dlavender
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 7, 2015
We finally did Universal/IOA for the first time as a family. It was my first time back in almost 10 years. Suffice to say a lot has changed!
We stayed at Royal Pacific. We were blown away. For what WDW charges for a moderate ($230), I couldn't believe all that RPR had to offer! We loved the room, which was a great size for our family of 5. Loved having all the restaurant options and bars located in the hotel. The service level is top notch. The walk to the parks is very manageable and nice. Wouldn't hesitate to return, and would much rather stay here even if going to WDW over their resorts.
I loved having the Express pass. It was a nice perk. We were able to do everything we wanted, multiple times, because of it. We like how less crowded the parks were compared to WDW, with the exception of the Harry Potter sections. Diagon Ally was a little too congested for our liking, but the theming is great. Toothsome was great, as well.
My only complaints are the height restrictions, and screens (hear me out). Our 3 1/2 year old was restricted from too many rides. I was shocked that they made minions with a restriction of 40 inches. Shes 39.75 inches, apparently. We will have to wait until she hits that magical 40 mark until we get back. I felt a little bad that she had to miss so much.
On the screens, I wish they would scale back just a tad. Gringots had a lot of potential. Why not start with a screen, then let the ride happen, then end with a screen? Could have been a great coaster if they let it. When we go back, we will have to break up the screens. We did maybe 5 in a row, and it loses its luster some.
It was our first time doing Rip Ride Rollercoaster (Sp?), it was phenomenal! Our 9 year old loved all the thrill rides, and so did I! Perhaps we should do a few screens, then come back for a coaster, then do another screen. Kong was ok, but I prefer the original (not biased because I worked there or anything )
All in all, it was a great weekend! We bought AP's, so we will be back, when the little one gets that magical .25 inches!
We stayed at Royal Pacific. We were blown away. For what WDW charges for a moderate ($230), I couldn't believe all that RPR had to offer! We loved the room, which was a great size for our family of 5. Loved having all the restaurant options and bars located in the hotel. The service level is top notch. The walk to the parks is very manageable and nice. Wouldn't hesitate to return, and would much rather stay here even if going to WDW over their resorts.
I loved having the Express pass. It was a nice perk. We were able to do everything we wanted, multiple times, because of it. We like how less crowded the parks were compared to WDW, with the exception of the Harry Potter sections. Diagon Ally was a little too congested for our liking, but the theming is great. Toothsome was great, as well.
My only complaints are the height restrictions, and screens (hear me out). Our 3 1/2 year old was restricted from too many rides. I was shocked that they made minions with a restriction of 40 inches. Shes 39.75 inches, apparently. We will have to wait until she hits that magical 40 mark until we get back. I felt a little bad that she had to miss so much.
On the screens, I wish they would scale back just a tad. Gringots had a lot of potential. Why not start with a screen, then let the ride happen, then end with a screen? Could have been a great coaster if they let it. When we go back, we will have to break up the screens. We did maybe 5 in a row, and it loses its luster some.
It was our first time doing Rip Ride Rollercoaster (Sp?), it was phenomenal! Our 9 year old loved all the thrill rides, and so did I! Perhaps we should do a few screens, then come back for a coaster, then do another screen. Kong was ok, but I prefer the original (not biased because I worked there or anything )
All in all, it was a great weekend! We bought AP's, so we will be back, when the little one gets that magical .25 inches!