Where do I Start?

[2infinity&B-ond]

Is it better to book a room only reservation, or should we go with a package deal??

We are a family of 5: DH, Myself, and three kids DD8, DD7, And DS 6 (at time of travel).

We originally were looking at HRH...but after some reviews have decided it is too loud for us. So we are trying to decide between Portofino Bay and RPR.

Our travel dates are 12/12/06 - 12/16/06.

Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance...this will be our first time at Universal after several trips to Disney. We know in advance the kids will not be tall enough for most of the rides (rollercoasters) but think they will enjoy it anyway...shows characters etc. Also, we looked into the dining option they offer, but I am not sure it is for us. We love a big breakfast, and DH wants to eat well for dinner. The meal plan Universal offers is only for in park....so I am thinking we will skip that.

Thanks again for any help!

Edited to add: Just talked to a Universal Customer Service person and was given a package deal including 4 nights, at RPR, tickets for all 5 of us (he said the kids were basically free) and 2 of the kids will eat for free in the parks at at the hotels for the whole trip...standard room with concierge services for $1198.00...also included City Walk passes for adults and their express line service for the parks...

 

[damo]

RPH might be kind of tight with five people in a room. The rooms are quite small. I would suggest the HRH Deluxe room that has two queen beds and a pull out couch. I have never ever found the hotel noisy and I have been there mulititudes of times. Your kids will love the pool and the slide and the close proximity to the parks.

Your travel time is not too close to Christmas and you should be able to get some really good room rates. I wouldn't suggest a package as they usually tend not to be the best prices.

Most of the rides are not rollercoasters, so the kids' heights will allow you to do a lot of cool things!!!

The Citywalk admission is no big deal unless you are going nightclubbing. The express passes are available to anyone staying on site. These are not exclusive to packages.

There are so many dining threads on this forum that you will be able to get lots of great suggestions with a little time spent going through them. The hotels and parks and Citywalk offer some really good dining opportunities.

 

[cbdmhgp]

the HRH is definately better if you have five people. the RPR gives you a roll-away that is just OK. i mean, we did it but we felt more spacious at the HRH.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Average room sizes at RPR are 335 square feet, HRH are 375 square feet and PBH are 463 square feet. Your dates are all of the resort's value season and a pretty slow time for the parks. You mentioned concierge service? Does that mean a Club room? That would be be a pretty good deal.