Universal MAY have finally won me over this trip

[pas130]

Happy holidays !!! I figured this is the best place to put a mini TR My family just returned from a quick trip to Orlando.

DH, myself, DS12, DD9, DD7, DD6, DS5

12/3-12/6 and we stayed at HRH in 2 connecting GV rooms

This was supposed to be a WDW trip, but I had injured my ankle 2 weeks ago, and my DH prefers US/IoA so I figured keep him happy just in case I had to rest at the hotel this visit. We did do MVMCP at MK one night, and after going to Disney...my family never wants to return. Only Universal

Check in was smooth! We had rooms 3106/3108 and we could even see water from our room. It was a pretty view. Being on the 3rd floor was great! Same floor as the lobby, but not ground floor! Two of my kids are on the Autism Spectrum, so noise was a concern. BUT they loved the music! We loved the decorations! All good!!!!! The butterfly garden, the proximity to the parks! WOW! We've stayed at RPH and PBH multiple times, so now I am SO torn where to stay this summer!!!!! So far it's HRH, but I am a resort changer......

More to come......

 

[pas130]

Some pics of the HRH (kids included )

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[pas130]

Following along!

Thanks for hopping aboard!

 

[Thumper_Man]

We love US/IoA as well. Anytime we go to Orlando, we make sure to spend some time at these parks as well. We've yet to stay onsite, but will one of these years.

Count me in as well.

 

[pas130]

We all woke up the first morning quite refreshed (Wed. Dec. 4th) and ready to hit the park! I had booked breakfast at The Kitchen for 9am, and we were up and ready to go at 815 So we headed downstairs early, and luckily we were seated immediately (I keep forgetting how easy peasy it is to eat at Universal hotels - no reserving 6 months out) We were very fortunate to get the Kids eat free card at checkin, and with 4 qualifying kiddos..I saved some $$$

The buffet had a lot of selections! You can also order off the menu. I had a made-to-order omelette and we all stuffed ourselves. Total for all seven of us including tip was about $75 which is a bargain for a sitdown meal IMHO. The French toast and waffles were okay, but the pancakes were really good (blueberry, chocolate chip, and regular) There was fruit, cereal, yogurt, pastries, bagels, etc...most importantly to my DH and DS12 BACON

 

[pas130]

We love US/IoA as well. Anytime we go to Orlando, we make sure to spend some time at these parks as well. We've yet to stay onsite, but will one of these years.

Count me in as well.

We have been staying onsite for the past 2 years and you can't beat these resorts. We have annual passes so the rates are excellent, especially compared to Disney resorts It still amazes me how much my younger children enjoy US/IoA

 

[Koh1977]

We have been staying onsite for the past 2 years and you can't beat these resorts. We have annual passes so the rates are excellent, especially compared to Disney resorts It still amazes me how much my younger children enjoy US/IoA

This is why I'm following along...May have to do a US/IoA trip in the future...

 

[pas130]

Krystal I'll try to really go through the kiddos favorites for ya!

 

[Seeker615]

We did the same thing in November. We stayed at RPH and did one evening at the MVMCP. My husband kept joking all night that "this isn't like Universal"

Had such a great trip in November. I would go back in a heartbeat.

 

[pas130]

We did the same thing in November. We stayed at RPH and did one evening at the MVMCP. My husband kept joking all night that "this isn't like Universal"

Had such a great trip in November. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Our husbands would definitely get along! We usually visit in summer, and taking the boat or walking back to the pool is fabulous. And the fact you can pool hop is The dilemma is picking which resort We loved the laid back vibe at Royal Pacific!

 

[Koh1977]

I remember going to Universal when I was in Junior high? And it was nothing like Disney and I hated it...the lines were super long and hot and I just wanted to go back to WDW. (We were staying off site)

Now, Disney isn't quite the same as it used to be, so...idk...not sure you could completely convert me since I love the Disney characters and grew up on them...BUT I definitely want to see the Harry Potter stuff and DS is into transformers and super heroes and all, so...

 

[pas130]

I remember going to Universal when I was in Junior high? And it was nothing like Disney and I hated it...the lines were super long and hot and I just wanted to go back to WDW. (We were staying off site)

Now, Disney isn't quite the same as it used to be, so...idk...not sure you could completely convert me since I love the Disney characters and grew up on them...BUT I definitely want to see the Harry Potter stuff and DS is into transformers and super heroes and all, so...

Oh, I totally get it!! Bree and I are the only Disney lovers left. The kids all watch the shows, but I am ga-ga for the castle and It's a small world. When you stay onsite you get unlimited express passes, picture fastpass for every ride (except Forbidden Journey-Harry Potter ride). So in July when the wait was 100 minutes for Despicable Me..we waited 10 maybe. This trip they were all walk on with Express.

I was super bummed when the kids didn't love Magic Kingdom...but as my DD7 pointed out...it's not all about me When my family is happy...mommy is happy. (I still am dragging them to WDW in August...)

 

[Koh1977]

Oh, I totally get it!! Bree and I are the only Disney lovers left. The kids all watch the shows, but I am ga-ga for the castle and It's a small world. When you stay onsite you get unlimited express passes, picture fastpass for every ride (except Forbidden Journey-Harry Potter ride). So in July when the wait was 100 minutes for Despicable Me..we waited 10 maybe. This trip they were all walk on with Express. I was super bummed when the kids didn't love Magic Kingdom...but as my DD7 pointed out...it's not all about me When my family is happy...mommy is happy. (I still am dragging them to WDW in August...)

I totally get that...(if everyone else is happy than I'm happy) and this WDW trip was actually a really good trip, because of the ease of the Poly.

How many days would you need for US/IoA (not commando style)?

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Mama Linda checking in!!!

 

[pas130]

Mama Linda checking in!!!

Happy to have you here Mama

 

[pas130]

I totally get that...(if everyone else is happy than I'm happy) and this WDW trip was actually a really good trip, because of the ease of the Poly.

How many days would you need for US/IoA (not commando style)?

You could easily do a park per day and get everything in. We do 4 days usually, parks in the morning and pools in the afternoon...then sometimes back for a ride or two. From Hard Rock it literally was a 5 minute walk. Otherwise the boats are quick as well.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

You could easily do a park per day and get everything in. We do 4 days usually, parks in the morning and pools in the afternoon...then sometimes back for a ride or two. From Hard Rock it literally was a 5 minute walk. Otherwise the boats are quick as well.

Just exactly my style of touring!!!

 

[pas130]

Just exactly my style of touring!!!

There's room for one more in August And I know you love to pool hop

 

[Koh1977]

Just exactly my style of touring!!!

Yes! Mine too! Definitely sounds more relaxing than Disney... :-/