Would appreciate your advice

[MelissathePooh]

We are planning on staying 2 nights next week at Universal. Its a last minute decision and all 3 on-site resorts have availability. We have never stayed at or gone to Universal for that matter and would appreciate any suggestions.

Our specs are:
2 adults (me and my husband)
2 kids (3 yr old dtr and 7 yr old son)

Planning on purchasing annual passes for everyone as we'll be here all summer. Staying onsite as we know we want the FOTL access pass for our first trip.

We've been to the Scooby character dinner at RPH twice before and I have been to Universal Studios a handful of times in the mid 90's. Basically we are completely green when it comes to Universal, but looking very forward to learning all about it!

Which hotel would be most suitable?
Any touring strategies/days of the week better for which parks kind of thing?
Best places to eat?

Thanks to everyone in advance!

 

[nytimez]

Honestly? Don't stress it -- they're all great hotels and they all have things that will appeal to every member of the family. If you're looking to save a little money, go with the best value.

I like Royal Pacific because it's a relatively short walk to IOA (and, at least until this year, consistently offered the cheapest rates of the three)... but I like Portofino Bay best overall because it's just a fantastic resort and reminds me a lot of the Mira Costa, the hotel that's inside Tokyo DisneySea.

Seriously, you can't go wrong here -- I haven't stayed at the Hard Rock but I've been inside. It's also great. All three would be "Deluxe" hotels at Disney, IMO.

With FOTL access, you don't really need a super-strict touring plan -- but try to take advantage of early entry to WWoHP at least once.

And I haven't seen the park hours, but if they close relatively early I wouldn't eat a sit-down meal in the parks -- get counter service, then eat in a restaurant at CityWalk or in your hotel after the parks close.

 

[keishashadow]

our fav is the Portofino, is so luxebut the main pool area is great for kids (i think it has the best slide) and does have activities for them.

RPR is always chock full of kids, i find the pool area crowded and really loudsound of boisterous kids seems to really carry there for some reason.

HRH works that 'cool' vibe hard and guests into party mode, imo a better choice for older kids. The short walk to parks is nice but there are no youfirst loews benefits @ this resort .

why not check out the resort pics on allears before booking?

 

[Bluer101]

We always stay at RPR. Here is a great website with all three hotels with lots of photos.

http://www.oyster.com/orlando/hotels/universals-royal-pacific-resort-a-loews-hotel/

 

[macraven]

read the stickies for the parks and the hotels.
you will find information there that you didn't even know you had questions for.


check out the UO website and read about the rides and attractions.
you will also learn of height requirements for the rides.

i prefer RPH.
it is peaceful and beautiful.

you have many choices of where to eat at that hotel.

 

[MelissathePooh]

thanks