Best place to stay - first time traveler

[olecow]

My family has been going to WDW for over 25 years so we feel we know everything we need to know about where to stay there. This October we're planning our first ever trip to Universal. Where do recommend a first timer stay? We don't need anything luxurious because we're usually in the parks all day but we wouldn't rule out a fancy schmancy place. There will be three of us on the trip, mom and dad and our 14 year old Harry Potter obsessed daughter. Thanks!

 

[MrBellatrixLestrange]

My family has been going to WDW for over 25 years so we feel we know everything we need to know about where to stay there. This October we're planning our first ever trip to Universal. Where do recommend a first timer stay? We don't need anything luxurious because we're usually in the parks all day but we wouldn't rule out a fancy schmancy place. There will be three of us on the trip, mom and dad and our 14 year old Harry Potter obsessed daughter. Thanks!

I'm a Cabana Bay guy though their reviews of late are spotty. It's close enough to walk to CityWalk or you can go across the street and take the boat and it's pretty affordable. Your daughter will love all the Harry Potter stuff!

 

[olecow]

I'm a Cabana Bay guy though their reviews of late are spotty. It's close enough to walk to CityWalk or you can go across the street and take the boat and it's pretty affordable. Your daughter will love it.

Thank you!

 

[Deb1993]

Hi - while we are very partial to PBH, I would recommend any of the 3 that offer express pass - PBH, Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. We were/are huge Disney people but once we started coming to Universal we honestly have not been back to Disney. Our last probably 5-6 trips have strictly been Universal. We love it!!

 

[MrBellatrixLestrange]

Thank you!

I hope it helps! One thing I should note is I generally come down for the Meetups where the crowds are smaller, that means I wouldn't utilize the Express Pass as much as someone going to the park(s) during the day. The EP, while certainly not necessary to enjoy your trip, is a very nice thing to have during the busy periods and the Cabana Bay doesn't include that as part of the cost. One of the properties that includes that could be worth the additional expense for you and it applies any day you're staying at the hotel so if you book one night you get both your check in day and check out day making the room essentially free if you intend to buy EPs anyway.

 

[MrBellatrixLestrange]

Hi - while we are very partial to PBH, I would recommend any of the 3 that offer express pass - PBH, Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. We were/are huge Disney people but once we started coming to Universal we honestly have not been back to Disney. Our last probably 5-6 trips have strictly been Universal. We love it!!

I like Disney but it's going to be a periodic trip for me, Universal I try to get to every year.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

How many days will you be staying? Also, October is Halloween Horror Nights time - it's a MAJOR event! - would you be wanting to attend that, too?

 

[wdwrule]

My family has been going to WDW for over 25 years so we feel we know everything we need to know about where to stay there. This October we're planning our first ever trip to Universal. Where do recommend a first timer stay? We don't need anything luxurious because we're usually in the parks all day but we wouldn't rule out a fancy schmancy place. There will be three of us on the trip, mom and dad and our 14 year old Harry Potter obsessed daughter. Thanks!

We were in the same boat recently. Almost annual trips to Disney then universal for the first time last week for our family of four. We ended up staying at one of the three resorts that included EP (PBH) and so glad we did. I wanted EPs especially for our first trip so we could experience many rides then decide which ones worth repeating… and repeating . We didn’t want to waste an hour in line only to find out it wasn’t a ride we cared for. We also got annual passes which I never dreamed of until I found out, through these boards, that often times it’s cheaper/similar cost to get an AP than a multi day ticket, especially if you’re planning to visit another time within the year which we are. With the AP rate, the three EP resorts are much more affordable. We booked, then picked up our APs at the resort (paid in full). Otherwise you can pick them up at guest services at the parks and Citywalk. Long story short, I recommend the EP resorts (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock or Royal Pacific) if you can swing it. Great way to experience the rides first time and not feel the pressure of constantly checking wait times and zig-zagging. (Disclaimer: some of the stand by queues have details that EP queue do not. But standby usually minimal waits early in the morning.)

 

[macraven]

Start looking at the UO booking site to see what availability for hotels will be available for this October

Many book onsite due to the hhn event

 

[Ross Kratter]

I'd go with one of the three Premier category hotels - Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific - because they offer Universal Express Unlimited as part of your room rate. This is invaluable, particularly at more crowded times of year and on weekends; you can easily get through most of the hits in both parks in a single day. You can probably get through just about everything in two days with it. It'll allow you to really take your time in the parks and do absolutely everything you want to do.

 

[TeddieM]

I think for a 1st time visitor used to being @ disney RPR is the best option. I think it has the best combination of theming + perks + price for a newer visitor especially after the renovations.

Staying at a deluxe resort at Universal you ll be amazed how much easier and more value you can get out of a vacation then at Disney right now, especially with the unlimited express pass which really is a game changer.

 

[tony67]

I think for a 1st time visitor used to being @ disney RPR is the best option. I think it has the best combination of theming + perks + price for a newer visitor especially after the renovations.

Staying at a deluxe resort at Universal you ll be amazed how much easier and more value you can get out of a vacation then at Disney right now, especially with the unlimited express pass which really is a game changer.

totally agree - RPR is a great value and if you get an AP the rates are less than a Disney Moderate and about the same sometimes as a value (Or very close)
I really like the POLY and find RPR to be a much better value - now if they just had a cool tiki bar.

Portofino is also very well done IMO

 

[olecow]

How many days will you be staying? Also, October is Halloween Horror Nights time - it's a MAJOR event! - would you be wanting to attend that, too?

We'll be there from the 27th to the 31st of October

 

[BNukem]

Either Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino....whichever is cheapest. The express pass that automatically comes with it is great! We saved so much time on our visit that we will always stay at one of these from now on

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

So we are doing our first split stay as well soon! (Starting at UOR then heading to WDW). After both one of my friends and our neighbors suggestion, we went with Royal Pacific Resort the big draws were the unlimited express pass, the price as it was the cheapest of the three to offer express pass, and proximity to everything. We know we will have to bus it over to Volcano Bay, but everything else it boat or walking. From what I have been reading up on it, it is also one of the more relaxing resorts.

 

[Grumpy92]

We love CBBR. We can get a family suite with a little bit more room. They have a pretty good foodcourt and great pools (dont forget an innertube for the lazy river, they will blow it up for you). I would also recommend Sapphire Falls, nice regular hotel room, they do have the boat to the parks. Most of the time we have not needed the Express pass, but if you want it I would suggest RPH or HRH.

Make sure to use the 1hour early admittance for UO hotel guests, it is so worth it. This will also give your daughter an advantage for the Olivanders line. If one of you can get an AP it is to your advantage for discounts at the hotel and on restaurants and merchandise. Compared to Disney you get more bang for your buck at the hotels and with the AP. Parkhopper tik is a must to ride the Hogwarts express (Make sure to ride both ways.).

A couple of HP suggestions, have breakfast and/or lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, one of our faves. Also the ice cream at Florean Fortescues is really good. We pick up a cone or butterbeer and then walk over to the Celestina Warbeck show and enjoy our ice cream or drink.

 

[notatallmagic]

So, am I understanding that you can walk or boat to all the parks from the three deluxe resorts?

We've been loyal Disney folks who are jumping ship in 2022. Thanks!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

You would have to bus to Volcano Bay from the deluxe resorts, but otherwise yes, it is all boats or walking paths to the 2 main parks & City Walk.

 

[Magical2017]

We were a Disney family and stayed at Portofino Bay earlier this year. We all loved it and would stay there again.

 

[Minnie1222]

So, am I understanding that you can walk or boat to all the parks from the three deluxe resorts?

Yes, you can boat or walk to Universal Studios and Island of Adventures from the three deluxe resorts and Sapphire Falls. Walking time is 5 to 20 minutes, depending on where you stay.