is these days (I was not aware until about three weeks ago).

 

[skiwee1]

I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel last October and it was great. It certainly was nicer and much more roomier then our Poly room. We also loved the FOTL that goes with it. What a great idea and the room only cost us $125 using the Entertainment book. We also joined the hotel preferred guest card and we got cookies and milk on arrival and the daily local paper. My mom, in her room, got the fruit basket upon arrival, and the national paper. Our entire stay with HHR was wonderul and I highly recommend it for anyone going to see US/IoA. That being said, US is NOT WDW by any means. We did the entire US/IoA in two days and had 3 more days to go back and revist rides. It really got boring so we ended up staying at the great pool HHR has. I love WDW and the magic that comes with staying onsite. Yes the Poly isn't as roomy and is older but it is one of the oldest WDW resorts and is is so nicely themed. I love that place! It is also perfectly located for our frequent trips to the MK. I think for anyone to be interested in staying at the US resorts they must be visiting US. It only makes sense to do so. US is a nice park and they do some things well but WDW is a great park and does everything so much better.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I've never been to Universal. Everything I've read and heard about it sounds great, I'm sure one day we'll visit. However, there is no way I'll be willing to replace a trip to WDW with Universal.

I hope codes or AP rates come out in time for our trip, if not, I'll be happy with my little DC discount.

 

[hulabird]

I have never stayed at any of the US hotels, but we did visit US/IOA for the last two summers (staying at CBR both trips) and had a great time, US is really a fun place and I enjoy spending a day there, but I really looked forward to coming back "home" to CBR and WDW. There is no comparison. I guess all the other Disney Diehards can relate.

 

[>>^..^<<]

I stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort last summer for 5 nights - (99.00 a night) they had just opened a couple of weeks earlier! This is Universal's South Seas/Polynesian type hotel... it is a beauty, they even have a luau there.

FOTL Access was awesome, the parks are excellent, the rides and attractions are first rate - I am staying at the Hard Rock for 6 nights (leaving in 12 days)

As great as these hotel/parks are - they are still missing the Disney Magic you can only get a Disney... I love both places and encourage people to check out Universal - but it's hard to compare as they are totally different. it is hard to explain - I find the Universal parks/hotels cool and hip and the Disney parks and hotels more magical.

I am looking forward to trying the New Shrek 4D attraction... finally it's almost time to go.. I started my counter at 225 days


>>^..^<<

 

[Redmic]

We went to Universal last year and really enjoyed it. They do treat you great.

Half price at Portofino Bay Hotel (entertainment rate), plus we got a free upgrade.

Free milk and cookies and health club access with Lowe's First.

FOTL privileges, plus automatic priority seating by showing your room card.

AAA discount at all the restaurants and gift shops.

If anyone has been toying with the idea of trying Universal, this is a good year to do it, since Disney is being so stingy with the discounts! We found we got a lot more bang for the buck at Universal!

 

[thessaly]

Let me just say again that I was not trying to "convert" anyone or compare the two...

Just thought it would be good info for the people who are getting so fed up they are considering cancelling their Disney trips entirely.

 

[tazz]

We can't wait to stay at the HRH. Looks like lots of fun. We are planning 3 1/2 days in the parks and 1 1/2 days with a cabana at the hotel. And, then off to disney for 8 days. I think these hotels will add a lot to our trip. I'm looking forward to more down time at the HRH before disney. There's so much to do at disney we usually tire ourselves out.

 

[randyl]

We have actually been toying with the idea of going to Universal and staying at Portofino and just may try it instead of F & W Fest at WDW this November. All the pic's I've seen of Portofino and all I've heard makes me want to stay there. Will probably do that instead of GF this November. Sounds great - and the price seems right.

 

[jordanyosh]

Originally posted by thessaly
Let me just say again that I was not trying to "convert" anyone or compare the two...

Just thought it would be good info for the people who are getting so fed up they are considering cancelling their Disney trips entirely.

What are people getting so fed up about?

 

[ashlet]

I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel for a couple nights and AKL for a couple nights last October. They're both nice hotels, but if you're just going for a standard room, they are pretty much the same (other than the themes). Personally, I found AKL to be more welcoming than HRH. But the fact that it's Disney may have swayed me that way. US/IOA was fun for a couple days, but it's just not Disney.

-Ashley

 

[DrTomorrow]

jordanyosh,

I'm too tired to go into it now. Simply check any thread with "waiting for AP rates" in the subject and you'll see soon enough.

 

[jordanyosh]

Ahhhh.........I see.......... Thank Dr Tomorrow for the heads up.

 

[Puffy2]

The Loews hotels at Universal are superior to any of the deluxes at Disney (the comfort and quality of the beds/linins alone surpasses). Universal also gives wonderful perks for staying onsite (front of the line access to all rides that offer it with your room key).

It's just not convienent to stay at Unviersal if you are planning mostly a Disney trip (but if I was doing Universal and SeaWorld and perhaps ond Disney park - I'd stay there in a heart beat.)

 

[webray]

We stay at Universal resorts often, the Portofino and the Royal Pacific. They are as nice, if not nicer than disney deluxe resorts and the service is much better, the cost is much lower.

The parks are just as excellent, in fact Islands of Adventure is probably the most outstanding park in Orlando.

For those of you who have never tried it, you are really missing out!

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by webray
We stay at Universal resorts often, the Portofino and the Royal Pacific. They are as nice, if not nicer than disney deluxe resorts and the service is much better, the cost is much lower.

The parks are just as excellent, in fact Islands of Adventure is probably the most outstanding park in Orlando.

For those of you who have never tried it, you are really missing out!

I believe the Universal hotels and resorts are great, however that's not what I want right now.

I want to go to Disney. Whenever we go to Universal it will be in addition to a Disney trip. There's no way I'm going to fly down from NY just to do Universal. I have no desire to spend a week or even 5 days at Universal. On the other hand, a week isn't enough time to do and see all Disney has to offer.

 

[mrsltg]

DH and I stayed at Portofino Bay last November and it was very nice. We did Universal for two days and I was bored out of my mind. The crowds were low, so we really didn't need FOTL. Some attractions were good, others not so much. I was amazed at the lack of things to do for small children. Universal is not a place that has lots going on for the tot crowd.

After two days at Universal, I was thrilled to cross onto Disney property. While the in room amenities are not as nice at AKL as they are at Portofino, everything else was better. Hands down, Universal has nothing on Disney.

Erin

 

[FloridaCat]

It is my opinion that to debate WDW versus US or SW is mute. Each has its own unique identity, just as MGM is a different theme from MK. This is what makes the Orlando area such a Tourists Magnet, there is something for everyone.

I would not plan a 5 day trip to Orlando for US or SW, but would incorporate them if I were coming for an extended time.

As locals we appreciate each for what it is and enjoy all of them. If I go to a friends house for a visit and then to another friend, I will enjoy both visits, but they would be a separate experience.

Going to the expense of coming to Orlando, I would want the enjoyment of the entire experience.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by mrsltg
I was amazed at the lack of things to do for small children. Universal is not a place that has lots going on for the tot crowd.

I think Disney has more for little ones (4 parks) but Universal is fun too.... they have the entire SuessLanding ride area... the Feivel (spelling) water park play area... and my DD loved the Dinosaur Discovery area where she watched eggs hatch and looked for fossils.

There is the Animal Planet Show, the Curious George play area and the Barny (purple dinosaur) area...

I found there was lots to do for little ones...

>>^..^<<

 

[Wenlitz]

Please dont send me hate mail for my opinion!
We went to universal for the first time last aug. We usually dont leave Disney on our trips. We took the VIP tour at Universal and had a terrific guide. We will take this guided tour again and will be requesting the same guide.

I dont feel you can even begin to compare the two. Disney and Universal are very different in many ways.
If I had to pick my favorite I would chose Disney hands down.
We visited the parks and city walk. We did not stay in there hotel so I dont have an opinion on there room.

Anyway just my opinion.