Venturing out of the "World" for the first time.

[DVCBob]

We have decided that on our 2004 spring break trip we will be venturing outside the "World". We are currently DVC members at OKW but would like to try a night or two at Universal. Any suggestions as to where to stay and what type of tickets to purchase would be very helpful. We are a family or four two adults two children under ten. We would like to stay on site at Universal to take advantage of "Front of the Line".

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

[ChrisFL]

Well, it depends on what you want in the hotel, really.

There are 3 hotels, the Portofino Bay, which is an accurate re-creation of an Italian village, the Hard Rock hotel, which is an up-beat southern Calfornia style resort, and the Royal Palms, which is a polynesian resort, but very different than Disneys' Poly, hard to explain.

I believe the Royal Pacific is the least expensive, then Hard Rock, then Portofino, all in the low $100's range per night, but I'm sure someone else can give you more accurate information than this.

You can buy a 2-day, 2 park pass which would give you access to both parks at any time during those days.

Glad you're venturing outside the World, since there's another universe out there

 

[osugrad148]

Hi,

We just returned from our venture out of the "world"! As a self proclaimed Disney freak, I must tell you that I absolutely loved Universal. I had gone once in 1995 and hadn't been back since. We just had one day for the parks and we stayed at the Portofino Bay for two nights. I bought two day hopper passes for our family so we had access to both parks on the same day.

Despite a little mix-up, our hotel was wonderful. The rooms were huge, bathrooms were luxurious. The little toiletries were so nice and smelled so good.

We went to the parks on a Saturday and I loved it. I had been so used to Disney I forgot what it was like to ride something new and not know what to expect!! The rides and shows were amazing, especially Shrek 4-D, Spiderman, Terminator. Everything we rode we loved!! We will definetely be giving Universal more time on our future vacations!!

The parks exceeded our expectations by far! The front of the line was amazing, I had my doubts before we went, but our longest wait was for lunch at a counter service restaurant!

I hope you enjoy it as much as our family did.

 

[Patch'sD]

I would try the Royal Pacific or the Hard Rock, Kids mike the Music at the Hard Rock and the pool. Royal Pacific is very nice and would compare it to any Disney Deluxe, Think of it as a Deluxe at Moderate prices. There is no pool Slide RPH but an interactive play area. This year Universal Ran a Special a 5 Day pass for less than the price of a two day pass. The pass had to be used in five continous days. Unlimited Express for Hotel guests is a great perk. The kids will love Universal and IOA. Each offer something for all ages. Have a great trip

 

[damo]

The Hard Rock Hotel deluxe rooms give you about 500 sq. ft. of space and include two queen beds and a pull out couch. You probably would appreciate the extra space if you are used to DVC. The atmosphere is great.

We also really like the RPR though. However, the rooms are smaller and there is no slide at the pool.

 

[Beechparty]

We absolutely loved the Hard Rock Hotel. The service was EXCELLENT! Actually better than at any Disney hotel. The FOTL access...priceless

 

[SpideyHulk24]

All of the on site hotels are absolutely wonderful. Have a great trip!

 

[antmaril]

I agree with SpideyHulk24 - you cannot make a mistake. I have stayed at all three on-site hotels at Universal. They are all great and FOTL is the best.

You will have big fun!