huskies90
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2004
We just returned from a 9 day split stay between Disney (Coronado Springs) and Universal (Royal Pacific). It was our third family trip to Disney and our first visit to Universal.
We did Disney first based on many recommendations. As much as we love Disney, it can be very hectic especially when you try to squeeze in four parks, two water parks, Disney Quest, mini golf and several table service dining reservations into five days. Five days turned into six days at Disney as we went from a planned 5 Disney, 4 Universal, to 5 ½ / 3 ½ to eventually doing 6 and 3. But as youll see when you read on, three days turned out to be plenty for Universal so that worked out fine.
As you can imagine nobody wanted to leave Disney on that last day and I started to wonder if I had done the right thing splitting the trip. Would Universal be a let down? Even though I was sure we would enjoy it, I started to have some doubt as we exited the highway and started toward the Universal property. Being a smaller property, Universal definitely does not have the same approach excitement that you get when you reach the Disney property, but after a while, the smaller area turned out to be a huge plus.
The feeling of doubt disappeared as soon as we hit the RPR parking lot. I cant say enough about how much I loved this resort and how much my whole family loved it. The pool was great. The kids (8 &11) loved it. The grounds were beautiful and the theming was well done throughout. The service was great. Everyone went out of their way to help answer questions, provide information, menus for restaurants, suggestions of things to do, places to go, etc. RPR is being renovated and we lucked out with a newly renovated room. In fact, at check in we were told we were the first people to stay in the new room. How awesome is that??? We also had some BIG concerns after finding out all the onsite hotels are pet friendly as we all have bad allergies and I had images of dogs next door barking all night. So, we requested Tower 1 and made a very clear request not to be near any pets. Well, RPR more than took care of us honoring our request in Tower 1 on the 7th floor. I saw one dog sitting outside while we were eating inside at Jakes the first night and that was it. It was totally a non factor.
Next, Universal was so relaxing. The small size made touring so easy. Park hopping was a piece of cake and the hotel was so close that a short walk or boat ride got you back for a swim or nap or whatever. And having City Walk right there made dining very easy. We never made a reservation, just walked in everywhere. Very stress free.
Which brings me to the Universal Express front of the line perk. I dont even know where to start. It is like theme park touring heaven. I knew it would be cool but WOW. There is nothing like not having to wait in a single line your entire trip!!! Totally made touring a snap. We did everything in both parks easily in two days touring slowly and taking breaks and we used the last day to hit some favorites again. With the Express, three days was more than enough.
And, finally, my impressions of the two parks. I had been to Universal Studios just after it opened in 1990 so that was not new for me. Although there are many new/different things it was what I expected. Islands of Adventure, however was not what I expected. I expected a park focused on thrill rides. Yes, thrill rides dominated here, but the park was extremely well themed. Much more than I expected. The lost continent, Jurassic Park and Seuss were especially cool. All the attractions were really well done. And of course, the thrills were kicked up a notch!! I also like the way the park was laid out in a condensed circular fashion. Things were close together and it was easy to walk to around the lake from one land to the next. Transitions to each area are very well done.
I would say the only downside for IOA was my 51 8 year old could not go on either roller coaster or Dr. Doom free fall and she was too old for the real kids stuff at Seuss Landing. So that tweener age misses out a bit but she loved everything should could go on. And, I would say, IOA is now my 11 year olds favorite park of all the parks we visited this trip and the Hulk was her favorite ride
Oh, and dont forget Blue Man Group!! That was a blast. Both kids were in stitches the whole show. I had seen it in Vegas so I knew that would be one of the highlights.
Let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to try to answer em.
We did Disney first based on many recommendations. As much as we love Disney, it can be very hectic especially when you try to squeeze in four parks, two water parks, Disney Quest, mini golf and several table service dining reservations into five days. Five days turned into six days at Disney as we went from a planned 5 Disney, 4 Universal, to 5 ½ / 3 ½ to eventually doing 6 and 3. But as youll see when you read on, three days turned out to be plenty for Universal so that worked out fine.
As you can imagine nobody wanted to leave Disney on that last day and I started to wonder if I had done the right thing splitting the trip. Would Universal be a let down? Even though I was sure we would enjoy it, I started to have some doubt as we exited the highway and started toward the Universal property. Being a smaller property, Universal definitely does not have the same approach excitement that you get when you reach the Disney property, but after a while, the smaller area turned out to be a huge plus.
The feeling of doubt disappeared as soon as we hit the RPR parking lot. I cant say enough about how much I loved this resort and how much my whole family loved it. The pool was great. The kids (8 &11) loved it. The grounds were beautiful and the theming was well done throughout. The service was great. Everyone went out of their way to help answer questions, provide information, menus for restaurants, suggestions of things to do, places to go, etc. RPR is being renovated and we lucked out with a newly renovated room. In fact, at check in we were told we were the first people to stay in the new room. How awesome is that??? We also had some BIG concerns after finding out all the onsite hotels are pet friendly as we all have bad allergies and I had images of dogs next door barking all night. So, we requested Tower 1 and made a very clear request not to be near any pets. Well, RPR more than took care of us honoring our request in Tower 1 on the 7th floor. I saw one dog sitting outside while we were eating inside at Jakes the first night and that was it. It was totally a non factor.
Next, Universal was so relaxing. The small size made touring so easy. Park hopping was a piece of cake and the hotel was so close that a short walk or boat ride got you back for a swim or nap or whatever. And having City Walk right there made dining very easy. We never made a reservation, just walked in everywhere. Very stress free.
Which brings me to the Universal Express front of the line perk. I dont even know where to start. It is like theme park touring heaven. I knew it would be cool but WOW. There is nothing like not having to wait in a single line your entire trip!!! Totally made touring a snap. We did everything in both parks easily in two days touring slowly and taking breaks and we used the last day to hit some favorites again. With the Express, three days was more than enough.
And, finally, my impressions of the two parks. I had been to Universal Studios just after it opened in 1990 so that was not new for me. Although there are many new/different things it was what I expected. Islands of Adventure, however was not what I expected. I expected a park focused on thrill rides. Yes, thrill rides dominated here, but the park was extremely well themed. Much more than I expected. The lost continent, Jurassic Park and Seuss were especially cool. All the attractions were really well done. And of course, the thrills were kicked up a notch!! I also like the way the park was laid out in a condensed circular fashion. Things were close together and it was easy to walk to around the lake from one land to the next. Transitions to each area are very well done.
I would say the only downside for IOA was my 51 8 year old could not go on either roller coaster or Dr. Doom free fall and she was too old for the real kids stuff at Seuss Landing. So that tweener age misses out a bit but she loved everything should could go on. And, I would say, IOA is now my 11 year olds favorite park of all the parks we visited this trip and the Hulk was her favorite ride
Oh, and dont forget Blue Man Group!! That was a blast. Both kids were in stitches the whole show. I had seen it in Vegas so I knew that would be one of the highlights.
Let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to try to answer em.
We returned a few weeks ago. We took out DNiece 11. She told her parents she liked USF the best and wants to take them there to show them everything! I think that Mummy Dust is spreading!!!
Way i look at it, gives me more points to work with overall = more trips/larger unit @ DVC & it helps keep WDW from getting "old".
